re delivering that of the King. I knew the importance my queen would
attach to this news, and I had written to Monsieur de Nevers to act
thus. He obeyed, you see; he is not like that monster of a Coconnas. Now
there is no one in the whole of Paris, except the King, you, and I, who
knows this news; except the man who followed our courier"--

"What man?"

"Oh! the horrid business! Imagine how tired, worn out, and dusty the
wretched messenger was when he arrived! He rode seven days, day and
night, without stopping an instant."

"But the man you spoke of just now?"

"Wait a minute. Constantly followed by a wild-looking fellow who had
relays like himself and who rode as far as he did for the four hundred
leagues, the poor courier constantly expected to be shot in his back.
Both reached the Saint Marcel gate at the same time, both galloped down
the Rue Mouffetard, both crossed the city. But at the end of the bridge
of Notre-Dame our courier turned to the right, while the other took the
road to the left by the Place du Chatelet, and sped along the quays by
the side of the Louvre, like an arrow from a bow."

"Thanks, my good Henriette, thanks!" cried Marguerite. "You are right;
that is very interesting news. By whom was the other courier sent? I
must know. So leave me until this evening. Rue Tizon, is it not? and the
hunt to-morrow. Do take a frisky horse, so that he will run away, and we
can be by ourselves. I will tell you this evening what is necessary for
you to try and find out from your Coconnas."

"You will not forget my letter?" said the duchess of Nevers smiling.

"No, no, do not worry; he shall have it, and at once."

Madame de Nevers left, and Marguerite immediately sent for Henry, who
came to her quickly. She gave him the letter from the Duc de Nevers.

"Oh! oh!" he exclaimed.

Then Marguerite told him about the second courier.

"Yes," said Henry; "I saw him enter the Louvre."

"Perhaps he was for the queen mother."

"No, I am sure of that, for I ventured to take my stand in the corridor,
and I saw no one pass."

"Then," said Marguerite, looking at her husband, "he must be"--

"For your brother D'Alencon, must he not?" said Henry.

"Yes; but how can we be sure?"

"Could not one of his two gentlemen be sent for?" said Henry,
carelessly, "and through him"--

"You are right," said Marguerite, put at her ease at her husband's
suggestion. "I will send for Monsieur de la Mole. Gillonne! Gillonne!"