the letter, and read:

"'MONSIEUR LE DUC--I am a woman of my word. My husband
is on the eve of setting out for the little journey you
know of. To-morrow, at eleven o'clock, I shall be at
home for you only. Do not think that I decide on this
step without having put all the blame on the shoulders
of Monsieur de Villeroy. I begin to fear for him, as
you may have undertaken to punish him. Come, then, at
the appointed hour, to prove to me that I am not too
much to blame in conspiring with you against my lord
and master.'"

"Ah! pardon, this is not the one I intended to show you, that is the one
of the day before yesterday. Here is yesterday's."

The duchess took the second letter, and read as follows:

"'MY DEAR ARMAND,'

--"Is this it, or are you mistaken again?" said the duchess to
Richelieu.

"No, no; this time it is right."

The duchess went on.

"'MY DEAR ARMAND--You are a dangerous advocate when you
plead against Monsieur de Villeroy. I need to
exaggerate your talents to diminish my weakness. You
had, in my heart, a judge, interested in your gaining
your cause. Come to-morrow to plead again, and I will
give you an audience.'

"And have you been there?"

"Certainly, madame."

"And the duchess?"

"Will do, I hope, all we desire; and, as she makes her husband do
whatever she likes, we shall have our order for the convocation of the
States-General on his return."

"And when will he return?"

"In a week."

"And can you be faithful all that time?"

"Madame, when I have undertaken a cause, I am capable of the greatest
sacrifices to forward it."

"Then we may count on your word?"

"I pledge myself."

"You hear, gentlemen?" said the Duchesse de Maine. "Let us continue to
work. You, Laval, act on the army. You, Pompadour, on the nobility. You,
cardinal, on the clergy, and let us leave the Duc de Richelieu to act on
Madame de Villeroy."

"And for what day is our next meeting fixed?" asked Cellamare.

"All depends on circumstances, prince," replied the duchess. "At any
rate, if I have not time to give you notice, I will send the same
carriage and coachman to fetch you who took you to the Arsenal the first
time you came there." Then, turning toward Richelieu, "You give us the
rest of the evening, duke?"

"I ask your pardon," replied Richelieu, "but it is absolutely
impossible; I am expected in the Rue des Bons Enf