the steps of the carriage. "One word more," cried
Pelisson; "do not go to this lady till you have been to the _concierge_,
for Heaven's sake!"

"Eh! five minutes, Pelisson," replied Fouquet, alighting at the steps
of the hotel, leaving Pelisson in the carriage, in a very ill-humor.
Fouquet ran upstairs, told his name to the footman, which excited an
eagerness and a respect that showed the habit the mistress of the house
had of honoring that name in her family. "Monsieur le surintendant,"
cried the marquise, advancing, very pale, to meet him; "what an honor!
what an unexpected pleasure!" said she. Then, in a low voice, "Take
care!" added the marquise, "Marguerite Vanel is here!"

"Madame," replied Fouquet, rather agitated, "I came on business. One
single word, and quickly, if you please!" And he entered the _salon_.
Madame Vanel had risen, paler, more livid, than Envy herself. Fouquet
in vain addressed her, with the most agreeable, most pacific salutation;
she only replied by a terrible glance darted at the marquise and
Fouquet. This keen glance of a jealous woman is a stiletto which pierces
every cuirass; Marguerite Vanel plunged it straight into the hearts of
the two confidants. She made a courtesy to _her friend_, a more profound
one to Fouquet, and took leave, under pretense of having a number of
visits to make, without the marquise trying to prevent her, or Fouquet,
a prey to anxiety, thinking further about her. She was scarcely out
of the room, and Fouquet left alone with the marquise, before he threw
himself on his knees, without saying a word. "I expected you," said the
marquise, with a tender sigh.

"Oh! no," cried he, "or you would have sent away that woman."

"She has been here little more than half an hour, and I had no
expectation she would come this evening."

"You love me just a little, then, marquise?"

"That is not the question now; it is of your danger; how are your
affairs going on?"

"I am going this evening to get my friends out of the prisons of the
Palais."

"How will you do that?"

"By buying and bribing the governor."

"He is a friend of mine; can I assist you, without injuring you?"

"Oh! marquise, it would be a signal service; but how can you be employed
without your being compromised? Now, never shall my life, my power, or
even my liberty, be purchased at the expense of a single tear from your
eyes, or of one frown of pain upon your brow."

"Monseigneur, no more such words, the