e as an
excellent excuse for my visit."

"How did you happen to become acquainted with my father?" I asked, as we
walked along.

"In the simplest way imaginable, my dear Edmond. He called to pay his
respects to the Admiral; being on duty at the time, I heard his name,
and made myself known as your friend. He was eager to hear news of you,
and carried me off. I met your sister, and you will not be surprised
that within twenty-four hours I was repeating my visit. You see there
were so many things to tell her about yourself," and he laughed
roguishly.

"Are they depressed by what has happened?"

"Not in the least; they regard it as a trial of their faith; but here we
are at the house. I fear you will not see your estimable aunt; she is an
invalid, and keeps strictly to her own rooms. Ah, here is one of the
servants; let him attend to your animal, and I will announce you. Your
sister will fall on your neck and embrace you. Do you think it possible
for us to change parts for a few minutes?"

He was still laughing and talking in his madcap way when a door opened,
and my father came towards us.

"Edmond!" he cried, on seeing me, "now this is indeed bright sunshine
gleaming through the dark clouds. Monsieur Bellievre, you are doubly
welcome, for your own sake and for what you bring with you!"

The memory of the pleasant evening that followed I treasured for many
years. I sat beside my mother, my hand clasped in hers, telling her the
story of my adventures. Jeanne was full of high spirits, while Felix was
simply overflowing with wit and good-humoured drollery.

The only drawback to our enjoyment was the absence of the trusted
Jacques, but even that was slight, as he was not seriously wounded, and
from the household of the noble Count St. Cyr he was certain to receive
every attention.

Nothing was said that evening about the visit of the troops to Le Blanc,
but the next morning I had a long talk with my father on the subject. I
told him what I had learned from old Pierre, and also my suspicions
concerning Etienne Cordel.

"The advocate is a scheming rogue," he said, "who bears me no goodwill
because I have laughed at his pretensions to be considered our equal. He
is in the pay of Monseigneur, and he has acted as a spy on those of the
Religion; but, unless he heard of the affair of the letter, he could do
me no harm."

"He must have heard of it from the stranger with whom we travelled," I
declared. "Jacques distrust