so but that I thought upon reflection it might be
better, if possible, to deliver it into your own hands."

As he spoke he extended the package, which the princess received in
silence and scrutinized carefully. It was addressed to her in a
handwriting that was wholly unfamiliar, and carefully sealed with seals
in black wax, that bore the impression of the word "Adsum." The princess
looked keenly at the hunchback, who stood quietly before her with bent
head in an attitude of respectful attention.

"Do you know anything further respecting this package?" the princess
asked.

Lagardere shook his head. "I have told your highness," he said, "all I
know of the matter. I never saw the man who gave it to me. I do not think
I should know him again."

The princess again examined the packet closely, and then, advancing to
the table, seated herself for a moment and broke the seals. The contents
of the packet seemed to startle her, for she suddenly turned to her
waiting-woman and beckoned her to her side. Then, with a gesture, she
motioned to Lagardere to stand farther apart. Lagardere withdrew to the
remotest corner of the apartment, and seemed lost in contemplation of the
portrait of Louis de Gonzague.

The princess spoke to her companion in low, hurried tones. "Brigitte,"
she said, "here is something strange." And she showed her a little book
which she had taken from the packet. "This is the prayer-book which I
gave to my husband at Caylus seventeen years ago, and see what is written
in it." And she pointed to some words which were written on the blank
page inside the cover in the same handwriting as that in which the packet
was addressed. These words the princess read over to her companion:

"'God will have pity if you have faith. Your child lives and shall be
restored to you to-day. Distrust Gonzague more than ever. Remember the
motto of Louis de Nevers. During the council sit near his picture, and at
the right time, for you and for you alone, the dead shall speak.'" These
words were signed, "Henri de Lagardere."

The princess turned and beckoned to the hunch-back, who immediately
approached her. "You are my husband's servant," she said. "Are you much
in his confidence?"

"Madame," Lagardere replied, "I am too new to Paris to consider myself in
any sense the confidential servant of his highness, but I can assure you
that I hope to serve him as he deserves to be served."

The princess seemed thoughtful, then she asked a