But it mattered little what became of Pedro’s suit, if the estate of De Pontis, together with the _droit d’aubaine_, were sequestered by the _procureur’s_ decree in the meanwhile. The week’s grace would afford the opportunity wanted to arrange a plan of operations. “But if Monsieur should lay these papers before the cardinal, is he sure that it would effect the count’s ruin?—he may be so necessary, that his eminence cannot part with him,” remarked the damsel. “A very pertinent question,” cried Giraud, “but still betraying ignorance of a proper procedure with Fontrailles. If I went to his eminence, and succeeded in ruining the favorite, that would not likely stop Pedro’s suit, or the _procureur’s_ proceedings, as the cardinal is now embittered personally against Monsieur De Pontis, and might divert the _droit d’aubaine_ to some other channel than the treacherous count, Mademoiselle’s unknown friend for instance, whom I am persuaded holds the keys of the cardinal duke’s cabinet.” Marguerite blushed, but made no reply, and the advocate continued. “Effectually to serve my good friend, I must make Fontrailles so tremble in his shoes at the very idea of the ruin I hold over his head, that he shall himself intercede with Richelieu to cancel all the court’s proceedings, and leave your father in peaceful possession of the _droit_. These are the terms I shall offer!” “But how will the count get over the surprise of his eminence at what will appear such extraordinary conduct on his part?” asked Marguerite. “When Mademoiselle has had longer experience in the haunts into which she strayed,” replied the advocate, “more communings with her all-wise secret friend, she will not need be told that when a man of Fontraille’s stamp has chosen a line of conduct, nothing is easier than to assign a motive for it. I have no positive objection, if he need such aid, that we should give the count a helping hand on that point.” “And what remains to be done?” asked Marguerite. “Nothing but for your humble servant to arm himself for conflict with the dark-souled intriguer,” replied the advocate, smiling; “it will be a desperate strife, I can assure Mademoiselle, a hard struggle ere the count, overwhelmed with debts, and panting for the rich effects of the Spaniard, will yield the prey!” “And what part shall I take in the contest?” said the maiden, “how can I aid Monsieur?”