"My God! how late I am!" said Madeleine to her friend. "I shall barely have time, but I must embrace your angelic children before I go." The two women left the parlour. We will return with the reader to the Élysée-Bourbon, where we left the archduke alone, after the departure of M. Pascal. CHAPTER XII. The archduke, anxious and preoccupied, was walking back and forth in his study, while his secretary of ordinance unsealed and examined the letters received during the day. "This despatch, monseigneur," pursued the secretary, "relates to Colonel Pernetti, exiled with his family to England. We think it necessary to put your Highness on guard against the proceedings and petitions of the friends of Colonel Pernetti." "I do not need that warning. The republican principles of this man are too dangerous for me to listen, under any consideration, to what may be urged in his favour. Go on." "His Eminence, the envoy plenipotentiary from the Mexican Republic, asks the favour of presenting one of his compatriots to your Highness. It concerns a very urgent interest, and he requests your Highness to have the kindness to grant an audience to-morrow." "Is the list of audiences complete for to-morrow?" "No, monseigneur." "Write that at two o'clock, to-morrow, I will receive the envoy from Mexico, and his compatriot." The secretary wrote. A moment passed, and the archduke said to him: "Does he mention in this letter the name of the person whom he wishes to present?" "No, monseigneur." "That is contrary to all custom; I shall not grant the audience." The secretary put the letter he had begun to write aside, and took another sheet of paper. In the meanwhile the prince changed his mind after reflection, and said: "I will grant the audience." The secretary bowed his head in assent, and, taking another letter, he rose and presented it to the prince without breaking the seal, and said: "On this envelope is written 'Confidential and Special,' monseigneur." The archduke took the letter and read it. It was from M. Pascal, and was expressed in these familiar words: * * * * * "After mature reflection, monseigneur, instead of waiting upon you Thursday I will see you to-morrow at three o'clock; it will depend upon you absolutely whether our business is concluded and signed during that interview. Your devoted "PASCAL." * * * * * One moment of lively hope, soon tempered by the recollection of the eccentricities of M. Pascal's character, thrilled the prince, who, however, said, coldly: "Write M. Pascal on the list of audiences for to-morrow at three o'clock." An aide-de-camp was then presented, who asked if the prince could receive Count Frantz de Neuberg. "Certainly," said the archduke. After a few more moments' work with his secretary of ordinance, he gave the order to introduce Frantz.