"Affairs go well," said the Cardinal briskly, as I entered the room, "and the credit is yours, M. de Lalande. But for your sharp eyes I might have failed to get on the track of this conspiracy against the King. There is one thing more for you to do. Take this note to Madame Coutance in the Rue Crillon. It is a request by our dear Martin that she will give up the papers relating to the plot. You will pass them to M. Belloc with orders to bring them here at once." "Suppose the lady refuses to surrender them, my Lord?" "You will search her room, while this _lettre de cachet_ will secure her a lodging in the Bastille. If, on the other hand, she has the good sense to yield quietly, you will simply escort her to her chateau. The carriage will be in readiness." I told him of the soldiers stationed in the corridor, and once more left the house. The night was growing late, and the streets, in spite of the _falots_ filled with burning pitch, and the dingy lamps suspended by chains passing from one side of the road to the other, were almost in darkness. But Paris was wide awake and unduly excited. Swarms of people of the lowest class, unkempt, ragged, and frowsy, but all armed in some fashion, were prowling around intent on mischief, and cheering for De Retz. Bands of Black Mantles, grave and preoccupied as became owners of property, guarded the shops, in dread equally of the _canaille_ and the nobles. These last swaggered about showing off their finery, singing noisily, and occasionally compelling the passers-by to cheer for Conde. Now and again a coach, preceded by lackeys bearing flambeaux, would roll by, conveying ladies of distinction to or from some brilliant assembly. At the corner of the Rue Crillon I looked for M. Belloc, but some time passed before he appeared, and then I could see nothing of a carriage. "In the yard of the 'Plume of Feathers,'" said he, in answer to my question; "it would attract too much attention standing here. Paris is in a turmoil to-night. I do not like the signs. The people are restless without knowing why, though there is some talk of Conde's returning." "The Cardinal has first to unlock the door," I replied, at which the old warrior smiled grimly, thinking such a proceeding on Mazarin's part very unlikely. "Why is the carriage required?" he asked. "To convey Madame Coutance either to the Bastille or to her own place at Aunay. It is a troublesome business," and I explained just what my orders were. "Better get it over at once," he suggested, "it will be none the pleasanter for delay;" so, putting a bold face on the matter, I walked to the door of the house, and inquired for Madame Coutance. "She is not at home, monsieur," replied the porter. "Both the ladies went out early this evening with Madame de Chevreuse." I put several further questions, but the porter was either a very stupid man or a very faithful servant--he knew nothing, and I had to retire baffled.