"You need not hurry the conversation to a conclusion," replied Chavigni. "You see that we are in direct progress towards that part of the Park where her Majesty is most likely to be found." But seeing that De Blenau seemed impatient of such reply, he proceeded: "However, as you wish to know to what my conversation tends, I will tell you. If you please, it tends to your own good. The Cardinal wishes to see you----" He paused, and glanced his eye over the countenance of his companion, from which, however, he could gather no reply, a slight frown being all the emotion that was visible. Chavigni then proceeded. "The Cardinal wishes to see you. He entertains some suspicion of you. If you will take my advice, you will set out for Paris immediately, wait upon his Eminence, and be frank with him--Nay, do not start! I do not wish you to betray any one's secrets, or violate your own honour. But be wise, set out instantly." "I suspected something of this," replied De Blenau, "when I heard that there were strangers inquiring for me. But whatever I do, I must first see the Queen:" and observing that Chavigni was about to offer some opposition, he added decidedly, "It is absolutely necessary--on business of importance." "May I ask," said Chavigni, "is it of importance to her Majesty or yourself?" "I have no objection to answer that at once," replied De Blenau: "it concerns myself alone." "Stop a moment," cried Chavigni, laying his hand on the Count's arm, and pausing in the middle of the avenue, at the farther extremity of which a group of three or four persons was seen approaching. "No business can be of more importance than that on which I advise you to go.--Monsieur de Blenau, I would save you pain. Let me, once more, press you to set out without having any farther conversation with her Majesty than the mere _etiquette_ of taking leave for a day." De Blenau well knew the danger which he incurred, but still he could not resolve to go, without clearing the doubts of Pauline, which five minutes' conversation with the Queen would enable him to do. "It is impossible," replied he, thoughtfully; "besides, let the Cardinal send for me. I do not see why I should walk with my eyes open into the den of a lion."