"If you do," said Chavigni, "a thousand crowns is your reward; and if you discover any plot or treasonable enterprise, so that by your means they may be foiled and brought to justice, the thousand shall grow into ten thousand, and you shall have a place that will give you a life of luxury." The Norman's eyes sparkled at the anticipation, and his imagination pourtrayed himself and his five wives living together in celestial harmony, drinking the best vintages of Burgundy and Epernay, eating of the fat of the land, and singing like mad. These blissful ideas were first interrupted by the sound of horses' feet in the court. "Hark!" cried Chavigni, "they are putting the horses to the carriage; go down, and see that all be prepared for the young lady's journey." "Instantly," answered the Norman, "and after that I will carry Louise to the Priest, finger your Lordship's cash, and we will set off for Troyes." "Do you intend to take her with you?" demanded Chavigni, in some surprise. "Nay, my Lord, you would not wish me to leave my bride on our wedding night, surely," replied the Norman, in a mock sentimental tone. "But the truth is, I think she may be useful. Woman's wit will often find a way where man's wisdom looks in vain; and as I have now, thanks to your bounty, two good horses, I shall e'en set Louise upon one of them, and with the bridle rein over my arm lead her to Brie, where, with your good leave, we will sleep, and thence on upon our journey. Travelling with a woman, no one will suspect my real object, and I shall come sooner at my purpose." "Well, so be it then," answered the Statesman. "You are now, as you wished to be, intrusted with an affair of more importance than stopping a courier, or carrying off a weak girl; and as the reward is greater, so would be the punishment in case you were to betray your trust. I rely on your honour; but let me hint at the same time, that there is such a thing as the rack, which has more than once been applied to persons who reveal State secrets. Keep good account of your expenses, and such as are truly incurred for the Government, the Government wall pay." Thus ended the conference between Chavigni and the Norman, neither of whom we shall follow much farther in this volume. Of Chavigni it is only necessary to say, that immediately after the departure of Pauline he proceeded to the Louvre to wait the arrival of Louis the Thirteenth, who soon after entered Paris, accompanied by the Queen, Cinq Mars, and all the usual attendants of the court, and followed by the Cardinal and those members of the Council who had not previously arrived along with Chavigni.