The silence that reigned in the audience-hall of the Bastille after the scene we have described, endured several minutes, during which each person who remained within its walls, commented mutely on the extraordinary events he had just witnessed. De Blenau's feelings were of course mingled, of surprise at the King's unusual conduct, and gratification at his own deliverance. The Governor's thoughts were differently employed, looking forward to the fall of Richelieu, speculating in regard to his successor, and trying to determine who would be the best person to court in the changes that were likely to ensue. "Like master, like man," says the adage; and the inferior officers of the prison, in compliance therewith, calculated upon the removal of the Governor as a consequence of the ruin of the Minister who had placed him there, and laid their own minor plans for securing their places. De Blenau was the first to break silence. "Well, my friend," said he, addressing the Governor, "I am to be your guest no longer, it seems; but be assured that I shall not forget my promises." "You are infinitely good, Monseigneur," answered the other, bowing almost to the ground. "I hope you will believe that I have gone to the very extreme of what my duty permitted, to afford you all convenience." "I have no doubt of it," replied the Count; "but let me ask what has become of my good friend, Philip, the woodman? He must not be forgotten." The knowledge of the severity he had exercised towards poor Philip, in the first heat of his anger, now called up a quick flush in the pale cheek of the Governor; and he determined to shelter himself from the resentment of his late prisoner, by telling him that the Woodman had been liberated. In those dangerous times, the acuteness of every one was sharpened by continual exercise; and De Blenau's eye, fixing on the varying countenance of his companion, soon detected that there was something amiss, by the alteration which his question produced. "Monsieur le Gouverneur," said he, "give me the truth. I promise you that every thing shall be forgotten, provided you have not seriously injured him; but I must know that the man is safe who has served me so faithfully." "The fact then is this, Monseigneur," replied the Governor; "thinking it best for all parties, I ordered this Monsieur Philip Grissolles to be confined till after your examination to-day, lest any thing might transpire that could injure you or me." "You thought of yourself alone, Sir," answered De Blenau somewhat bitterly; "but see that he be restored to that degree of liberty which you were ordered at first to permit, or you will hear more of me--"