"With the delicacy which ought to characterize the man to whom I intrust my destiny, M. de Létorière wished to await the issue of his lawsuit, which the Aulic Council of the empire is about to decide, before accepting formally the hand which I have freely offered him; if he gains his lawsuit he will be recognized as of a princely house, and then there will be no difference of rank, as it is called; but if this proposition was noble and delicate, I was a coward to accept it; I pretended to recognize exigencies which I do not admit; I pretended to wait the favorable issue of the lawsuit before making my decision. But that did not suit me; I meant loyally and openly, madame, to declare to you my unalterable resolution, whether the lawsuit be gained or lost. M. de Létorière starts to-night for Vienna. . . . This evening I shall go to the Abbey of Montmartre, and there await his return; you will understand, madame, that it is impossible for me to live any longer in your house." . . . "Undoubtedly the Chateau Soubise is disagreeable to you, mademoiselle; yet you must either leave it to make a marriage worthy of your family, or enter a convent forever." . . . "At least, madame, his majesty allows me to be free to retire at once to the lady-superior of Montmartre," said Mlle. de Soissons, handing to Madame Rohan-Soubise a letter which she took from her pocket. "The hand-writing of the king!" cried Madame Rohan-Soubise. "Yesterday I wrote to his majesty, who is acquainted with my resolution; read his answer, which is addressed to you, madame": "MY COUSIN: For sufficient reasons, I desire that Mlle. de Soissons may enter the Abbey of Montmartre until further orders. "Your affectionate "LOUIS." Madame de Rohan-Soubise, astonished beyond expression, read the letter twice. "Wonderful!" said she, with concentrated spite; "you have prevailed, mademoiselle, but his majesty can reconsider . . . undoubtedly will reconsider, a determination which has been surprised from him. . . . And I shall go immediately to the king." "I believe that I am sufficiently acquainted with his majesty's intentions, madame, to be certain of the futility of your application," said Mlle. de Soissons. Then she offered her hand to M. de Létorière, saying: "Adieu, my friend; go to Vienna . . . I will wait for you at Montmartre Abbey." That very evening M. de Létorière started for Vienna. CHAPTER X THE GOVERNOR OF HENFERESTER