"First to me, monsieur, in my character of lieutenant of police. I shall see if I can grant it, or if I must refer it to his majesty." "Well, then, monsieur, I desire to see Mademoiselle Helene de Chaverny, ward of his excellency the Duc d'Olivares, and also the duke himself." D'Argenson, at this request, made a singular gesture, which Gaston interpreted as one of hesitation. "Monsieur," said Gaston, "I would see them in any place, and for as short a time as may be thought advisable." "You shall see them," said D'Argenson. "Ah! monsieur," said Gaston, stepping forward as though to take his hand, "you lay me under the greatest obligation." "On one condition, however, monsieur." "What is it? there is no condition compatible with my honor that I will not accept in exchange for so great a favor." "You must tell no one of your condemnation, and this on your word as a gentleman." "I accede to that all the more willingly," said Gaston, "as one of the persons named would certainly die if she knew of it." "Then all is well; have you anything further to say?" "Nothing, monsieur, except to beg that you will record my denials." "They are already firmly attached--officer, hand the papers to Monsieur de Chanlay, that he may read and sign them." Gaston sat down by a table, and, while D'Argenson and the judges chatted around him, he carefully perused the papers and the report of his own answers to the interrogatory--then, finding all correct, he signed. "Monsieur," said he, "here are the documents. Shall I have the pleasure of seeing you again?" "I do not think so," said D'Argenson, with that brutality which was the terror of those who were subjected to him. "Then to our meeting in another world, monsieur." The major led Gaston to his own room. CHAPTER XXX. THE FAMILY FEUD. When Gaston returned to his room, he was obliged to answer the questions of Dumesnil and Pompadour, who were waiting to hear news from him; but, in compliance with his promise made to D'Argenson, he did not mention his sentence, but simply announced a severer interrogatory than before--but as he wished to write some letters, he asked Dumesnil for a light. Dumesnil sent him a candle--things were progressing, it may be remarked; Maison-Rouge could refuse nothing to Mademoiselle de Launay, and she shared all with Dumesnil, who, in his turn, again shared with his neighbors, Gaston and Richelieu. Gaston doubted whether, in spite of D'Argenson's promise, he would be allowed to see Helene, but he knew that at least he should see a priest before he died; there could be no doubt that the priest would forward two letters for him. As he began to write, Mademoiselle de Launay made a signal that she had something to send him; it was a letter. Gaston read: "Our friend--for you are our friend, and now we have no secrets from you--tell Dumesnil of the famous hope I conceived after the word that Herment said to me."