"She had neither, monseigneur; and was probably about to be sold to some nobleman when she left the person who had been set to watch her." "But who informed you that Mademoiselle Helene de Chaverny was to be the victim of a shameful bargain?" "What she herself told me of a pretended father, who concealed himself; of diamonds which had been offered to her. Then, do you know where I found her, monseigneur? In one of those houses destined to the pleasures of our roués. She! an angel of innocence and purity. In short, monseigneur, this young girl fled with me, in spite of the cries of her duenna, in broad daylight, and in the face of the servants who surrounded her. She stayed two hours alone with me; and, though she is as pure as on the day when she received her mother's first kiss, she is not the less compromised. I wish this projected marriage to take place." "In your situation, monsieur?" "A still greater reason." "But perhaps you may deceive yourself as to the punishment reserved for you!" "It is probably the same which, under similar circumstances, was inflicted on the Count de Chalais, the Marquis de Cinq-Mars, and the Chevalier Louis de Rohan." "Then you are prepared even for death, monsieur?" "I prepared for it from the day I joined the conspiracy: the conspirator's only excuse is, that, while robbing others of their lives, he risks his own." "And what will this young girl gain by the marriage?" "Monseigneur, though not rich, I have some fortune; she is poor; I have a name, and she has none. I would leave her my name and fortune; and with that intention I have already petitioned the king that my goods may not be confiscated, nor my name declared infamous. Were it known for what reason I ask this, it would doubtless be granted; if I die without making her my wife, she will be supposed to be my mistress, and will be dishonored, lost, and there will be no future for her. If, on the contrary, by your protection, or that of your friends (and that protection I earnestly implore), we are united, no one can reproach her--the blood which flows for a political offense does not disgrace a family--no shame will fall on my widow; and if she cannot be happy, she will at least be independent and respected. This is the favor which I have to ask, monseigneur; is it in your power to obtain it for me?" The duke went to the door and struck three blows: Maison-Rouge appeared. "Ask M. de Launay, from me," said the duke, "whether the young girl who is at the door in my carriage may come in? Her visit, as he knows, is authorized. You will have the kindness to conduct her here." "What! monseigneur; Helene is here--at the door?" "Were you not promised that she should come?" "Yes; but seeing you alone, I lost all hope." "I wished to see you first, thinking that you might have many things to say which you would not wish her to hear; for I know all." "You know all! What do you mean?" "I know that you were taken to the arsenal yesterday!"