He approached a sort of gallery containing buffets where the guests came for refreshment. He went also, not that he was hungry or thirsty, but because he was unarmed. He chose a long, sharp and pointed knife, and put it under his domino, where he was sure no one could see it. "The likeness to Ravaillac will be complete," said he. At this moment, as Gaston turned, he heard a well-known voice say-- "You hesitate?" Gaston opened his domino and showed the duke the knife which it concealed. "I see the knife glisten, but I also see the hand tremble." "Yes, monseigneur, it is true," said Gaston; "I hesitated, I trembled, I felt inclined to fly--but thank God you are here." "And your ferocious courage?" said the duke in a mocking voice. "It is not that I have lost it." "What has become of it then?" "Monseigneur, I am under his roof." "Yes; but in the conservatory you are not." "Could you not show him to me first, that I might accustom myself to his presence, that I may be inspired by the hatred I bear him, for I do not know how to find him in this crowd?" "Just now he was near you." Gaston shuddered. "Near me?" said he. "As near as I am," replied the duke, gravely. "I will go to the conservatory, monseigneur." "Go then." "Yet a moment, monseigneur, that I may recover myself." "Very well, you know the conservatory is beyond that gallery; stay, the doors are closed." "Did you not say that with this card the servants would open them to me?" "Yes; but it would be better to open them yourself--a servant might wait for your exit. If you are thus agitated before you strike the blow, what will it be afterward? Then the regent probably will not fall without defending himself--without a cry; they will all run to him, you will be arrested, and adieu your hope of the future. Think of Helene, who waits for you." It is impossible to describe what was passing in Gaston's heart during this speech. The duke, however, watched its effect upon his countenance. "Well," said Gaston, "what shall I do? advise me." "When you are at the door of the conservatory, the one which opens on to the gallery turning to the left--do you know?" "Yes." "Under the lock you will find a carved button--push it, and the door will open, unless it be fastened within. But the regent, who has no suspicion, will not take this precaution. I have been there twenty times for a private audience. If he be not there, wait for him. You will know him, if there, by the black domino and the golden bee." "Yes, yes; I know," said Gaston; not knowing, however, what he said. "I do not reckon much on you this evening," replied the duke. "Ah! monseigneur, the moment approaches which will change my past life into a doubtful future, perhaps of shame, at least of remorse." "Remorse!" replied the duke. "When we perform an action which we believe to be just, and commanded by conscience, we do not feel remorse. Do you doubt the sanctity of your cause?"