"Indeed." "Yes, I think I have heard it formerly; but I do not remember where or how. What does your protégé come to Paris for?" "Monseigneur, I shall leave him to tell you that himself." "Tell it to me." "Yes; that is to say, to the Duc d'Olivares, whom you are about to personate. Ah, my protégé is a discreet conspirator, and I have had some trouble to get at the truth of things. He was addressed to Paris, to a certain La Jonquiere, who was to present him to the Duc d'Olivares. Do you understand now?" "Not at all." "Well, I have been Captain la Jonquiere, but I cannot be both La Jonquiere and his excellency." "So, you reserve that part--" "For you, monseigneur." "Thank you. So you think that, under a false name, I will get at the secrets--" "Of your enemies, monseigneur," interrupted Dubois. "Pardieu! what a dreadful crime, and how it would distress you, to change name and dress; you have never before learned secrets by such means. But remember, monseigneur, our many disguises, and after being called M. Alain and Maitre Jean, you may well, I think, without anything derogatory to your dignity, be called Le Duc d'Olivares." "I ask no better than a disguise for amusement, but--" "But a disguise," continued Dubois, "to preserve the peace of France, to prevent traitors from overthrowing the kingdom, to prevent assassins from murdering you--this, I suppose, is unworthy of you. I understand; ah, if it were only in pursuit of some little ironmongress in the Pont Neuf, or the pretty widow of the Rue Saint Augustine, it might be worth your while." "If I do what you wish," said the regent, "what will be the result?" "Probably, that you will own that I am no visionary, and that you will allow others to watch over you, since you will not watch over yourself." "But, once for all, if the thing turns out not worth the trouble, shall I be freed from your worrying?" "I promise you, on my honor." "Abbe, if you have no objection, I should prefer another oath." "Oh, monseigneur, you are too hard; but you consent?" "Again this folly." "You shall see if it be folly." "I believe you make plots to frighten me." "Then they are well made; you shall see." "Are you certain?" "Absolutely." "If I am not frightened, look to yourself." "Monseigneur exacts too much." "You are not sure, Dubois." "I swear to you, monsieur, that you will be moved, and will be glad to speak with his excellency's tongue." And Dubois went out before the regent had time to withdraw his consent. Five minutes after, a courier entered the antechamber, and gave a letter to a page, who brought it to the regent. "Madame Desroches," said he, looking at the writing, and, breaking the seal, read as follows: "MONSEIGNEUR--The young lady you left in my charge does not appear to be in safety here." "Bah," exclaimed the regent, and then read on--