"That is not all, monseigneur; misfortune may overtake me, and find me not able to bestow my person upon her; I would yet leave her my name. If I die she has no fortune, for she is an orphan. On leaving Nantes I made a will wherein I left her everything I possessed. Monseigneur, if I die, let her be a widow--is it possible?" "Who opposes it?" "No one; but I may be arrested to-morrow, this evening, on putting my foot outside this house." The regent started at this strange presentiment. "Suppose I am taken to the Bastille; could you obtain for me permission to marry her before my execution?" "I am sure of it." "You will use every means to obtain this favor for me? Swear it to me, monseigneur, that I may bless your name, and that, even under torture, nothing may escape but a thanksgiving when I think of you." "On my honor, monsieur, I promise you that this young girl shall be sacred to me; she shall inherit in my heart all the affection which I involuntarily feel for you." "Monseigneur, one word more." "Speak, monsieur; I listen with the deepest sympathy." "This young girl knows nothing of my project; she does not know what has brought me to Paris, nor the catastrophe which threatens us, for I have not had the courage to tell her. You will tell it to her, monseigneur--prepare her for the event. I shall never see her again, but to become her husband. If I were to see her again at the moment of striking the blow which separates me from her, my hand might tremble, and this must not be." "On my word of honor, monsieur," said the regent, softened beyond all expression, "I repeat, not only shall this young girl be sacred to me, but I will do all you wish for her--she shall reap the fruits of the respect and affection with which you have inspired me." "Now," said Gaston, "I am strong." "And where is this young girl?" "Below, in the carriage which brought me. Let me retire, monseigneur, and only tell me where she will be placed." "Here, monsieur; this house, which is not inhabited, and which is very suitable for a young girl, shall be hers." "Monseigneur, your hand." The regent held out his hand, but hearing a little dry cough, he understood that Dubois was becoming impatient, and he indicated to Gaston that the audience was over. "Once more, monseigneur, watch over this young girl; she is beautiful, amiable and proud--one of those noble natures which we meet but seldom. Adieu, monseigneur, I go to find your secretary." "And must I tell her that you are about to take a man's life?" asked the regent, making one more effort to restrain Gaston. "Yes, monseigneur," said the chevalier; "but you will add that I do it to save France." "Go then, monsieur," said the duke, opening a door which led into the garden, "and follow the directions I have given you." "Wish me good fortune, monseigneur." "The madman," thought the regent; "does he wish me to pray for success to his dagger's thrust? Ma foi, no!"