“I perfectly agree with you, mademoiselle,” answered Julian. “So they are, provided they are not guardians to very pretty grand-daughters, then they are no longer old women, but dragons, Ah, here is your father again. You have dispatched Joseph?” “Yes, I made him take the post pony; he will go the quicker,” replied the intendant. “I have not mentioned my plans to you as yet, madame,” continued Jean Plessis, turning to the Duchess, “because I was not quite certain I could carry them out, but now I think I can effect what we wish.” “I felt certain,” observed Madame Coulancourt, in reply, “that you were planning something, by your frequent visits to Havre.” “Yes, madame, you have conjectured correctly. It will not do to remain too long here whilst Monsieur Gramont is, with his spies, watching our movements.” “Spies!” repeated Julian; “then you suspect this Gramont is watching us?” “Yes, Monsieur Julian; I do. There is a very suspicious person residing in his château—a most repulsive-looking man, I am told—and I know very well that Monsieur Gramont’s bland manner and specious speeches are not to be depended on.” “I always said so,” exclaimed Mabel, her eyes sparkling; “I detest that man.” “What have you been about at Havre, Jean?” inquired Madame Coulancourt. “Suspecting something might occur that no one could foresee, I wrote to Monsieur Barras, telling him that, for certain reasons, madame wished to return to Paris, with Mademoiselle de Tourville, and I requested him to send me a written order, signed by Fouché, that she and her party should be permitted to proceed to Paris in whatever way she pleased. I received an answer to this effect:—‘Madame Coulancourt shall have a protection, signed by Fouché and myself, so that no person will dare, after seeing that order, to molest her or the persons with her; but money is scarce, and, between ourselves, Fouché requires his pen to be gilded—send an order for twenty thousand francs, and you will have the safe conduct back by your messenger.’” “What a despicable character!” cried Julian, indignantly, “for a ruler of France.” “True,” returned Jean Plessis; “but at this moment, if Barras was not one of the three directors, it might be embarrassing to your mother. I did not consult you, madame,” continued Jean Plessis, looking at the ex-Duchess. “There was no need, my kind friend,” replied Madame Coulancourt; “you sent the money, of course?”