THE first thing I did after Marcilly’s departure was to replace the glove in my pocket, then I lifted the curtain and walked into my dressing-room. I had a mad thought that Marie might still be there. But I was mistaken. The room was empty. I stepped up to the door leading to the private passage and tried to open it. It was locked from the inside and refused to yield. In her hurry, Marie must have taken the key with her, and turned it in the lock after her when she went. Half unconsciously I leaned against the door, and, I was sure of it, the faint sound of receding footsteps came to me from the stairway beyond. If I heard right she must have waited until the last moment, and heard every word of what had passed between her husband and myself--and--what a villain I must have seemed! I could bear to be there no longer, but hastened back to the study and rang for Badehorn. He was faithful and discreet, and I could trust him with my life. “Badehorn,” I said when he came, “we must leave Paris to-night.” “Monsieur!” “Can you get three horses without any one in the house knowing it?” “Monsieur has forgotten that there are horses of his kept ready at Maître Barov’s.” “Ah! I grow foolish! Is there one fit for a lady to ride?” “There is the gray that Madame de Marcilly rode----” “Enough! Be in waiting for me with the horses under the limes, near the riding school of the Louvre, by nine to-night. I will join you there--and Badehorn--not a word to a soul--this is life or death.” “Does Monsieur mistrust me?” I looked at the resolute face and honest eyes. There was no treachery there. “No, Badehorn--not you.” He was sparing of speech, and said nothing; but his face brightened like that of a faithful dog caressed by its master, and I went on. “I am going out now--on foot--let it be thought that I am returning shortly--give me my cloak.” As he helped me on with my cloak, he said, “Monsieur, Billot has just returned from the Louvre, and says that they are taking the King at once to Blois, and that the Cardinal has gone already.” “The Cardinal gone?” “Monsieur--and the whole place in an uproar.” “It will give us breathing space, and more chance of escape then,” I muttered. Then with a last word of caution to Badehorn, I left the room, and walked down the wide stairway I was never to see again.