It is a long while since I have seen you alone! I am in low spirits, and feel that I must have a few moments' talk with my beloved daughter. Farewell for the moment. HENRI. Diane, with colorless cheeks, crumpled the letter in her hands when she had read it. What should she do? Dismiss Gabriel at once? But suppose on his way out he should meet the king, who might arrive at any moment! Should she keep the youth with her? The king would find him there when he came in. To warn the king would excite his suspicion, while on the other hand to warn Gabriel would simply arouse his anger by seeming to dread it. A meeting between these two men, each of whom was so threatening to the other, now appeared inevitable, and it was she herself, Diane, who would gladly shed her own blood to save them, who had brought about the fatal encounter! "What does the king write to you, Diane?" asked Gabriel, with an assumed tranquillity which was belied by the trembling of his voice. "Nothing, nothing, really," replied Diane. "A reminder of the reception this evening." "Perhaps I discommode you, Diane," Gabriel remarked. "If so, I will go." "No, no, don't go!" cried Diane, hastily. "But then," she continued, "if you have any business which demands your immediate attention elsewhere, I should not like to detain you." "That letter has troubled you, Diane. I fear that I have wearied you, and will take my leave." "You weary me, my friend! Can you believe it?" said Madame de Castro. "Was it not I who went in search of you, in some measure? Alas! I fear, very imprudently. I will see you again, but not here--at your own house. The first opportunity that presents itself for me to get away, I will come to see you, and resume this sweet though painful interview. I promise you. Rely upon me. At the moment, you are right, I confess; I am somewhat preoccupied and in pain. I feel as if I were in a burning fever--" "I see, Diane, and I will leave you," replied Gabriel, sadly. "We shall meet again soon, my friend," said she. "Now go, go!" She accompanied him as far as the door. "If I keep him here," she thought, "it is certain that he will see the king; if he goes away at once, there is at least a chance that they may not meet." Yet she hesitated still, and was anxious and tremulous. "Pardon me, Gabriel," said she, quite beside herself, as they stood on the threshold; "just a word more. _Mon Dieu_! Your narrative has upset me so that it is hard for me to collect my thoughts. What was I about to ask you? Ah, I know! Just one word, but one of much importance. You have not yet told me what you intend to do. I begged for mercy, and you cried, 'Justice!' Pray tell me how you hope to obtain justice!" "I do not know yet," said Gabriel, gloomily; "I trust in God for the event and the opportunity."