"Do I wish it? Of course I do." "The fact is, Monsieur de Saint-Aignan, I am presenting you with that which is as good as the promise of an additional step in the peerage, and perhaps even a good estate to accompany your dukedom." "At least," replied Saint-Aignan, "it will give me an opportunity of showing the king that he is not mistaken in occasionally calling me his friend--an opportunity, dear M. Malicorne, for which I am indebted to you." "And which you will not forget to remember?" inquired Malicorne, smiling. "Nothing will delight me more, monsieur." "But I am not the king's friend; I am simply his attendant." "Yes; and if you imagine that that staircase is as good as a dukedom for myself, I think there will certainly be letters of nobility for you." Malicorne bowed. "All I have to do now," said Saint-Aignan, "is to move as soon as possible." "I do not think the king will object to it; ask his permission, however." "I will go and see him this very moment." "And I will run and get the carpenter I was speaking of." "When will he be here?" "This very evening." "Do not forget your precautions." "He shall be brought with his eyes bandaged." "And I will send you one of my carriages." "Without arms." "With one of my servants without livery. But stay--what will La Valliere say if she sees what is going on?" "Oh! I can assure you she will be very much interested in the operation, and equally sure that, if the king has not courage enough to ascend to her room, she will have sufficient curiosity to come down to him." "We will live in hope," said Saint-Aignan; "and now I am off to his majesty. At what time will the carpenter be here?" "At eight o'clock." "How long do you suppose he will take to make this opening?" "About a couple of hours; only afterward he must have sufficient time to effect what may be called the junction between the two rooms. One night and a portion of the following day will do; we must not reckon upon less than two days, including putting up the staircase." "Two days! That is very long." "Nay; when one undertakes to open a door into paradise itself, we must at least take care it is properly done." "Quite right; so farewell for a short time, dear M. Malicorne. I shall begin to remove the day after to-morrow, in the evening." CHAPTER XLI. THE PROMENADE BY TORCHLIGHT.