The words were hardly out of her mouth when some one scratched at the door, as the custom was at that time. It was Cardinal de Richelieu, influenced, doubtless, by his love for cats, who introduced this style of knocking. During his long reign people scratched at Monsieur de Richelieu's door; afterwards at Monsieur de Chavigny's, who was entitled to succeed him in this regard, were it only as his natural heir; and, lastly, at Monsieur de Mazarin's. Therefore they might well scratch at Madame la Princesse's door. "They are coming," said Madame de Cambes. "'T is well. I resume my official character." He moved the table away and the chair, put on his hat, and stood in a respectful attitude, four steps from the princess's bed. "Come in," said Claire. Thereupon the stateliest procession imaginable filed into the room. There were ladies' in waiting, chamberlains, functionaries of all grades,--the whole ordinary retinue of the princess. "Madame," said the first _valet de chambre_, "Monseigneur le Duc d'Enghien has been awakened. He can now receive his Majesty's messenger." Canolles' eyes, as he looked at Madame de Cambes, said as plainly as his voice could have done:-- "Is this in accordance with our agreement?" This look, eloquent with the entreaty of a heart in distress, was perfectly understood, and in gratitude, doubtless, for all that Canolles had done,--perhaps in some measure to gratify the love for mischief which is invariably hidden in the depths of the best woman's heart,-- "Bring Monsieur le Duc d'Enghien hither," said Claire; "monsieur will see my son in my presence." They hastened to obey, and a moment later the young prince was led into the room. We have seen that, while he was watching every detail of the last preparations for Madame la Princesse's departure, Canolles saw the young prince playing and running about, but did not see his face. He did, however, notice his costume, which was a simple hunting-suit. He thought, therefore, that it could not be in his honor that he was arrayed in the magnificent costume in which he now saw him. His former idea, that the prince had gone with his mother, became almost a certainty; but he gazed at the heir of the illustrious Prince de Condé for some time in silence, and an imperceptible smile played about his lips, although his demeanor was no less respectful than before. "I am too happy," he said, with a low bow, "to be vouchsafed the honor of presenting my respects to Monseigneur le Duc d'Enghien." Madame de Cambes, upon whose face the child's great wondering eyes were fixed, motioned to him to bow; and as it seemed to her that the air with which Canolles was following the scene was too scornful by half, she said, with a malicious deliberation which made the baron shudder, "My son, this gentleman is Monsieur de Canolles, sent hither by his Majesty. Give Monsieur de Canolles your hand to kiss."