"Yes, I thought it better so. It will be more befitting our dignity to show the Épernonists that while we do not fear to resort to reprisals, and to treat with her Majesty as one power with another, we have confidence in the strength of our cause, and return evil for evil without excitement or exaggeration." "It is very politic." "Is it not, duke?" rejoined the princess, seeking to gather La Rochefoucauld's real meaning from his tone and manner. "But," he continued, "it is still your opinion, is it not, that one of the two should expiate Richon's death? For if it remains unavenged, the impression may gain ground that your Highness sets but little store by the gallant men who devote their lives to your service." "Oh! assuredly! and one of the two shall die, on my honor as a princess! never fear." "May I know which of the two your Highness has deigned to pardon?" "Monsieur de Canolles." "Ah!" This _ah!_ was pronounced in a most significant tone. "Can it be that you have any particular ground for wishing that gentleman ill, Monsieur le Duc?" "I! Madame, was I ever known to wish anybody well or ill? I divide all men into two categories: obstacles, and supporters. The former must be overthrown, and the latter supported,--so long as they support us; that is my policy, madame, and I might almost say my whole moral code." "What infernal scheme is he concocting, and what is he driving at?" muttered Lenet; "he acted as if he detested poor Canolles." "Well," the duke continued, "if your Highness has no other orders to give me--" "No, Monsieur le Duc." "I will take leave of your Highness." "Is it to be tonight?" "In quarter of an hour." Lenet made ready to follow the duke. "Are you going to see the spectacle, Lenet?" the princess asked him. "Oh! no, madame; I am not addicted to violent emotion, as you know; I will content myself with going half way, that is to say, as far as the prison, to witness the touching picture of poor Canolles restored to freedom by the woman he loves." The duke made a wry face. Lenet shrugged his shoulders, and the solemn procession left the palace to go to the prison. Madame de Cambes had traversed the distance in less than five minutes; she showed the order to the sentinel at the drawbridge, then to the doorkeeper at the prison, and asked to see the governor. The governor scrutinized the order with the inexpressive eye characteristic of prison-governors, which never lights up at sight of a death-warrant or pardon, recognized the signature and seal of Madame de Condé, saluted the messenger, and said, turning to the door: "Call the lieutenant." Then he motioned to Madame de Cambes to be seated; but her excitement and impatience were too intense to allow her to be at rest, and she remained on her feet. The governor thought it incumbent upon him to speak to her. "You know Monsieur de Canolles?" he said in the same tone in which he would have asked what the weather was. "Oh! yes, monsieur," was the reply.