At these words the chevalier"s cloak and coat were thrown aside; but, at the moment when Gaston was about to rush on his adversary, the four men appeared and seized him.
"A duel, monsieur," cried they, "in spite of the king"s prohibition!"
and they dragged him toward the door.
"An a.s.sa.s.sination," murmured Gaston, not daring to cry out, for fear of compromising Helene; "cowards!"
"We are betrayed, monsieur," said Dubois, rolling up Gaston"s cloak and coat, and putting them under his arm; "we shall meet again to-morrow, no doubt."
And he ran toward the hotel, while they shut up Gaston in the lower room.
Dubois ran up the staircase and into his room, where he opened the precious pocket-book. He found in one pocket a broken coin and a man"s name. This coin was evidently a sign of recognition, and the name was probably that of the man to whom Gaston was addressed, and who was called Captain la Jonquiere. The paper was oddly folded.
"La Jonquiere," said Dubois; "we have our eyes on _him_ already."
He looked over the rest of the pocket-book--there was nothing.
"It is little," said Dubois, "but it is enough."
He folded a paper like the other, took the name, and rang the bell.
Some one knocked; the door was fastened inside. "I forgot," said Dubois, opening it, and giving entrance to Monsieur Tapin.
"What have you done with him?"
"He is in the lower room, and watched."
"Take back his cloak and coat to the place where he threw them; make your excuses, and set him free. Take care that everything is in his pockets, so that he may suspect nothing. Bring me my coat and cloak."
Monsieur Tapin bowed low, and went to obey his orders.
CHAPTER IX.
THE VISIT.
All this pa.s.sed, as we have said, in the lane under Helene"s windows.
She had heard the noise; and, as among the voices she thought she distinguished that of the chevalier, she ran anxiously to the window, when, at the same moment, Madame Desroches appeared.
She came to beg Helene to go into the drawing-room, as the visitor had arrived.
Helene started, and nearly fell; her voice failed her, and she followed, silent and trembling.
The room into which Madame Desroches led her was without any light, except what was thrown on the carpet by the last remains of a fire.
Madame Desroches threw some water over the flame, and left the room entirely dark.
Begging Helene to have no fear, Madame Desroches withdrew. The instant after, Helene heard a voice behind the fourth door, which had not yet opened.
She started at the sound, and involuntarily made a few steps toward the door.
"Is she ready?" said the voice.
"Yes, monseigneur," was the reply.
"Monseigneur!" murmured Helene; "who is coming, then?"
"Is she alone?"
"Yes, monseigneur."
"Is she aware of my arrival?"
"Yes, monseigneur."
"We shall not be interrupted?"
"Monseigneur may rely upon me."
"And no light?"
"None whatever."
The steps approached, then stopped.
"Speak frankly, Madame Desroches," said the voice. "Is she as pretty as they said?"
"More beautiful than your highness can imagine."
"Your highness! who can he be?" thought Helene, much agitated.
At this moment the door creaked on its hinges and a heavy step approached.
"Mademoiselle," said the voice, "I beg you to receive and hear me."
"I am here," said Helene, faintly.
"Are you frightened?"
"I confess it, mon--Shall I say "monsieur" or "monseigneur"?"
"Say "my friend.""
At this moment her hand touched that of the unknown.
"Madame Desroches, are you there?" asked Helene, drawing back.
"Madame Desroches," said the voice, "tell mademoiselle that she is as safe as in a temple before G.o.d."