Part 37 (1/2)

Monsieur de Chemerant attributed to astonishment the silence of Croustillac at this recital, and he said, ”Now all should be clear to you. Without doubt, the preparations of this enterprise have not been so secret that William of Orange has not been kept posted by spies who gained entrance into the cabinet at Versailles, and even into the inner circle of the lesser court at Saint Germain. In order to baffle the projects which rest entirely upon your highness, the usurper has given to Colonel Rutler the mission which came so near being fatal to you, your highness. You see, then, in all this Father Griffen has been perfectly innocent. Some one has abused his confidence most sacrilegiously; but, after all, sir, you must exercise forbearance, for it is to this discovery that you will have the glory, some day, of re-establis.h.i.+ng James Stuart upon the throne of England.”

Although this confidence had satisfied the adventurer's curiosity, he regretted having provoked it; if he was discovered, he would, no doubt, be made to pay dearly for his knowledge of this state secret, which he had involuntarily surprised; but Croustillac could not retrace his steps; he was to become more and more involved in the dangerous way wherein he walked. The escort arrived on the plain at the foot of the wall of the house. It was agreed that Rutler, still bound, should remain outside, and that six soldiers and two sailors should accompany Chemerant and Croustillac. On reaching the foot of the wall, the Gascon called, resolutely, ”Ho, slaves!”

After waiting some moments, the ladder was lowered. The adventurer and De Chemerant, followed by their men, entered the house; the arched door used exclusively by Blue Beard was opened by Mirette. Chemerant ordered the six soldiers to remain outside the arch.

Mirette, instructed by her mistress, as to what she should do and say in response to questions, appeared struck with surprise at the sight of the Gascon, and exclaimed, ”Ah, my lord!”

”You did not expect me? and Father Griffen?”

”What, my lord is it you?”

”Certainly it is I; but where is Father Griffen?”

”Learning that you were going away for some days, madame had ordered me to allow no one to enter.”

”But the reverend Father, who came here on my account--has he not seen your mistress?”

”No, my lord; madame told me to allow no one to enter, so the reverend priest has been shown to a room in the outer building.”

”Then your mistress is not expecting my return?”

”No, my lord; but----”

”It is well; leave us.”

”But, my lord, I will go and inform Madame de----”

”No, it is no matter; I will go myself,” said the Gascon, pa.s.sing before Mirette and walking toward the drawing room.

”Your highness, you are about to give a pleasant surprise to the d.u.c.h.ess, who does not expect you for some days, and will thus change her regrets to a very tender joy, since Father Griffen has not yet been able to see your wife,” said De Chemerant.

”She is always thus, poor dear child, she is very timid; when I am not here,” said Croustillac, tenderly, ”she will not see a human face, not even this good priest; my shortest absence causes her sadness, desolation and tears; this is what worries me; all this is very simple; since I have been condemned to this absolute retirement I have never left my wife, and this absence to-day, short as she believes it to be, is terribly hard for her, poor, dear soul.”

”But then, your highness, what a delightful surprise! If your highness will permit me to advise, I will promise to persuade the d.u.c.h.ess to leave this night, for you know, our enterprise cannot succeed except it be by a very rapid move.”

”My wish also is to carry away my wife as soon as possible.”

”This hasty journey will unfortunately cause the d.u.c.h.ess some inconveniences.”

”She will not think so, sir; it concerns following me,” said Croustillac, with a triumphant manner.

Monsieur de Chemerant and the adventurer reached the little gallery which gave entrance to the drawing room of Blue Beard. As we have said, this room was separated from the drawing room only by _portieres_; a thick Turkish carpet covered the floor.

Monsieur de Chemerant and Croustillac approached the inner room noiselessly, when they suddenly heard peals of laughter. The chevalier recognized the voice of Angela, and, seizing the hand of De Chemerant, he said in a low voice, ”It is my wife--listen.”

”The d.u.c.h.ess appears to me less overcome than your highness believed.”

”Perhaps, sir; there are sobs, you know, which in their violence have something of the sound of convulsive laughter. Do not move; I wish to surprise her in the abandon of her grief,” said the Gascon, making a sign to his companion to remain motionless and to keep silent.