When the parcels
were stowed away, I stepped forward to assist the ladies into the
coach, but Madame Coutance, who was still very sulky, haughtily
declined my proffered help. However, I saw them safely in, had the
leathern coverings let down to exclude the night air, posted the
troopers in front of the carriage, mounted the spare horse--a splendid
animal by the way--and gave the word for the gate St. Denis.

It was fortunate that the ladies had prevented an earlier start.
Although late, numerous citizens were still abroad, and their curiosity
made them troublesome. Twice the troopers were compelled to clear a
way for the coach by force, and, had the streets been more crowded, we
should never have reached the gate.

"Down with Mazarin! To the lamp-post with the _Mazarins_!" yelled the
people, but at sight of the grim sergeant and his stalwart troopers
their courage oozed away. These night-birds were mostly followers of
De Retz, but occasionally we met with a swaggering young noble or two
wearing the colours of the great Conde.

At the gate we were stopped by the officer on duty, who refused to let
us pass, quoting an order from the Duke of Orleans to prevent all
persons from leaving the city. Even after inspecting my papers, which
were signed by the Queen, he hesitated, declaring the Duke's commands
were strict.

"As you please," said I, "only remember that Gaston of Orleans is not
King yet, and you will be guilty of the crime of high treason. Unless
the gates are opened within five minutes, I shall return to the Palais
Royal."

The officer was a brave man, and had he served any other master would
doubtless have stood his ground, but no one could depend on Gaston. As
likely as not, if any trouble arose, the Duke would throw over his own
servant, and expose him to the vengeance of Mazarin.

"Come," I said, when half the time had passed, "which is it to be?
Will you take your orders from the Queen or from the Duke?"

At the last minute, though still grumbling, he permitted us to continue
the journey, and the coach passed outside the city walls. For several
miles we rode forward slowly, till the dawn of another day began to
appear in the sky; then we quickened the pace, as I was anxious to get
as far away from Paris as possible. It was scarcely likely that any
one would attempt a rescue, but so many foolish things were done in
those days that I did not feel at all secure.

The road along which we travel