the strength of the rising.
Standing at the window, she pointed to the quiet street, saying
triumphantly, "Where is the danger, M. de Lalande? The Rue Crillon
looks to me as peaceful as the park at Aunay. Besides, the citizens
are in favour of the prince, and they will not injure us."

Shrugging my shoulders impatiently, I made no reply; she must bear the
consequence of her folly. Even Marie seemed to think lightly of the
peril, though she thanked me prettily for my thoughtfulness. At last,
annoyed by my failure, I bade them farewell, and returning to the
Luxembourg despatched a soldier in search of Raoul, who looked
surprised at seeing me again.

"The woman is an imbecile," he exclaimed angrily, "but we must save her
in spite of herself, if it is at all possible. Are you aware that the
gates are guarded, and that no one is allowed to pass without a permit?
The Duke has just issued the order."

"In that case I may as well abandon the idea of getting them through,
unless you can obtain a permit for us."

"I will try, if you will wait here a few minutes," and off he went to
the palace.

"Another plot, De Lalande?" cried a laughing voice at my elbow, and,
turning my head, I perceived Armand d'Arcy, who had just come up.

"Only an attempt to get Madame Coutance and her niece out of the city.
I am afraid there will be mischief in a day or two."

"Sooner than that, my friend! The pikes are being sharpened and the
_canaille_ will be all armed by nightfall. I suppose you have heard
the news of Conde?"

"That he has shown his true colours? Yes! it is the best thing that
could have happened. Of course you are for the Crown and against
Conde?"

"I am for the Duke of Orleans," said he.

"What, against the King?"

"Against the world, if it comes to that! I chose him as my patron and
must stand by him, though I hope he will not assist Conde."

"If he does you will be a rebel."

"All right," cried he, with his merry laugh, "there will be small
novelty in that. Ah! here comes Beauchamp, looking as solemn as an
owl. Can you not manage to screw out a smile, Raoul? A glimpse of
yourself in a glass just now would frighten you to death. Look a bit
lively, there is plenty of time for being miserable."

"Brule has arrived with his report," said Raoul, "and things are even
worse than we expected; the barricades will be up to-night. Here,
Albert, take care of this," and he gave me an order signed by the Duke:
"