outer door, which announced to me the
approach of the king, who had merely one more door to open ere he would
be in my apartment. Noel, terrified, leaped quickly out of bed, and
ran to seek refuge in a small chamber adjoining where Henriette
slept. Happily she was yet awake; and, by the light of a night-lamp or
_veilleuse_ recognized Noel, who, with clasped hands, conjured her to
take pity upon him. Henriette saw the danger, and putting out her hand,
seized him, and drawing him rapidly towards her, made him lie down
beside her. Noel, struck with her goodness, was preparing to offer her
the same marks of his gratitude he had shown me of his respect; but
repulsing him, she said in a low voice, "Wretch, think not it is on your
account I thus expose my reputation; 'tis to save that of my beloved
mistress; either conduct yourself with silent respect or you are
lost." At this threat Noel 's courage melted away and he lay still as
a frightened child. "Listen," said Henriette, "if you do not quit this
place to-morrow at break of day, without seeking to see madame again,
I will denounce you to the king, who will inflict upon you the most
dreadful punishment."

Whilst these things were passing in the chamber of Henriette, I did not
feel perfectly at ease on my side, and many were the wise reflections I
made upon my folly, as well as the promises I gave never again to expose
myself to such imminent danger. Nor did my terrors abate till after the
king had quitted me. At the sound of my bell Henriette hastened to my
bed-side.

"My good Henriette," said I to her, trembling from head to foot, "what a
night of anxiety have I passed, I must indeed confess--"

"Fear not, my beloved mistress," replied she; "I will watch over your
safety, and trust to be enabled fully to provide for it."

I durst not then ask for any further explanation of her words, for such
was the ascendancy her good and steady conduct had given her over me,
that she would certainly have blamed me for my glaring imprudence. I
pressed her hand in mute thankfulness; she comprehended my silence and
left me to myself.

At the end of some days, seeing nothing of Noel, I ventured to question
her as to his fate: she then related to me all you have been told, and
added, that the day following this shameful and unfortunate night she
had lost no time in apprizing the comte Jean of all that had occurred,
who had quickly despatched Noel out of the kingdom, furnishing him with