from Michel the perfumer's,
which I presume you ordered, madam."

A glance of mutual surprise and consternation passed between the
marechale and myself. We entered my chamber, where madame de Mirepoix
opened the fatal box; it contained the four bottles exactly as had been
described. We regarded each other in profound silence, not daring to
communicate our reflections. However, it was requisite to take some
steps, and, catching up a pen, I hastily wrote the following billet to
the duc d'Aiguillon,

"MONSIEUR LE DUC,--Whatever may be the affairs with which you are at
present occupied, I pray of you to throw them aside, and hasten to me
instantly upon receipt of this. Nothing can equal in importance the
subject upon which I wish to see you; I cannot now explain myself fully,
but prepare for news of the most horrible description, and it refers to
the safety and preservation of the most valuable life in the kingdom. I
cannot delay time by writing more; I can only beseech of you not to lose
one moment in obeying this summons. Adieu; fail not to come and bring me
back this note."

The duke hastened to me full of terror and alarm.

"Your letter has really frightened me," said he; "what can be the
matter? Surely the life of his majesty is not in danger?"

"Too truly is it," answered I; "but sit down, and you shall know all
the affair. The marechale is already aware of the matter and need not
withdraw."

The duke listened with extreme attention to the recital of my interview
in the grove surrounding the Baths of Apollo, as well as to the account
of the discourse I had held there with the strange female. I endeavoured
to relate the conversation as minutely and accurately as possible, but
still the duke sought further particulars. He inquired the style
of countenance, dress, manner, and tone of voice possessed by the
_incognita_. One might have supposed, by the closeness of his questions,
that he already fancied he had identified this mysterious personage: he
then examined the box, which stood on the table, and remarked, "This is
a very serious affair, nor can I undertake the management of it alone;
it involves a too great responsibility. Spite of the lady's assertions,
I am confident the fullest confidence might be placed in all the
ministers. However, I will first have a conference with M. de
Saint-Florentin and the chancellor, in whose presence I will send for
the lieutenant of police; and the contents of these bottles s