will undertake to forward it
to him."

It is a truly touching fact that the old Marquise, whose energy no
fatigue, no moral torture could abate, fainted from happiness on
learning of her King's return.

The event realised all her hopes. For so many years she had been
expecting it from one moment to another, without ever growing
discouraged, that a denouement for which she had been prepared so long,
seemed quite natural to her, and she immediately made her arrangements
for the new life that was about to commence. She first of all wrote a
line of thanks to the "good Delaitre," promising her protection and
assuring him that he should be rewarded for his devotion. She then
wrote to d'Ache a letter overflowing with joy.

"I have reached the pinnacle of my happiness, my dear Vicomte," she
wrote, "which is that of all France. I rejoice in your glory. M.
Delaitre has rendered me the greatest services, and during the past
two months has been constantly journeying in my behalf. His wife,
my companion in misfortune, has turned towards me his interest in
the unhappy, and he has sent me a message informing me of the great
events which are to put an end to all our troubles, advising me to
write a letter to the King and send it to you to present to him.
This is a bright idea, and compensates for the fact that my son is
not lucky enough to be in his proper place, as we desired and
planned. Your dear brother in chains is only supported by the
thought of your glory. I do not know how to speak to a king so
great by reason of his courage and virtue. I have allowed my heart
to speak, and I count upon you to obtain the favour of a visit from
him at Tournebut. The prisons are open everywhere.... I have borne
my imprisonment courageously for three years, but fell ill on
hearing the great news. You will let me know in time if I am to
have the happiness of entertaining the King. It is very bold of me
to ask if such a favour is possible in a house which I believe to
be devastated by commissioners who have exhausted on it their rage
at not finding you there. Render, I beg of you, to M. Delaitre all
that I owe him. You will know him as a relation of our poor Raoul.
He is inspired with the same sentiments and begs you to let him
serve you, not wishing to remain idle in such a good cause and at
such a great moment. This lett