t those vigilant and ubiquitous secret
societies that watched over the cradle of the young revolution were
fully informed of the frequent journeyings of M. de Plougastel to
Coblenz, and entertained no illusions on the score of the reason for
them. Given, then, a defeat of the Court party in the struggle that
was preparing, the position in Paris of Mme. de Plougastel could not be
other than fraught with danger, and that danger would be shared by any
guest of birth at her hotel.

M. de Kercadiou's affection for both those women quickened the fears
aroused in him by Rougane's warning. Hence that hastily dispatched note,
desiring his niece and imploring his friend to come at once to Meudon.

The friendly mayor carried his complaisance a step farther, and
dispatched the letter to Paris by the hands of his own son, an
intelligent lad of nineteen. It was late in the afternoon of that
perfect August day when young Rougane presented himself at the Hotel
Plougastel.

He was graciously received by Mme. de Plougastel in the salon, whose
splendours, when combined with the great air of the lady herself,
overwhelmed the lad's simple, unsophisticated soul. Madame made up her
mind at once.

M. de Kercadiou's urgent message no more than confirmed her own fears
and inclinations. She decided upon instant departure.

"Bien, madame," said the youth. "Then I have the honour to take my
leave."

But she would not let him go. First to the kitchen to refresh himself,
whilst she and mademoiselle made ready, and then a seat for him in her
carriage as far as Meudon. She could not suffer him to return on foot as
he had come.

Though in all the circumstances it was no more than his due, yet the
kindliness that in such a moment of agitation could take thought for
another was presently to be rewarded. Had she done less than this, she
would have known--if nothing worse--at least some hours of anguish even
greater than those that were already in store for her.

It wanted, perhaps, a half-hour to sunset when they set out in her
carriage with intent to leave Paris by the Porte Saint-Martin.
They travelled with a single footman behind. Rougane--terrifying
condescension--was given a seat inside the carriage with the ladies, and
proceeded to fall in love with Mlle. de Kercadiou, whom he accounted the
most beautiful being he had ever seen, yet who talked to him simply and
unaffectedly as with an equal. The thing went to his head a little, and
disturb