ill find me prepared; but I wish to know whether I may
not see some persons who are very dear to me before I die, and I wish to
ask a favor of the king."

D'Argenson's eyes glistened with malignant joy. "Monsieur," said he, "I
told you that you would be treated with indulgence. You might therefore
have spoken sooner, and perhaps his highness's kindness might not have
waited for a prayer."

"You mistake me, monsieur," said Gaston, with dignity; "neither his
majesty's honor nor mine will suffer from the favor which I shall ask."

"What would you ask?" said D'Argenson; "speak, and I will tell you at
once if there be a chance of your request being granted."

"I ask, first, that my titles and dignities--which are not very
great--should not be canceled, as I have no posterity. I am alone in the
world; my name only survives me; but as that name is only noble, and not
illustrious, it would not survive long."

"This is quite a royal favor, monsieur. His majesty alone can and will
reply. Is that all you wish to ask?"

"No; I have another request to make, but I do not know to whom I should
apply."

"First to me, monsieur, in my character of lieutenant of police. I shall
see if I can grant it, or if I must refer it to his majesty."

"Well, then, monsieur, I desire to see Mademoiselle Helene de Chaverny,
ward of his excellency the Duc d'Olivares, and also the duke himself."

D'Argenson, at this request, made a singular gesture, which Gaston
interpreted as one of hesitation.

"Monsieur," said Gaston, "I would see them in any place, and for as
short a time as may be thought advisable."

"You shall see them," said D'Argenson.

"Ah! monsieur," said Gaston, stepping forward as though to take his
hand, "you lay me under the greatest obligation."

"On one condition, however, monsieur."

"What is it? there is no condition compatible with my honor that I will
not accept in exchange for so great a favor."

"You must tell no one of your condemnation, and this on your word as a
gentleman."

"I accede to that all the more willingly," said Gaston, "as one of the
persons named would certainly die if she knew of it."

"Then all is well; have you anything further to say?"

"Nothing, monsieur, except to beg that you will record my denials."

"They are already firmly attached--officer, hand the papers to Monsieur
de Chanlay, that he may read and sign them."

Gaston sat down by a table, and, while D'Argenson and the judges chatt