d she angrily.

"Your highness!" said Mayneville, in surprise.

"Good!" said Ernanton, "I have now a gentleman before me, and if he has
lied, I shall know what to do."

"You believe then, at last?" said the duchess.

"Yes, madame, I believe, and here is the letter;" and, bowing, the young
man gave to Madame de Montpensier the letter so long disputed.

CHAPTER XLI.

THE LETTER OF M. DE MAYENNE.

The duchess seized the letter, opened it, and read it eagerly, while
various expressions passed over her face, like clouds over the sky. When
she had finished, she gave it to Mayneville to read. It was as follows:

"MY SISTER--I tried to do myself the work I should have left to
others, and I have been punished for it. I have received a sword
wound from the fellow whom you know. The worst of it is, that he
has killed five of my men, and among them Boularon and Desnoises,
who are my best, after which he fled. I must tell you that he was
aided by the bearer of this letter, a charming young man, as you
may see. I recommend him to you; he is discretion itself.

"One merit which he will have, I presume, in your eyes, my dear
sister, is having prevented my conqueror from killing me, as he
much wished, having pulled off my mask when I had fainted, and
recognized me.

"I recommend you, sister, to discover the name and profession of
this discreet cavalier; for I suspect him, while he interests me.
To my offers of service, he replied that the master whom he served
let him want for nothing.

"I can tell you no more about him, but that he pretends not to know
me. I suffer much, but believe my life is not in danger. Send me my
surgeon at once; I am lying like a horse upon straw, the bearer
will tell you where.

"Your affectionate brother,

"MAYENNE."

When they had finished reading, the duchess and Mayneville looked at
each other in astonishment. The duchess broke the silence first.

"To whom," said she, "do we owe the signal service that you have
rendered us, monsieur?"

"To a man who, whenever he can, helps the weak against the strong."

"Will you give me some details, monsieur?"

Ernanton told all he had seen, and named the duke's place of retreat.

Madame de Montpensier and Mayneville listened with interest. When he had
finished, the duchess said:

"May I hope, monsieur, that you will continue the work s