hands, must be treated with the
utmost courtesy and respect. A remarkable destiny awaits her. You
know the emperor is going to separate from Josephine. A new palace
will be built for the new empress. Who is the fortunate lady? As
yet, no one can tell. A royal maid who can bring as her dowry the
crown of a sovereign. A marriage that would unite the imperial
crown with the crown of Hugo Capet would firmly establish
Napoleon's throne. The legitimate dynasty would then be satisfied
with the sovereign chosen by the people. This fugitive maid is, I
hear, lovely, amiable, generous, pure, as only the ideal of a
sovereign can be."

Vavel stamped his foot in a paroxysm of fury. Had this miscreant written
that Marie was to be imprisoned in a convent, he could have borne it.
But to suggest that his idol, his pure, adored image of a saint, might
become the consort of the man on whom all the savage hatred of his
nature was concentrated--this was more horrible than all the torments of
hell. But he must calm himself and read the letter to the end.

"With this probability in view, I request that you send your wife
and daughter, with a proper escort, of course, to meet me in one of
the border cities, say Friedberg, where the ladies will be prepared
to take charge of the maid. You will understand that a lady of her
exalted position must travel only in company with distinguished
persons. Countess Themire Dealba's role is concluded. She must not
be allowed, in any character, to accompany our presumptive
sovereign to Paris. She will receive her five millions of francs,
as promised, and that will conclude our business transactions with
her. Pray communicate my desire to your wife and daughter, and bid
them prepare for the journey.

"Very truly,

"MARQUIS DE FERVLANS."

Not for one instant did Ludwig Vavel deliberate as to his course of
action.

He could not leave his post. For a soldier to quit his post before the
enemy is treason. He hurried back to his tent. Satan Laczi was stretched
on the bare ground, sleeping soundly.

Ludwig shook him vigorously.

"Awake--awake! You must depart at once."

Satan Laczi sprang to his feet.

"Take my own horse, and ride for your life the shortest way to
Fertoeszeg."

"And what am I to do there?"

"Do you remember that an officer once asked you to steal the treasure I
kept conce