at first opposed this plan. I begged your
mother to reflect, to consider that in this new existence you would run
great risk of losing the religious feeling which inspires you, and which
I have had the happiness, during my sojourn at Buisson-Souef, of further
developing in your mind. I still recall with emotion your fervid and
sincere aspirations towards the Creator when you approached the Sacred
Table for the first time, and when, kneeling beside you, and envying
the purity of heart and innocence of soul which appeared to animate your
countenance as with a divine radiance, I besought God that, in default
of my own virtue, the love for heavenly Truth with which I have inspired
you might be reckoned to my account. Your piety is my work, Edouard, and
I defended it against your mother's plans; but she replied that in every
career a man is master of his own good or evil actions; and as I have no
authority over you, and friendship only gives me the right to advise, I
must give way. If this be your vocation, then follow it.

"My occupations are so numerous (I have to collect from different
sources this hundred thousand livres intended to defray the greater part
of the Buisson purchase) that I have not a moment in which to come and
see you this week. Spend the time in reflection, and write to me fully
what you think about this plan. If, like me, you feel any scruples,
you must tell them to your mother, who decidedly wants only to make you
happy. Speak to me freely, openly. It is arranged that I am to fetch you
on the 11th of this month, and escort you to Versailles, where Madame
de Lamotte will be waiting to receive you with the utmost tenderness.
Adieu, dear boy; write to me. Your father knows nothing as yet; his
consent will be asked after your decision."

The answer to this letter did not have to be waited for: it was such
as Derues expected; the lad accepted joyfully. The answer was, for the
murderer, an arranged plea of defence, a proof which, in a given case,
might link the present with the past.

On the morning of February 11th, Shrove Tuesday, he went to fetch the
young de Lamotte from his school, telling the master that he was desired
by the youth's mother to conduct him to Versailles. But, instead, he
took him to his own house, saying that he had a letter from Madame de
Lamotte asking them not to come till the next day; so they started
on Ash Wednesday, Edouard having breakfasted on chocolate. Arrived at
Versaille