.

"M. de Luynes," he began, "I am or was a member of the cabal formed
against Mazarin's aims in the matter of the marriage of Mademoiselle
de Canaples to his nephew. I joined hands with St. Auban, lured by his
protestations that it is not meet that such an heiress as Yvonne de
Canaples should be forced to marry a foreigner of no birth and less
distinction, whilst France holds so many noble suitors to her hand. This
motive, by which I know that even Eugene de Canaples was actuated, was,
St. Auban gave me to understand, his only one for embarking upon this
business, as it was also Vilmorin's. Now, M. de Luynes, I have to-day
discovered that I had been duped by St. Auban and his dupe, Vilmorin.
St. Auban lied to me; another motive brings him into the affair. He
seeks himself, by any means that may present themselves, to marry
Yvonne--and her estates; whilst the girl, I am told, loathes him beyond
expression. Vilmorin again is actuated by no less a purpose. And so,
what think you these two knaves--this master knave and his dupe--have
determined? To carry off Mademoiselle by force!"

"Sangdieu!" I burst out, and would have added more, but his gesture
silenced me, and he continued:

"Vilmorin believes that St. Auban is helping him in this, whereas St.
Auban is but fooling him with ambiguous speeches until they have the
lady safe. Then might will assert itself, and St. Auban need but show
his fangs to drive the sneaking coward away from the prize he fondly
dreams is to be his."

"When do these gentlemen propose to carry out their plan? Have they
determined that?" I inquired breathlessly.

"Aye, they have. They hope to accomplish it this very day. Mademoiselle
de Canaples has received a letter wherein she is asked to meet her
anonymous writer in the coppice yonder, at the Angelus this evening, if
she would learn news of great importance to her touching a conspiracy
against her father."

"Faugh!" I sneered. "'T is too poor a bait to lure her with."

"Say you so? Believe me that unless she be dissuaded she will comply
with the invitation, so cunningly was the letter couched. A closed
carriage will be waiting at this very spot. Into this St. Auban,
Vilmorin, and their bravos will thrust the girl, then away through Blois
and beyond it, for a mile or so, in the direction of Meung, thereby
misleading any chance pursuers. There they will quit the coach and take
a boat that is to be in waiting for them and which will bear them