Berengere, daughter of King E-Book

Delly

• Herausgeber: Books on Demand
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Seitenzahl: 297

Beschreibung

"Aren't you going to tell me I'm the daughter of a king, Wennael? "The proud Duke of Rochelyse with his wild sloes smiles without answering the sweet Berengère, his fiancée. Bérengère, a foundling child, attracted the implacable hatred of Catherine de Médicis, Queen of France. For what reason? The girl ignores it. The Duke, on the other hand, knows the secret of Berengère's birth. When she's his wife, he'll know how to protect her. He decided to marry her without delay in his castle of Ménez-Run. She accepts, madly in love.... Unfortunately, one day, when Bérengère accidentally entered the castle's underground, she surprised her beloved husband, who was busy with a sinister and cruel task. A vigilante's work, no doubt. But will Bérengère be able to forget this unknown and terrible Wennael, glimpsed in the dark depths of Ménez-Run?

Leseprobe

Berengere, daughter of King

Pages de titrenovel1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526Copyright

Delly

Berengere, daughter of King

novel

Delly is the name of spouse feather of a brother and a sister, Jeanne-Marie Littlejohn of La Rosiere, born in Avignon in 1875, and Frédéric Petitjean of La Rosiere, born in Vannes in 1876, authors of romance novels popular.

Delly's novels, no known current players and ignored by the academic world, were extremely popular between 1910 and 1950, and were among the most successful in the global publishing at the time.

1

Gaspard in his concern and exasperated desire to know, had dared to drag up the room before Mr. de Rochelyse firm. There, he had slightly separated the door just when Wennaël kissed the beautiful eyes looking at him with so much love. But the dog's movement, its roar, had fled Sorignan, which fortunately were not dampened by the thickness of the carpet ... and he had returned to the guard room, he was slumped in a seat of shivering anger and despair. At that moment, he realized, he had confessed that really well, he liked Berengere and that it was not only a compassionate interest in the child without family, without experience, which was churning of his heart such an outrage against M. Rochelyse.

"This poor little Berengere! ... This poor little Berengere! he thought with a shudder. There she lost! This man in his toy ... and then reject it and it will be with a broken life, a broken heart ... As she looked! Poor child, as she likes! "

Gaspard and sank her nails into her palms reviewing in thought enlightened eyes of ardent tenderness ... and those lips ... these odious lips based on the delicate white eyelids, while beautiful young woman trembled with happiness between the closed arms lovingly about her.

Ah! he should jump on this man ... all brave, risking everything to take away Berengere! ... And yet he felt that he would not have had the upper hand. Already, he knew, for his companions, the Duke joined a prodigious most extraordinary strength to address the sword. In an instant, the rebel guard would mate, disarmed ... or, more certainly, never reduced to impotence by a good blade passed through his body. From this, what would have resulted from good to Berengere? ... Nothing, absolutely nothing. While in patiently, in hiding his pain and anger it would be if, one day, she was in distress, in despair ... it would be there to protect, to help, s 'were needed.

So Gaspard he pondered these painful thoughts at the time had seemed to the Duke and Berengere ... And to see them there, both had given him such a shock that he could not conceal his painful emotion.

Yes, after what he had seen earlier was too much for him to see around this beautiful Duke to fawn soul candid child he was his prey, this delicious Berengere face still pink with emotion, as he had a few moments earlier under the lips of Mr. Rochelyse.

And, as if the Duke had guessed the state of mind of his guard - indeed Gaspard feared that it was so loud! - that he had done this master gesture of possession, taking the hand of Berengere and put it under his arm, with the haughty air of ease that was back into nothingness mortals humble, not to mention most important characters.

" Oh ! I know I can not fight with you! Gaspard thought, clenching his fists. I am only a poor devil, me ... and, furthermore, I am at your discretion. Berengere love you, poor thing ... it's all natural. She dazzled, fascinated ... she does not see the abyss into which you are training taking advantage of his inexperience. But comes the awakening, what pain, what despair, poor unfortunate child! "

These thoughts occupied all night brain Gaspard. When, at times, he fell into a sort of drowsiness, it was to see in dreams Berengere in M. Rochelyse arm, or the girl standing on the threshold of the guard room, all pink in his sails light, with admirable shiny pearls with a soft glow on the white quivering neck. incomparable vision, the memory made her shiver Gaspard, and agitated with a mad rage, when he thought that such grace, ideal beauty, lovely charm, were for the capricious distraction of a Duke of Rochelyse .

In the morning, broken, brain on fire, Gaspard got up with the intention of making a long run, to break her overexcited nerves.

He was not on duty that day. Also he could wander at ease in the countryside around Paris. He breakfasted at an inn, and then, without haste, returned to the city.

As he reached Rue Saint-Antoine, a litter passed him, passed him a little, then was arrested by order of the person who was there. A long white hand parted the curtains, then a woman's head appeared, blond head wearing a blue velvet hood, face with fine features made-up according to the rules and in which shone eyes of a bluish gray.

- Gaspard!

In this appeal, the young man, who walked leaning forehead, stood and gave a surprise move of recognizing Miss Erbannes ...

He greeted a stuffy air and walked without haste to answer the call of the white hand.

- Gaspard, listen ... Closer ... You're angry against me?

Coldly, he replied:

- I'm not anymore ; I have forgotten you.

The painted lips tightened for a few seconds; in the blue eyes had a rotten glow, instantly, was replaced by an expression of despair.

- Oh ! I thought you had to hate me so much! ... And yet it's not my fault! If you knew! ... Oh! Gaspard, I must explain. I can not let you stand in contempt for that which was undeserved your bride ... who still considers himself such!

The look, the voice, had a pathetic sweetness. It was always this Françoise Gaspard had loved and could not yet, what he claimed, chasing his heart completely ... Francoise this clever like a mermaid who possessed innate knowledge to seduce men. Also had it stiffen somewhat, to meet with disdain mingled coolness:

- I assumed you had forgotten this project, among distractions, pleasures ... and receiving the homage of the highest personages than me.

The physiognomy of Françoise let see the most painful surprise.

- What? What do you say? ... Oh! Gaspard, I guess that I was criticized from you! So we must, more than ever, as I explained, as I exonerated! ... Do you tonight at nine o'clock on the porch of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois. I'll come find you ... and I will prove to you that your fiancee is innocent, she still Françoise you loved ... Say, you promise to come?

She looked at him with that air of affectionate prayer that was overwhelming him, which was still as graceful movement of her blonde head and the tender sweetness of his voice. He replied in a tone deaf:

- Yes, I promise!

She thanked him with a smile, a wave of the hand. Then the curtains were closed and the litter began to walk.

On returning to the hotel Rochelyse Gaspard wondered if he had not dreamed that brief appearance, this short dialogue ... one time he called himself a fool for having accepted this appointment. Then he thought of Miss Erbannes had the right to explain. He was obliged to believe him, it was something else ... But finally it was that had exaggerated about it. The gossips were not lacking at the court as elsewhere, to smear the reputation of a young person. Because she had turned her back on a poor fiancé and no future, it does not follow that she had forgotten her homework, her dignity as a woman, as he had heard.

By nature, Gaspard was indulgent, little inclined to mistrust, and his youth soul, his natural righteousness, a certain naivety that age and experience had not yet come correct, made him little able to discern the trick and escape the traps set. Moreover, his love for Françoise was not completely dead and his meeting with the girl had slightly rekindled the spark in his heart, but not make him forget that little Berengere which he could not think without a shudder of pain and bitter regret, without a movement of almost hateful outrage at Mr de Rochelyse.

Nine o'clock struck the steeple of Saint-Germain when he entered the porch. Almost immediately appeared a woman who took him by the arm, saying:

- Come !

- Where are you taking me?

- At the home of a friend ... close. We'll be good to chat.

He followed her into the very dark night, made icy by a half-melted snow that fell last hour.

Behind Saint-Germain, Miss Erbannes stopped in front of an indistinct dwelling in darkness and requited twice the hammer ... The leaf was opened by an old woman with flashing eyes, holding a torch in hand. Gaspard lives while his companion's face was covered with a mask. She gave a nod to the woman and, passing through a narrow corridor, opened a door and entered, followed by Gaspard, in a small room hung with tapestries, furnished with oak, lit by a silver candelabra filled waxes . A bright fire was burning in the fireplace. On the table were placed two silver bowls filled with fragrant mulled wine spices, whose aroma spread through the room.

- That will be welcome! said Francoise. I'm quite numb ... And you, my friend?

She removed her mask and turned to the young man smiling face where he saw no trace of makeup or paint. It was Francoise he had brought to Britain with his tender look and bewitching smile.

- Me too, he confessed. I wish you to be out in this weather.

She shrugged, while removing his coat, Gaspard eagerly take to deposit on a seat.

- Oh ! whatever! I look forward to this explanation and I'm fairly free as you think. But the queen is very good for me. I decided to explain the situation and allowed me to give you this appointment.

While talking, Frances approached the fireplace and stretched his hands toward the flame. She wore a green velvet dress that remarkably dressed her beautiful lithe. A lace collar framed neck trimmed with a narrow gold necklace that came from his mother. The dark velvet hood could be seen gathered blond hair in curls above his ears ... Gaspard, with a shudder, she thought she had never seemed so perfectly beautiful.

- Drink this excellent wine, my friend and give me another bowl, said Miss Erbannes of a voice whose sweetness caressed the ears of the young man recalling his fiancee who assured him of his unalterable affection .

He hastened to obey. Standing near the home, both drank slowly. Françoise's eyes hardly left those of Gaspard and they were so sweet, so fascinating, that the poor boy was already dimmed, even before the wine, highly alcoholic, had its effect.

Empty bowls rested on the table, Francoise sat in a chair near the fireplace, and invited Mr. de Sorignan to sit beside her on a stool. Then she began a skillful advocate for it, which indicated that she was victim of a plot mounted against her, the Duchesse de Montpensier, and she had always ignored the visits of her fiancé. As for the letters, they had never delivered to him ... And now she understood that his, in which she begged Gaspard told him if he heard the desert, had also been diverted from their destination.

- Yes, my friend, having long struggled against doubt, I finally thought you abandon me ... And during that time, you had against me the most atrocious thoughts! Ah! the abominable thing!

His voice seemed to sink under the excess of emotion. His hands grabbed one of those Gaspard and convulsively pressed.

It did not so much to upset M. Sorignan, especially vapors mulled wine help. He put his lips to the beautiful scented hands, stammering:

- My Francoise, forgive me! But I was so unhappy! so desperate!

- Me too, I confess! In all my future plans, I put you in half. So I intended to help you gain a position at the court ... And it will be easy now, since I am in the good graces of the queen mother. So we can get married soon, my beloved Gaspard. Leave the service of the Duke of Rochelyse ...

Gaspard gave a start becoming very pale.

- Leave the service ... But it's impossible!

- Why is that ?

Sweat beaded on his forehead young man.

- I am committed to the age of thirty. Only then I will have the right to leave to get married.

Francoise sat up in a tragic amazement movement.

- What do you say ... You have made this commitment, my fiance?

- But I thought ... I counted more ... and I was so distraught!

- It's awful ... awful ...!

And Françoise, tearing his hands between those of Gaspard, covered herself face.

- My love, forgiveness ... Yes, I am guilty ... Yes, I would not have believed ...

Hands trembling young man trying to spread the fingers of Miss Erbannes.

- You had no right! said a voice broken by sobs. You were before, you tell me ...

- Yes, I am a wretch! Oh ! Frances, how to get your pardon?

He fell to his knees, raising the girl a look of desperate supplication.

Miss of Erbannes, dropping his hands and showed a face full of sweetness and sadness, which completely upset the sensitive heart of Gaspard.

- I do not want you, my friend ... I love you too much for that. Rise and together seek ways to remedy this situation.

Again, Gaspard sat down beside her. In a graceful movement, she tilted her head toward him and whispered,

- I will not give up and my happiness!

And the blond head leaned on the shoulder of Sorignan who kissed the face he had promised never to try to see.

- Gaspard, you will get to Mr. Rochelyse breaking that commitment.

- I am afraid that is impossible. The Duke made great financial benefits to his guards, but in return he is very strict about the implementation of the commitments that we take on entering his house.

- However, I hope this is only a legend, this death penalty which we would be threatened if we would let go to some indiscretion?

- No, it's very accurate.

- Could it be ... Oh! I can not believe that the Duke would perform this threat!

- He did, however ... And it is a formidable man, I assure you, Frances!

- Actually ? I had heard much, but it tells so much more or less truthful However, I would hope it will not be inexorable for our wedding. The queen mother, certainly, agree to speak to him in our favor ... Yes, I trust, my friend! Soon, I will be your wife.

- Oh ! my beloved, may you tell the truth! I was so unhappy! When you met me, I was returning from a long walk in the countryside, made to appease my brain tired by a sleepless night ...

Intoxicated by both the wine and the siren he clutched in his arms, the unfortunate Gaspard forget the reason for the restless night. Alone in his confusion in mind, arose the memory of what he had suffered in the belief forgot to Francoise.

- Why bad night, friend? Do you have trouble M. de Rochelyse?

- Troubles ? Yes ... Oh! not for me personally ...

- For whom?

- It's the little Berengere ... Remember?

- Certainly ! A poor and charming child that I liked ... Is she still at M. de Rochelyse?

- I think so !

Gaspard looked up and his eyes inflamed with anger.

- ... She became adorably pretty, Françoise! And this man is the victim of his whims! ... A delightful child! ... A perfect! ... What to do not I give to save her! Oh ! if you could help me, you so good and so clever!

Francoise, in his half-closed eyelashes attached an unusual look at the face of her fiancé, upset by violent emotion. A wicked smile slipped between her lips as she answered, in a tone of emotion:

- Ah! My friend, believe that I am fully prepared. But it would give me some details, so I can see how it would be possible to help him.

He obligingly answered all the questions he Françoise pleased to send it to the Duke, Mrs. Trégunc, Berengere. But Miss of Erbannes said that this information was too weak and he had to Gaspard arrangeât to obtain others. She clarified which, what the young man objected that it would be difficult, in a strictly organized inside, disciplined, such as that of Mr Rochelyse.

- However, my Gaspard, we must manage to save this unfortunate little Berengere! Ah! I understand your grief! ... I share it! This child seemed so dear to Madame de Pelveden! ... And she really is very engaging!

- Yes, yes, I will do my best! You are deliciously good, Françoise! I knew it myself!

- Someone he tried to persuade you otherwise?

- Oh ! I think so ! Mr. Rochelyse wanted to give me your opinion the worst. I do not know what motive impelled him ...

A glimmer gushes blue eyes, a purplish hue covered the fresh face. For a few seconds, Francoise hesitated ... Finally, she said in a low voice that seemed to tremble deep emotion:

- What motive? Well ! I'll tell you ... It is a sign of confidence that I can only give my fiance ... he has also the duty to demand of me. But promise me first to say never say to anyone ... and not to get too angry?

- Angry against whom? Gaspard asked dully.

- Oh ! not against me! You will see that I do not deserve ... Promise me?

- Well yes.

So, Frances, reaching into her blouse, pulled out a ticket and handed it to Mr. de Sorignan.

- I got it yesterday ... read, my friend.

And she hid her face on the shoulder of her fiance. The note contained only a few lines, a firm male writing:

"Miss,

"I thought about you since prom Louvre and I wanted to see you again. If you can make you free tomorrow evening between six and seven hours, I have the pleasure to receive you in my house. I warn you, "your interest," to be very discreet about my invitation, particularly "in respect of the person you currently depend." A litter will be waiting near the Louvre. You only have to say to the servant who found beside her the single word "Sphinx".

"Rochelyse. "

Gaspard, who had begun to redden with anger from the first lines, was a violent jolt arriving for signature.

- What! him! ... him again! ... It is not enough for her poor little Berengere ... it must also seek to take my bride! Ah! I understand why he invited me so forget you! The wretch! ... The wretch! ...

Gaspard voice choked in his throat contracted with fury.

- My friend, calm down, please. You're going to hurt you! murmured Francoise.

At the same time, a quick hand, she removed the ticket of the clenched hands that were beginning to buckle.

- It's obnoxious ... obnoxious! I hope, however, Francoise, that this ball you did not say anything that might encourage ...?

- Oh ! Gaspard!

Never more eloquent look protest had testified in favor of virtue unjustly suspected.

- ... I danced with Mr. struts of Rochelyse that do not testify me anything other than a cold courtesy, also quite usual home. Certainly I had no idea it would ... this insolence! ... And I feel for him that fear ... that aversion ... You see, moreover, that I am here with you at the same time of appointment he dared to give me ...

- The miserable ! Gaspard repeated seizing the hand of Françoise and shaking with such force that the girl gave a little cry of pain. But I find a way to say what I think, to throw my anger in the face ...

Miss of Erbannes interrupted imperiously:

- No nonsense, Gaspard! Never forget that this man is very powerful and you would be broken on the hour trying to attack front. But there are other ways to take revenge, to punish and also to remove him Berengere ... Do you trust me for it and follow the advice I give you?

- My love, I have every confidence in you ... and forgive me, I beg you, my doubts, my suspicions criminal!

- I forgive you all! Françoise said magnanimously. But I beseech you, beware of leaving anything look of your feelings towards M. Rochelyse! Consider that it is in your life ... thinking that the fate of Berengere depends on your address, your discretion, and myself I may need you to defend me against this insolent lord, my silence, my disdain, likely very irritating!

- Do not worry, I'll be careful. Yes, yes, I know I'm too little character to fight openly. So I will take advice from your wise intelligence, my Frances, and I care not to arouse suspicion that I made the great mistake of accepting to master.

- We will try to deliver you, Gaspard ... But it's time I go ... Let's see, it will meet again soon ... I will send you a word, without signature, with the only indication of the day and the 'hour. You will know that we have to meet here.

She rose as he spoke. Gaspard imitated, but continuing to hold against him.

- How good you are to have forgiven me! Ah! this man who slandered you! who congratulated me for breaking up with you! The infamous!

With a graceful gesture, she put a hand on the lips of her fiance.

- Shut up, friend! Do not stir all this resentment! Beware farm for the secret struggle that you need support against such an opponent ... Let's go, come with me to St. Germain. There, you will let me return to the house of your terrible Duke.

With a gentle smile, she let him kiss her by Gaspard, who then wrapped his coat. The young man took his own, both left the house, the old woman behind the closed door studded with iron.

Near Saint-Germain Sorignan took leave of Miss Erbannes after he murmured

- My dear, I am yours for life!

And Francoise, with a light step, returned to the Louvre. All right, she walked to the queen mother's apartment and, having scraped a door, entered the withdrawal which was only Catherine.

- Come to that, my dear, and tell me what you have learned, said the Queen with an affable tone.

Françoise, removing his mask, knelt at the feet of the sovereign. While it flattered a caressing hand fresh face a little animated, Miss Erbannes told him of his interview with Gaspard, ignoring the incident had raised the ticket of Mr. Rochelyse, which he was not mentioned.

- This is little ! Catherine said, shaking his head. It will push this young man, my dear, for it harvests more information.

- That's what I'll do, ma'am. But now we have an excellent asset to hate Sorignan against Duke.

- Is this really hate?

- Certainly ! And here's why: I understood that my fiancé ...

She pressed ironically these words.

- ... is in love, too, of that famous Berengere, he seems to regard as a wonder.

The face of the queen had a slight wince.

- Ah! you think ? This, in effect, make him better disposed to second your designs.

- It would take little to Duke. I will encourage, of course, this idea ... Finally, I can assure your Majesty that today I managed to get enough against M. Rochelyse that he is ready to do I advise him, regardless of the risk to run.

- All right, darling! You are really clever and intelligent, and I welcome you have given my confidence. You will not have to repent for having me faithfully served, for I will make you a good future.

With an air of tender respect, Françoise kissed the hand affectionately patted his cheek.

- There is no need for this perspective that I am at your service, madam!

- Yes, yes ... but it will not displease you to make a brilliant marriage, my beautiful ... Something better than Sorignan so duped by you?

The mouth of Francoise had a fold of cruel contempt.

- I hate it, the girl said coldly, and I will never accept to marry him.

- Be quiet, you will not be bothered. When we no longer need him, I will arrange for it is not annoying.

Nothing moved on the face of Miss Erbannes these words which, however, his subtle intelligence should grasp the sinister subtext.

After a short silence, the Queen said, as if speaking to herself:

- Seeing that Mr de Rochelyse had distinguished you at the ball, I had some idea that you had made some impression on him.

Francoise took a modest air.

- You are worthy to be noticed, my child. But it would be unfortunate if Mr. de Rochelyse cherchât to take care of you, because I will not allow you not to receive his homage.

No disorder appeared on the face of Francoise. With a gentle smile, the girl replied:

- I certainly do not have the trouble to push them back, because they do not come looking for my humble person. But if it had to be, I would remember, Madame, that I promised fidelity, and I repel temptation.

- A terrible temptation, my Françoise crumb! said the queen, plunging his eyes into blue eyes, calm and inscrutable. Rochelyse is a formidable charmer, an all-powerful ruler which, it is claimed, none has so far resisted.

Francoise shuddered, muttering:

- I do not know if I could love one day ... but what I know is that it inspires me fear that I can not overcome. Also, Madam think I will not do anything to get his attention!

- Very well, my daughter. Keep that resolution then and see to properly monitor this handsome Duke of Mr Sorignan ... Now I give you back your freedom. Continue to serve me well and your fortune is made.

A moment later, Francoise, withdrawn in his room, went out again from her bosom the ticket she had surreptitiously handed, while Gaspard asked him his coat over his shoulders. She read it again, with a gleam of triumph in his eyes.

"Finally, I reach my dream! She mused, her face burning with a proud joy. And as well I did not say word of this to the queen! ... Pretending me to give up the love of the Duke of Rochelyse! In truth, you might as well ask me to tear out my heart! ... But I shall arrange to it ignores it and I will ask the duke to keep the secret for some time, until the queen has finished with this story that weaves around him. Besides, if he is as powerful as independent as they say, he will know how to protect myself against it. "

For a moment she remained pensive, eyes fixed on these lines which, in his exhilaration loving wife, prided itself also an unexpected favor, she did not think to notice the tone pretty jumper. In that moment she was pondering this sentence: "I warn you, in your interest, to be very discreet about my invitation, particularly with regard to the person you depend now ..." That person could only be the queen. He therefore doubted she would see a dim view of relations between him and his new bridesmaid?

They said he knew so much, that the Duke of Rochelyse! ... he guessed it!

Francoise shuddered, not simulated, as earlier in the presence of the queen, a little shiver of fear and exhilaration mixed. Yes, indeed, he inspired a sort of fear ... but precisely this and the mystery she sensed in him, around him, increasing to her passion. She felt it would be an imperious master, difficult to tame and, in advance, she submitted to this proud domination.

"Tomorrow, between six and seven o'clock," she murmured, folding the ticket.

Then a cruel smile came to his lips, while she thought:

"Yes, tomorrow, tomorrow ... Gaspard, because this post is today, not yesterday. Work well, my friend, to procure the information wishes the queen ... and, above all, get rid of the Duke promptly Berengere that foolish, I want to forget him. Ah! I will make my way now ... and I do not despair of becoming Duchess of Rochelyse! "

She sat up, eyes sparkling, flushed face. The ambition which she was possessed seething in his soul, the prospects interviews ... Then, too, his spirit of intrigue exulted before the underground task at hand, the combinations, the lies, all of which his soul is delighted deceitful and unscrupulous.

2

Shortly after six o'clock the next day, Francoise, hidden, wrapped in a long coat, knocked on the door of the hotel Rochelyse.

Éloguen, the butler, opened it and probably pledged prior instructions, led to the palace by the gallery that connected the two houses.

After crossing facilities which it had glimpsed the magical decoration of Miss Erbannes was introduced into M. Rochelyse firm. For a moment, dazzled by the lights, the sumptuousness of the room, Frances remained motionless, his heart jumping emotion ... Then, realizing she was alone, she took off her mask, took off his coat and made mechanically walking around it by throwing an amazed look.

She was in full dress: thick paperback blue silk white dress, slashed sleeves blue satin and lace cuffs, embroidered blue ribbons money in her blond hair carefully styled. The paint, abandoned the day before for the simple Gaspard, who was not yet the habits of the ladies of the court, had reasserted itself on that face whose freshness, however, was one of the charms.

The dogs, lying on the skins of beasts, had looked up at the entrance of Françoise and had recovered to doze. Could not hear other sound than the crumbling embers in the fireplace. The atmosphere was warm, saturated with the same subtle fragrance, a penetrating delicacy, had aspired to Miss Erbannes when she danced with the Duke of Rochelyse.

A strange feeling, where anguish seemed to mingle with the intoxication, oppressed Francoise. She took a few steps, by continuing to throw around her dazzled eyes ... And in this moment, a thin white hand lifted a door. M. Rochelyse appeared calm and haughty, dressed in dark velvet trimmed with fur, with, as only clear notes, precious lace ruff and a gold chain bearing the Sphinx emerald.

- I hope, miss, you do not find too difficult to get to my invitation?

He bowed courteously Francoise, who sent him the most graceful of his bows.

- No problem, sir ... Exactly, I was not on duty today to the queen.

The voice of Françoise trembled with emotion and under the eye, a warm flush rose to her face.

- Sit down, please. We have to talk very seriously.

Pointing to a seat at his visitor, the Duke took his place himself in a chair near his desk.

Françoise obeyed mechanically. From the first moment she was overwhelmed by the clear voice, imperative, by the look of cold domination that arose over it.

- You aspire to make you love me, miss for Erbannes?

She flinched at the question and asked point-blank, and stammered:

- Monsignor ... I ... I ...

- What would you be willing to do to prove to me that you are to me entirely devoted?

- Absolutely everything ! Put me to the test and you will see, my lord!

She clasped her trembling hands, by covering it with a burning gaze of passion.

- All ? I'll take you at your word ... The Queen Mother has chosen to confidante ... and an instrument of his vengeance. Well ! I want that now you noticing me everything she tells you, of all the missions it gives you. Better yet, I demand that you make me aware of all the events, even small in your eyes, that may occur in your life or around you. In a word, I have found in you what to me Giulia Calmeni: eyes, ears open for well collect everything that can interest me, a discreet mouth inviolate for all, and completely sincere to me . Thus, you will occupy in my life the place that held Giulia, mysteriously disappeared.

The look of Miss Erbannes undertook to amazement - nothing but amazement, for he stood in it no revolt before the betrayal of offers made to him. For a while, speech failed him. Then a gust of joy and pride rose to his brain. Giulia, she had so envied! ... Giulia who had the "honor," as Madame de Lorgils, retain attention so hard to draw! Ah! what difference it could demand in return! What mattered everything before achieving his dream!

M. Rochelyse while playing a careless hand with a small Hindu dagger on the table beside him, never took his eyes that agitated face of passion, joy, ambition. Hers remained impenetrable ... Françoise finally said, trying to steady his quivering voice:

- I would be too happy, my lord, to prove yourself as you please what complete devotion my heart is full for you! If you like, I'll tell you everything I know about the plot which, as you guessed, the queen wanted me to one of the instruments, mission I accepted although reluctantly and with the idea of ​​preventing you from danger.

- First of all, miss, you must be well informed of this: I demand full sincerity, even in the little things. So it is not true that you agreed reluctantly undertook the mission with which you are the queen, or that you had thought to make it known to me.

- But, sir ...

- No unnecessary denials, he said in the same tone cold and haughty ... I repeat, I need the complete sincerity ... Giulia knows what it costs to be missed once. A similar punishment awaits those of you who, having promised me loyalty, fall into the same error. And remember that I never forgive, to miss Erbannes.

Suddenly, a cold shiver ran through the being of Francoise. Before it was revealed that the master already talked to her as a slave, the master she had sensed in him, but much more formidable than she had imagined. In a sudden vision, she saw bent under a yoke of iron, stripped of his will, servant humble and submitted to a man who would take in an entire dependence, under the threat of punishment ... and mysterious yet, again, it does not rebelled. On the contrary, lowering his eyes dazzled dizzying sparkling eyes tawny eyes, she whispered, trembling with passion and focus, clasping her hands on her skirt:

- This sincerity, I promise you, my lord! Yes, I conceal from you, I promise you!

- In this case, speak, miss.

Francoise told how she was almost immediately taken from her maids of honor, the queen, after having testified much interest, had told him that for personal reasons, she sought to remove the Duke of Rochelyse some girl named Berengere, Miss of Erbannes knew since she was coming with him. It was therefore necessary that cherchât recover in connection with ex-fiance, entered the guards of M. Rochelyse and she tried to have him by the first information, and later help to evade the young person Duke ... After that, Françoise faithfully narrated his meeting with Gaspard - true to some extent, at least, because it failed to mention that she had shown him the ticket of Mr. Rochelyse, - the better to inspire his rage and jealousy. She managed, however, to highlight the Sorignan hate towards her master and feelings that inspired her Berengere. She said that, went to that appointment to obey the queen, and with little hope of finding Gaspard available to help her, she had been very surprised to see that he welcomed his suggestions so eagerly.

- I would not have thought it of him, if timid, scrupulous sometimes up to mischief ... In truth, my lord, what you did to him was the ingratitude! Miss added to Erbannes with a righteous indignation accent.

Wennaël had listened to the same impenetrable air this story which revealed her betrayal Sorignan. The last words of his interlocutor, a flash of contemptuous sneer crossed his eyes.

- It really suits you talk of ingratitude, miss! Here is a man who truly loved was you, who was so far a loyal gentleman and, not content to get him to betray his master, to forget the word, you betray it to turn into yet knowing your .. . indiscretion will be fatal for him ... As you know, is not it, how I punish mistakes, even less severe in young people who are part of my guards?

- I ... I heard ... but I do not believe ...

- If you believe it ... and you did not hesitate a minute. Finally, it looks at your conscience ... So it was yesterday that you met with him in the little house of Madame de Sauves?

And as Françoise let out a surprise move, he added ironically: