“By his counsels?”
“By his letters. Would you like to see them?”
“Oh! if I could believe that!”
“You shall see.”
And the duke, opening a little cabinet, and taking out a letter, said, “Since you doubt your prince’s words, read.”
Bussy took it and read,—
“MONSEIGNEUR,
“Be quite easy; the coup-de-main can be executed without risk, for the young person sets off this evening to pass a week with an aunt who lives at the château of Lude. I charge myself with it, and you need take no trouble as for the scruples of the young lady, be sure that they will vanish in the presence of your highness: meanwhile I act; and this evening she will be at the château of Beaugé.
“Your highness’s respectful servant,