"Well, if the plan was good then, it is so still," said Valef; "let us return to it!"
"Yes, but in failing," said Malezieux, "this plan put the regent on his guard."
"On the contrary," said Pompadour; "in consequence of that very failure, it will be supposed that we have abandoned it."
"And the proof is," said Valef, "that the regent, on this head, takes fewer precautions than ever. For example—since his daughter, Mademoiselle de Chartres, has become abbess of Chelles, he goes to see her every week, and he goes through the wood of Vincennes without guards, and with only a coachman and two lackeys, and that at eight or nine o'clock at night."
"And what day does he pay this visit?" asked Brigaud.
"Wednesday."
"That is to-morrow," said the duchess.
"Brigaud," said Valef, "have you still the passport for Spain?"
"Yes."
"And the same facilities for the route?"