"I think this is a question for grave consideration, gentlemen," said the duke. "I will think it over, and endeavor to find the means of overcoming the difficulty; your interests, before our own, has ever been our maxim."
The deputies gave a murmur of approbation.
"Now, gentlemen, permit a man who has traveled twenty-four leagues on horseback in forty-eight hours to seek a little sleep."
"We humbly take our leave, monseigneur," said Brigard; "what day shall you fix for our next meeting?"
"As soon as possible, gentlemen; to-morrow, or the day after. Au revoir."
No sooner had he disappeared than a door opened, and a woman rushed in.
"The duchesse!" they cried.
"Yes, gentlemen; who comes to save you from your embarrassments. What the Hebrews could not do, Judith did; hope, then, gentlemen, for I also have my plan;" and she disappeared through the same door as her brother.
"Tudieu!" cried Bussy Leclerc; "I believe that is the man of the family."
"Oh!" murmured Nicholas Poulain, "I wish I were out of all this."