"Well, monseigneur, you may see her; but not through the door."
"So be it; then I will see her through the window."
"Ah! that is a good idea, and I will go and look for a ladder for you."
Aurilly glided into the courtyard, and under a shed found what he wanted. He maneuvered it among horses and men so skillfully as to wake no one, and placed it in the street against the outer wall. It was necessary to be a prince, and sovereignly disdainful of vulgar scruples, to dare, in the presence of the sentinel, who walked up and down before the door, to accomplish an action so audaciously insulting to Du Bouchage. Aurilly felt this, and pointed out the sentinel, who, now observing, called out, "Qui vive!"
Francois shrugged his shoulders and walked up to him.
"My friend," said he, "this place is the most elevated spot in the village, is it not?"
"Yes, monseigneur," said the man, recognizing him, "and were it not for those lime trees, we could see over a great part of the country."
"I thought so; and therefore I have brought a ladder," said the duke. "Go up, Aurilly, or rather, let me go up; I will see for myself."
"Where shall I place it?" said the hypocritical follower.
"Oh, anywhere; against that wall, for instance."