And Dubois went out before the regent had time to withdraw his consent.
Five minutes after, a courier entered the antechamber, and gave a letter to a page, who brought it to the regent.
"Madame Desroches," said he, looking at the writing, and, breaking the seal, read as follows:
"Monseigneur—The young lady you left in my charge does not appear to be in safety here."
"Bah," exclaimed the regent, and then read on—
"The residence in the town, which your highness feared for her, would be a hundred times better than isolation; and I do not feel strong enough to defend her as I would wish, and as I ought."
"Ouais," said the regent, "it seems something is the matter."
"A young man, who had written to Mademoiselle Helene shortly before your arrival yesterday, presented himself this morning at the pavilion; I wished to refuse him admittance, but mademoiselle so peremptorily ordered me to admit him, and to retire, that in her look and tone I recognized the blood which commands."
"Yes, yes," said the regent, "she is, indeed, my daughter; but who can this young man be? Some coxcomb she must have seen in the convent parlor." Then he read on:
"I believe, monseigneur, that this young man and mademoiselle have met before. I did not think it wrong to listen, for your highness's service, and in spite of the double door I once heard him say, 'To see you as formerly.' Will your royal highness secure me against this danger, and send me a written order which I can use to shelter myself from the anger of mademoiselle."