"It was difficult," said the duke; "I never understood the adoption of such a plan. I am glad to find it modified."
"Monseigneur, it would be possible to seduce guards, to escape from a prison or a fortress, to return to France, retake a lost power, and punish those who had executed this abduction. Philip V. and Alberoni have nothing to fear; his excellency the Duc d'Olivares regains the frontier in safety; and, while half the conspirators escape, the other half pay for all."——"However—"
"Monseigneur, we have the example of the last conspiracy before our eyes, and you yourself named those who are in the Bastille."
"What you say is most logical," replied the duke.
"While, on the contrary, in getting rid of the regent—" continued the chevalier.
"Yes; you prevent his return. It is possible to return from a prison, but not from a tomb—that is what you would say?"
"Yes, monseigneur," replied Gaston, with a somewhat tremulous voice.
"Now I understand your mission. You come to Paris to make away with the regent?"
"Yes, monseigneur."
"Explain yourself."