The regent, as usual, passed the evening with Helene. He had not missed for four or five days, and the hours he passed with her were his happy hours, but this time he found her very much shaken by her visit to her lover in the Bastille.
"Come," said the regent, "take courage, Helene; to-morrow you shall be his wife."
"To-morrow is distant," replied she.
"Helene, believe in my word, which has never failed you. I tell you that to-morrow shall dawn happily for you and for him."
Helene sighed deeply.
A servant entered and spoke to the regent.
"What is it?" asked Helene, who was alarmed at the slightest thing.
"Nothing, my child," said the duke; "it is only my secretary, who wishes to see me on some pressing business."
"Shall I leave you?"
"Yes; do me that favor for an instant."