"Impossible!"
"Why so? If they find a false Duc d'Enghien here, they may well find a false Princesse de Condé!"
"Oh! splendid! Now I understand, good Lenet! dear Lenet! But who will represent me?" added the princess, anxiously.
"Have no fear on that score, madame," replied the imperturbable counsellor. "The Princesse de Condé whom I propose to make use of, and who I intend shall be kept in sight by Monsieur de Mazarin's spy, has just undressed in hot haste, and is getting into your bed at this moment."
Let us go back for a moment, and see what had taken place prior to Lenet's conversation with the princess.
While the guests were still sitting about the festive board, toasting the princes and cursing Mazarin, while Lenet was bargaining with Cauvignac in his cabinet for the possession of Monsieur d'Épernon's signature, and while Madame la Princesse was making her preparations for departure, a horseman made his appearance at the main gate of the château, followed by his servant, and rang the bell.
The concierge opened the gate, but behind the concierge the new-comer found the halberdier whom we already know.
"Whence come you?" he demanded.
"From Mantes," was the reply.