Claire realized all the advantage that a man as deeply in love as Canolles was might take upon the strength of such instructions, but she also realized how great a service she would render the princess by prolonging the deception of the court.
"Write, then," she said, resignedly.
Canolles questioned her with his eyes, and in the same way she indicated a secretary, which contained all the essentials for writing. Canolles opened it, took therefrom pen, ink, and paper, placed them upon a table, moved the table as near as possible to the bed, asked permission to be seated, as if Claire were still in his eyes Madame la Princesse, and wrote the following despatch to Monsieur de Mazarin:—
"MONSEIGNEUR,—I arrived at the château of Chantilly at
nine o'clock in the evening; you will see that I travelled with
all diligence, as I had the honor to take leave of your Eminence
at half-past six.
"I found the two princesses in bed,—the princess dowager
quite seriously ill, Madame la Princesse tired out after hunting
all day.
"According to your Eminence's instructions I waited upon
their Highnesses, who immediately dismissed all their guests,
and I am at this moment keeping watch upon Madame la
Princesse and her son."
"And her son," Canolles repeated, turning to the viscountess. "The devil! that sounds like a lie, and yet I would prefer not to lie."
"Have no fear," rejoined Claire, laughing; "if you haven't seen my son yet, you shall see him very soon."
"And her son," resumed Canolles, echoing her laugh.
"I have the honor of writing this letter to your Eminence
in Madame la Princesse's bedroom, sitting by her bedside."
He signed his name, and, having respectfully asked Claire's permission, pulled a bell-cord. A valet de chambre answered the bell.