I bowed.
“Perhaps monsieur could suggest some subject upon which correspondence would be necessary, and which would yet not have the air of a conspiracy,” I continued.
“I have it!” cried Mlle. de Launay. “Let us prepare a lot of petitions, papers, and memorials praying the King of Spain to intercede with the regent to annul the decree which shuts the Duke du Maine from the throne. This would be a subject requiring no little correspondence, and at the same time would be nothing concerning which the regent could take action.”
“Excellent,” I said; “but these papers must be prepared at once, mademoiselle.”
“The duchess already has a thousand such,” and the girl smiled. “She has been preparing them for many months. It will be necessary only to tie them together. But how shall we get them into Hérault’s hands?”
“I will deliver them,” I said. “Nobody knows me in Paris.”
“Good. That is arranged, then,” said Cellamare. “Now as to these papers which you have just given me, mademoiselle. Let us see what they contain.”
At that moment there was a blinding flash of lightning, and the rain, which had been long delayed, came down in torrents. The room grew very dark, and Cellamare arose and lighted two candles which stood on the table.
“These papers, M. le Prince,” said Mlle. de Launay, as he sat down again, “contain a detailed account of the aid we may expect in France. Let me have them a moment.”
Cellamare shot a questioning glance in my direction, which the girl intercepted.