“Show me that paper!” cried Lady Dorothea, impatiently. But, without obeying the command, Kate said,—“Your Ladyship will not be able to leave Paris for at least forty hours. By that time the Monarchy will have run its course in France. You will probably desire, however, to escape from the scenes of turbulence sure to ensue. This will secure you a free passage, whichever road you take.”
“What raving is all this?” said Lady Dorothea, snatching the paper from her hand, and then reading aloud in French,— “'The authorities are required to aid and tender all assistance in their power to Lady Dorothea Martin and all who accompany her, neither giving nor suffering any opposition to be given to her or them in the prosecution of their journey.'
(Signed) “Jules Lagrange,
“'Minister of Police ad interim'
“And this in your own hand, too!” exclaimed Lady Dorothea, contemptuously.
“Yes, madam; but it will entitle it to the seal of the Prefecture, and entitle you to all that it professes.”
“So that I have the honor to shelter within my walls a chief of this insurrection,—if it be worthy of such a name; one in the confidence of this stupid canaille, who fancy that the fall of a Monarchy is like a row in a guinguette!”
“Your Ladyship is no longer in a position to question me or arraign my actions. Before two days are over, the pageant of a king will have passed off the stage, and men of a different stamp take the direction of affairs. One of these will be he whose name I have affixed to that paper,—not without due warranty to do so. Your Ladyship may or may not choose to avail yourself of it.”
“I spurn the imposition,” said Lady Dorothea, tearing it in fragments. “So poor a cheat could not deceive me. As for yourself—”
“Oh, do not bestow a thought upon me, my Lady. I can suffice for my own guidance. I only wait for morning to leave this house.”