"Another plot, De Lalande?" cried a laughing voice at my elbow, and, turning my head, I perceived Armand d'Arçy, who had just come up.
"Only an attempt to get Madame Coutance and her niece out of the city. I am afraid there will be mischief in a day or two."
"Sooner than that, my friend! The pikes are being sharpened and the canaille will be all armed by nightfall. I suppose you have heard the news of Condé?"
"That he has shown his true colours? Yes! it is the best thing that could have happened. Of course you are for the Crown and against Condé?"
"I am for the Duke of Orleans," said he.
"What, against the King?"
"Against the world, if it comes to that! I chose him as my patron and must stand by him, though I hope he will not assist Condé."
"If he does you will be a rebel."
"All right," cried he, with his merry laugh, "there will be small novelty in that. Ah! here comes Beauchamp, looking as solemn as an owl. Can you not manage to screw out a smile, Raoul? A glimpse of yourself in a glass just now would frighten you to death. Look a bit lively, there is plenty of time for being miserable."
"Brulé has arrived with his report," said Raoul, "and things are even worse than we expected; the barricades will be up to-night. Here, Albert, take care of this," and he gave me an order signed by the Duke: "Allow bearer and two friends to pass the gate of St. Denis without question or delay."