BARBESIEUR LOUVOIS.
Thundering down the street came a troop of horsemen who halted directly in front of the palace-gates.
"Louvois' spies have been reporting the failure of his son's warlike expedition," remarked Olympia, "and the guards whom WE had vainly called to our help, have come in hot haste to protect our assailants."
By this time the officer in command was at the gates making vain efforts to open them.
"What does this signify?" asked he. "And what is this multitude about in the court of the Hotel de Soissons?"
"Look at the palace-windows and the palace-doors, and you will read your answer there," replied Eugene. "I closed the gates against a furious and misguided mob; but we have come to terms, and I am about to liberate them. I crave your indulgence for these poor fellows: they have been deceived, and knew not what they did, and I hope that you will make good the forgiveness I have extended to their fault, by allowing them to go hence without molestation."
"If so," replied the officer, "I shall be happy to confirm you highness's clemency by carrying out your order for their release."
"Is it possible," asked the countess of her son, "that you are in earnest? You intend to suffer those wretches to go away unharmed! Because I asked your forbearance for one man, shall this vile horde be snatched from the hands of justice!"
"Do you suppose that justice has any intention of overtaking them?" asked Eugene, with a significant smile. "Believe me, dear mother, I do but anticipate the object for which the guards were sent, and spare myself and you the humiliation of publishing to the world that neither law nor justice takes cognizance of the wrongs of the Countess de Soissons. These men have come hither to succor our enemies, not us."
"Ah, my son, I begin to appreciate you. You have inherited the sagacity of your great uncle," returned Olympia.