The House of de Mailly

by Margaret Horton Potter

"Naturally."

"What shall you do? Resign your post now?"

Richelieu was silent, and his face looked drawn. This sensation of helplessness was very new to him. He seemed to hesitate. Then, after a few moments he said, slowly: "No, I shall wait. One thing—will you do me a favor?"

"What is that? There are few enough in my power now."

"To-morrow evening, when you return from Paris, show me the list."

"Monsieur, I cannot seek you. If we should meet—by chance—"

Richelieu bowed. "Certainly. It is all I ask. If we should meet by chance."

"In that case, I will do so. At any rate, I will—tell you."

"My thanks are yours."

Both bowed. Thereupon d'Argenson would have turned away, but Richelieu suddenly held out his right hand. "It is no ordinary affair," he said.