The next morning early, all was prepared for the departure of De Blenau, on his return to Moulins, when his farther progress in that direction was arrested by the arrival of Henry de La Mothe, his page, accompanied by one of the King's couriers, who immediately presented to the Count two packets, of which he had been the bearer from St. Germain's. The first of these seemed, from the superscription, to be a common official document; but the second attracted all his attention, and made his heart beat high by presenting to him the genuine hand-writing of Pauline de Beaumont. Without meaning any offence to Royalty, whose insignia were impressed upon the seal of the other packet, De Blenau eagerly cut the silk which fastened the billet from Pauline. It contained only a few lines, but these were quite sufficient to give renewed happiness to the heart of him who read it. She had just heard, she said, that the King's messenger was about to set out, and though they hardly gave her time to fold her paper, yet she would not let any one be before her in congratulating him on his freedom to direct his course wheresoever he pleased. She could not divine, she continued, whether his choice would lead him to St. Germain's, but if it did, perhaps he might be treated to the history of an errant Demoiselle, who had suffered various adventures in endeavouring to liberate her true Knight from prison.
De Blenau read it over again, and then turned to the other paper, which merely notified that the King, contented with his loyal and peaceable behaviour while _relegué_ in Bourbon, had been graciously pleased to relieve him from the restrictions under which he had been placed for his own benefit and the State's security; and informed him, in short, that he had leave, liberty, and licence, to turn his steps whithersoever he listed.
"To St. Germain's!" cried De Blenau gaily. "To St. Germain's! You, Henry de La Mothe, stay here with François and Clement. Take good care of Monsieur l'Ordinaire, and see that he be rewarded."--The messenger made him a reverence.--"After you have reposed yourself here for a day," continued the Count, "return to Moulins; pay _notre Propriétaire_, and all that may be there due. There is the key of the _coffre fort_. Use all speed that you well may, and then join me at home. And now for St. Germain's."