"I never had the slightest intention of stirring it," replied De Blenau; "and therefore rest satisfied on that score. But at the same time I must tell you that the whole affair came to the King's ears through me, and not through the Woodman, I believe. I observed your servant, as well as he did, and did not fail to write of it to several of my friends, as well as speak of it openly on more than one occasion; and this, depend upon it, has been the means by which it reached the ears of the King, and not by poor Philip."
"Then I have done him wrong," said Chavigni, "and must make him some amends.--Let me see.--Oh, he shall be Sub-lieutenant of the forest; it will just suit him. And now, Monsieur de Blenau, as a friend, let me give you one piece of advice. This country is in a troubled and uncertain state, and there will be, doubtless, many plots and cabals going on. Retire, as you are commanded, into Bourbon; and if any one attempt to lead you into any conspiracy, so far from acceding, do not even listen to them; for the Cardinal owes you something for what has happened to-day, and he is not one to forget such debts. The eye of an angry man is upon you!--so be as guarded as if you trod amongst vipers. The time will come when you will say that Chavigni has advised you well."
"And it is certainly advice which I shall follow, both from reason and inclination. But let me ask--am I to consider the King's prohibition strict in regard to communicating with any one at the Court?"
Chavigni thought for a moment, and De Blenau imagined that he was considering the circumstances under which Louis's command had been given; but it was not so. The mind of the Statesman rapidly reverted to Pauline de Beaumont, all his precautions with regard to whom turned out to be nugatory; and he now calculated the consequences which were likely to ensue under the present state of affairs. He had no fear, indeed, in regard to the responsibility he had taken upon himself; for it would be easy to prove, in case of investigation, that Pauline had attempted in disguise to communicate privately with a State prisoner in the Bastille, which would completely justify the measures he had pursued; but he wished on all accounts to let a matter drop and be forgotten which had already produced such disagreeable events, and he therefore determined boldly to inform Madame de Beaumont of what had been done, and the motives for doing it; and then--certain that for her own sake she would keep silence on the subject--to restore her daughter with all speed.