“I fancied that happened sometimes.”

“Yes, but very rarely.”

While Remy went up, Aurilly proceeded to the stables without feeling any doubt as to the result.

“Well!” said Diana, on seeing Remy.

“Well, madame, the duke has seen you.”

“And—­”

“And he says he loves you.”

“Loves me! but you are mad, Remy.”

“No; I tell you that he—­that man—­that wretch, Aurilly, told me so.”

“But, then, he recognized me?”

“If he had, do you think that Aurilly would have dared to present himself and talk to you of love in the prince’s name?  No, he did not recognize you.”

“Yes, you must be right, Remy.  So many things have passed during six years through that infernal brain, that he has forgotten me.  Let us follow this man.”

“But this man will recognize you.”

“Why should his memory be better than his master’s?”

“Oh! it is his business to remember, while it is the duke’s to forget.  How could he live if he did not forget?  But Aurilly will not have forgotten; he will recognize you, and will denounce you as an avenging shade.”

“Remy, I thought I told you I had a mask, and that you told me you had a knife.”

“It is true, madame; and I begin to think that God is assisting us to punish the wicked.”  Then, calling Aurilly from the top of the staircase, “Monsieur,” said he.

“Well!” replied Aurilly.

“My mistress thanks M. du Bouchage for having provided thus for her safety, and accepts with gratitude your obliging offer.”

“It is well,” said Aurilly, “the horses are ready.”

“Come, madame, come,” said Remy, offering his arm to Diana.

Aurilly waited at the bottom of the staircase, lantern in hand, all anxiety to see the lady.

“Diable!” murmured he, “she has a mask.  But between this and Chateau-Thierry the silk cords will be worn out or cut.”

CHAPTER LXXVI.

The journey.

They set off.  Aurilly affected the most perfect equality with Remy, and showed to Diana the greatest respect.  But this respect was very interested.  Indeed, to hold the stirrup of a woman when she mounts or dismounts, to watch each of her movements with solicitude, to let slip no occasion of picking up her glove, is the role either of a lover, a servant, or a spy.  In touching Diana’s glove Aurilly saw her hand, in clasping her cloak he peeped under her mask, and always did his utmost to see that face which the duke had not been able to recognize, but which he doubted not he should be able to.  But Aurilly had to deal with one as skillful as himself; Remy claimed to perform his ordinary services to Diana, and seemed jealous of Aurilly, while Diana herself, without appearing to have any suspicions, begged Aurilly not to interfere with the services which her old attendant