“All goes well.  It was prudent to keep these papers here till this moment, for one must always be on guard against the diabolical spirit of that Adrienne de Cardoville, who appears to guess instinctively what it is impossible she should know.  Fortunately, the time approaches when we shall have no more need to fear her.  Her fate will be a cruel one; it must be so.  Those proud, independent characters are at all times our natural enemies—­they are so by their very essence—­how much more when they show themselves peculiarly hurtful and dangerous!  As for La Sainte Colombe, the bailiff is sure to act for us; between what the fool calls his conscience, and the dread of being at his age deprived of a livelihood, he will not hesitate.  I wish to have him because he will serve us better than a stranger; his having been here twenty years will prevent all suspicion on the part of that dull and narrow-minded woman.  Once in the hands of our man at Roiville, I will answer for the result.  The course of all such gross and stupid women is traced beforehand:  in their youth, they serve the devil; in riper years, they make others serve him; in their old age, they are horribly afraid of him; and this fear must continue till she has left us the Chateau de Cardoville, which, from its isolated position, will make us an excellent college.  All then goes well.  As for the affair of the medals, the 13th of February approaches, without news from Joshua—­evidently, Prince Djalma is still kept prisoner by the English in the heart of India, or I must have received letters from Batavia.  The daughters of General Simon will be detained at Leipsic for at least a month longer.  All our foreign relations are in the best condition.  As for our internal affairs—­”

Here M. Rodin was interrupted in the current of his reflections by the entrance of Madame Dupont, who was zealously engaged in preparations to give assistance in case of need.

“Now,” said she to the servant, “light a fire in the next room; put this warm wine there; your master may be in every minute.”

“Well, my dear madam,” said Rodin to her, “do they hope to save any of these poor creatures?”

“Alas!  I do not know, sir.  My husband has been gone nearly two hours.  I am terribly uneasy on his account.  He is so courageous, so imprudent, if once he thinks he can be of any service.”

“Courageous even to imprudence,” said Rodin to himself, impatiently; “I do not like that.”

“Well,” resumed Catherine, “I have here at hand my hot linen, my cordials—­heaven grant it may all be of use!”

“We may at least hope so, my dear madam.  I very much regretted that my age and weakness did not permit me to assist your excellent husband.  I also regret not being able to wait for the issue of his exertions, and to wish him joy if successful—­for I am unfortunately compelled to depart, my moments are precious.  I shall be much obliged if you will have the carriage got ready.”