“Oh! it is impossible,” cried Adrienne, in horror.  “You must exaggerate.  No! hell itself never dreamed of more frightful treachery!”

“Alas, my dear young lady! one of your relations, M. Hardy—­the most loyal and generous-hearted man that could be—­has been the victim of some such infamous treachery.  Do you know what we learned from the reading of your ancestor’s will?  Why, that he died the victim of the malevolence of these people; and now, at the lapse of a hundred and fifty years, his descendants are still exposed to the hate of that indestructible society.”

“Oh, sir! it terrifies me,” said Adrienne, feeling her heart sink within her.  “But are there no weapons against such attacks?”

“Prudence, my dear young lady—­the most watchful caution—­the most incessant study and suspicion of all that approach you.”

“But such a life would be frightful!  It is a torture to be the victim of continual suspicions, doubts, and fears.”

“Without doubt!  They know it well, the wretches!  That constitutes their strength.  They often triumph by the very excess of the precautions taken against them.  Thus, my dear young lady, and you, brave and worthy soldier, in the name of all that is dear to you, be on your guard, and do not lightly impart your confidence.  Be on your guard, for you have nearly fallen the victims of those people.  They will always be your implacable enemies.  And you, also, poor, interesting girl!” added the Jesuit, speaking to Mother Bunch, “follow my advice—­fear these people.  Sleep, as the proverb says, with one eye open.”

“I, sir!” said the work-girl.  “What have I done? what have I to fear?”

“What have you done?  Dear me!  Do not you tenderly love this young lady, your protectress? have you not attempted to assist her?  Are you not the adopted sister of the son of this intrepid soldier, the brave Agricola!  Alas, poor, girl! are not these sufficient claims to their hatred, in spite of your obscurity?  Nay, my dear young lady! do not think that I exaggerate.  Reflect! only reflect!  Think what I have just said to the faithful companion-in-arms of Marshal Simon, with regard to his imprisonment at Leipsic.  Think what happened to yourself, when, against all law and reason, you were brought hither.  Then you will see, that there is nothing exaggerated in the picture I have drawn of the secret power of this Company.  Be always on your guard, and, in doubtful cases, do not fear to apply to me.  In three days, I have learned enough by my own experience, with regard to their manner of acting, to be able to point out to you many a snare, device, and danger, and to protect you from them.”

“In any such case, sir,” replied Mdlle. de Cardoville, “my interests, as well as gratitude, would point to you as my best counsellor.”