“Yes, though it is almost impossible.”

“Nay, all is possible.  The doctor and M. Tripeaud are ours,” said the princess, hastily.

“Though I am as sure as you are of the doctor, or of M. Tripeaud, under present circumstances, we must not touch on the question of acting—­which will be sure to frighten them at first—­until after our interview with your niece.  It will be easy, notwithstanding her cleverness, to find out her armor’s defect.  If our suspicions should be realized—­if she is really informed of what it would be so dangerous for her to know—­then we must have no scruples, and above all no delay.  This very day must see all set at rest.  The time for wavering is past.”

“Have you been able to send for the person agreed on?” asked the princess, after a moment’s silence.

“He was to be here at noon.  He cannot be long.”

“I thought this room would do very well for our purpose.  It is separated from the smaller parlor by a curtain only behind which your man may be stationed.”

“Capital!”

“Is he a man to be depended on?”

“Quite so—­we have often employed him in similar matters.  He is as skillful as discreet.”

At this moment a low knock was heard at the door.

“Come in,” said the princess.

“Dr. Baleinier wishes to know if her Highness the Princess can receive him,” asked the valet-de-chambre.

“Certainly.  Beg him to walk in.”

“There is also a gentleman that M. l’Abbe appointed to be here at noon, by whose orders I have left him waiting in the oratory.”

“’Tis the person in question,” said the marquis to the princess.  “We must have him in first.  ’Twould be useless for Dr. Baleinier to see him at present.”

“Show this person in first,” said the princess; “next when I ring the bell, you will beg Dr. Baleinier to walk this way:  and, if Baron Tripeaud should call, you will bring him here also.  After that, I am at home to no one, except Mdlle.  Adrienne.”  The servant went out.

[9] With regard to this text, a commentary upon it will be found in the Constitutions of the Jesuits, as follows:  “In order that the habit of language may come to the help of the sentiments, it is wise not to say, ‘I have parents, or I have brothers;’ but to say, ’I had parents; I had brothers.’”—­General Examination, p. 29; Constitutions.—­Paulin; 1843.  Paris.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Adrienne’s enemies.

The Princess de Saint-Dizier’s valet soon returned, showing in a little, pale man, dressed in black, and wearing spectacles.  He carried under his left arm a long black morocco writing-case.

The princess said to this man:  “M. l’Abbe, I suppose, has already informed you of what is to be done?”

“Yes, your highness,” said the man in a faint, shrill, piping voice, making at the same time a low bow.