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 see—so exceedingly white and soft. Such a skin, my dear Abbé. Such a skin!"

"Skin her then!" replied Malletort, "and make a covering of her integument for your arm-chair. It is the best advice I can offer your Highness, and what I should do myself in your case."

Then they both laughed at the brutal jest. The one because he was in high good-humour with the prospect of his hinted conquest; the other because he had not forgotten the bouquet, of which a few inhalations could turn the whole face black; and because, reflecting on the rapid progress of his schemes, he thought it only fair that those should laugh who win.

But in order thoroughly to act his part out, he returned to business before he took his leave. "Those Lettres de Cachet!" he exclaimed, as if he had just recollected them. "Did your Highness express your views on the subject to your council?"

"I did indeed," answered the Regent, significantly; "and the good old custom is revived by an edict. But though he who seeks finds, I think he is more sure to find who hides, and I will take care no man in France shall use them but myself."

Then Malletort bowed himself out, well satisfied, and found Captain George in the ante-room, putting on his belts to receive the Black Musketeers, whose band could be heard playing and their arms clashing as they marched into the court to relieve guard.