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100 own security," he replied, with an energy the very reverse of his former manner.

"But you told me the King would not return to Paris without compromising with me."

"I told you such was the Queen's assertion; but I also gave you my reasons for doubting that such was the intention."

"I know Anne of Austria's smoothed-lipped falsehoods of old. All women are false enough, but she has dissimulation for a whole sex. Verily there must now be some surpassingly honest, for she has engrossed the portion of deceit allotted to many. Why, I had a letter this morning from her, filled with professions of forgiveness, and of friendship."

"Your grace best knows, from experience, what weight to attach to the Queen's honied words," observed De Retz, who needed no further clue to Monsieur's present irresolution.

"Does it not," asked the President, De Bellicore, "touch his grace's honour to ensure some safety to the city and to the adherents who have risked much in his cause?"

"What would you advise?" exclaimed the Duke, directing his question to the Coadjutor.

"I venture not on advice," replied De Retz;