Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/204

192 the way, to that train of ideas which her relentless friend had forced her to pursue. Treason, then — dark menaces concealed under the semblance of public interest — such were Colbert's maneuvers. A detestable delight at an approaching downfall, untiring efforts to attain this object, means of seduction no less wicked than the crime itself — such were the means which Marguerite employed. The crooked atoms of Descartes triumphed; to the man without compassion was united a woman without a heart. The marquise perceived, with sorrow rather than with indignation, that the king was an accomplice in the plot which betrayed the duplicity of Louis XIII., in his advanced age, and the avarice of Mazarin at a period of life when he had not had the opportunity of gorging himself with French gold. The spirit of this courageous woman soon resumed its energy, and was no longer interrupted by a mere indulgence in compassionate lamentations. The marquise was not one to weep when action was necessary, nor to waste time in bewailing a misfortune when means still existed of relieving it. For some minutes she buried her face in her icy hands, and then, raising her head, rang for her attendants with a steady hand, and with a gesture betraying a fixed determination of purpose. Her resolution was taken.

"Is everything prepared for my departure?" she inquired of one of her female attendants who entered.

"Yes, madame; but it was not expected that your ladyship would leave for Bellière for the next few days."

"All my jewels and articles of value, then, are locked up?"

"Yes, madame; but hitherto we have been in the habit of leaving them in Paris. Your ladyship does not generally take your jewels with you into the country."

"But they are all in order, you say?"

"Yes, in your ladyship's own room."

"The gold plate?"

"In the chest."

"And the silver plate?"

"In the large oaken closet."

The marquise remained silent for a few moments, and then said calmly, "Let my goldsmith be sent for."

Her attendants quitted the room to execute the order. The marquise, however, had entered her own room, and inspected her casket of jewels with the greatest attention. Never, until now, had she bestowed so much attention upon riches in which women take so much pride; never, until