Belle-Rose — page 324: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ASPY. : $13 CHAPTER XLVII. A SPY. Before returning to St. Claire d’Ennery, Belle-Rose had to go to Paris, where he had left the papers which the Duchess de Chateaufort had confided to him, and which stated Gaston’s position. Belle-Rose had confided them to Monsieur Mériset, who had hastened to secure them in a secret closet where he concealed his money. These papers were sealed with the duchess’ arms. Monsieur Mériset never saw. them without thinking of the numerous adven- ._ tures of Belle-Rose, and he drew from them, as usual, the conclusion that Belle-Rose was certainly one of the most considerable personages in the country. ‘“When he becomes prime minister,’’ said he, by way of peroration, ‘‘I will ask of him a place as concierge ina royal chateau. ’’ The frank and open air of Belle-Rose had charmed the little Gaston, who had at once conceived a great friendship for him. Gaston wished to mount a horse for going to Paris; the idea of traveling like a soldier gave him an ex- treme pleasure; Belle-Rose hesitated to gratify him, fear- ing for him the fatigues of the road; but Déroute, who desired to gain the good will of the little fellow, overcame all objections; while they were still arguing, he found in the neighborhood a small horse upon which he placed Gas- ton, whip in hand. The old guard embraced his dear child and. swore to Belle-Rose that he would reach St. Claire d’Ennery before him, and the cavalcade took the road to Paris by way of Chevreuse and Sceaux. It was near mid- night when Belle-Rose entered the great city; there was no one in the streets unless it was some gallant here and there going to his mistress’ lodging; occasionally some lights were seen shining behind the blinds, but noises were rare and the lights discreet. It was the hour of - Venus. ‘The moment is propitious,’’ said Belle-Rose to Déroute, ‘“‘T can without risk knock at our friend Monsieur Mériset’s. _. No one believes that I am at Paris, and if, perchance, my presence should be suspected, it is not at this hour that they would come to seek me.”’’ “‘And besides, should some one meet you, how could (elo) Eomicbooks