cabinet, a description of which has already been given at the beginning of this story. When Fouquet saw him enter, he called to Pelisson, and whispered a few words in his ear. “Do not lose a single word of what I am going to say: let all the silver and gold plate, together with my jewels of every description, be packed up in the carriage. You will take the black horses: the jeweler will accompany you; and you will postpone the supper until Madame de Belliere’s arrival.”

“Will it be necessary to inform Madame de Belliere of it?” said Pelisson.

“No; that will be useless; I will do that. So, away with you, my dear friend.”

Pelisson set off, not quite clear as to his friend’s meaning or intention, but