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They were sitting thus mute, when the door opened to admit the old tutor of Cinq-Mars, the Abbe Quillet, who entered, limping slightly. He looked very gloomy, retaining none of his former gayety in his air or language; but his look was still animated, and his speech energetic.
"Now let him go," said a voice at the corner of the street; and at the same moment was heard the galloping of horses. "Grandchamp, wilt thou answer?" cried Cinq-Mars. "Help, Henri, my dear boy!" exclaimed the voice of the Abbe Quillet. "Whence come you? You endanger me," said the grand ecuyer, approaching him.
Cardinal Mazarine gave the same kind of Treatment to the learned Quillet, who had reflected upon his Eminence in a famous Latin Poem. The Cardinal sent for him, and, after some kind Expostulations upon what he had written, assured him of his Esteem, and dismissed him with a Promise of the next good Abby that should fall, which he accordingly conferr'd upon him in a few Months after.
Now that the diabolical procession is in the arena destined for its spectacle, and is arranging its sanguinary representation, let us see what Cinq-Mars had been doing amid the agitated throng. He was naturally endowed with great tact, and he felt that it would be no easy matter for him to attain his object of seeing the Abbe Quillet, at a time when public excitement was at its height.
Feeling that it was time to take a decided course, he advanced with his attendants, hat in hand, toward the group in black of whom we have spoken, and addressing him who appeared its chief member, said, "Monsieur, where can I find Monsieur l'Abbe Quillet?" At this name, all regarded him with an air of terror, as if he had pronounced that of Lucifer.
Do you mean Monsieur de Cinq-Mars?" "Very well, Monsieur, very well! you treat me as a Cardinalist; very well, we part," said the Abbe Quillet, now altogether furious.
I shall take a copy of that will, Richards, for future guidance, you may depend, the instant it is registered in Doctors' Commons." "Come, come, Mr. Ferret," said I; "this jesting is all very well; but it is quite time the farce should end." "Farce!" exclaimed Mr. Richards. "Farce!" growled doubtful Mr. Quillet. "Farce!" murmured the beautiful Giulletta. "Farce!" cried Mr. Ferret.
They could scarcely see each other, but found that the Abbe Quillet, seated between them, was there awaiting them. They could see through the little grating the shadow of his hood. Henri d'Effiat approached slowly; he was regulating, as it were, the remainder of his destiny.
"Weep not," said Cinq-Mars; "tears are useless. Rather pray for us; and be assured that I do not fear death." He shook them by the hand, and De Thou embraced them; after which they left the apartment, their eyes filled with tears, and hiding their faces in their cloaks. "Barbarians!" exclaimed the Abbe Quillet; "to find arms against them, one must search the whole arsenal of tyrants.
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