In the midst of the disorder, on the bare floor, walked the man who, more than any other, had been instrumental in drawing the Huguenots to Paris--and to their doom.

It was no marvel that the events of the day, the surprise and horror, still rode his mind; nor wonderful that even he, who passed for a model of stiffness and reticence, betrayed for once the indignation which filled his breast.

Until the officer had withdrawn and closed the door he did, indeed, keep silence; standing beside the table and eyeing his visitor with a lofty porte and a stern glance.

But the moment he was assured that they were alone he spoke.
"Your Highness may unmask now," he said, making no effort to hide his contempt.

"Yet were you well advised to take the precaution, since you had hardly come at me in safety without it.