The letter had been passed, through a slit in the floor, from the lower apartment to her own.

No indiscreet hand or curious gaze could have brought or did bring this single paper.

This, too, was one of Malicorne's ideas.

Having seen how very serviceable Saint-Aignan would become to the king on account of his apartment, he did not wish that the courtier should become still more indispensable as a messenger, and so he had, on his own private account, reserved this last post for himself.
La Valliere most eagerly read the letter, which fixed two o'clock that same afternoon for the rendezvous, and which indicated the way of raising the trap-door which was constructed out of the flooring.

"Make yourself look as beautiful as you can," added the postscript of the letter, words which astonished the young girl, but at the same time reassured her.
The hours passed away very slowly, but the time fixed, however, arrived at last.