BROTHER BORROMÉE.


It was about ten o'clock in the evening when the deputies returned home.
Nicholas Poulain remained behind the others, reflecting on the
perplexing situation in which he found himself, and considering whether
he should report all that he had heard to M. d'Epernon, when, in the
middle of the Rue de la Pierre-au-Réal, he ran right against a Jacobin
monk. They both began to swear, but, looking up, recognized each other.

"Brother Borromée!" cried Poulain.

"Nicholas Poulain!" exclaimed the monk.

"How are you?" asked Nicholas cautiously. "Where in the world were you
running to in such a hurry at this time of night? Is the priory on
fire?"

"No; I was going to the Duchesse de Montpensier's hotel, to speak to M.
de Mayneville."

"And what for?"

"Oh! it is very simple," said Borromée, seeking for a specious answer;
"the reverend prior was solicited by the duchesse to become her
confessor; he accepted at the time, but since then he has had scruples,
and has sent me to tell her not to rely upon him."

"Very good; but you are going away from the Hotel Guise."