police wished to speak with me: I went to receive this magistrate; he
excused himself, with a troubled air, for the nature of the duty he had
to perform. A man, against whom a warrant was out, had been seen to enter
the garden-house."

Adrienne started, there could be no doubt that Agricola was meant. But
she recovered her tranquillity, when she thought of the security of the
hiding-place she had given him.

"The magistrate," continued the princess, "asked my consent to search the
hotel and extension, to discover this man. It was his right. I begged him
to commence with the garden-house, and accompanied him. Notwithstanding
the improper conduct of Mademoiselle, it never, I confess, entered my
head for a moment, that she was in any way mixed up with this police
business. I was deceived."

"What do you mean, madame?" cried Adrienne.

"You shall know all, madame," said the princess, with a triumphant air,
"in good time. You were in rather too great a hurry just now, to show
yourself so proud and satirical. Well! I accompanied the commissary in
his search; we came to the summer-house; I leave you to imagine the
stupor and astonishment of the magistrate, on seeing three creatures
dressed up like actresses. At my request, the fact was noted in the
official report; for it is well to reveal such extravagances to all whom
it may concern."

"The princess acted very wisely," said Tripeaud, bowing; "it is well that
the authorities should be informed of such matters."