Now there was no doubt whatever of Mme. de Plougastel's connection
with the Court. It was not even to be doubted - indeed, measure of
proof of it was to be forthcoming - that those vigilant and
ubiquitous secret societies that watched over the cradle of the
young revolution were fully informed of the frequent journeyings of
M. de Plougastel to Coblenz, and entertained no illusions on the
score of the reason for them. Given, then, a defeat of the Court
party in the struggle that was preparing, the position in Paris of
Mme. de Plougastel could not be other than fraught with danger, and
that danger would be shared by any guest of birth at her hotel.
M. de Kercadiou's affection for both those women quickened the fears
aroused in him by Rougane's warning. Hence that hastily dispatched
note, desiring his niece and imploring his friend to come at once
to Meudon.
The friendly mayor carried his complaisance a step farther, and
dispatched the letter to Paris by the hands of his own son, an
intelligent lad of nineteen.
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