more willingly leave matters.  We made an appointment for that evening at Monsieur de la Rochefoucauld’s, where he was staying, to discuss some plan of assistance to his Majesty.  I consented to this interview, for it was impossible at that late hour to call together all those interested in the affair and, as Lafayette was leaving the next morning, something had to be done immediately.  Our interview was a long one, but the plan we hit upon was, in the end, very simple and, indeed, the circumstances of the case, the short time, and the necessity for the greatest secrecy demand that the simplest methods should be employed.  Shall I tell you that plan?” asked Mr. Morris, suddenly breaking off in the midst of his long talk and regarding Calvert with a keen, questioning glance.

“There is no lead I would follow sooner than yours, Mr. Morris,” replied the young man, quietly and firmly.  “As you know, all my sympathies are with the King and Queen, and in whatsoever way I can serve their Majesties I am ready here and now to pledge myself to that service.”

Indeed, the enterprise suited Calvert’s temper well.  Any excitement or danger was welcome to him just then.  His hopes of seeing military service having been frustrated, he was glad to find some other scheme at hand which promised to divert his melancholy thoughts from himself.

“’Tis like you to speak so, boy,” said Mr. Morris, grasping Calvert warmly by the hand.  “I knew you would not fail me.  And, before God, how could I fail them?” he burst out, rising in agitation and stumping about the room.  “I have done wrong in engaging in the remotest way in this affair, in urging you to become a party to it, but my humanity forbids me to withhold whatever of aid I can render.  Was ever a monarch so cruelly beset, so bereft of wise counsellors, of trusty friends?  He knows not where to look for help, nor which way to turn.  He suspects every adviser of treachery, of self-interest, of veniality, and he has reason to do so.  The wisest, in his desperate position, would scarce know how to bear himself, and what can we expect of so narrow an intellect, so vacillating and timid a nature?  I pity him profoundly, but I also despise him, for there is a want of metal in him which will ever prevent him from being truly royal.”

“’Tis doubly difficult to help those who will not help themselves.  Do you think it is really possible to save his Majesty?” asked Calvert, doubtfully.

“We can but make one more desperate effort, and I confess that I rely more on the firmness of the Queen for its success than I do on the King,” said Mr. Morris.  “But I will tell you of the plan and you can judge for yourself of its feasibility.”