Note 110 — Chapter XV

In response to the summons he had received from the Queen-Mother, Condé was making his way along a narrow passage which led from her Majesty’s chamber to her cabinet, when he was suddenly confronted by Thémines, at the head of several of the King’s Guards “Monseigneur,” said the old noble to the astonished prince, “the King having been informed that you are giving ear to sundry counsels contrary to his service, and that people intend to make you engage in designs ruinous to the State, has charged me to secure your person, to prevent you falling into this misfortune.” “What?” cried Condé, “do you purpose to arrest me? Are you then captain of the Guards?” And he laid his hand upon his sword. “No, Monseigneur,” rejoined Thémines, “but I am a gentleman and obliged to obey the command of the King, your master and mine.” His followers forthwith surrounded the prince and led him into an adjoining room, where he found d’Elbène and a party of soldiers, each of whom held a pistol in his hand. Never remarkable for his courage, though in his youth he had once been provoked into challenging the Duc de Nevers to a duel, Condé believed that his last hour had come. “Alas,” cried he, “I am a dead man. Send for a priest. Give me time at least to think of my conscience!” His captors, however, assured him that his life was in no danger, and conducted him to an upper apartment of the palace, where it had been arranged that he should be confined, until it had been decided what should be done with him.