CHAPTER XIII.
"Oh! the days that we have seen." SHELTON.
A pause like that which accompanies self-contemplation, and perhaps conscious distrust of purpose, succeeded.

Then the Three arose together, and began to lay aside the instruments of their disguise.

When the masks were removed, they exposed the grave visages of men in the decline of life, athwart which worldly cares and worldly passions had drawn those deep lines, which no subsequent ease or resignation can erase.

During the process of unrobing neither spoke, for the affair on which they had just been employed, caused novel and disagreeable sensations to them all.

When they were delivered from their superfluous garments and their masks, however, they drew near the table, and each sought that relief for his limbs and person which was natural to the long restraint he had undergone.
"There are letters from the French king intercepted," said one, after time had permitted them to rally their thoughts;--"it would appear they treat of the new intentions of the emperor." "Have they been restored to the ambassador?
or are the originals to go before the senate ?" demanded another.
"On that we must take counsel at our leisure.