Indeed, the king, mounted on his favorite Spanish horse, advanced rapidly towards them. He loved handsome faces, and was therefore little pleased with that of M. de Monsoreau. However, he accepted, with a good grace, the éstortuaire which he presented to him, kneeling, according to custom. As soon as the king was armed, the chase commenced.
Bussy watched narrowly everyone that passed, looking for the original of the portrait, but in vain; there were pretty, even beautiful and charming women, but not the charming creature whom he sought for. He was reduced to conversation, and the company of his ordinary friends. Antragues, always laughing and talking, was a great amusement.
“We have a frightful chief huntsman,” said he to Bussy, “do you not think so?”
“I find him horrible; what a family it must be if his children are like him. Do you know his wife?”
“He is not married.”
“How do you know?”
“From Madame de Vendron, who finds him very handsome, and would willingly make him her fourth husband. See how she keeps near him.”
“What property has he?”
“Oh! a great deal in Anjou.”
“Then he is rich?”