“Monseigneur cannot suppose that we had the shadow of an ill-will towards him, even to disturb his pleasures?”
As he listened, the duke, by a skilful movement, had, little by little, quitted the door, followed by Aurilly, and was now at some distance off.
“My pleasures!” said he, angrily; “what makes you think I was seeking pleasure?”
“Ah, monseigneur, in any case pardon us, and let us retire,” said Quelus.
“It is well; adieu, gentlemen; but first listen. I was going to consult the Jew Manasses, who reads the future; he lives, as you know, in Rue de la Tournelle. In passing, Aurilly saw you and took you for the watch, and we, therefore, tried to hide ourselves in a doorway. And now you know what to believe and say; it is needless to add, that I do not wish to be followed,” and he turned away.
“Monseigneur,” said Aurilly, “I am sure these men have bad intentions; it is near midnight, and this is a lonely quarter; let us return home, I beg.”
“No, no; let us profit by their departure.”
“Your highness is deceived; they have not gone, but have returned to their retreat: look in the angle of the Hôtel des Tournelles.”
François looked, and saw that Aurilly was right; it was evident that they waited for something, perhaps to see if the duke were really going to the Jew.
“Well, Monseigneur,” continued Aurilly, “do you not think it will be more prudent to go home?”