“But, sire, only—permit me——” and he drew towards him the letter of M. de Guise.
“You are reading?” asked the king.
“Yes, sire.”
“Something interesting to keep you awake at this time of night?”
“Oh, sire, nothing very important; the evening courier——”
“Oh, yes, I understand—Courier of Venus; but no, I see I am wrong—they do not seal billet-doux with seals of that size.”
The duke hid the letter altogether.
“How discreet this dear François is!” said the king, with a smile which frightened his brother. However, making an effort to recover himself, he said:
“Did your majesty wish to say anything particular to me?”
“What I have to say to you, monsieur, I wish to say before witnesses. Here, gentlemen,” continued he, turning to the four young men, “listen to us; I order you.”