“Very well, monseigneur, I will beg his highness to come here.”
“And say that I am waiting impatiently for him. Meanwhile I will go and seek M. de Bussy.”
“But if I do not find his highness, what am I to do?”
“Then make no further search for him. In any event I shall be at the Louvre at a quarter before two.”
Aurilly passed through the courtiers who crowded the Louvre, and made his way to the duke’s apartments. At the door he found Chicot playing chess. Aurilly tried to pass, but Chicot, with his long legs blocked up the doorway. He was forced to touch him on the shoulder.
“Ah, it is you, M. Aurilly.”
“What are you doing, M. Chicot?”
“Playing chess, as you see.”
“All alone?”
“Yes, I am studying; do you play?”