A NIGHT OF KINGS.
Charles IX. walked along with Henry leaning on his arm, followed by his four gentlemen and preceded by two torch-bearers.
"When I leave the Louvre," said the poor King, "I feel a pleasure similar to that which comes to me when I enter a beautiful forest. I breathe, I live, I am free."
Henry smiled.
"In that case," said he, "your Majesty would be in your element among the mountains of the Béarn."
"Yes, and I understand that you want to go back to them; but if you are very anxious to do so, Henriot," added Charles, laughing, "my advice is to be careful, for my mother Catharine loves you so dearly that it is absolutely impossible for her to get along without you."
"What does your Majesty plan to do this evening?" asked Henry, changing this dangerous conversation.
"I want to have you meet some one, Henriot, and you shall give me your opinion."
"I am at your Majesty's orders."
"To the right! to the right! We will take the Rue des Barres."