"Early or late, I must go; my orders are peremptory—'Come instantly to Paris, and report to the Duc de Guise without delay.'"
At the Duc de Guise's name the landlord drew nearer.
"I think the rascal is listening to us," said Coconnas, who, as a true son of Piedmont, was very truculent, and could not forgive the proprietor of La Belle Étoile his rude reception of them.
"I am listening, gentlemen," replied he, taking off his cap; "but it is to serve you. I heard the great duke's name mentioned, and I came immediately. What can I do for you, gentlemen?"
"Aha! that name is magical, since it renders you so polite. Tell me, maître,—what's your name?"
"Maître la Hurière," replied the host, bowing.
"Well, Maître la Hurière, do you think my arm is lighter than the Duc de Guise's, who makes you so civil?"
"No, Monsieur le Comte, but it is not so long," replied La Hurière; "besides," he added, "I must tell you that the great Henry is the idol of us Parisians."
"Which Henry?" asked La Mole.
"It seems to me there is only one," replied the landlord.