"In an hour."
Joyeuse bowed and turned to the door. The king's heart misgave him. "What!" cried he, "not even the courtesy of an adieu? You are not polite, but that is a common reproach to naval people."
"Pardon me, sire, but I am a still worse courtier than I am a seaman;" and shutting the door violently, he went out.
"See how those love me, for whom I have done so much," cried the king; "ungrateful Joyeuse!"
"Well, are you going to recall him?" said Chicot, advancing. "Because, for once in your life, you have been firm, you repent it."
"Ah! so you think it very agreeable to go to sea in the month of October? I should like to see you do it."
"You are quite welcome to do so; my greatest desire just now is to travel."
"Then if I wish to send you somewhere you will not object to go?"
"Not only I do not object, but I request it."
"On a mission?"