"Sire, I feared that your regard for us might be shaken by the reports which our enemies circulate about us."
"What reports?" asked Henri.
"What!" cried Mayenne, rather disconcerted; "has not your majesty heard any reports unfavorable to us?"
"My cousin, know once for all that I allow no one to speak ill in my presence of the Guises."
"Well, sire, I do not regret my visit, since I have had the pleasure of finding my king so well disposed toward us; but I will allow that it was needless."
"Oh! there is always something to do in Paris."
"Yes, sire; but we have our business at Soissons."
"What business, duke?"
"Your majesty's, sire."
"Ah! true; continue, Mayenne, to do as you have done; I know how to appreciate the conduct of my subjects."