"Your highness is not generally so susceptible, and but that I believe that we are watched from that street, I would mount in my turn and look."
"Ma foi! you are right, Aurilly; what does it matter whether we are watched or not? Go up and look."
Aurilly made a move forward to obey, when a hasty step was heard, and Henri's voice, crying, "Monseigneur!"
"You here!" said the duke, while Aurilly bounded back to his side; "you here, comte?—on what pretext have you quitted your post?"
"Monseigneur," replied Henri, firmly, "your highness can punish me, if you think proper: meanwhile, my duty was to come here, and I came."
The duke glanced toward the window. "Your duty, comte? Explain that to me," said he.
"Monseigneur, horsemen have been seen on the Spanish side of the river, and we do not know if they are friends or enemies."
"Numerous?" asked the duke anxiously.
"Very numerous, monseigneur."
"Well, comte, no false bravery: you will do well to return. Awake the gendarmes and let us decamp; it will be the most prudent plan."