"Doubtless, monseigneur; but it will be urgent, I think, to warn my brother."
"Two men will do."
"Then I will go with a gendarme."
"No, no, Du Bouchage; you must come with us. Peste! it is not at such a moment that I can separate from a defender like you."
"When does your highness set out?" said Henri, bowing.
"At once, comte."
"Hola! some one," cried Henri.
The young ensign came out immediately from the dark street. Henri gave his orders, and soon the place was filled with gendarmes preparing for departure. Among them the duke talked with his officers.
"Gentlemen," said he, "the Prince of Orange is pursuing me, it seems; but it is not proper that a son of France should be taken prisoner. Let us, therefore, yield to numbers, and fall back upon Brussels. I shall be sure of life and liberty while I remain among you."
Then, turning to Aurilly, "You remain," said he. "This woman cannot follow us. Joyeuse will not dare to bring her with him in my presence. Besides, we are not going to a ball, and the race we shall run would fatigue a lady."