"At least as many; and among them M. de St. Aignan."
"What! poor St. Aignan dead!"
"Drowned."
"Drowned! Did you throw yourselves into the Scheldt?"
"No, the Scheldt threw itself upon us."
The comte then gave the king a description of the battle, and of the inundations. Henri listened silently. When the recital was over, he rose, and kneeling down on his prie-Dieu, said some prayers, and then returned with a perfectly calm face.
"Well," said he, "I trust I bear things like a king; and you, comte, since your brother is saved, like mine, thank God, and smile a little."
"Sire, I am at your orders."
"What do you ask as payment for your services, Du Bouchage?"
"Sire, I have rendered no service."