"You will accompany us, messieurs," said the king to the courtiers; "we will set off to-morrow, and I shall sleep at Meaux."
"Shall I at once announce this excellent news to monseigneur, sire?"
"Not so; what! leave me so soon, Monsieur l'Amiral? not so, indeed. I can well understand that a Joyeuse must be loved and sought after by my brother, but we have two of the same family, thank Heaven. Du Bouchage, you will start for Chateau-Thierry, if you please."
"Sire," said Henri, "may I be permitted, after having announced your majesty's arrival to Monseigneur le Duc d'Anjou, to return to Paris?"
"You may do as you please, Du Bouchage," said the king.
Henri bowed and advanced toward the door. Fortunately Joyeuse was watching him narrowly.
"Will you allow me to say one word to my brother?" he inquired.
"Do so; but what is it?" said the king in an undertone.
"The fact is, that he wishes to use the utmost speed to execute the commission, and to return again immediately, which happens to interfere with my projects, sire, and with those of the cardinal."
"Away with you, then, and rate this love-sick swain most roundly."