"I love respect for my person," murmured the young king, gazing with sullen wrath at the impassive sentinel.
XIV.
Meanwhile the words, "The king! the king!" repeated by the sentinel rather as a warning to his fellows than as a mark of respect, were taken up by several voices, and at last reached the fort. Thereupon a man appeared upon the crown of the ramparts, and the whole garrison gathered about him.
He raised his staff of office; immediately the drums beat the salute, the soldiers presented arms, and a heavy gun boomed solemnly.
"You see," said the queen, "they are coming to their senses at last,—better late than never. Let us go on."
"Pardon, madame," said Maréchal de La Meilleraie, "but I cannot see that they are making any movement to throw open the gates, and we cannot enter unless the gates are open."
"They have forgotten to do it in the surprise and excitement caused by this august and unexpected visit," a courtier ventured to suggest.
"Such things are not forgotten, monsieur," the marshal replied. "Will your Majesties deign to listen to a word of advice from me?" he added, turning to the king and queen.
"What is it, marshal?"