The latter spoke a few words in a sharp tone to the boatman, and hurried away toward Madame de Condé's abode.
The princess was at table when she heard a commotion in the antechamber; she inquired as to its cause, and was told that Baron de Ravailly, her messenger to Monsieur de La Meilleraie, had that moment arrived.
"Madame," said Lenet, "I think it would be well for your Highness to receive him without delay; whatever the tidings he brings, they are important."
The princess made a sign, and Ravailly entered the room, but his face was so pale and grief-stricken that a glance was enough to convince Madame de Condé that she had before her eyes a messenger of evil.
"What is it, captain?" said she: "what news have you?"
"Pardon me, madame, for appearing before your Highness in this plight, but I thought that the tidings I bring should not be delayed."
"Speak: did you see the marshal?"
"The marshal refused to receive me, madame."
"The marshal refused to receive my envoy?" cried the princess.
"Ah! madame, that is not all."