"Would you like to remain in Guyenne, despite the Bordelais, despite the Gascons, despite the whole world? I no longer have my company, but I still have Ferguzon, Barrabas, and Carrotel. We four can do many things. We will be your body-guard, and the queen herself will not be so well guarded. And if they ever get at you, if ever a hair of your head is injured, you can safely say, 'They are all four dead; requiescant in pace!"
"Adieu," said Nanon.
Cauvignac was about to resort to some fresh appeal, when they heard the rumbling of a carriage upon the road. An outrider in the queen's livery was galloping ahead.
"What is all this?" said Cauvignac, turning his face toward the road, but without releasing his sister's hand, which he held through the bars.
The carriage, built according to the fashion then in vogue, with massive armorial bearings and open panels, was drawn by six horses and contained eight persons, with a whole household of lackeys and pages.
Behind came guards and mounted courtiers.
"Road! road!" cried the outrider, striking Cauvignac's horse, which, however, was standing with modest reserve well away from the centre of the road.
The terrified beast reared and plunged madly.
"Be careful what you do, my friend!" cried Cauvignac, dropping his sister's hand.
"Way for the queen!" said the courier, riding on.