Henri d'Effiat pressed, blushing deeply the while, his friend's hand,— who hastened to have his doors closed.
"This popular favor is a cup one must drink," said he, as they ascended the stairs.
"It appears to me," replied De Thou, gravely, "that you drink it even to the very dregs."
"I will explain all this clamorous affair to you," answered Cinq-Mars, somewhat embarrassed. "At present, if you love me, dress yourself to accompany me to the Queen's toilette."
"I promised you blind adherence," said the counsellor; "but truly I can not keep my eyes shut much longer if—"
"Once again, I will give you a full explanation as we return from the
Queen. But make haste; it is nearly ten o'clock."
"Well, I will go with you," replied De Thou, conducting him into his cabinet, where were the Comte du Lude and Fournier, while he himself passed into his dressing-room.
CHAPTER XVII
TOILETTE
The carriage of the Grand Equerry was rolling rapidly toward the Louvre, when, closing the curtain, he took his friend's hand, and said to him with emotion: