"True or false, monsieur," replied the marquis, observant of his guest's excitement, "the news surprises and disturbs me no less than yourself. Explain yourself, Adamas; how do you know that the king is dead?"
"I know it by astrology, monsieur! He showed me the figures, and I know them. I saw, I understood, I read as plainly as possible that the most powerful individual in the realm had just died."
"The most powerful individual in the realm!" said the councillor thoughtfully; "perhaps that is not the king!"
"You are right, monsieur," said Adamas ingenuously; "perhaps it is monsieur le connétable. I do not know the signs well enough. I may have made a mistake; but at all events it is either the king or Monsieur de Luynes; I will answer for it with my life!"
"Where is this astrologer?" said the councillor hastily; "let him come here, I wish to see him!"
"Yes, sire," replied Adamas, still bewildered and absorbed, hurrying toward the door.
"Stay," said Lenet, detaining him. "I insist upon knowing why you call me so. Tell me, or I will break your head!"
"Break nothing, monsieur!" replied Adamas; "I have lost my head; can you not see that? That word comes to my lips, I know not how; as truly as God is in heaven, this is the first time that I ever saw your face. Shall I go to find the astrologer?"
"Yes, hasten! and woe to you all, if there is any trick or snare in all this! I will put the torch to your hovel!"
Bois-Doré could do no more than protest his absolute ignorance of this new episode. He did not in the least understand Adamas's conduct, indeed he was somewhat disturbed by it.