They arrived at Chantenay on a cold rainy evening. They were settled in their rooms, happy that they had protection from the weather, when their landlord went from room to room informing them that they would have to move on.
"Why?" Jack ventured to inquire.
"Because a seigneur has arrived."
"A seigneur!" Jack exclaimed.
"Oui, Monsieur. He is a very great man."
"But suppose we refuse to go," said Jack.
"Then, Monsieur, I shall detain your horses. It is a law of le grand monarque."
There was no dodging it. The coach and horses came back to the inn door. The passengers went out into the dark, rainy night to plod along in the mud, another six miles or so, that the seigneur and his suite could enjoy that comfort the weary travelers had been forced to leave. Such was the power of privilege with which the great Louis had saddled his kingdom.
They proceeded to Ancenis, Angers and Breux. From the latter city the road to Versailles was paved with flat blocks of stone. There were swarms of beggars in every village and city crying out, with hands extended, as the coach passed them:
"La charité, au nom de Dieu!"