CHAPTER XXVII
THE VICOMTE DE MONTGOMMERY
Gabriel was attended as he had been on his return from Italy by four of his people,—Ambroise, Lactance, Yvonnet, and Pilletrousse,—who bore the English flags; but they came no farther than the threshold.
The youth himself held in both hands a velvet cushion, upon which were two letters and the keys of the city.
At this sight Henri's countenance assumed an expression of joy and fear curiously blended.
He thought that he understood the welcome message, but the stern messenger made him anxious.
"Vicomte d'Exmès!" he muttered, as he saw Gabriel slowly approaching him.
Madame de Poitiers and the constable, exchanging looks of consternation, also faltered beneath their breath.
"Vicomte d'Exmès!"
Gabriel, meanwhile, with a grave and solemn mien, kneeled before the king, and said with a firm, clear voice,—