The messenger from the Duc de Guise had already departed to execute his other commissions when Gabriel finished the letter.
The eager youth rose at once, and said without hesitation to the nurse,—
"Good Aloyse, call André, please, and tell him to have the dapple-gray saddled and to prepare my travelling wallet."
"Are you going away, Monseigneur?" the good woman asked.
"Yes, nurse, to Amboise, within two hours."
There was nothing more to be said; and Aloyse, without a word, went sadly from the room to see that her young master's orders were carried out.
But while his preparations were being made, behold, another messenger appeared, and demanded to speak with the Comte de Montgommery alone.
He made no commotion, and, unlike his predecessor, had no escort. He came in silently and very modestly, and without uttering a sound, handed Gabriel a letter which he had in charge.
Gabriel started as he thought that he recognized him as the same who had formerly brought him La Renaudie's invitation to attend the Protestant meeting in the Place Maubert.
It was in fact the same man; and the letter bore the same signature. It said:—