Le Brusquet's eyes flashed. "Not yet! This is the last game I play, and it is not checkmate yet. Where have they taken Orrain?"
"The Châtelet."
"And mademoiselle?"
"I know not. I know not if she is alive or dead."
Le Brusquet groaned. "That is the worst tale of all. Orrain, I think, we can save."
"How so?"
For answer Le Brusquet held up my ring. "With this talisman!" And slipping it on his finger he continued: "It is not for nothing that I studied law at the College of Cambrai. As first prince of the blood, Vendôme can claim Orrain from the Châtelet. If he has any gratitude he will do so."
"I never thought of that. I saw the prisoners taken to the Châtelet. There were two, Orrain and La Mothe, who is as well known to be of the prince's household as Vendôme himself is known to be a heretic."
"Yes; a heretic too great to be touched. But he must pay his debts. I am going at once to see Vendôme. Stay here if you like. You know where to find the wine. No, Pompon, not to-night!" And pushing back the ape, who had made ready to follow him, he went off.
It was gay that night in the salon of La Valentinois. The Queen had gone to St. Germain-en-Laye, where the royal children were, and all those who could had flocked to the apartments of the favourite, to pay their court to the crescent moon. The King had retired earlier than usual, for he meant to hunt on the morrow; but his absence only made the revelry more unrestrained. The card-tables were full, and at one of them sat Diane herself, playing with Caraffa against Vendôme and the Marshal St. Andre, and surrounded by a crowd who watched the play and staked amongst themselves upon the game. Immediately behind her stood De Mouchy, in the ermine and red of his office, and ever and again a whispered word passed between the twain.