But Lisois only laughed in reply, as he said: 'Add a cat falling on its feet from a church steeple to your scutcheon, d'Auriac. Shall I get Rouge Croix to prick the new coat of arms?'
'As you will; you have made my heart, which was heavy as lead, light once more—I feel now that I am not playing a hopeless game.'
'The proper feeling to have, whatever the hazard be. With all your northern blood, d'Auriac, you should not have so many nerves.'
'You forget my mother was of the south.'
'True, of the Foix Candale. You will die a Huguenot. But I must be going. Meet me at the Rue de Bourdonnais at one, exactly, and I will take you to the Louvre, and now good-bye!' He rose and gave me his hand.
'But, surely, there is no need for you to go now? Dine with me at my ordinary; I have much to tell you.'
Tap! tap! tap! It was dame Annette's little knock at my door, and I knew it was something of import that had brought her to my room.
'One moment, Belin!' and, opening the door, I saw Madame Pantin standing there in breathless agitation.
'What is it, madame? Come in, and speak freely; there is only my friend the Compte de Belin here.'
'It is nothing, monsieur,' she said loudly, and then, dropping her voice to a whisper, 'Ravaillac was out last night. Pantin was deceived. I have come up to tell you so at once: be rid of him. I am asked to tell you this by a friend.'