'Amen!' exclaimed a voice from the darkness of the stairway, and I heard the grinding of a spurred heel on the woodwork of the floor.
'Come,' said the King, 'we have no time to lose, and if we delay longer that hot-head de Belin, will strike the first blow.'
'With your Majesty's permission, I will make an assault on the rear,' I said.
'On the rear!' exclaimed de Vitry, whilst the Grand-Master said, 'It is impossible!'
But I only pointed to the window, and Henry laughed.
'Ventrebleu! I understand—a great idea! But, monsieur, take care how you give away a secret. I shall have no peace if Monseigneur the Grand-Master hears what has happened.'
I was young enough still to feel my face grow hot at the approval in the King's voice, and then, without another word, they passed out, tramp, tramp, down the stairs, all except Sully, who stayed behind for a moment.
'Monsieur,' he asked, 'what has happened between you and the King?'
'His Majesty has pardoned me.'
'A child might see that. What else? Be quick!'