Mine host was already there, in slippered feet, with a long candle in one hand and a cup of warmed Romanée in the other. He led the way with many bows, and I limped after him to a room which was large and comfortable enough.
'Here is some mulled Romanée for monsieur le baron,' he said, as he handed me the goblet; 'his lordship the count will observe that the best room has been kept for him, and later on I will have the pleasure of setting the finest dinner in France before the most noble marquis; good night, monseigneur, good night and good dreams,' and he tottered off, leaving me to drink the mulled wine, which was superb, and to sleep the sleep of the utterly weary.
It was late when I awoke and found Jacques in my room, attending to my things. The rest had done my leg good, although it was still stiff, and the wearing of a long boot painful. As I finished my toilet I asked my man,
'Horses ready?'
'They will be by the time Monsieur has dined. I shall put the valises on the nag we got at Evreux for you.'
'Right. Morbleu! I hear M. d'Aubusson below. It is very late.'
'It has just gone the dinner hour.'
I hurried downstairs, leaving Jacques to pack, and was only just in time to receive my guest.
'A hundred pardons, monsieur; but I overslept myself.'
''Tis a sleepy place,' he answered, 'there is nothing to do but to sleep.'