"Why has the Admiral no soldiers?"
"Because he is too honourable to distrust others. He believes they will keep their word. As for me, I would as soon trust a starving wolf as a Guise, or the Queen-Mother. The Admiral is foolish, but he is too good-hearted to think about himself."
Praise of the Admiral entered largely into Bellièvre's conversation, as indeed it did into that of all his retinue. No one was so wise or strong, so full of courage and good sense, so patient and forbearing, so grand and noble as Gaspard de Coligny. It was hero worship, perhaps, but hero worship of the truest kind. Not one of his household but would have died for him.
"Do you know," I said presently, "that the Admiral is coming to Noyers?"
"And his gentlemen! It looks as if rumour for once spoke true."
"But we cannot defend ourselves at Noyers against an army!"
"No, that is impossible. Besides, our leaders must be free, or there will be no one to command the troops. Fancy an army without Condé or the Admiral at its head!" and he laughed merrily.
"Then what is likely to be done?"
"Faith, I have no notion!" he answered lightly.
"We march and countermarch and fight, just as we are bidden; it is all one to those of Coligny's household. We never ask questions."