“Then possibly you know his errand?” continued Bonnivet, with an incredulous smile.
“I know it,” replied Agrippa, gravely. “I could tell you why he comes, and what will befal him, but I care not to read the future to those who mock my lore. The star of Bourbon is temporarily obscured. But it will break out with added splendour. This day is the turning-point of his destiny. If he stays here he will be great—but if he departs he will be greater.”
“How are we to interpret that, compère?” inquired Triboulet,
“As you will,” rejoined Agrippa, contemptuously. “The words of wisdom are unintelligible to fools. But mark me, messeigneurs,” he added to Bonnivet and Montmoreney. “The destinies of the king, the duchess, and the Constable, are this day linked together—but the influencing power resides in Bourbon.”
“Why in him? Explain your meaning, doctor!” demanded Bonnivet.
“I have said all I care to say,” replied Agrippa. “But here comes the Constable. Will you stay and bid him welcome?”
“No, I will in, and inform the king of his arrival,” said Bonnivet.
“You will find his majesty in the grand gallery,” said Agrippa. “I left him there, not many minutes since, with the Comtesse de Chateaubriand.”
“I will go thither,” replied Bonnivet, hastening across the vestibule.
“Methinks the Constable is like a wild beast about to fall into a trap,” remarked Triboulet to the astrologer. “Were I the king, if I once caught him, I would not let him go.”