Following Bruzon to the door, Saint-Vallier said to him, in a low tone,
“Bid those two merchants from Lyons come hither. His highness desires further speech with them.”
A few moments afterwards, the Seigneur Perot de Warthy, a gallant-looking young cavalier, clad in a rich riding-dress, though somewhat travel-stained, was ushered into the cabinet by Bruzon. Close behind them followed the two envoys, whose reappearance excited Bourbon's surprise, though he made no remark.
“What is your errand, Seigneur de Warthy?” demanded the Constable of the messenger.
“I bring this despatch for your highness,” replied Warthy. “The king is about to set out on the expedition to Italy——”
“And he has summoned me to attend him—ha?” interrupted Bourbon.
“No, prince,” replied Warthy. “His majesty has been pleased to appoint you lieutenant-general of the kingdom, to regulate, in conjunction with the Duchess d'Angoulême, all affairs of state during his absence.”
“Lieutenant-general of the kingdom!” exclaimed Bourbon, astonished. “Has his majesty bestowed that appointment upon me? I expected a far different message.”
“It is as I have stated to your highness,” said Warthy. “There you will find the brevet.”
“The king relents towards you, cousin,” whispered Saint-Vallier. “He is about to restore you to favour. All that has been done has been merely to try you.”