“To keep guard upon the château and the town,” replied Warthy.
Bourbon exchanged a glance with his followers, which did not pass unobserved by Warthy.
“His majesty's parting order,” remarked that vigilant personage, “was that no one—not even your highness—should be allowed to quit the château till to-morrow.”
“Ha! By Saint Paul, it would seem we are prisoners, messeigneurs!” exclaimed the Constable, fiercely.
An indignant response was made by his adherents.
“No offence is intended to your highness by his majesty,” said Warthy. “It is a mere measure of precaution—nothing more.” Then, turning to Saint-Vallier, he added: “M. le Comte, it is the king's pleasure that you proceed to Lyons to-morrow.”
“I will go now!” cried Saint-Vallier.
“That may not be,” replied the other. “As I have just said, no one must quit the château to-day, on any pretext whatever.”
“The keys of the château have been entrusted to me,” said Maulévrier, “To-morrow I shall return them to the Seigneur des Ecures, your highness's chamberlain. If you have aught to say to me,” he added to Saint-Vallier, “you will find me in the great hall.”
So saying, he quitted the chamber.