obedience."

"It is an essential condition."

"So I understand; but it is sometimes difficult for persons who are
delicate on points of honor."

"That does not concern me, M. de Carmainges."

"But, monsieur, when an order displeases you--"

"I read the signature of M. d'Epernon, and that consoles me."

"And M. d'Epernon?"

"He reads the signature of his majesty, and consoles himself as I do."

"You are right, monsieur, and I am your humble servant;" and Ernanton
was about to retire, when De Loignac stopped him.

"I will say to you," said he, "what I have not said to the others, for
no one else has had the courage to speak to me thus."

Ernanton bowed.

"Perhaps," continued De Loignac, "a great personage will come to the
Louvre this evening; if so, do not lose sight of him, and follow him
when he leaves."

"Pardon me, monsieur; but that seems the work of a spy."

"Do you think so? It is possible; but look here"--and he drew out a
paper which he presented to Ernanton, who read--

"'Have M. de Mayenne followed this evening, if he presents himself at
the Louvre.--D'EPERNON.'"

"Well, monsieur?"

"I will follow M. de Mayenne," said Ernanton, bowing.

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE BOURGEOIS OF PARIS.

M. de Mayenne, with whom they were so much occupied at the Louvre, set
out from the Hotel Guise, booted and on horseback, as though he had
just arrived. He was received by the king affectionately.

"Well, cousin," said he, "you have, then, come to visit Paris?"

"Yes, sire; I come in my brother's name and my own, to recall to your
majesty that you have no more faithful subjects than ourselves."

"Mordieu!" said the king, "that is so well known that you might have
spared yourself this trouble. You must have had some other motive."

"Sire, I feared that your regard for us might be shaken by the reports
which our enemies circulate about us."

"What reports?" asked Henri.

"What!" cried Mayenne, rather disconcerted; "has not your majesty heard
any reports unfavorable to us?"

"My cousin, know once for all that I allow no one to speak ill in my
presence of the Guises."

"Well, sire, I do not regret my visit, since I have had the pleasure of
finding my king so well disposed toward us; but I will allow that it was
needless."

"Oh! there is always something to do in Paris."

"Yes, sire; but we have our business at Soissons."

"What business, duke?"

"Your majesty's, sire."

"Ah! true; continue, Ma