w may have
been marvelling whether already Bardelys were about to share the fate
that yesterday had overtaken his rival Chatellerault. At last he halted
at my side again.

"Marcel," said he, but though he used that name his voice was harsh, "go
home and ponder what I have said. If you value my favour, if you desire
my love, you will abandon this journey and the suit you contemplate. If,
on the other hand, you persist in going--you need not return. The Court
of France has no room for gentlemen who are but lip-servers, no place
for courtiers who disobey their King."

That was his last word. He waited for no reply, but swung round on his
heel, and an instant later I beheld him deep in conversation with the
Duke of Saint-Simon. Of such a quality is the love of princes--vain,
capricious, and wilful. Indulge it ever and at any cost, else you
forfeit it.

I turned away with a sigh, for in spite of all his weaknesses and
meannesses I loved this cardinal-ridden king, and would have died for
him had the need occurred, as well he knew. But in this matter--well, I
accounted my honour involved, and there was now no turning back save by
the payment of my wager and the acknowledgment of defeat.

CHAPTER III. RENE DE LESPERON

That very day I set out. For since the King was opposed to the affair,
and knowing the drastic measures by which he was wont to enforce what he
desired, I realized that did I linger he might find a way definitely to
prevent my going.

I travelled in a coach, attended by two lacqueys and a score of
men-at-arms in my own livery, all commanded by Ganymede. My intendant
himself came in another coach with my wardrobe and travelling
necessaries. We were a fine and almost regal cortege as we passed down
the rue de l'Enfer and quitted Paris by the Orleans gate, taking the
road south. So fine a cortege, indeed, that it entered my mind. His
Majesty would come to hear of it, and, knowing my destination, send
after me to bring me back. To evade such a possibility, I ordered
a divergence to be made, and we struck east and into Touraine. At
Pont-le-Duc, near Tours, I had a cousin in the Vicomte d'Amaral, and at
his chateau I arrived on the third day after quitting Paris.

Since that was the last place where they would seek me, if to seek me
they were inclined, I elected to remain my cousin's guest for fifteen
days. And whilst I was there we had news of trouble in the South and
of a rising in Languedoc under th