l somewhat uneasy. However, as he presently
gave way to a fit of laughter, and seemed to be digesting his late
diversion at the inn, I thought no more of it, finding him excellent
company and a man of surprising information.

Notwithstanding this my spirits began to flag as I approached Rosny; and
as on such occasions nothing is more trying than the well-meant rallying
of a companion ignorant of our trouble, I felt rather relief than regret
when he drew rein at four cross-roads a mile or so short of the town,
and, announcing that here our paths separated, took a civil leave of me,
and went his way with his servants.

I dismounted at an inn at the extremity of the town, and, stopping
only to arrange my dress and drink a cup of wine, asked the way to the
Chateau, which was situate, I learned, no more than a third of a mile
away. I went thither on foot by way of an avenue of trees leading up
to a drawbridge and gateway. The former was down, but the gates were
closed, and all the formalities of a fortress in time of war were
observed on my admission, though the garrison appeared to consist only
of two or three serving-men and as many foresters. I had leisure after
sending in my name to observe that the house was old and partly
ruinous, but of great strength, covered in places with ivy, and closely
surrounded by woods. A staid-looking page came presently to me, and led
me up a narrow staircase to a parlour lighted by two windows, looking,
one into the courtyard, the other towards the town. There a tall man was
waiting to receive me, who rose on my entrance and came forward. Judge
of my surprise when I recognised my acquaintance of the afternoon! 'M.
de Rosny?' I exclaimed, standing still and looking at him in confusion.

'The same, sir,' he answered, with a quiet smile. 'You come from the
King of Navarre, I believe? and on an errand to me. You may speak
openly. The king has no secrets from me.'

There was something in the gravity of his demeanour as he waited for me
to speak: which strongly impressed me; notwithstanding that he was ten
years younger than myself, and I had seen him so lately in a lighter
mood. I felt that his reputation had not belied him--that here was a
great man; and reflecting with despair on the inadequacy of the tale I
had to tell him, I paused to consider in what terms I should begin. He
soon put an end to this, however. 'Come, sir,' he said with impatience.
'I have told you that you may speak out.