self
only by omitting to invite the Marshal, who was now trembling in his
shoes, to join his riding-party.

The circle broke up amid some excitement. I stood on one side with M.
d'Agen, while the king and his immediate following passed out, and,
greatly embarrassed as I was by the civil congratulating of many who
would have seen me hang with equal goodwill, I was sharp enough to see
that something was brewing between Bruhl and Marshal Retz, who stood
back conversing in low tones. I was not surprised, therefore, when
the former made his way towards me through the press which filled the
antechamber, and with a lowering brow requested a word with me.

'Certainly,' I said, watching him narrowly, for I knew him to be both
treacherous and a bully. 'Speak on, sir.'

'You have balked me once and again,' he rejoined, in a voice which shook
a little, as did the fingers with which he stroked his waxed moustache.
'There is no need of words between us. I, with one sword besides, will
to-morrow at noon keep the bridge at Chaverny, a league from here. It
is an open country. Possibly your pleasure may lead you to ride that way
with a friend?'

'You may depend upon me, sir,' I answered, bowing low, and feeling
thankful that the matter was at length to be brought to a fair and open
arbitration. 'I will be there--and in person. For my deputy last night,'
I added, searching his face with a steadfast eye, 'seems to have been
somewhat unlucky.'

CHAPTER XXI. TWO WOMEN.

Out of compliment, and to show my gratitude, I attended M. de
Rambouillet home to his lodging, and found him as much pleased with
himself, and consequently with me, as I was with him. For the time,
indeed, I came near to loving him; and, certainly, he was a man of high
and patriotic feeling, and of skill and conduct to match. But he lacked
that touch of nature and that power of sympathising with others which
gave to such men as M. de Rosny and the king, my master, their peculiar
charm; though after what I have related of him in the last chapter it
does not lie in my mouth to speak ill of him. And, indeed, he was a good
man.

When I at last reached my lodging, I found a surprise awaiting me in the
shape of a note which had just arrived no one knew how. If the manner
of its delivery was mysterious, however, its contents were brief and
sufficiently explicit; for it; ran thus: 'SIR, BY MEETING ME THREE HOURS
AFTER NOON IN THE SQUARE BEFORE THE HOUSE OF THE LITTLE SIS