how I might get to
the king. The barber came out of the chamber with a silver basin, and
stood a moment, and went in again with an air of vast importance. The
guards yawned, and an officer entered, looked round, and retired. M. la
Guesle, who had gone in to the presence, came out again and stood near
me talking with the Jacobin, whose pale nervous face and hasty movements
reminded me somehow of Simon Fleix. The monk held a letter or petition
in his hand, and appeared to be getting it by heart, for his lips moved
continually. The light which fell on his face from the window showed it
to be of a peculiar sweaty pallor, and distorted besides. But supposing
him to be devoted, like many of his kind, to an unwholesome life, I
thought nothing of this; though I liked him little, and would have
shifted my place but for the convenience of his neighbourhood.

Presently, while I was cudgelling my brains, a person came out and spoke
to La Guesle; who called in his turn to the monk, and started hastily
towards the door. The Jacobin followed. The third person who had entered
in their company had his attention directed elsewhere at the moment; and
though La Guesle called to him, took no heed. On the instant I grasped
the situation. Taking my courage in my hands, I crossed the floor behind
the monk; who, hearing me, or feeling his robe come in contact with
me, presently started and looked round suspiciously, his face wearing a
scowl so black and ugly that I almost recoiled from him, dreaming for
a moment that I saw before me the very spirit of Father Antoine. But as
the man said nothing, and the next instant averted his gaze, I hardened
my heart and pushed on behind him, and passing the usher, found myself
as by magic in the presence which had seemed a while ago as unattainable
by my wits as it was necessary to my safety.

It was not this success alone, however, which caused my heart to beat
more hopefully. The king was speaking as I entered, and the gay tones
of his voice seemed to promise a favourable reception. His Majesty sat
half-dressed on a stool at the farther end of the apartment, surrounded
by five or six noblemen, while as many attendants, among whom I hastened
to mingle, waited near the door.

La Guesle made as if he would advance, and then, seeing the king's
attention was not on him, held back. But in a moment the king saw him
and called to him. 'Ha, Guesle!' he said with good-temper, 'is it you?
Is your friend with you?