Unfortunately, Henry had no longer the patience and self-control
needful for such a RENCONTRE. He dismounted with a dark and
peevish air, and, heedless of the staring, bowing throng, strode
up the steps. Two or three, who stood high in favour, put
themselves forward to catch a smile or a word, but he vouchsafed
neither. He walked through them with a sour air, and entered the
chateau with a precipitation that left all tongues wagging.
To add to the misfortune, something--I forget what--detained me a
moment, and that cost us dear. Before I could cross the terrace,
Concini, the Italian, came up, and, saluting me, said that the
Queen desired to speak to me.
"The Queen?" I said, doubtfully, foreseeing trouble.
"She is waiting at the gate of the farther court," he answered
politely, his keen black eyes reverting, with eager curiosity, to
the door by which the King had disappeared.
I could not refuse, and went to her. "The King has returned
early, M. le Duc?" she said.
"Yes, madame," I answered. "He had a fancy to discuss affairs
to-day, and we lost the hounds.
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