Chapter XXIV.

The False King.
In the meantime, usurped royalty was playing out its part bravely at Vaux.

Philippe gave orders that for his _petit lever_ the _grandes entrees_, already prepared to appear before the king, should be introduced.

He determined to give this order notwithstanding the absence of M.d'Herblay, who did not return--our readers know the reason.

But the prince, not believing that absence could be prolonged, wished, as all rash spirits do, to try his valor and his fortune far from all protection and instruction.