As God lives, it would have been as merciful to have hanged me! He met my astonished look with an eye that seemed to ask me why I lingered.

Then reading mayhap what was passing in my thoughts, he raised a little silver whistle to his lips and blew softly upon it.
"Bernouin," said he to his valet, who entered in answer to the summons, "reconduct M.de Luynes." I remember drawing down upon my bedraggled person the curious gaze of the numerous clients who thronged the Cardinal's ante-chamber, as I followed Bernouin to the door which opened on to the corridor, and which he held for me.

And thus, for the second time within twenty-four hours, did I leave the Palais Royal to wend my way home to the Rue St.Antoine with grim despondency in my heart.
I found Michelot on the point of setting out in search of me, with a note which had been brought to my lodging half an hour ago, and which its bearer had said was urgent.

I took the letter, and bidding Michelot prepare me fresh raiment that I might exchange for my wet clothes, I broke the seal and read: "A thousand thanks, dear friend, for the service you have rendered me and of which his Eminence, my uncle, has informed me.

I fear that you have made many enemies for yourself through an action which will likely go unrewarded, and that Paris is therefore as little suited at present to your health as it is to mine.