In the gallery to which he passed on without awakening him, a crowd of courtiers and ladies, with arquebusiers and captains of the quarters, walked to and fro, talking in whispers; or peeped over shoulders towards the inner end of the hall, where the querulous voice of the King rose now and again above the hum.

As Tavannes moved that way, Nancay, in the act of passing out, booted and armed for the road, met him and almost jostled him.
"Ah, well met, M.le Comte," he sneered, with as much hostility as he dared betray.

"The King has asked for you twice." "I am going to him.

And you?
Whither in such a hurry, M.Nancay ?" "To Chatillon." "On pleasant business ?" "Enough that it is on the King's!" Nancay replied, with unexpected temper.

"I hope that you may find yours as pleasant!" he added with a grin.