de Marsac,' he announced in a sing-song tone to those behind him, 'to see the King of Navarre by appointment at noon.' And with a second bow--while I grew scarlet with mortification he too wheeled gravely round and returned to the fireplace.
I saw another preparing to advance, but he came too late.

Whether my face of anger and bewilderment was too much for them, or some among them lacked patience to see the end, a sudden uncontrollable shout of laughter, in which all the room joined, cut short the farce.

God knows it hurt me: I winced, I looked this way and that, hoping here or there to find sympathy and help.

But it seemed to me that the place rang with gibes, that every panel framed, however I turned myself, a cruel, sneering face.

One behind me cried 'Old Clothes,' and when I turned the other hearth whispered the taunt.