Besides, if in full armour I might well be accosted, and asked to whose party I belong; while riding in as I am, unarmed, save for my sword, I should have the air of a gentleman of the neighbourhood, who had merely ridden in on business, or to learn the latest news." The queen smiled approvingly.
"You see, Henri, this gentleman, although about to undertake a dangerous business, does not proceed rashly or hastily, but thinks coolly as to the most prudent course to pursue.
"You will understand, Monsieur Fletcher, that several of the gentlemen with me have volunteered for this duty, and that we have accepted your offer solely because they could scarcely enter Agen without meeting some who know them; while you, being a stranger, do not run this risk." "Moreover, madam, I have another advantage.

Were any of them questioned, and asked directly, 'Are you a Huguenot ?' they could not but answer yes; whereas, were that question put to me I could reply 'no,' seeing that I am an English Protestant, and in no way, save in my sympathies, a Huguenot." "That is an advantage, certainly; but it may be the question will be put, 'Are you a Catholic ?'" "In that case, your majesty, I could only reply 'no;' but methinks the other question is the most likely one." "I wish I were going to ride with Monsieur Fletcher, mother." "That is impossible, Henri; for scarce a Gascon gentleman but has been down, at one time or other, to Bearn.

Do not be anxious for adventures.

They will come in time, my son, and plenty of them.
Would that you could pass your life without one; but in these troubled times, and with France divided against itself, that is too much to hope.
"Should you by any chance, Monsieur Fletcher, fail to rejoin us at Villeneuve d'Agenois, you may overtake us farther on.

But run no risk to do so.