No order had yet arrived for the seizure of the queen; and though one was evidently looked for, to arrive in the course of a few hours, it would then be too late to take any steps until nightfall, at the earliest; and by nine o'clock the queen would have left Nerac.
No movement was intended at present against the seneschal, nor did the idea that the queen might attempt to join him seem to be entertained.

It was possible, however, that such a suspicion might have occurred to the governor, and that some troops might secretly be sent off, later.

He must try to learn something more.
Confident that he could not be suspected of being ought but what he appeared, a Catholic gentleman--for his garments were of much brighter hue than those affected by the Huguenots--he strolled quietly along, pausing and looking into shops when he happened to pass near groups of soldiers or gentlemen talking together.

So he spent two or three hours.

No word had reached his ear indicating that any of the speakers were anticipating a sudden call to horse.
He saw that Pierre was following him, keeping at some distance away, and pausing whenever he paused.