"Oh! there is always something to do in Paris."

"Yes, sire; but we have our business at Soissons."

"What business, duke?"

"Your majesty's, sire."

"Ah! true; continue, Mayenne, to do as you have done; I know how to
appreciate the conduct of my subjects."

The duke retired, smiling. The king rubbed his hands, and De Loignac
made a sign to Ernanton, who spoke to his valet, and then followed M. de
Mayenne. There was no fear of missing him, for the news of his arrival
had spread, and some hundred leaguers had assembled to greet him.

As the duke reached his hotel, Ernanton saw a litter pierce through the
crowd. De Mayenne approached it, and the curtains were opened, and
Ernanton thought he recognized his former page. The litter disappeared
under the gateway, and Mayenne followed; an instant after, M. de
Mayneville appeared on the balcony, and thanked the Parisians in the
duke's name, but begged them to disperse and go home.

All went away accordingly, except ten men, who had entered after the
duke. These were the deputies of the League, who were sent to thank M.
de Mayenne for his visit, and to beg that his brothers would come also.
They had a number of plans, which only wanted the sanction and support
of the chiefs. Bussy Leclerc came to announce that he had instructed the
monks of three monasteries in the use of arms, and had enrolled 500
bourgeois in a regiment.