been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love,
opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts
of the sleeping palace. He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the
great court clock pointed to a quarter past four. He did not disturb his
_valet de chambre_, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed
himself, and the valet, in a great fright, sprang up, thinking he had
been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding
him to preserve the most absolute silence. He then descended the little
staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the
wall a mounted horseman, holding another horse by the bridle. This
horseman could not be recognized in his cloak and slouched hat. As to
the horse, saddled like that of a rich citizen, it offered nothing
remarkable to the most experienced eye. Louis took the bridle: the
officer held the stirrup without dismounting, and asked his majesty's
orders in a low voice.

"Follow me," replied the king.

The officer put his horse to the trot, behind that of his master, and
they descended the hill towards the bridge. When they reached the other
side of the Loire, -

"Monsieur," said the king, "you will please to ride on till you see a
carriage coming; then return and inform me. I will wait here."

"Will your majesty deign to give me some description of the carriage I am
charged to discover?"

"A carriage in which you will see two ladies, and probably their
attendants likewise."