to-night. Your grateful and devoted

ANDRE."


So! There was one at least who desired my company! I had not thought it.
"If there be no ties to hold you in Paris," he wrote. Dame! A change of
air would suit me vastly. I was resolved--a fig for the Cardinal's threat
to hang me if I were found in his nephew's company!

"My suit of buff, Michelot," I shouted, springing to my feet, "and my
leather jerkin."

He gazed at me in surprise.

"Is Monsieur going a journey?"

I answered him that I was, and as I spoke I began to divest myself of the
clothes I wore. "Pack my suit of pearl grey in the valise, with what
changes of linen I possess; then call Master Coupri that I may settle with
him. It may be some time before we return."

In less than half an hour I was ready for the journey, spurred and booted,
with my rapier at my side, and in the pocket of my haut-de­chausses a purse
containing some fifty pistoles--best part of which I had won from Vilmorin
at lansquenet some nights before, and which moderate sum represented all
the moneys that I possessed.

Our horses were ready, my pistols holstered, and my valise strapped to
Michelot's saddle. Despite the desperate outlook of my fortunes, of which