yourself----"

The minions exchanged a rapid glance, which Henri III. seemed
not to notice.

"For," continued he, "his insolence is too much."

"Yes, yes," said St. Luc, "but some day he will find his master."

"Oh!" said the king, "he manages the sword well. Why does he not
get bit by some dog?" And he threw a spiteful glance on Bussy,
who was walking about, laughing at all the king's friends.

"Corbleu!" cried Chicot, "do not be so rude to my friends, M.
Bussy, for I draw the sword, though I am a king, as well as if
I was a common man."

"If he continue such pleasantries, I will chastise Chicot, sire,"
said Maugiron.

"No, no, Maugiron, Chicot is a gentleman. Besides, it is not
he who most deserves punishment, for it is not he who is most
insolent."

This time there was no mistaking, and Quelus made signs to D'O
and D'Epernon, who had been in a different part of the room,
and had not heard what was going on. "Gentlemen," said Quelus,
"come to the council; you, St. Luc, go and finish making your
peace with the king."