St. Luc approached the king, while the others drew back into a
window.

"Well," said D'Epernon, "what do you want? I was making love,
and I warn you, if your recital be not interesting I shall be
very angry."

"I wish to tell you that after the ball I set off for the chase."

"For what chase?"

"That of the wild boar."

"What possesses you to go, in this cold, to be killed in some
thicket?"

"Never mind, I am going."

"Alone?"

"No, with Maugiron and Schomberg. We hunt for the king."

"Ah! yes, I understand," said Maugiron and Schomberg.

"The king wishes a boar's head for breakfast to-morrow."

"With the neck dressed a l'Italienne," said Maugiron, alluding
to the turn-down collar which Bussy wore in opposition to their
ruffs.