"At St. Luc's ball."

"Bussy provoked five men? No, no, he is brave, but he is not mad."

"Par la mordieu! I tell you I heard him. Besides, he has wounded
Schomberg in the thigh, D'Epernon in the arm, and half killed
Quelus."

"Ah! really I did not know; I compliment him on it."

"I will make example of this brawler."

"And I, whom your friends attack, in his person and in my own,
will know if I am your brother, and if----"

At this moment Bussy, dressed in pale-green satin, entered the
room.

"Sire!" said he, "receive my humble respects."

"Pardieu! here he is," cried Henri.

"Your majesty, it seems, was doing me the honor of speaking of
me."

"Yes, and I am glad to see that, in spite of what they told me,
your look shows good health."

"Sire, blood drawn improves the complexion, so mine ought to be