CHAPTER VI.

LE PETIT COUCHER OF HENRI III.

After this scene, beginning in tragedy and ending in comedy,
the king, still angry, went to his room, followed by Chicot, who
asked for his supper.

"I am not hungry," said the king.

"It is possible, but I am."

The king did not seem to hear. He unclasped his cloak, took off
his cap, and, advancing to the passage which led to St. Luc's
room, said to Chicot, "Wait here for me till I return."

"Oh! do not be in a hurry," said Chicot. No sooner was the king
gone, than Chicot opened the door and called "Hola!"

A valet came. "The king has changed his mind," said Chicot, "he
wishes a good supper here for himself and St. Luc, above all,
plenty of wine, and despatch."

The valet went to execute the orders, which he believed to be
the king's. Henri meanwhile had passed into St. Luc's room. He
found him in bed, having prayers read to him by an old servant
who had followed him to the Louvre, and shared his captivity.
In a corner, on an armchair, his head buried in his hands, slept
the page.