proud; who walked with his head raised and a haughty look, and
whose simple dress of black velvet contrasted with the splendor
of his pages. This was Bussy d'Amboise. Maugiron, Schomberg,
and Quelus had drawn near to the king.

"See," said Maugiron, "here is the servant, but where is the master?
Are you also in disgrace with him, St. Luc?"

"Why should he follow Bussy?" said Quelus.

"Do you not remember that when his majesty did M. de Bussy the
honor to ask him if he wished to belong to him, he replied that,
being of the House of Clermont, he followed no one, and belonged
to himself."

The king frowned.

"Yes," said Maugiron, "whatever you say, he serves the Duc d'Anjou."

"Then it is because the duke is greater than the king."

No observation could have been more annoying to the king than
this, for he detested the Duc d'Anjou. Thus, although he did
not answer, he grew pale.

"Come, come, gentlemen," said St. Luc, trembling, "a little charity
for my guests, if you please; do not spoil my wedding day."

"Yes," said the king, in a mocking tone; "do not spoil St. Luc's
wedding-day."