use and then mortgage it as security for the payment
of the goods, for which, however, he paid twenty thousand francs on
account.

Lecamus was also buying for his son a magnificent stone house, built by
Philibert de l'Orme in the rue Saint-Pierre-aux-Boeufs, which he gave
to Christophe as a marriage portion. He also took two hundred thousand
francs from his own fortune, and Lallier gave as much more, for the
purchase of a fine seignorial manor in Picardy, the price of which was
five hundred thousand francs. As this manor was a tenure from the
Crown it was necessary to obtain letters-patent (called _rescriptions_)
granted by the king, and also to make payment to the Crown of
considerable feudal dues. The marriage had been postponed until this
royal favor was obtained. Though the burghers of Paris had lately
acquired the right to purchase manors, the wisdom of the privy council
had been exercised in putting certain restrictions on the sale of those
estates which were dependencies of the Crown; and the one which old
Lecamus had had in his eye for the last dozen years was among them.
Ambroise was pledged to bring the royal ordinance that evening; and
the old furrier went and came from the hall to the door in a state of
impatience which showed how great his long-repressed ambition had been.
Ambroise at last appeared.

"My old friend!" cried the surgeon, in an agitated manner, with a glance
at the supper table, "let me see your linen. Good. Oh! you must have wax
candles. Quick, quick! get out your best things!"

"Why? what is it all about?" asked the rector of
Saint-Pierre-aux-Boeufs.

"The queen-mother and the young king are coming to sup with you,"
replied the surgeon. "They are only waiting for an old counsellor who
agreed to sell his place to Christophe, and with whom Monsieur de Thou
has concluded a bargain. Don't appear to know anything; I have escaped
from the Louvre to warn you."

In a second the whole family were astir; Christophe's mother and
Babette's aunt bustled about with the celerity of housekeepers suddenly
surprised. But in spite of the apparent confusion into which the news
had thrown the entire family, the precautions were promptly made, with
an activity that was nothing short of marvellous. Christophe, amazed and
confounded by such a favor, was speechless, gazing mechanically at what
went on.

"The queen and king here in our house!" said the old mother.

"The queen!" repeated Babette. "What must w