to change the current of his thoughts after his
misfortune," said the king, delighted at the opportunity of proclaiming
the check which his brother had met with, while appearing to pity him.

"I believe he does, sire."

"We have been informed that the disaster had been most severe."

"Sire--"

"But that, thanks to you, a great portion of the army had been saved;
thanks, Monsieur l'Amiral, thanks. Does poor Monsieur d'Anjou wish to
see us?"

"Most anxiously so, sire."

"In that case we will see him. Are not you of that opinion, madame?"
said Henri, turning toward Catherine, whose heart was wrung with
feelings, the expression of which her face determinedly concealed.

"Sire," she replied, "I should have gone alone to meet my son; but since
your majesty condescends to join with me in this mark of kind
consideration, the journey will be a party of pleasure for me."

"You will accompany us, messieurs," said the king to the courtiers; "we
will set off to-morrow, and I shall sleep at Meaux."

"Shall I at once announce this excellent news to monseigneur, sire?"

"Not so; what! leave me so soon, Monsieur l'Amiral? not so, indeed. I
can well understand that a Joyeuse must be loved and sought after by my
brother, but we have two of the same family, thank Heaven. Du Bouchage,
you will start for Chateau-Thierry, if you please."

"Sire," said Henri, "may I be permitted, after having announced your
majesty's arrival to Monseigneur le Duc d'Anjou, to return to Paris?"

"You may do as you please, Du Bouchage," said the king.

Henri bowed and advanced toward the door. Fortunately Joyeuse was
watching him narrowly.

"Will you allow me to say one word to my brother?" he inquired.

"Do so; but what is it?" said the king in an undertone.

"The fact is, that he wishes to use the utmost speed to execute the
commission, and to return again immediately, which happens to interfere
with my projects, sire, and with those of the cardinal."

"Away with you, then, and rate this love-sick swain most roundly."

Anne hurried after his brother, and overtook him in the antechambers.

"Well!" said Joyeuse; "you are setting off very eagerly, Henri."

"Of course, my brother!"

"Because you wish to return here soon again?"

"That is quite true."

"You do not intend, then, to stay any time at Chateau-Thierry?"

"As little as possible."

"Why so?"

"Where others are amusing themselves is not my place."

"On the contrary, Henri,