it is precisely because Monseigneur le Duc
d'Anjou is about to give some fetes that you should remain at
Chateau-Thierry."

"It is impossible."

"Because of your wish for retirement, and of the austere projects you
have in view?"--"Yes."

"You have been to the king to solicit a dispensation?"

"Who told you so?"

"I know it to be the case."

"It is true, then, for I have been to him."

"You will not obtain it."

"Why so, my brother?"

"Because the king has no interest in depriving himself of such a devoted
servant as you are."

"My brother, the cardinal, will therefore do what his majesty will be
disinclined to do."

"And all that for a woman?"

"Anne, I entreat you, do not persist any further."

"Ah! do not fear that I shall begin over again; but, once for all, let
us to the point. You set off for Chateau-Thierry; well, instead of
returning as hurriedly as you seem disposed to do, I wish you to wait
for me in my apartments there; it is a long time since we have lived
together. I particularly wish to be with you again, you understand."

"You are going to Chateau-Thierry to amuse yourself, Anne, and if I were
to remain there I should poison all your pleasures."

"Oh! far from that, I do not care for them; I am of a happy temperament,
and quite fitted to drive away all your fits of melancholy."

"Brother--"

"Permit me, comte," said the admiral, with an imperious air of command,
"I am the representative of our father here, and I enjoin you to wait
for me at Chateau-Thierry. You will find out my apartment, which will be
your own also; it is on the ground floor, looking out on the park."

"If you command me to do so, my brother," said Henri, with a resigned
air.

"Call it by what name you please, comte, desire or command; but await my
arrival."

"I will obey you, my brother."

"And I am persuaded that you will not be angry with me for it," added
Joyeuse, pressing the young man in his arms.

The latter withdrew from the fraternal embrace, somewhat ungraciously,
perhaps, ordered his horses, and immediately set off for
Chateau-Thierry. He hurried thither with the anger of a vexed and
disappointed man; that is to say, he pressed his horses to the top of
their speed.

The same evening, he was slowly ascending, before nightfall, the hill on
which Chateau-Thierry is situated, with the river Marne flowing at its
feet.

At his name, the doors of the chateau flew open before him, but, as far
as an a