papers are signed, your tenants must continue to pay their rents to the
crown; but it may be as well for you to take the king at his word, and
go to your estates. Of course, you will need money, but, fortunately, I
can supply that."

"You are indeed generous, my lord; but there is another objection," I
stammered out awkwardly.

"What is that?" he asked

"My duty to yourself, my lord. It is not the part of a gentleman of
France to leave his chief in danger."

"But I am not in danger, my boy! France is at peace; the king is my
friend; we have blotted out the past. Still, should the time come when I
have need of a trusty sword, I shall not fail to send for Edmond Le
Blanc. I leave Blois in two or three days, but before then I will send
my chaplain to you. Keep a stout heart; the king is anxious to stand
well with Prince Henry, who will not forget to press your claims."

I took my leave of him with heart-felt gratitude, and sought my
comrade, whose face clouded as he listened to my story.

"'Tis good advice, Edmond," he exclaimed dolefully, "and it is selfish
in me to feel sorry; but it puts an end to our comradeship."

"Say, rather, it breaks it for a time," I suggested. "As soon as the
affair is settled I shall come back."

"Will you?" he cried delightedly; "then I hope the king will sign the
papers directly he reaches Paris. I shall be miserable until your
return."

"The pleasures of the capital will help to keep up your spirits," I
laughed. "It will be a novelty to see our friends attending the royal
banquets and receptions. Monseigneur and the Guises will be charmed with
your society."

"It is a big risk," he remarked thoughtfully. "I wonder how it will all
end?" and I hardly liked to answer the question even to myself.

The next day the chaplain brought me a purse of money, with a kindly
message from the chief, who had gone to attend the king, and I told
Jacques to prepare for setting out early in the morning.

"Are we going to Paris?" he asked, and I laughed at the amazed
expression of his face on hearing that we were about to return home.

"'Tis a long story," I said, "but there will be ample time to tell it on
the journey."

I wished my comrades farewell, and early in the morning took my
departure from Blois, Felix riding a short distance with me.

"I would we were travelling the whole journey together," he said; "but
as that is out of the question I shall pray for your speedy return.
Good-bye,