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On the fourth day my father was buried at dead of night in the Chapel of St. Hugo of Orrain, where every Vidame of Orrain, save one, lies. Pierrebon, now my steward, and at that time my servant, and the only companion I had with me, brought me news from the village that this was to be, and I determined to be there at all hazard.
For a second I stared at her, and then did as I was bidden. As I stepped in a figure rose from a seat near the window, and I heard Diane's voice: "Orrain, you have come to see me at last!" And then what followed concerns not anyone. I know not how long we were there, talking, planning, and dreaming; but suddenly the curtains lifted, and Catherine stood before us.
But you are building fine castles in Spain here! See this, Orrain; he thinks to net Châtillon, the Admiral, and the First Prince of the Blood!" And she broke into merry laughter. "And why not, madame?" scowled De Mouchy. Diane de Poitiers checked her laugh. "For the simple reason that the house of Châtillon has become wise over D'Andelot's affair, and will not set foot in Paris.
It was useless to follow, though I rode a few yards after him, and then, restraining myself, I pulled round and came back. Then I heard a voice thank me, and Pierrebon appeared at my horse's head, as though he had dropped from the clouds, and as I dismounted he burst forth: "Now, praise to St. Hugo of Orrain! We have defeated the bandits."
Simon's face I could not see; but as I bent over the two I saw in the glazing eyes of De Ganache the light of an unutterable hate a hate that, mayhap, was carried beyond the grave. "Orrain! Orrain!" Twice the cry rang out Le Brusquet's voice and pushing my way past the mob that had already swarmed in and begun to sack and pillage I ran up the stair.
"La Beauce, put this on my table." And then turning to me, said, with a laugh: "Your ears should be tingling, monsieur, for the last hour or so there has been nothing but you talked of by my maids-of-honour. It seems that the cock of Orrain has not forgotten the use of his spurs." My tongue had long since forgotten such courtier tricks as it had learned.
"I too have some friends whom I must warn. Have no fear that Mademoiselle de Paradis will have any difficulty in keeping her tryst; I will see to that. Go now at once to the Rue Tire Boudin and make you ready; we will stand by you to the end." I thanked these brave friends, and was about to turn away, when Le Brusquet called out: "Stay! I have one thing to ask you, Orrain." "And that is?"
This time they divided us into two, and I found myself in a little group near the wall of the Mathurins, whilst the crowd closed over the rest. Diane was still safe, but there was death all around us, and my heart sank, not for myself but for her whom I loved. "Leave me, Orrain," she gasped. "Save yourself!" And for answer I drew her closer to me, and fought as I had never fought before.
His face was pale and grave, his boots and clothes splashed with mud, and there were red spots on the whiteness of his ruffles. For one moment Le Brusquet stared at his friend, and then sprang up. "What has happened?" he cried. "Everything and for the worst. They are taken." "Taken! You mean " "I mean Mademoiselle de Paradis and Orrain, and others besides.
In another step he freed the wicket, and came face to face with the Vidame. De Ganache started, retreated a half pace, and then, recovering himself, said with affected gaiety: "Well met, Orrain! I " And then he stopped as he met the Vidame's sombre look and saw drawn swords on either side of him. "Is this a jest or an outrage? What does this mean, monsieur?"
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