But to their amazement, it was Gerard, dressed in Bourbon uniform and preceded by two courtiers, who backed before him, bowing deeply as if in profound respect. One of them was d’Estelle, whose sallow sardonic face wore a smile of mockery; and as they entered, a herald called in loud tones-- “Place, there, place, for the most noble Lord Gerard de Bourbon.” At the announcement the men about the Governor’s seat made a profound obeisance, and formed a lane to the steps leading to the daïs. Gabrielle trembled, and showed such agitation and pain that Lucette was full of concern for her, while Pascal smiled and muttered to himself: “In the name of the devil, what can this mean?” Gerard bore himself with great dignity, though understanding the thing little better than Pascal. He saw the smiles of derision which the Governor’s favourites exchanged one with another, but paid no heed to them, and acted as though the scene were no mockery, but earnest. He was bowed to the Governor’s chair, and as he took his seat the Bourbon colours were suddenly unfurled, one on either side. “His Grace the Duke de Rochelle entreats your lordship to be seated here, and will wait upon you to make his homage to your lordship as the representative of the illustrious Duke de Bourbon, the gracious Suzerain of Morvaix.” It was d’Estelle who said this, and his cynical smile was answered by the sneers of every courtier near. “I shall be glad to receive his homage,” said Gerard as he stood by the Great Seat and looked about him. In his surprise he had not noticed Gabrielle when entering; but in a moment he saw her and went to her. “What can this mockery portend, Gerard?” she asked nervously. “Nay, I know not. The Governor seeks to amuse himself, I gather; but I care not so long as he does but waste enough time over it.” “It has some sinister meaning.” “So he will find, if he will but mock long enough,” he answered drily. “Meanwhile, we will play up to him in a way he will find little to his liking. Come. I will have a seat placed for you by my side.” “No, no. Let us not anger him further,” she said, shrinking. “It is not prudent.” “His anger is nothing to us. In an hour or two at most he will be on his knees to us, in no mocking mood, I promise you. Come;” and he took her hand, and leading her to the daïs he ordered d’Estelle to place a chair for her by him. “I have no commands of the kind, most noble lord,” he sneered. “I command here now. Do as I bid you,” answered Gerard sternly; and after a second’s hesitation it was done. The moment after Gabrielle had taken her seat the soldier next Dubois let his musket drop, and at the clanging noise Gerard looked round and saw Dubois. It was a device to attract his attention to the fact that the whole of Bassot’s company were present.