“Yes monsieur.” “I was going to write to you to join me.” “Really!” “On my word.” “That is capital; I was afraid you would scold me.” “For what?” “For coming without leave. But I heard that Monsieur le Duc d’Anjou had escaped, and had fled here. I knew you were here also, and I thought there might be civil war, and many holes made in skins, so I came.” “You did well, Rémy; I wanted you.” “How is Gertrude, monsieur?” “I will ask Diana the first time I see her.” “And, in return, every time I see her I will ask for news of Madame de Monsoreau.” “You are charming.” Meanwhile they had reached Bussy’s lodging. “Here is my palace; you must lodge as you can.” “It will not be difficult; I could sleep standing, I am so tired.” Bussy rose early the next morning, and went to the ducal palace, leaving word for Rémy to follow him. The duke had prepared a list of important things to be done: firstly, a walk round the walls to examine the fortifications; secondly, a review of the inhabitants and their arms; thirdly, a visit to the arsenal; fourthly, correspondence. “Ah!” cried the duke, “you already!” “Ma foi! yes, monseigneur; I could not sleep, your highness’s interests were so much on my mind. What shall we do this morning? Shall we hunt?” “How!” said the duke, “you pretend to have been thinking all night of my interests, and the result of so much meditation is to propose to me a hunt!” “True,” said Bussy; “besides, we have no hounds.” “And no chief huntsman.” “Ah, ma foi! the chase would be more agreeable without him.” “Ah, I am not like you--I want him; he would have been very useful to us here.” “How so?” “He has property here.” “He!” “He or his wife.” Bussy bit his lips. “Méridor is only three leagues off, you know that,” continued the duke, “you, who brought the old baron to me.” “Dame! I brought him because he hung on to my cloak. However, my protection did not do him much good.” “Listen,” said the duke, “I have an idea.” “Diable!” said Bussy, who was always suspicious of the duke’s ideas. “Yes; it is that, if Monsoreau had the advantage over you at first, you shall have it now.” “What do you mean?” “It is very simple; you know me, Bussy?” “I have that misfortune.” “Think you I am the man to submit to an affront with impunity?” “Explain yourself, monseigneur.” “Well, he stole the young girl I loved to make her his wife; now I will steal his wife!” Bussy tried to smile, but made a grimace instead. “Steal his wife!” stammered he. “Nothing more easy, she is here, and you told me she hated her husband; therefore, without too much vanity, I may flatter myself she will give me the preference, if I promise her----” “What, monseigneur?” “To get rid of her husband for her.” “You will do that?” “You shall see. Meanwhile I will pay a visit to Méridor.” “You will dare?” “Why not?” “You will present yourself before the old baron, whom you abandoned after promising me----” “I have an excellent excuse to give him.”