“Sire, if you do so we will all go barefooted, and with cords round our necks, to M. Testu, the governor, and pray to be incarcerate with them.” “I will have them beheaded, then; I am king, I hope.” “We will cut our throats at the foot of their scaffold.” Henri kept silent for a long time; then, raising his eyes, said, “God will surely bless a cause defended by such noble hearts.” “Yes, they are noble hearts,” said Chicot, rising; “do what they wish, and fix a day for their meeting. It is your duty, my son.” “Oh I mon Dieu! mon Dieu!” murmured Henri. “Sire, we pray you,” cried all the four gentlemen, bending their knees. “Well! so be it. Let us trust that God will give us the victory. But let us prepare for the conflict in a Christian manner. If I had time, I would send all your swords to Rome, that the Pope might bless them. But we have the shrine of St. Genevieve, which contains most precious relics: let us fast, and do penance, and keep holy the great day of the Fête Dieu, and then the next day----” “Ah! sire, thanks; that is in eight days!” cried the young men. And they seized the hands of the king, who embraced them all once more, and, going into his oratory, melted into tears. “Our cartel is ready,” said Quelus, “we have but to add the day and hour. Write, Maugiron, the day after the Fête Dieu. Here is a table.” “It is done,” said Maugiron, “now who will carry the letter?” “I will, if you please,” said Chicot, approaching, “but I wish to give you a piece of advice. His majesty speaks of fasts and macerations. That is all very well after the combat, but before, I prefer good nourishment, generous wine, and eight hours’ sleep every night.” “Bravo, Chicot!” “Adieu, my little lions,” replied the Gascon, “I go to the Hôtel Bussy.” He went three steps and returned, and said, “Apropos, do not quit the king during the Fête Dieu; do not go to the country, any of you, but stay by the Louvre. Now, I will do your commission.” CHAPTER LXXXV. THE FÊTE DIEU. During these eight days events were preparing themselves, as a tempest gathers in the heavens during the calm days of summer. Monsoreau had an attack of fever for twenty-four hours, then he rallied, and began to watch, himself; but as he discovered no one, he became more than ever convinced of the hypocrisy of the Duc d’Anjou, and of his bad intentions with regard to Diana. Bussy did not discontinue his visits by day, but, warned by Rémy of this constant watchfulness, came no more at night to the window. Chicot divided his time between the king, whom he watched like a child, and his friend Gorenflot, whom he had persuaded to return to his convent. He passed hours with him in his cell, always bringing with him large bottles in his pocket, and the report begin to be spread that Gorenflot had nearly persuaded him to turn monk.