“Yes, about nine o’clock. Presently, another man, with a lantern, joined him. I thought it was the duke and his followers. “‘Now,’ said, M de Monsoreau, ‘shall I go or stay?’ I hesitated a moment, in spite of my father’s letter and of my given word, but those two men there----” “Oh! unhappy that I am,” cried Bussy, “it was I and Rémy, the young doctor.” “You!” cried Diana. “Yes, I; I, who, more and more convinced of the reality of my dream, sought for the house where I had been, and the woman, or rather angel, who had appeared to me. Oh! I am unfortunate. Then,” continued he, after a pause, “you are his wife?” “Since yesterday.” There was a fresh silence. “But,” said Diana at last, “how did you enter this house?” Bussy silently showed his key. “A key! where did you get it?” “Had not Gertrude promised the prince to enter tonight? He had seen M. de Monsoreau here, and also myself, and fearing a snare, sent me to find out.” “And you accepted this mission?” “It was my only method of penetrating to you. Will you reproach me for having sought at once the greatest joy and the greatest grief of my life?” “Yes, for it is better that you should see me no more, and forget me.” “No, madame; God has brought me to you, to deliver you from the toils in which your enemies have taken you. I vow my life to you. You wish for news of your father?” “Oh, yes! for, in truth, I know not what has become of him.” “Well, I charge myself with finding out; only think of him who henceforth will live but for you.” “But this key?” “This key I restore to you, for I will receive it only from your hands; but I pledge you my word as a gentleman, that never sister could trust in a brother more devoted and respectful.” “I trust to the word of the brave Bussy. Here, monsieur,” and she gave back the key. “Madame, in a fortnight we will know more;” and, saluting Diana with a respect mingled with love and sadness, Bussy took leave. Diana listened to his retreating steps with tears in her eyes. CHAPTER XVII. HOW HENRI III. TRAVELED, AND HOW LONG IT TOOK HIM TO GET FROM PARIS TO FONTAINEBLEAU. The sun, which shone four or five hours after the events which we have just recorded had taken place, saw, by his pale light, Henri III. set off for Fontainebleau, where a grand chase was projected. A crowd of gentlemen, mounted on good horses and wrapped in their fur cloaks, then a number of pages, after them lackey, and then Swiss, followed the royal litter. This litter, drawn by eight mules richly caparisoned, was a large machine, about fifteen feet long and eight wide, on four wheels, furnished inside with cushions and curtains of silk brocade. In difficult places they substituted for the mules an indefinite number of oxen.