“No, monsieur, we hunt the boar. We want a head. Will you hunt with us, M. Bussy?” “No, really, I cannot. To-morrow I must go to the Duc d’Anjou for the reception of M. de Monsoreau, to whom monseigneur has just given the place of chief huntsman.” “But, to-night?” “Ah! To-night, I have a rendezvous in a mysterious house of the Faubourg St. Antoine.” “Ah! ah!” said D’Epernon, “is the Queen Margot here, incognito, M. de Bussy?” “No, it is some one else.” “Who expects you in the Faubourg St. Antoine?” “Just so, indeed I will ask your advice, M. de Quelus.” “Do so, although I am not a lawyer, I give very good advice.” “They say the streets of Paris are unsafe, and that is a lonely place. Which way do you counsel me to take?” “Why, I advise you to take the ferry-boat at the Pré-aux-Clercs, get out at the corner, and follow the quay until you arrive at the great Châtelet, and then go through the Rue de la Tixanderie, until you reach the faubourg. Once at the corner of the Rue St. Antoine, if you pass the Hôtel des Tournelles without accident, it is probable you will arrive safe and sound at your mysterious house.” “Thanks for your route, M. de Quelus, I shall be sure to follow it.” And saluting the five friends, he went away. As Bussy was crossing the last saloon where Madame de St. Luc was, her husband made a sign to her. She understood at once, and going up, stopped him. “Oh! M. de Bussy,” said she, “everyone is talking of a sonnet you have made.” “Against the king, madame?” “No, in honor of the queen; do tell it to me.” “Willingly, madame,” and, offering his arm to her, he went off, repeating it. During this time, St. Luc drew softly near his friends, and heard Quelus say: “The animal will not be difficult to follow; thus then, at the corner of the Hôtel des Tournelles, opposite the Hôtel St. Pol.” “With each a lackey?” asked D’Epernon. “No, no, Nogaret, let us be alone, and keep our own secret, and do our own work. I hate him, but he is too much a gentleman for a lackey to touch.” “Shall we go out all six together?” “All five if you please,” said St. Luc. “Ah! it is true, we forgot your wife.” They heard the king’s voice calling St. Luc. “Gentlemen,” said he, “the king calls me. Good sport, au revoir.” And he left them, but instead of going straight to the king, he ran to where Bussy stood with his wife. “Ah! monsieur, how hurried you seem,” said Bussy. “Are you going also to join the chase; it would be a proof of your courage, but not of your gallantry.” “Monsieur, I was seeking you.” “Really.” “And I was afraid you were gone. Dear Jeanne, tell your father to try and stop the king, whilst I say a few words tête-à-tête to M. Bussy.” Jeanne went.