"She shall not--shall not," and cast himself again towards the guard. A dozen men seized him. Deeply pained by his misery and the horror of the thing, I made my way to the front, near where the body lay. "What is this foul law of which you spoke? Tell me?" My tone had somewhat of authority and anger in it, so the fellow gave me civil answer. "The law buries a Huguenot as you see--such unholy flesh could never sleep in holy earth. The beasts and birds will provide her proper sepulcher." "Nay, but compose her fittingly; here is my cloak." "It is not the order of the King," he sullenly replied. The brutal throng again gave assent. "'Tis not the law, 'tis not the law," and bowed their heads at very name of law. I remembered the Governor's errand, and could waste no time in quarrel which was not mine, yet willingly would I have cast my cloak about her. I inquired of the man: "And what is the penalty should the hand of charity take this woman from the highway?" "On pain of death." "Then death let it be," screamed her husband, and breaking through the line of guard, he threw himself upon his wife, protecting her with his pitying garments. Whilst I had been talking to the officer, no one observed the man come stealthily to the front, coat in hand, until, seeing his chance, he broke through their line. But these staunch upholders of the law would not have it so. They tore him viciously away, and I, sickened, turned from a revolting struggle I could do nothing to prevent. All these long years have not dimmed the memory of that barbarous scene. CHAPTER V THE DECADENCE OF VERSAILLES It was nearly noon on the fourth day when I alighted at the Place d'Armes, the grand court-yard of Versailles, and I fear I cut but a sorry figure for a governor's messenger. It appeared that my dress at best was unlike that worn at the court; my fringed leather leggings, hunting knife and long sword differed much from the wigs and frizzes worn by the officers of the guard. However, I made bold to seem at ease and accustomed to court as I addressed the officer of the watch. "Can you direct me, sir, to M. de Serigny? I have business with him." The man smiled, I knew not at what, and regarded me curiously. I felt my face flush, but repeated the question. "M. de Serigny," he replied, "is with the court. Seek him at his apartments. Pass through yonder great gate, turn to the left and inquire of the guard at the door." I walked on hastily, glad to be quit of his inspection. Such a throng of fine gentlemen in silks, satins and ribbons I never dreamed of; even the soldiers seemed dressed more for bridals than for battles. I held my peace though, walking steadily onward as directed, yet itching to stick my sword into some of their dainty trappings. At the door I came upon a great throng of loungers playing at dice, some throwing and others laying their wagers upon those who threw.