As Madame lifted her head our eyes met, and, raising my hat, I advanced towards her, the people giving way respectfully. My ears were buzzing, and I was as shy and nervous as a schoolboy as I bowed over her gloved hand, and touched it with my lips. 'Let me welcome you back to health, Chevalier,' she said, 'and say how glad I am to be able, even for a short while, to do the honours of my poor house in person to you. News came to us that you had already left Bidache--without even a word to me;' her voice dropped a little as she said this, but the tone was cool and friendly, nothing more. 'I go to-night, madame.' 'So soon; but I understand why, and will not press you to stay--here is one who, like myself, has longed for an opportunity to thank you in person. _Mon pere_,' and she turned to the Huguenot priest, 'this is our friend to whom we owe so much.' 'In the service of the Lord one would willingly lay down life,' said Palin, as he shook me warmly by the hand, 'nevertheless, a few hours more of the world for an old man is a grace not to be despised, and I thank the instrument that has bestowed this benefit upon me.' D'Ayen, between whom and myself there had passed no greeting, now spoke in a voice that fairly trembled with anger. 'I was not aware that I should have the pleasure of meeting you here, M. le Chevalier. It will surprise the King,' he added, in a lower tone to Madame. I made no answer; but the memory of his warning and my determination to settle with him came up in full force. Madame, however, spoke. 'M. d'Ayen, when, by the order of the King, you were directed to escort me to Bidache, there was nothing said about your right to dictate to me who shall be my guests. Remember, monsieur, that your company is forced upon me, and let me add that you are a trifle too paternal.' D'Ayen paled under his rouge, and, muttering something, reined back a pace, whilst Palin, looking him full in the eyes, said: 'Will you swallow that, too, M. d'Ayen? At your age one would have thought digestion hard.' And there was no answer. Madame had in the meantime signalled a lackey to dismount and offer me his beast. 'I cannot allow you to walk, and we will reach the house quicker in this way, besides, I want to hear all your news. My friends,' and she turned to the people, 'come to Bidache: it is long since we have met, and I would have you to make merry as of old--come, Chevalier.' In the cheers which followed, she touched her horse lightly on the shoulder with her whip, and galloped on, Palin and I on either hand, and the suite behind. In a little while she slackened pace, saying with a laugh, 'We are going too fast to talk, Chevalier, and I am a woman, you know, and must hear my own voice, if nothing else--so you are quite well and strong again?' 'I am, madame, thanks to your kindness, which Alban de Breuil can never forget.' Her colour deepened slightly. 'It is the other way, Chevalier, the debt is on my side.'