Part 18 (1/2)
”You do not understand,” he snapped. ”Mademoiselle, or rather her lands, have attracted the attention of Diane de Poitiers and her brood of swallows. The Queen would give her right hand to thwart the mistress in this, and she, and only she, can save her. Montpensier will be here in a fortnight, and I shall be gone. You know, I think, what that means. I give you my word of honour, monsieur, that this lady's life is on a hair. Why I should trouble about it I don't know; but the Queen has commanded me in this, and Jean de Paradis, her father, was my old friend, and for his sake I would save his child.
But you seem to be sniffing the air over this, M. Broussel----”
”I was, monsieur! But now I accept the task.”
”Very well. You will arrange, then, to start at three. I shall see that mademoiselle is ready. You will have four good swords with you; and, remember, she is your prisoner, rescue or no rescue.”
I bowed, and was turning to go, when he stopped me.
”A word more! Trust not a soul, King's man or Huguenot--do not even trust her. It is said that she is the promised wife of De Ganache. If that story is true I promise you trouble, but you have yourself to thank for it.” And he rose and accompanied me to his door. It was the only allusion he made to what had happened on the tower, and never again did he refer to it.
I had more than guessed who my prisoner was, though, of course, I was not sure, and the mention of De Ganache in connection with her had struck me like a blow. But it was hardly the time to think of matters like this, and putting it aside with a firm hand I hurried to my quarters, where to my annoyance I found the Capuchin Grigolet. I guessed his needs, and a brace of crowns to further the conversion of the Jewess rid me of the rascal. Then bidding Pierrebon be ready to start in a couple of hours I went in search of Sarlaboux.
I found that worthy in the archway of the main gate playing at cards with Menorval.
”Ogier beats you.” And Menorval put down the knave of spades.
”Out upon the knave! Here is Pallas.” And Sarlaboux covered the knave with the queen.
”And David, the king, takes the game,” laughed Menorval as he picked up the stakes and began to shuffle once more.
With an apology for interrupting them I showed Sarlaboux my order, whereupon, with many exclamations at my good luck, he led the way to the stable, followed by Menorval and myself.
”_Morbleu_!” grumbled Menorval, ”if this is the pay that royal messengers get, away with my gilt spurs, and give me the wings of Mercury to my heels.”
And so, laughing, we reached the stables, where Sarlaboux bid me take my choice, his face falling a little when he saw me halt before the dun mare. From her looks I saw she was likely to carry me well; and then, there was Montluc's own recommendation.
”I will take Lizette,” I said.
”Then you take the best horse in all Poitou.” And Menorval then and there offered me a hundred crowns for her, which, needless to say, I refused.
At the appointed time, accompanied by Pierrebon, I rode into the courtyard of the priory, and found there the men whom Montluc had promised me. They had with them a sumpter horse, whilst a third, which was evidently intended for my prisoner, was held by a groom. I had some little time to wait, which I pa.s.sed in no enviable frame of mind.
Dismounting, I looked carefully at the saddlery of my party, and then paced up and down the flagged court in converse with Sarlaboux, who must have found me somewhat dull, for he rallied me, offering, if I liked not the task of taking a pretty woman all the way to Paris, to take my place, as he had need of a wife and a dowry to rebuild his house. It was in the midst of one of his sallies that the door opened, and Montluc appeared on the steps, and by his side--Diane. There was not a doubt of it; and for a moment I became hot and cold all over, but, collecting myself, advanced to meet them. As I came forward I saw mademoiselle start slightly, make a half step towards me, and draw back, and then Montluc said:
”This gentleman, mademoiselle, will be your escort to Paris.”
I bowed, saying nothing, but she held out her hand.
”Monsieur, I had hoped you would have known me.”
I confess I was tongue-tied, and could only mutter something, and Montluc glanced from the one to the other of us.
”Then you are already acquainted?” he asked in surprise.
”Mademoiselle is the lady to whom, as I have mentioned to you, monsieur, I was enabled to render a slight service----”
”That is what he calls saving my life, Monsieur de Montluc. I have at any rate to thank you for giving me a friend for my jailor. There is but one more kindness I ask of you----”
”And that is----?”