Joyeuse, without making the least further resistance, fastened his cloak and took his hat.
"What a trouble I have to make myself obeyed," continued Henri.
"Ventrebleu! if I forget sometimes that I am the master, others might remember it."
Joyeuse bowed stifly, and said, "Your orders, sire?"
The king began to melt. "Go," said he, "to Rouen, where I wish you to embark, unless you prefer going by land to Brussels."
Joyeuse did not answer, but only bowed.
"Do you prefer the land route, duke?" asked Henri.
"I have no preference when I have an order to execute, sire."
"There, now you are sulky. Ah! kings have no friends."
"Those who give orders can only expect to find servants."
"Monsieur," replied the king, angry again, "you will go then to Rouen; you will go on board your ship, and will take the garrisons of Caudebec, Harfleur, and Dieppe, which I will replace afterward. You will put them on board six transports, and place them at the service of my brother, who expects aid from me."
"My commission, if you please, sire."
"And since when have you been unable to act by virtue of your rank as admiral?"
"I only obey, sire; and, as much as possible, avoid responsibility."
"Well, then, M. le Duc, you will receive the commission at your hotel before you depart."
"And when will that be?"
"In an hour."
Joyeuse bowed and turned to the door. The king"s heart misgave him.
"What!" cried he, "not even the courtesy of an adieu? You are not polite, but that is a common reproach to naval people."
"Pardon me, sire, but I am a still worse courtier than I am a seaman;"
and shutting the door violently, he went out.
"See how those love me, for whom I have done so much," cried the king; "ungrateful Joyeuse!"
"Well, are you going to recall him?" said Chicot, advancing. "Because, for once in your life, you have been firm, you repent it."
"Ah! so you think it very agreeable to go to sea in the month of October? I should like to see you do it."
"You are quite welcome to do so; my greatest desire just now is to travel."
"Then if I wish to send you somewhere you will not object to go?"
"Not only I do not object, but I request it."
"On a mission?"
"Yes."
"Will you go to Navarre?"
"I would go to the devil."
"You are joking."
"No; since my death I joke no more."
"But you refused just now to quit Paris."
"I was wrong, and I repent. I will go to Navarre, if you will send me."
"Doubtless; I wish it."
"I wait your orders, gracious prince," said Chicot, a.s.suming the same att.i.tude as Joyeuse.
"But you do not know if the mission will suit you. I have certain projects of embroiling Margot with her husband."
"Divide to reign was the A B C of politics one hundred years ago."
"Then you have no repugnance?"
"It does not concern me; do as you wish. I am amba.s.sador, that is all; and as long as I am inviolable, that is all I care for."
"But now you must know what to say to my brother-in-law."
"I say anything! Certainly not."
"Not?"
"I will go where you like, but I will say nothing."
"Then you refuse?"
"I refuse to give a message, but I will take a letter."
"Well, I will give you a letter."
"Give it me, then."
"What! you do not think such a letter can be written at once. It must be well weighed and considered."
"Well, then, think over it. I will come or send for it early to-morrow."