“Where they await me, sire.”

“What for?”

“To fight, in all probability.”

“You fight!” exclaimed the king. “One moment, if you please, monsieur le comte!”

Saint-Aignan shook his head, as a rebellious child does, whenever any one interferes to prevent him throwing himself into a well, or playing with a knife.

“But, sire,” he said.

“In the first place,” continued the king. “I want to be enlightened a little further.”

“Upon all points, if your majesty will be pleased to interrogate me,” replied Saint-Aignan, “I will throw what light I can.”