His assertions were accepted as sincere, and the deputation withdrew, Anjou having first solemnly promised--at the suggestion of Orange--not to leave the city during the whole day, in order that unnecessary suspicion might be prevented.
This pledge the Duke proceeded to violate almost as soon as made.

Orange returned with confidence to his own house, which was close to the citadel, and therefore far removed from the proposed point of attack, but he had hardly arrived there when he received a visit from the Duke's private secretary, Quinsay, who invited him to accompany his Highness on a visit to the camp.

Orange declined the request, and sent an earnest prayer to the Duke not to leave the city that morning.

The Duke dined as usual at noon.

While at dinner he received a letter; was observed to turn pale on reading it, and to conceal it hastily in a muff which he wore on his left arm.