At length, signing to one of his companions to follow, he moved a little aside to a window, whence, after a few moments, the gentleman came to us.
'M.

de Rambouillet,' he said, speaking coldly and formally, 'his Majesty is displeased by this gentleman's presence, and requires him to withdraw forthwith.' 'His Majesty's word is law,' my patron answered, bowing low, and speaking in a clear voice audible throughout; the chamber, 'but the matter which brings this gentleman here is of the utmost importance, and touches his Majesty's person.' M.de Retz laughed jeeringly.

The other courtiers looked grave.

The king shrugged his shoulders with a peevish gesture, but after a moment's hesitation, during which he looked first at Retz and then at M.de Rambouillet, he signed to the Marquis to approach.
'Why have you brought him here ?' he muttered sharply, looking askance at me.

'He should have been bestowed according to my orders.' 'He has information for your Majesty's private ear,' Rambouillet answered.