He was an old, wizened, lean fellow.

'It is a break-up, sir, I am afraid, this time.' 'A break-up ?' I rejoined, peevishly.

'Speak out, man! What is the matter?
I hate mysteries.' You have not heard the news, sir?
That the Duke of Mercoeur and Marshal Retz, with all their people, left Blois this afternoon ?' 'No ?' I answered, somewhat startled.

'Whither are they gone ?' 'To Paris, it is said, sir,--to join the League.' 'But do you mean that they have deserted the king ?' I asked.
'For certain, sir!' he answered.
'Not the Duke of Mercoeur ?' I exclaimed.

'Why, man, he is the king's brother-in-law.