I have been infected by my lackey, who is generally the lightest hearted and most reckless fellow; but who has now turned croaker, and fears a sudden rising of the mob of Paris, instigated thereto by the Guises." "Has he heard anything to favour such an idea, or is it merely born of today's outrage ?" "No, I think he has heard nothing specific, though he may have caught up vague threats in wandering through the streets." "Why, that is not like you," the count said, smiling, "who have been through so many fights and dangerous adventures, to be alarmed at a shadow." "No, count, I do not think that I am given, any more than is my lackey, to sombre thoughts; but I own that he has infected me, and I would that some precautions could be taken." "Precautions of what kind, Monsieur Philip ?" "I have not thought them out," Philip said; "but, were I the next in rank to the Admiral, I would enjoin that a third of our number should be under arms, night and day, and should at night patrol our quarters; secondly, that a rallying place should be appointed, say at the Admiral's, to which all should mount and ride, directly an alarm is given." "The first part could hardly be managed, here," the count said gravely.

"It would seem that we doubted the royal assurances of good faith, and his promises of protection.

We have enemies enough about the king's ear, and such a proceeding would be surely misrepresented to him.

You know how wayward are his moods, and that it would need but a slight thing to excite his irritation, and undo all the good that the Admiral has effected." Two or three other Huguenot gentlemen now entered, and a general conversation on the state of affairs took place.

Philip was standing a little apart from the others, when Claire came up to him.
"You really believe in danger, Monsieur Philip ?" "Frankly I do, mademoiselle.