While this conversation was going on a group of middle-aged gentlemen had
been moving down the avenue that led to the Pond of Diana. These were the
Baron de la Hunaudaye, Monsieur de Marillac, Monsieur de Barbanchois,
Monsieur de la Ferte, and Monsieur de Vauguyon. They had been taking a
peaceful interest in the spectacle afforded them, had been comparing it
with similar festivities that they recalled in the days of their youth,
and had been enjoying themselves tranquilly enough. Perceiving a group of
young men apparently engaged in animated discussion, the elders quickened
their pace a little to join the party and learn the cause of its
animation.
When they arrived Æsop was speaking. "Something extraordinary is going
on here to-night, Monsieur de Navailles. The king is preoccupied. The
guard is doubled, but no one knows why, not even these gentlemen. But I
know, Æsop the Wise."
"What do you know?" asked Navailles.
Æsop looked at him mockingly. "You would never guess it if you guessed
for a thousand years. It has nothing to do with plots or politics, with
foreign intrigues or domestic difficulties--"