For a little longer the noise and revelry continued, until the moment
came when the king's hospitality, offering supper to his wearied guests,
emptied the gardens of many of their frequenters. Inside his tent the
sovereign was supping with his friends. By his side sat the Princess de
Gonzague, who neither ate nor drank, but waited with an aching heart for
midnight. At a quarter to twelve Bonnivet entered the tent and advanced
towards the king.
"Sire," he said, "there is a gentleman here who insists on immediate
speech with you. He says you have appointed this time and place to meet
him."
Louis turned to the Princess de Gonzague, whose pale face had suddenly
flushed. "It is he," he said; and then turned to Bonnivet. "Introduce the
gentleman."
Bonnivet went to the entrance of the tent, and a moment later Lagardere
entered. He was wearing his old white coat of the Royal Light-Horse, and
he advanced composedly, with head erect, towards the king.
"I am here," he said, as he saluted the duke, and all present gazed on
him with curiosity. Only three knew who he was or why he was there.