Noon
For Michelot brought me the news that for days I had been awaiting ; Madame de Chevreuse had returned to Paris at last . But for Montrésor 's remonstrances it is likely that I should have set out forthwith to wait upon her . I permitted myself , however , to be persuaded that the lateness of the hour would render my visit unwelcome , and so I determined in the end -- albeit grudgingly -- to put off my departure for Blois until the morrow . Noon had but struck from Nôtre Dame , next day , as I mounted the steps of the Hôtel de Luynes . My swagger , and that brave suit of pearl grey velvet with its silver lace , bore me unchallenged past the gorgeous suisse , who stood , majestic , in the doorway . But , for the first mincing lackey I chanced upon , more was needed to gain me an audience . And so , as I did not choose to speak my name , I drew a ring from my finger and bade him bear it to the Duchesse .