midday
I will answer to-morrow . '' `` And to-day ? '' the king asked , with impatience . Thereupon I begged him to act as he had done each day since his arrival at Fontainebleau -- to hunt in the morning , to take his midday meal at Malesherbes , to talk to all as if he had no suspicion ; only on his return to take any road save that which passed the Rock of the Serpents . The king turning to rejoin the others , I found that their attention was no longer directed to us , but to a singular figure which had made its appearance on the skirts of the group , and was seemingly prevented from joining it outright only by the evident merriment with which three of the four courtiers regarded it . The fourth , M. d'Entragues , did not seem to be equally diverted with the stranger 's quaint appearance , nor did I fail to notice , being at the moment quick to perceive the slightest point in his conduct , that , while the others were nudging one another , his countenance , darkened by an Italian sun , gloomed on the new-comer with an aspect of angry discomfiture . On his side , M. de Boisrose -- for he it was , the aged fashion of his dress more conspicuous than ever -- stood eyeing the group in mingled pride and resentment , until , aware of his Majesty 's approach , and seeing me in intimate converse with him , he joyfully stepped forward , a look of relief taking place of all others on his countenance .