At the same time Marmagne was speaking in an undertone with the provost, who still held Colombo's hand.
"This is a magnificent opportunity," he said, "and I shall go at once and summon my men. Do you tell D'Orbec to detain Cellini as long as possible."
With that he disappeared, and Messire d'Estourville went to D'Orbec and whispered a few words in his ear, after which he said aloud,—
"Meanwhile, count, I will take Colombe back to the Hôtel de Nesle."
"Very good," said D'Orbec, "and come and let me know the result this evening."
They separated, and the provost slowly walked away with his daughter toward the Hôtel de Nesle, followed without their knowledge by Ascanio, who did not lose sight of them, but kept his eyes fixed fondly upon his Colombe.
Meanwhile the king was mounting a superb sorrel, his favorite steed, presented to him by Henry VIII.
"We are to make a long journey together to-day," he said,
"'Gentil, joli petit cheval,
Bon à monter, doux à descendre.'[11]
Faith, there are the first two lines of a quatrain," he added; "cap them for me, Marot, or you, Master Melin de Saint-Gelais."