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QUEEN^ MARGOT PART 1
. THE GREAT MASSACRE^
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Albanesl. E. lYIaria Dante, Alighieri IX)VK AND I.oriSA. THE VISION OF DANTE (CARY).
1 KN(»NN A MAIl).-f.N. Doyle, A. Conan Anstey, F. ROUND THE RED LAMP. A I:aVA111) FKO.M BENGAL.
Austen . Jane Duncan, Sara Jeannette I'uIHK ANl I'Ui;.IL DICE. A VOYAGE OF CONSOLATION DELIGHTFUL AMERICANS. Bagrot. Richard THOSE A ROMAN MYSTKHY. Elfot, Ceorg^e CASTING Of NETS. THE MILL ON THE FLOSS. DONNA DIANA. FIndlater, Jane H. Balfour, Andrew THE GREEN GRAVES OF BALGOWRIE BY STROKK OF SWORD. Barlngr-Could, S. Gallon, Tom FLHZE BLOOM. RK KERRY'S FOLLY. CHEAP JACK ZITA. Gaskell, lYIrs. KITTY ALONE. CRANFORD. UFUTH. MARY BARTON. THE BROOM SQUIRE.- NORTH AND SOUTH. IN THE ROAR OF THE SEA. NO EMI. Gerard, Dorothea A BOOK OF FAIRY TALKS. Illustrated. HOLY MATRIMONY. LITTLE TU'PENNY. THE CONQUEST OF LONDON. WI^,^EFRED. MADE OF MONEY'.
, T^^ FjJ,<*BreHE^t^ . "the QUEEN* of "kTv^, Gisslngr, Georg:e ARM IN ELL. '* THE TOWN TRAVELLER. Barr. Robert THE CROWN OF LIFE. JENNIE BAXTER, JOURNALIST. IN THE MIDST OF ALARMS. Glanville. Ernest THE COUNTESS TKKLA. THE INCA'S TREASURE. THE MUTABLE MANY. THE KLOOF BRIDE. Benson, E. F. Glelgr* Charles DODO. BUNTER'S CRUISE. THE VINTAGE. Grimm, The Brothers Bloundelle-Burton, J. GRIMM'S FAIRY TALES. Illustrated. ACROSS THE S\LT .SKAS. Hope, Anthony Bronte, Charlotte A MAN OF MARK. SHIRLEY. A CHANGE OF AIR. Brownell. C. L. THE CHRONICLES OF COUNT ANTONIO. THE HEART OF JAPAN. PHKOSO. THE DOLLY DIALOGUES. Caffyn, Mrs. (Iota) ANNE MALLEVKHKR. HornungTf E. W. Capes, Bernard DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES. THE LAKE (jF WINE. Ingraham, J. H. Clifford, Mrs. W. K. 'THE THRONE OF DAVID A FLASH OF SUM.MER. Le Queux, Wm. MIiS,, KEITH'S CRI.ME THE HUNCHBACK OF WESTMINSTER. Corbett, Julian A lilJSINKSS IN GREA'J- WATERS. Lcvett-Ycats, S. K. THE TRAITOR'S WAY. Crockett, S. R. ORRAIN. LOCHLWAR. Linton, E. Lynn Croker, IVIrs. B. M. THE TRUE HISTORY OF JOSHUA DA\II). I'KCC.Y OF THE BARTONS. SON A KTATK SKCKE'l. an»;kl. Lyall, Edna JOHANNA DERRICK vai:(;han, N(»VKLIST HIE NOVELS Oi ALEXANDRE ife)tl>^kas
QUEEN MARGOT
NEWLY TRANSLATED BY ALFRED ALLINSON 4979 5.
PART I THE GREAT MASSACRE
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LONDON 'IIINTED BY WILLIAM CL'nvBS AND SONS, LIMITED, D©KB Srf^&T, STAMFORD STKEBT, S.E., AND GREAT >YINDMILL STRKS: W. INTRODUCTION
DUMAS, who invented so much, claims to have invented the roman-feuilleton. This he did as early in his career as 1836. The occasion was the founding of the journal la Prcsse, his contribution to it being the historical romance La Comtesse de Salisbury. The other papers quickly adopted this plan of publishing novels in instalments, and by 1843, when Sue's Mysteries of Paris was appearing in the Journal des Debats, the popularity of the system had become immense. Then commenced a great struggle among the rival editors, a struggle which resulted in all the leading novelists being pressed into the service of the feuilleton. Dumas wrote The Musketeers^ Monte- CristOy and several other romances simul- taneously. On December 3rd, 1844, la Presse^ which was owned by Kmile de Girardin, published the first chapter of Balzac's novel. The Feasants. To it was prefixed a " dedication, which contained this sentence : During eight years I have a hundred times quitted, a hundred times resumed this book, the most important of those I have resolved to write." " Three days later the following announcement was inserted : La Presse commenced on Tuesday, December 3rd, the publication of The Peasants, scenes of country life by M. de Balzac. In the course of the month, and immediately after the first part of The Peasants^ la Presse will publish la Reine Margot, by M. Alexandre Dumas." The Peasants, in fact, far from being read with interest, had brought to the editor's letter-box expressions of disapproval, nay, even threats to drop subscrip- tions. And Girardin, afraid to face the dreaded December 31st, on which day, it must be observed, subscriptions for the ensuing year fell due, had had to promise a romance by the author of Afonte- Cristo, a.nd not only this, but to publish before the close of the year the first chapter, breaking his contract with Balzac by so doing. The first instalment of la Reine Margot duly appeared on Christmas Day, and the bored readers of The Peasants, which had stopped a few days before, seized the paper with joy and renewed their subscriptions. Emile de Girardin was saved, but Balzac was humiliated, and a crowd of little men immediately attacked him, ridiculing The Peasants and the fifty characters already introduced. Dumas, who possessed a most generous heart, must have been greatly disturbed by all this, but he had sold the serial rights and was powerless to interfere. Balzac was no admirer of Dumas' work, and at times spoke of it contemptuously, the fact being that, in Balzac's eyes, its enormous popularity was its defect. One day, the two authors having met at an evening party given by Madame de Girardin, Balzac, when leaving, said as he passed Dumas, " When I can do nothing else, I shall write some plays." " Begin at once then," promptly said the popular dramatist, and no reply occurring to Balzac, he straightway departed. After Balzac's death Dumas never wrote of him but in the highest terms, though he rather naively confessed that he was unable to appreciate all the Comedie Humaine, as Balzac called his complete works.
Was Balzac too angry with Girardin to read la Presse ? No ; we feel that great was his curiosity to see what " the Negro," as he called Dumas, would make of the sixteenth century, of Catherine de Medicis and Charles IX., of Queen Margot and Henri of Navarre. Dumas had been happy in inventing his Count of Monte-Cristo, extraordinarily fortunate in coming across Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan in a forgotten book of memoirs—such luck could not last, the tale of the Massacre of St. Bartholomew was a thrice-told one, his heroine, Margot, was the best-known of any queen, for had not stories innumerable been written of and round about her ? " What would Dumas be able to do ? " Balzac must nave asked himself as he read the announcements. It was soon seen that Dumas had been fortunate once again. He had found - INTRODUCTION yj whose tragic history, alluded to rather than in the Memoirs of the time two men Wizard of the South read all that he or related strangely attracted him. The closing his books, al owed his Maquet could find concerning these, and then, Presently he had ceased to live m the imadnltion to lead him where it pleased. the night of the marriage of Seenth century. It was August i8th, 1572, clock of Samt Germain.l'Auxerrois Marguente de Valois and Henri o( Navarre; the adjacent to the bnlhantly h^ftruck midnight, the crowd is surging about the streets imagines himself movmg. To Dumas Dumas _ lighted Louvre, and with the crowd he takes his pen he immediately communicates it the llusion is perfect, and when are quickly written, and as quickly is the o the reader The opening chapters history he need know to enjoy the breathless reader placed in possession of all the mere witness of what passes; he ''°'presendy°Dumas is not content to be a and henceforward it is not a becomes one or even two of the chief characters, adventures-all the characters are real men story that he is telling, but his own admires execrates, despises, he ests with, quarrels with, loves, and women whom necessary perfectly, he has assimilated all knowledge or kilTs He knows them all scene before he puts it on paper but once for his' purpose, he rehearses every he reaches the word " Finis. hLe he ?hanees nothing, and nothing stops him until Queen ^a.go< was read Emile dlGirardin was not only%aved but enriched the concluding chapter was reached it was, bv every one in la Presse, and before the best of historical romances. It was seen by universal consent, considered one of Three Musketeers, and, on the whole better to be beUer constructed than The possess the irresistible charm of that immortal book. written but t was not found to Margot on a first reading, the gentle reader, when Difficult as i is to lay aside Queen number of Dumas' books on a subsequent occasion S eye falls upon it^among a blood, torture-chambers, poisons fierce hates and may find his recollection of rivers of choose one of the others. The force with wh ch as fierce loves too strong ; he may it, is at once the ; that he never relaxes Dumas grips hs°eader!s in fact tremendous failure to charm. Near y every other cau^e of his success and of his comparative contains a chapter or two which, although of our au hor's most popular books been developed beyond its actual needs. necessary to the story^ s^eem to have Monte-Cnsto to the worker of the Every one remembers the visit of the Count of be made, but much of Saph The exigencies of the plot required the visit to the dormice, and the P^^^-hes is embroide^y^ the leUcious description of the garden, imagination the refreshment of resting in that One feels that Dumas allowed his thankful. But m Queen .1/argo/ there can garden, and one rests there too and is one, and terrible it must author or reader-the time was a terrible be no rest for experienced la Mole and Coconnas, so must it be be made as it was experienced by
^^ the names of the two men which Dumas ^La vTolfand Coconnas ! Those were two heroes after his own kmd o found written in history, and of which he made would still have written an excellent heroes Had he not discovered them, he his own image he becomes romance but with two such men to mould and fashion in elemental force that Dumas possesses, mmense, dtanTc It is the superhuman, romancers and makes Then genuinely inspired, that places him above all other " and supreme man, the sole descendant of D G. Rossetti call him the one great " Negro ! praise this for Balzac's ' Shakesoeare." High , , r »u though he worked further rJsanls-^h^t of it ? Alas ! Balzac, ntke his did her completed it. After his death widow upon it at various times, never The Feasants, as it exists to-day, is her best to piece together many fragments, and
(Paris) in six volumes. ^""'^LaRdne ^y/argot was published in 1845 by Gamier fr^res romance, and the play was Subsequently Dumas and Maquet dramatised the loth, 1847. After the second produced at the TheMre Historique on February Monsorcau, xn vshich many part of Queen Afargot, we shM publish The Lady 0/ the former story reappear. of the characters of R S G CONTENTS CHAP. I The Due de Guise's Latin ..... I
II The Queen cf Navarre's BEDCHAMn k 8
III A Poet King 14
IV The Evening of the Twenty-fourth of August, 1572 . 20
V Of Virtue in General and of the Louvre in Particular 24 VI The Debt paid ...... 29 VII The Night of the Twenty-fourth of August, 1572 34
VIII The Victims 41
IX The Assassins 47 X Death, Mass, or Bastille ..... 54 XI The Miraculous Hawthorn in the Cemetery of THE Holy Innocents 60
XII Mutual Confidences 66 XIII Keys may sometimes open Doors for which t HEY WERE NEVER intended ...... 70
XIV Second Night after the Wedding . 75
XV What Woman wills, God wills 79 XVI A Dead Enemy has aye a pleasant Savour 86
XVII A Rival to Master Ambroise Pare . 92
XVIII Resurrection . 96 XIX Master Rene, Perfumer to the Queen-mother lOI XX The two Black Hens .... 107
XXI In Madame de Sauve's Apartments . IIO XXII "Sire, You will be King" .... XXIII A Convert 117
XXIV The Rue Tizon and the Rue Clochepercee . 124
XXV The Red Cloak 129
XXVI Margarita 134 XXVII The Hand of God
XXVIII The Letter from Rome 140
XXIX Harkaway! 143
XXX Maurevel 146
XXXI The Boar Hunt 1,8
OUEEN MARGOT
CHAPTER I than the rest. This drawinij tugv.ther between two factions so antagonistic as THE DUC DE GUISE's LATIN were the Protestant and Catholic parties at the present moment, was not easy to people wondered how the Monday, the i8th of August, understand ; ON could forgive the 1572, there were great doings at young Prince de Conde brother, for the Louvre ; the windows of the ancient Due d'Anjou, the King's Royal Palace, usually so gloomy, were the death of his father, who had been brilliantly illuminated ; the neighbouring murdered at Jarnac by Montesquiou. squares and streets, generally so deserted They asked how the young Due de Guise so soon as the clock of Saint-Germain- could pardon Admiral de Coligny for the I'Auxerrois had struck nine, were this death of his own father, who had been evening thronged with people, although assassinated at Orleans by Poltrot de
it was now midnight. This menacing, Mere. More than this : Jeanne de pushing, clamorous crowd resembled Navarre, the courageous wife of the some dark and angry sea with its roaring weak Antoine de Bourbon, who had
waves ; this surging tide of humanity brought her son Henri to Paris in order pouring out over the quay and overflow- to settle the terms of the Royal alliance, ing the Rue des Fosses-Saint-Germain had died barely two months ago, and and the Rue de I'Astruce, beat against singular rumours were abroad respecting the walls of the Louvre and ebbed back her sudden decease. Everywhere it v/as against the base of the H6tel de Bourbon, whispered, and sometimes even asserted which rose opposite to the Palace. In openly, that she had discovered some spite of the Royal fete, or, rather, perhaps terrible secret, and that Catherine de' because of it, the attitude of the populace Medici, fearing the revelation of this was somewhat threatening, since it did not secret, had poisoned her with some per- suspect that this solemnity, at which it was fumed gloves, prepared by one Rene, a acting the part of an uninvited spectator, Florentine, who was an expert in matters was but the prelude to another entertain- of this nature. Additional confirmation ment postponed to a week later, to which had been given to this report by the fact it ivoiild be invited, and at which it would that, after the death of this great queen, delight itself to its heart's content. two physicians, one of whom was the The Court was engaged in celebrating celebrated Ambroise Pare, had been the marriage of Marguerite de Valois, instructed, at the request of her two daughter of King Henri H. and sister of sons, to open and examine the body, with King Charles IX., with Henri de Bourbon, the exception of the brain. Now, as King of Navarre. In point of fact, the Jeanne de Navarre had been poisoned by Cardinal de Bourbon had that same the perfume, it was the brain, the only
morning united the bride and bridegroom, I part of the body excluded from the
with the ceremonial customary at the I autopsy, and the brain alone, which could
weddings of Princesses of France, upon : furnish proof of the crime. We say a stage erected at the porch of Notre- crime advisedly, for none doubted that a I Dame. crime had been perpetrated. i This marriage had amazei^ everybody, Nor was this all. King Charles, in I and had given much food for reflection particular, had shown a persistence
j bringing to sundry who were more clear-sighted 1 amounting to obstinacy in about : : QUEEN MARGOT this marriage, which would not merely secret that she does not get the slightest restore peace to his realm, but would inkling of it, for, mischief-maker as I likewise attract to Paris all the leaders know her to be, she would ruin the of the Hu2:uenot faction. Inasmuch as whole concern." one of the two parties to the marriage Well, Coligny, wise and experienced belonged to the Catholic, and the other as he was, had been unable to hold his to the Reformed Religion, it had been tongue about the secret the King had necessary to apply for a dispensation to entrusted to him in such strict con-
Gregory XI 1 1., who at that time occupied fidence ; and although he had arrived in the Papal throne. The dispensation was Paris full of suspicions, although at his slow in coming, and this delay had caused departure from Chatillon a peasant great anxiety to the late Queen of woman had thrown herself at his feet,
: — Navarre, who one day expressed to exclaiming " Oh ! sir, our good master, Charles IX. her fears that it would not do not go to Paris, for if you do, you arrive at all, to which the King had will perish, you and all who go with replied you " —yet these suspicions had gradually " Do not be uneasy, my good aunt ; I faded from his breast, and from that of honour you more than I do the Pope, Teligny, his son-in-law, towards whom and I love my sister n:ore than I fear also the King professed a great friend- *' " him. I am not a Huguenot, but neither ship, styling him brother as he styled am I a fool, and, should the Pope prove the Admiral " father," and conversing unmanageable, I will myself take Margot with him on as familiar terms as he d:d by the hand and give her in marriage to with his most intim^ate and particular your son before the whole Church." friends. This speech had spread from the Accordingly the Huguenots, with the Louvre through the city, and, while exception of some of the more gloomy causing great rejoicing to the Huguenots, and distrustful spirits, were completely had given much food for thought to the reassured ; the Queen of Navarre's death Catholics, who inquired of one another was set down as having been caused by in undertones whether the King was pleurisy, ana the vast saloons of the really betraying them, or whether he was Louvre were thronged by all the worthy not rather playing some comedy which Protestants to whom the marriage ot would result some fine day in an unex- their young chief Henri promised an pected denouement. altogether unhoped-for change of fortune. Especially inexplicable did the conduct Admiral de Coligny, La Rochefoucauld, of Charles IX. appear to Admiral de the young Prince de Conde, Teligny, all Coligny, who for five or six years had the leaders of the Party, in short, maintained a determined struggle against triumphed at seeing all-powerful at the the King. After having set a price upon Louvre, and so welcome in Paris, those his head of one hundred and fifty very persons whom three months pre- thousand gold crowns, Charles now viously King Charles and Queen swore by him alone, styling him his Catherine would fain have hanged on *' father," and declaring openly that he gallows higher than those of murderers. would henceforth confide the conduct of The Marshal de Montmorency alone the War to none but the Admiral. So was missing from this illustrious far did he go, indeed, that Catherine de* fraternity. Incapable either of being Medici, who had hitherto controlled the seduced by promises, or deceived by actions and even the wishes and desires appearances, he had remained in retire- of the young Prince, began to grow ment at his Castle of Isle- Adam, alleging seriously uneasy, and not without good as excuse for his absence the grief reason, for Charles, in a moment of which he still felt at the death of his effusion, when speaking of the War in father, who had been slain by a pistol- Flanders, had remarked to the Admiral shot at the battle of Saint-Denis, by " My father, there is one thing in this Robert Stuart. But as this event had matter of which we must be very careful, happened more than three years back, and that is, that the Queen Mother, who, and as depth of feeling was a virtue as you know, likes to have her finger in quite out of fashion at this period, he every pie, should know nothing of this had not won the credit which he would enterprisp) ' we must keep the affair so have wished to gain for this mourning, QUEEN MARGOT so inordinately prolonged. Everything rubbing shoulders with him were the besides seemed to decide against the very men who had assassinated the Marshal de Montmorency; the King, courageous Jeanne d'Albret. the Queen, the Due d'Anjou, and the At a short distance from the King of Due d'Alen(;on, were wonderfully gracious Navarre, and almost as pensive and to everyone at the royal reception. anxious as the latter affected to be gay The Due d'Anjou received from the and frank, the young Due de Guise was Huguenots themselves well-earned com- chatting with Teligny. More fortunate pliments in respect to the two battles of than the Bearnais, at the age of Jamac and Moncontour, victories gained two and twenty his reputation had by him before he had attained the age of almost equalled that of his father, the eighteen, eclipsing by this precocity both great Fran9ois de Guise. A nobleman Csesar and Alexander, to whom they of handsome appearance, tall stature, compared him, maintaining, of course, proud and haughty mien, he was endowed his decided superiority over the with that natural majesty which caused victors of Issus and Pharsalia ; the Due men to say that, when he passed by, the d'Alenfon listened to these compliments other Princes appeared but as common- in comparison with him. with a fawning, yet insincere expression ; place people Queen Catherine beamed with delight, Young as he was, the Catholics saw in and, with an air of utmost graciousness, him the leader of their party, just as th'. congratulated Prince Henri de Conde on Huguenots saw their leader in the young his recent marriage with Marie de Henri de Navarre, whose appearance we Cloves; lastly, the Messieurs de Guise have just depicted. At an earlier date themselves smiled upon the formidable he had borne the title of Prince de Join- enemies of their house, while the Due ville, and had made his debut at the de Mayenne discoursed with Monsieur siege of Orleans, under the command of Tavannes and the Admiral about the his father, who had died in his arms, coming war, which it was now more pointing out to him Admiral Coligny as than ever a question of declaring against his slayer. Whereupon the young Duke^- Philip n. like Hannibal, had sworn a solemn oath" Amid these groups there passed back- that he would be revenged for his father's- wards and forwards, with head slightly death upon th: Ad.niral and his family, inclined and ears open to all topics of and that he would hunt the Protestants conversation, a young man of nineteen, down without rest or truce, vowing to with keen eyes, black hair cut extremely God to be His Destroying Angel upoa short, bushy eyebrows, nose curved like earth until the last of the Heretics an eagle's beak, an artful smile, and should be exterminated. It was no :, there- beard and moustache just sprouting. fore, without profound astonishment that This young man, who had done nothing this Prince, usually so faithful to his to distinguish himself until the battle of word, was seen to offer his hand to those Arnay-le-Duc, where he had risked his whom he had sworn to regard as eternal life with much gallantry, and who was foes, and chatting familiarly wnth the now receiving numerous compliments son-in-law of the very man whose death thereon, was the much-loved pupil of he had promised his dying father that he* Coligny and the hero of the day. Three would compass. months ago, that is to say, while his But, as we have said, this was an even- mother was still alive, he had been ing of surprises. styled the Prince de Beam ; now his In point of fact, had he posessed that- title was King of Navarre, until the time knowledge of the future which is happily came for him to be called Henri IV. lacking to men, together with that power Occasionally a dark cloud would pass of reading the heart which unhappily be- swiftly over his brow ; he was doubtless longs to God alone, the privileged recalling the fact that it was less than observer who might have been allowed two months since his mother's death, to take part in thi? reception would cer- and he, more strongly than anybody, tainly have enjoyed one of the most suspected that she had been poisoned. curious spectacles furnished by the But the cloud was a passing one, and annals of the mournful comedy of human disappeared like a floating shadow ; for affairs. those who were congratulating him and But this imaginary observer, who had ;
4 yUEiiN MAkGOT
10 place in the inner corridors of the child. The French, to whom she be- Louvre, continued to gaze in the street longed, were proud to see so magnificent with his fierce eyes, and to growl with a flower blossom on their soil, while his menacing voice ; this observer was, foreigners passing through France re- in fact, the populace, which, with its mar- turned from it dazzled by her beauty, if vellous instinct sharpened by hatred, they had merely seen her ; amazed at followed from a distance the shadows of her learning, if they had conversed with its implacable enemies, and translated its her. Marguerite was not only the most impressions into words as frankly as an beautiful, but also the best-read woman inquisitive person in front of the windows of her time, and people quoted the saying of a ball-room hermetically closed can of an Italian scholar who had been pre- do. The music intoxicates the dancer as sented to her, and who, after talking with he moves to its melodious rhythm, while her for an hour in Italian, Spanish, the curious spectator, seeing nothing but Greek, and Latin, had left her presence the movement, and not hearing the with the enthusiastic remark : —" To see music, laughs at the apparently object- the Court without seeing Marguerite de less gestures of the puppets. Valois is to see neither the Court nor The music which intoxicated the France itself." Huguenots was the voice of their pride. Accordingly, there was no lack of The flames which danced in the eyes speeches made to King Charles IX. and of the Parisians were the lightning- to the Queen of Navarre ; the Huguenots, flashes of their hatred shedding their as we know, were great at speeches. lurid light upon the future. Many allusions to the past, many re- Within the Palace, however, every- quests for the future, were adroitly con- thing wore a smiling face ; nay, at this veyed to the King amid these orations very moment a murmur more sweet and but to all these allusions he replied with flattering than any that had preceded it his pale lips and crafty smile : was circulating through the Louvre, to " In giving my sister Margot to Henri the effect that the young bride, having de Navarre, I give my sister to all the laid aside her cloak of state and her long Protestants in the Kingdom." wedding-veil, had just returned to the This saying, while reassuring som.e, ball-room, accompanied by the beautiful made others smile, for it contained in
Duchesse de Nevers, her bosom friend, reality two meanings : the one paternal, and escorted by her brother, Charles IX., with which Charles IX. in all good con- w^ho was presenting to her the chief of science was unwilling to over-burden his his guests. mind ; the other, offensive to the bride, This bride was the daughter of Henri to her husband, and also to himself, since IL, the pearl of the crown of France, it recalled certain grave scandals with Marguerite de Valois, whom King Charles which the Court Chronicle had already IX., in his tender affection for her, never found means to smirch the nuptial robe addressed but as " Sister Margot." of Marguerite de Valois. Certainly no reception, of however flat- However, M. de Guise was chatting, tering a nature, was ever more deserved as we have said, v/ith Teligny ; but he than that which was at this moment was not so absorbed in the conversation being accorded to the new Queen of as to prevent him from occasionally Navarre. Marguerite had scarcely turning to bestow a glance on the group reached her twentieth year, yet she was of ladies, in the centre of which shone the already the object of the encomiums of all Queen of Navarre. If at such moments the poets, some of whom compared her the Queen's glance encountered that of with Aurora, others with Venus. She the young Duke, a cloud seemed to was, in truth, the peerless beauty of that darken that charming brow, on which Court, where Catherine de' Medici had the diamond stars formed a dancing halo, assembled, to play the part of her Sirens, and some vague, half-formed purpose all the loveliest women she could find. manifested itself in her impatient and Marguerite had dark hair, a brilliant uneasy attitude. complexion, a voluptuous eye, veiled by The Princess Claude, Marguerite's dark lashes, a well cut and rosy mouth, eldesl sister, who had been now for some a graceful neck, a full and supple bust, years married to the Due de Lorraine, and, lost in its satin slipper, the foot of a had noticed this uneasiness, and was : gULLN MAKGOT
approaching her to ask the cause of it, and one of the most formidable auxiliaries wheiij owing to the retirement of the of that Queen, who poured upon her whole assembly before the Queen- enemies the philtre of love when she mother, who advanced, leaning on the dared not employ the Florentine poison
arm of the young Prince de Conde, the against them ; small, jjair, by turns Princess found herself separated by some sparkling with vivacity or languishing distance from her sister. A general with melancholy, ever) ready for love movement then occurred, of which the and for intrigue, the two principal sub- Due de Guise availed himself to approach jects which for the last fifty years had Madame de Nevers, his sister-in-law, and, occupied the Courts of three kings in
consequently. Marguerite's also. Madame succession ; a woman in the full accepta- de Lorraine, who had not taken her eyes tion of the word and in all its charm, off" the young Queen, then saw, instead from the blue eyes which languished or of the cloud which she had noticed on her blazed with fire down to the tiny feet brow, a deep blush overspread her cheeks. bent rebelliously into their velvet slippers, The Duke, however, was still advancing, Madame de Sauve had already for several and when he arrived within two paces of months entirely captivated the King of her. Marguerite, who seemed to feel Navarre, who was then making his debut rather than see his approach, turned in the career of love, as in that of politics. round with a violent effort to compose So much so that Marguerite de Navarre,
her features into indifference ; thereupon with her splendid and regal beauty, had the Duke bowed respectfully before her, not even moved her husband's heart to
: — and murmured sotto voce admiration ; and, what was strange and *' Ipse attuU:' surprising to everybody, even on the part Which meant to say of that lover of darkness and mystery, "/ have brought him, or, have brought the Queen- Mother, was that Catherine myself." de Medici, while pursuing her scheme of Marguerite returned the young Duke's alliance between her daughter and the bow, and, as she lifted her head again, King of Navarre, had not ceased to let fall this reply : countenance almost openly the intimacy " Xoctu pro move.'* betvveen the latter and Madame de Sauve.
Which signified : But, spite of this powerful aid and of " To-night as usual." the easy-going morals of the time, the These softly-spoken words, swallowed fair Charlotte had hitherto resisted his up as in a speaking-trumpet by the advances ; and this resistance, so unex- Princess's enormous starched collar, were pected, so incredible, and so unheard-of, heard only by the person to whom they even more than her wit and beauty, had were addressed ; but short as the dialogue inflamed the heart of the Bearnais with had been, it doubtless embraced all that a passion which, unable to find satisfac- the two young people had to say to each tion, had fallen back upon itself and had other, for after exchanging these five devoured in the young Monarch's heart words they separated. Marguerite with a the timidity, the pride, and even the look more dreamy than ever, and the indifference, half philosophical, half idle, Duke with an expression more radiant which lay at the bottom of his character. than before they had met. This little Madame de Sauve had only entered scene had occurred without the man who the ball-room a few minutes earlier. was the most interested in it having Whether from spite or from annoyance, appeared to take the slightest notice of she had at first determined not to be a it, for the King of Navarre, on his side, witness of her rival's triumph, and, had eyes but for one person, around alleging indisposition as an excuse, had whom was gathered a court almost as allowed her husband, for five years one of numerous as that of Marguerite de the Secretaries of State, to come alone to
Valois ; this person was the beautiful the Louvre. Catherine de' Medici, how- Madame de Sauve. ever, on seeing the Baron without his wife, Charlotte de Beaune - Semblancjay, had inquired the reason which kept her grand-daughter of the unfortunate Sem- beloved Charlotte away, and on hearing bian9ay and wife of Simon de Fizes, that the indisposition was but slight, Baron de Sauve, was one of the ladies of wrote a few lines requesting her presence, the bedchamber to Catherine de* Medici, and with this request the young woman " ! QUEEN MARGOT
had hastened to comply Henri, though at full well, and she laughs at her poor first quite woe-begone at her absence, Henri, and makes him her spoit *• " had nevertheless breathed more freely on Oh ! replied the Baronn., " I should seeing M de Sauve enter by himself- have thought for my part that, on the but at the moment when, having ceased contrary, it was she who is the plaything to expect her appearance, he moved off and the laughing-stock of the King of with a sigh towards the lovely creature Navarre." whom he was condemned, if not to love, Henri was alarmed at her hostile at least to treat as his wife, he had seen attitude. He reflected, however, that Madame de Sauve emerging from the it betokened pique, and that pique is but end of a corridor, and had remained the mask which conceals love. rooted to the spot with his eyes fixed on " Truly, dear Charlotte," said he, this Circe, who enchained him to herself *' you reproach me unjustly, and I do as though with a magic bond, and instead not understand how so sweet a mouth of continuing his progress towards his can be at the same time so c uel Do wife, with a movement of hesitation you imagine, then, it was I who b ought caused far more by surprise than by about my marriage ? By the Lord alarm, he advanced towards Madame de No, it was not my doing.'* Sauve. "Perhaps it was mine!" replied the The courtiers, for their part seeing that Baronne, harshly, if the voice of the the King of Navarre, the condition of woman who loves you, and who reproaches whose heart they already knew, was you with not loving her, can ever appear making towards his fair Charlotte, had harsh. not the courage to prevent their meeting, " Have you not seen farther with but complacently made way, so that at those lovely eyes of yours, Baronne ? the same moment when Marguerite de No, no, it is not Henri de Navarre W'ho Valois and M. de Guise were exchanging weds Marguerite de Valois." " the few words in Latm which we have ** And who, then ? " reported, Henri, who had now reached Zounds ! it is the Reformed Religion Madame de Sauve, entered upon a much that is marrying the Pope, and nothing less mysterious conversation with her in more." quite intelligible French, though marked " Nay, not so, Monseigneur, nor do I with something of a Gascon accent. understand your jests : your Majesty *' " " Ah ! my sweet ! said he, here you loves the Lady Marguerite, and God are, come back, just as they were tellmg forbid I should reproach you for it ; she me that you were ill, and I had lost all is beautiful enough to be loved." hope of seeing you." Henri reflected for an instant, and ** Would your Majesty pretend to make while he reflected, a smile compressed me believe," answered Madame de Sauve, the corners of his lips. " that it cost you much to abandon that " Baronne," said he, " you are trying " hope ? to pick a quarrel with me, I fancy, and " Zounds ! I should think so," an- yet you have no right to do so ; what " swered the Bearnais ; do you not know have you done, I ask you, to prevent that you are my sun by day and my star me from marrying the Lady Marguerite ? by night ? Truly I thought myself Nothing at all ; on the contrary, you plunged in the blackest darkness, when have always forbidden me to hope." you appeared just now and of a sudden " And I was quite right in so doing, " lit up the world for me." Monseigneur ! replied Madame de " Then I am doing you a bad turn, Sauve. " Monseigneur." '' How so ? " " How mean you, sweet ? asked " Certainly, since to-day you have Henri. wedded another." " " I mean that, being lord of the fairest Ah 1 I have wedded her because you woman in France, your sole desire do not love me." should be for the light to give place to " Had I loved you, sire, I must have " darkness, since it is the darkness which died within an hour ! brings us happiness." "Within an hour! How mean you, " That happiness, cruel creature, lies and of what would you have died ? in the hands of one alone, as you know " Of jealousy ... for within an hour — " : QUEEN iMARGUT
the Queen of Navarre will dismiss her have some waiting- woman about you, ladies, and your Majesty your gentle- some follower, some girl on whom you men." can depend ? " " Is that really and truly the thought Oh I I have Daricle, a regular " which troubles you, my sweet ? treasure; she is so devoted to me that *' lay her life for I do not say that. I said that, if I she would down my loved you, the thought would trouble me sake." " horribly." Zounds 1 Baronne, tell that girl that "Well!" exclaimed iienri, over- I will make her fortune when I am King whelmed with joy at hearing this of France, as the astrologers predict I avowal, the first he had received am to be." " suppose the King of Navarre were not Charlotte smiled, for the Gascon " to dismiss his gentlemen to-night ? reputation of Henri in regard to his " Sire," said Madame de Sauve, re- promises was already well established. '* " " garding the King with an astonishment Well ! she said, what do you " which this time was not assumed, " you want Dariole to do ? talk of what is impossible, nay more, ** Nothing much for her, but every- " incredible." thing for me •' What must I do to make you "Goon?" " " •' believe it ? Your apartment is above mine ? " " You must give me the proof of it, Yes." and that proof you cannot give." " Let her wait behind the door. I will *' Yes, Baronne, yes ; by St. Henri 1 knock gently thrice ; she must open the I will give it you, I will," cried the King, door, and then you shall have the proof devouring the girl wi^h a burning look which I have offered you." of love. Madame de Sauve maintained a * " Oh, your Majesty ! murmured the silence that lasted a few moments ; then, fail Charlotte, lowering her voice and looking round as though to ensure that
*' her eyes. . . . I do not understand. . . her words would not be overheard, she
No, no I it is impossible that you should glanced for an instant at the group where
avoid the happiness awaiting you." the Queen-mother was standing ; but " There are four Henris in this room, though only for an instant, it was suffi- " " my adored ! repHed the King ; Henri cient to enable Catherine and her lady of of France, Henri of Conde, Henri of the bed-chamber to exchange glances. " Guise, but only one Henri of Navarre." Oh ! if I wished to catch your " " Well ? Majesty in an untruth," said Madame de " Well I if you have this Henri of Sauve, in siren tones that would have *' Navarre near you all this night ? melted the wax in Ulysses's ears. " " " All this night ? " Try me, my sweet, try " " Yes ; will you then feel certain that Ah ! I confess that I am struggling " he is with no other lady ? against the desire to do so." " " " Ah I if you do that, sire ! exclaimed Let yourself be conquered ; women Madame de Sauve. are never so strong as after their defeat." " I will do it, on the honour of a " Sire, I hold you to your promise for gentleman." Dariole on the day that you are King of Madame de Sauve raised her large France." eyes moist with voluptuous promise, and Henri uttered an exclamation of joy. smiled at the King, whose heart was It was at the very moment that this elated with joy. exclamation left his lips that the Queen " Come," replied Henri, *' what would of Navarre replied to the Due de Guise " you say in that case ? " Noctu pro more : To-night, as usual." " Oh ! in that case," answered Char- Upon which Henri left the side of lotte, " I should say that your Majesty Madame Sauve with a delight equal to loved me really and truly." that felt by the Due de Guise as he left " Zounds ! then you shall say it, the side of Marguerite de Valois. Baronne, for so it is." An hour after this two-fold incident, " " But how are we to act ? murmured which we have just related. King Charles Madame de Sauve. and the Queen-mother withdrew to their " Great heavens I Baronne, you surely ow^n apartments. Almost immediately — 8 QUEEN MARGOT
" the rooms began to empty, and the bases Good ; then I will follow his advice. of the marble columns in the corridors My coat-of-mail and my sword." became once more visible. The Admiral The valet-de-chambre, well accustomed and the Prince de Conde were escorted to these changes of costume, brought home by four hundred Huguenot gentle- them both. The Duke thereupon put on men throifgh the crowds which hooted his jacket, composed of chains of mail so them as they passed. Presently Henri pliable that the texture of the steel was
de Guise, accompanied by the Lorraine hardly thicker than velvet ; next he drew noblemen and the Catholics, came out in on his long hose, and a doublet of grey their turn and were greeted by the popu- and silver, his favourite colours, high lace with shouts of joy and applause. boots, which came up to the middle of As for Marguerite de Valois, Henri de his thighs, placing on his head a cap of Navarre, and Madame de Sauve, they black velvet, without either plume or were lodged, as we know, in the Louvre jewels, wrapped himself in a dark-coloured itself. cloak, fastened a dagger in his girdle, and placing his sword in the hands of a page, the sole escort that he desired to accom- pany him, took the road for the Louvre. Just as he crossed the threshold of his house the watchman at St. Germain- CHAPTER H I'Auxerrois announced the hour of one in the morning. THE QUEEN OF NAVARRE'S BEDCHAMBKR Though the night was so far advanced, and the streets at this period far from THE Due de Guise escorted his safe, our adventurous Prince met with no sister-in-law, the Duchesse de accident by the way, and arrived safe Nevers back to her house, which was in and sound in front of the huge mass of the Rue du Chaume, opposite to the Rue the ancient Louvre, all the lights of which de "»5rac, and after handing her over to had gradually been extinguished, and her women, passed to his own apart- which loomed out darkly in the silence of ments in order to change his costume for night. a cloak suited to the night, and to arm In front of the Royal Palace ex- himself with one of those short, sharp tended a deep moat which was over- daggers which were nick-named " On looked by most of the rooms of the princes the word of a gentleman," and were who were lodged in the Palace. Mar- carried without a sword ; but on taking it guerite's apartments were situated on the from the table on which he had laid it, he first floor. perceived a small note wedged between But this first floor, which would have the blade and the sheath. been accessible had there been no moat,
Opening this, he read as follows : was, owing to its existence, raised about *' I earnestly hope that M. de Guise thirty feet above the ground, and conse- will liZi return to the Louvre to-night, or, quently beyond the reach of lovers or if he does, that he will at least take the burglars, although this fact did not deter precaution to arm himself with a good the Duke from descending resolutely into coat-of-mail and sword." the ditch. "Aha!" said the Duke, turning to- At the same moment was heard the wards his valet-de-chambrC; " here is a sound of a window on the ground-floor curious warning, Master Robin. Now be being opened. This window was guarded
good enough to tell me who are the per- by bars ; but a hand appeared, removed sons who have got in here during my one of these bars which had been loosened absence." beforehand, and through this opening let *' One person only, Monseigneur." down a thread of silk. " " " And who is he ? " Is it you, Gillonne ? asked the Duke " M. du Gast." in a low tone. •'Ah! just so: I rather fancied I re- "Yes, Monseigneur," replied a woman V. cognised the hand. And you are sure voice in a lower tune stili. " " tbat Du Gast came ? You saw him ? " And Marguerite ? ' I did more, Monseigneur, I talked " She is waiting for you." with him." " Good." " " " QUEEN MARGOT
With these words the Duke signed to raised, and the Duke discerned in the his page, who, opening his cloak, unrolled shadow the Queen herself, who in her a slender ladder of rope. The Prince impatience had come to meet him. fiistcned one end of the ladder to the " I am here, Madame," said the Duke, silken thread. Gillonne drew the ladder passing quickly behind the curtain, and
up and fastened it firmly ; and the Prince, letting it fall into its place again. after buckling his sword to his girdle, It was now the turn of Marguerite de commenced the ascent, which he accom- Valois to guide the Prince through this plished without accident. When he had apartment, with which, however, he was passed through the window, the bar was well acquainted, while Gillonne, remain- replaced and the window closed again, ing at the door, conveyed to her Royal while the page, after seeing his master mistress a sign of reassurance by placing quietly enter the Louvre, to the windows her finger on her lips. of which he had frequently escorted him Marguerite, as though conscious of in a smiilar fashion, went and lay down, the jealous uneasiness which was dis- wrapping himself in his cloak, on the turbing the Duke, led him into her bed- grass at the bottom of the moat, and chamber; there she stopped. beneath the shadow of the wall. " Well, Duke," she said, " are you The night was dark, and a few large, satisfied ? warm drops of rain fell from the clouds " Satisfied, Madame ? with what, I ask charged with electricity. you !> The Due de Guise followed his con- " With this proof I am giving you," ductor, who was no other than the replied Marguerite, with a slight accent daughter of Jacques de Matignon, Mar- of annoyance, " that I belong to a man
shal of France ; this girl was the who, on his very wedding-night, holds me confidential friend of Marguerite, who so cheaply as not even to have come to had no secrets that she did not share with thank me for the honour I have done her, and it was asserted that among the him, not in choosing him, but in accepting mysteries locked in the incorruptible him as my husband."
' " fidelity of her breast were some so Oh ! Madame," said the Duke sadly, terrible that these latter compelled her to " rest assured that he will come, especially \ keep silence as to all the rest. if you wish him to do so." No light remained either in the lower " And it is you who say that, Henri,** chambers or in the corridors, but from cried Marguerite, " you, who of all
time to time a livid lightning-flash people know the contrary 1 If I had the momentarily illuminated the dark apart- desire that you credit me with, should ments with a glare of ghastly, blue light. I have asked you to come to the " The Duke, still led by his guide, who Louvre ? held him by the hand, reached at last a " You asked me to come here, Mar- spiral staircase built in the thickness of guerite, because you desire to destroy all the wall, and opening by a secret and trace of our past relations, and because invisible door upon the ante-chamber that past Hves not only in my heart but leading to Marguerite's apartments. also in this silver casket which I have The ante-chamber, like the rest of the brought you." lower rooms, was in the most profound " May I tell you one thing, Henri ? darkness. replied Marguerite, looking the Duke On reaching this ante-chamber Gillonne steadily in the face, '' and that is that you stopped. are acting more like a schoolboy than a " Have you brought what the Queen Prince. / deny that I have loved you ! " desires ? she inquired in a low tone. I desire to extinguish a flame which may *' Yes," answered the Due de Guise, die, perhaps, but the reflection of which " I will it but hand only to her Majesty will never be quenched ! For the amours herself." of people of my station set ablaze, and " Then come without another moment's often bring disaster upon, the whole delay 1 " said a voice out of the darkness period in which they live. No, no, my which made the Duke start, for he recog- j Lord Duke you can keep your IMar- ; nised it as Marguerite's. guerite's letters and the casket which she j
At the same moment a curtain of i gave you. She only asks of you a single purple velvet and gold fleurs-de-lis was letter of those which it contains, and that \ ; rO QUEEN MARGOT
" because this letter is as dangerous to you And I love you still, Henri, as much " as to herself as, nay more than ever." ." " « you ? . . They are all yours," said the Duke ; Do " ** select the one which you wish to Yes, I do ; for never more than to-day destroy." did I need a true and devoted friend. A Marguerite searched the opened casket queen, I have no throne; a woman, I eagerly, and with a trembling hand took have no husband." up, one after another, some dozen letters, The young Prince shook his head contenting herself with merely looking at sadly. " their addresses, as though this of itself But when I tell you, Henri, when I would recall to her memory the contents repeat that my husband not only does not of the letters; but after going through love me, but that he hates and despises them all, she looked at the Duke and me ; besides, I think the mere fact of in said, turning very pale the while : your presence the room where he " Nay, sir, the one I am looking for is ought to be is good proof of this hatred not there; you haven't lost it by any and contempt." ." " chance, for as to handing it over It is still early, Madame, and the " Which letter are you looking for, King of Navarre has required time to " ; if Madame ? dismiss his gentlemen he has not " The one in which I told you to get come yet, he will not be long in doing so." married without delay." " And I tell you that he will not come," " In order to excuse your unfaithful- cried Marguerite with increasing vexa- ness ?" Marguerite shrugged her shoulders. tion. " No, but to save your life. The " Madame," said Gillonne, opening the " letter in which I told you that the King, door and raising the curtain, The King perceiving our mutual love, and the of Navarre is coming from his rooms." " efforts I was making to break off your Oh ! I knew very well that he would " union with the Infanta of Portugal, had come ! exclaimed the Due de Guise. summoned his brother, the Bastard of " Henri," said Marguerite, in a peremp- Angouleme, and, showing him two swords, tory tone, and seizing the Duke by the
' " shall see if I of had said to him : Slay Henri de Guise hand, you am a woman with this sword to-night, or I will kill my word, and if you can depend on me him with the other to-morrow.* Where when I have once given a promise. " is that letter ? Henri, go into that closet." " Here," said the Due de Guise, draw- " Madame, let me go away if there be ing it from his breast. yet time, for reflect that at the first sign Marguerite almost tore it from his of affection he gives you, I come out of " hands, opened it eagerly, assured herself that closet, and then woe betide him !
" ! in, in, that it was the one she was in search of, You are mad go go I tell you uttered an exclamation of joy, and thrust I will answer for everything."
it into the candle. The flame im- And she pushed the Duke into the mediately caught it and consumed it, closet. but Marguerite, as though fearing that She was just in time. Scarcely had even its ashes might convey information, the door closed on the Duke, when the crushed the charred remains beneath her King of Navarre, escorted by two pages foot. bearing eight wax candles in two candel- The Due de Guise had followed with abra, appeared smiling on the threshold his eyes the restless actions of his mistress. of the chamber " he she Marguerite concealed hei uneasiness Well ! Marguerite," said when " had finished, " are you satisfied now ? by making a profound reverence. have married " You have not yet retired to bed, "Yes ; for now that you " the Princessede Porcian, my brother will Madame ? asked the Bearnais with a forgive you for loving me; while he frank expression of pleasure on his " would not have forgiven me for revealing countenance ; were you by chance ex- " such a secret which, in my weakness for pecting me ? " " you, I should not have had the strength No, sir," answered Marguerite, since to conceal from you." you told me but yesterday that you knew " True," said the Duke; " at that time quite well that our marriage was a you loved me." political union, and thaet you would : —" OUEl'N MARGOT II never force me to submit to your our marriage is either merely a pretext or embraces." a trap." «• started, for the same idea Well and good ; but that is no reason Marguerite why we sliuuld not converse together for had possibly occurred to her mind. •' " a little while. Shut the door, Gillonne, Now, which of the two is it ? con- and leave us." tinued Henri de Navarre. " The King Marguerite, who had sat down, rose Imtes me, the Dukes of Anjou and and extended her hand as if to order the Alen9on hate me, Catherine de' Medici pages to remain. hated my mother too much not to hate " ** Must I call your women ? asked the me also." " " " King. I will do so if you insist upon Oh ! sir, what are you saying ? it, though I must confess that, in view of "The truth, Madame," replied the what I have to say to you, I should King, " and I should wish that there prefer that we were alone." were someone here to hear my words, so And the King of Navarre stepped to- that I might not be thought to be the wards the closet. dupe of those who assassinated M. de " No," cried Margaret, throwing her- Mouy and poisoned my mother." " ' self impetuously in front of him ; no, But, sir," said Marguerite, quickly, it is unnecessary, and I am ready to with the most calm and smiling expres- listen to you." sion she could command, " you know The Bearnais had discovered what he there is nobody here but we two." " is just why I am speaking with wished to learn ; he threw a swift and That searching glance towards the closet, as such freedom, and why I dare to tell you though desirous, in spite of the curtain that I am not deceived either by the which concealed it, to penetrate its dark blandishments of the French Court or recesses ; then, fixing his eyes upon his by those of the house of Lorraine." " " wife, who was now pale with alarm Sir ! sir ! cried Marguerite. " in that case, Madame," said he, in a " Well, what is the matter, sweet one ? perfectly calm tone, " let us have a Httle asked Henri, smiling in his turn. talk together." " The matter is, sir, that such speeches " As your Majesty pleases," said Mar- are very dangerous." guerite, sinking rather than sitting down "Not W'hen we are quite alone,** upon the chair indicated by her husband replied the King. " Well, I was telling " The Bearnais sat down beside her. you " Madame," he continued, " our mar- Marguerite was evidently suffering riage, whatever people may say of it, is, tortures ; she would fain have arrested
I think, a good marriage. I am entirely the words upon her husband's lips ; but yours and you are mine." Henri continued, with apparent un- ** " But said Marguerite, in terror. concern : " Consequently," the King went on, I was telling you, then, that I am without appearing to notice her hesita- threatened on all sides : by the King, by tion, " we ought to treat one another as the Due d'Alen9on, by the Due d'Anjou, good allies since we have to-day sworn by the Queen-Mother, by the Due de alliance to each other before God. Is Guise, by the Due de Mayenne, by the " not that your opinion ? Cardinal de Lorraine—by everybody, in " Certainly it is." short. You know, Madame, one feels " I know, Madame, the greatness of these things instinctively. Well ! against your penetration ; I know, a.lso, how the all these threats, which will not be long ground of this Court is strewn with in developing into attacks, I can defend dangerous pitfalls; well, I am young, myself with your help, since you are and, although I have never injured beloved by all the persons who hate me.'* anybody, I have plenty of enemies. In " I ! " said Marguerite. which camp, Madame, am I to reckon " Yes, you," replied Henri de Navarre,
her who bears my name, and who has with perfect good humour ; " yes, you " sworn at the altar to love me ? are beloved King Charles are by ; you '" " Oh, sir, could you imagine beloved " —he dwelt upon the word " I " imagine nothing, Madame ; I hope, by the Due d'Alen9on and by Queen and I should like to be assured that my Catjierine ; and, lastly, you are beloved hope is well founded. It is certain that by the Due de Guise." ; — 12 QUEEN MARGOT
*' Sir " murmured Marguerite. " Sir," cried Marguerite, rising abruptly " " Well ! is there anything surprising in and grasping the King b^ the arm, let the fact that everyone loves you ? All me have breath ; the emotion—the heat those whom I have just named are either I am choking." your brothers or your relations, and to And, in point of fact. Marguerite was love these is but to obey God's com- pale and trembling, as though about to mandment." fall on the floor. Henri walked to a " " But to what does all this tend, sir ? window at the further end of the room asked Marguerite, in a troubled tone. and opened it ; this window overlooked "It tends to what I have already told the river. you, that with you for, I will not say my Marguerite followed him. •* friend, but my ally, I can brave every- Silence ! silence ! sir, in pity for your-
thing ; while, on the other hand, with you self," she murmured. " for my enemy, I am lost." What ! Madame," said the Bearnais " " " Oh ! sir, your enemy, never ! cried with his customary smile, did you not " Marguerite. say that we were alone ? " " But my friend, if never any more Yes, sir ; but have you not heard " than that ? that by means of an air-tube inserted in " Perhaps." a wall or ceiling, all that passes can be " " " And my ally ? overheard ? « Certainly." " True, Madame, true," said the And Marguerite turned and extended Bearnais, in a low tone. " You do not
her hand to the King. love me, it is true ; but you are an Henri took it, kissed it gracefully, and honourable woman." " " keeping it within his own much more What mean you, sir ? with a desire of investigation than from " I mean that, were you capable of be- any sentiment of tenderness : traying me, you might have let me go on " I Well ! Madame, I believe you," said until betrayed myself by my own he, *' and accept you as my ally. So words. You stopped me. I know now they have married us without our either that someone is concealed here ; that you unfaithful wife, loyal ally, knowing or loving one another ; without are an but a consulting us who are chiefly concerned. and at the present moment," added the We therefore owe each other nothing as Bearnais with a smile, " I stand in husband and wife. You see, Madame, greater need of fidelity in matters of " that I meet your wishes, and confirm to- policy than in love " day what I promised you yesterday. But Sir," murmured Marguerite, in v.'e enter into this alliance freely, under confusion. compulsion from nobody, as two loyal " There, there, we will talk of all this hearts that unite for mutual protection later on, when we know each other better," that is how you understand the matter, is said Henri. " " it not ? Yes, yes," murmured Marguerite. " Yes, sir," said Marguerite, trying to " In that case I will not disturb you withdraw her hand. longer. I owed you my respects and " " in the of friendship Well ! continued the Bearnais, some advances way ; keeping his eyes still fixed on the door of accept them as they are ofi"ered, with all the closet, " since the first proof of a my heart. Go to rest then, and good frank alliance is the most absolute con- night." fidence, I am going to acquaint you, Marguerite directed towards her hus- Madame, in its minutest details, with the band a look beaming with gratitude, scheme that 1 have formed with a view and, in her turn, extended her hand. of successfully combating this hostility." " It is settled," said she. ?" '* Sir," murmured Marguerite, in her " A political alliance, frank and loyal turn, involuntarily directing her eyes asked Henri. towards the closet, while the Bearnais, "Frank and loyal," replied the Queen. seeing the success of his ruse, smiled in Upon this the Bearnais stepped to- his sleeve. wards the door, while Marguerite, as •' This is what I intend to do," he con- though fascinated, followed him with her tinued, without seeming to notice her gaze. Then, when the curtain had fal- " " out of the agitation ; I intend len, and they had passed — . — QUEEN MARGOT 13 bed-chamber, Henri said quickly, in a * Come, come, Madame," said the low tone : Duke, shaking his head, " that is enough. " I Thank you, Marguerite ; thank you ; see that you no longer love me as in you are a true daughter of France. 1 the days when you told me what the go away with my mind at ease. In de- King was plotting against me and fault of your love, your friendship, at mine." least, will not fail me. I rely upon you, '• The King was then the strong and as you may rely upon me. Adieu, you the weak : Henri is now the weak Madame." and you the strong. You see that I still Irlenri kissed his wife's hand, and play the same part." " pressed it softly ; then went back at a Only you have crossed from the one brisk pace to his own apartments, saying camp to the other." to himself softly as he passed along the •* I have acquired the right to do so, corridor •, sir, by having saved your hfe." " *' Who the deuce is in there with her ? Very well, Madame ; and as, when Is it the King, the Due d'Anjou, the lovers part, they restore all that has been Due d'Alen9on, the Due de Guise, is it given them, I, in my turn, will save your a brother or lover, or both ? I am really life if the opportunity occurs, and we almost sorry now that I made that shall be quits." appointment with the Baronne : but With these words the Duke bowed since 1 have given my word and Dariole and withdrew without Marguerite mak- is waiting for me . . . never mind ; she ing any movement to stop him. will be rather a sufferer, I fear, from the In the ante-chamber he found Gillonne, fact that I have passed through my wife's who conducted him to the window on the bed-chamber on my way to her, for, by ground-floor, and in the moat he found God, this Margot, as my brother-in- his page, with whom he returned to the law Charles calls her, is an adorable Hotel de Guise. creature." Meanwhile Marguerite had gone to the And with a step that betrayed a slight window, and stood there wrapt in thought. " " hesitation, Henri de Navarre ascended What a wedding-night I she mur- " the staircase leading to the apartment of mured ; my husband shuns me and my " Madame de Sauve. lover deserts me ! Marguerite had followed him with her At this moment there passed on the eyes until he disappeared, and had other side of the moat, coming from the then returned to her room. She found Tour de Bois, and ascending towards the the Duke at the door of the closet ; the Moulin de la Monnaie, a student, vnth sight of him inspired her with something his arms akimbo, singing lustily : akin to remorse. The Duke, for his part, looked serious, WTiy, when I your lips would taste, and his contracted brows betokened that And fain would clasp your slender waist, his thoughts were unpleasantly pre- And feast upon your eyes so pure, occupied. Why do you play the nun demure, " Marguerite is neutral to-day," said Enclosed by cloister walls ? " he ; in a week she will be hostile." " " Ah ! then you heard ? said For whom do you reserve your charms. Marguerite. Your bosom, eyes, and rounded arms ? Think you Pluto's love to share " What did you expect I should do in " When Charon shall have rowed you there- that closet ? in his dark and silent halls ? " And do you think I behaved other- wise than as became the Queen of " Down there, fair one, when you die, Nazarre ? Upon a bed of straw you'll lie " ; No, but otherwise than as becomes And when I meet you there below, the mistress of the Due de Guise." I shall not to the Shades avow That you were once sweet. " Sir," replied the Queen, " I cannot my love my husband, but no one has the right to demand of me that I should betray him. Therefore, while youth and beauty last. Amend your coldness in the past Honestly, now ; would you betray the And to my suit relent secrets of your wife, the Princesse de " For when you're dead, you will repent Porcian ? You spurned me from your feet. "
?4 QUEEN MARGOT
Marguerite listened to this ballad with At the termination of the meal he took
a doleful smile ; then, when the student's them into his cabinet, and was there voice had died away in the distance, explaining to them the ingenious she closed the window again, and sum- mechanism of a wolf-trap invented by moned Gillonne to help her to prepare himself, when, breaking off suddenly, he
for bed. asked : " Isn't the Admiral coming this even- ing ? Has anyone seen him to-day ? Can " anyone give me news of him ? " I have seen him," said the King of Navarre, " and in case your Majesty CHAPTER III should be anxious about his health I can set your mind at ease, for I saw him this A POET KING morning at six o'clock, and again this evening at seven."
'• THE next day and those that suc- Oh ! indeed," said the King, whose ceeded it were spent in fetes, eyes, momentarily distracted, now fixed ballets, and tourneys. themselves with a piercing gaze upon The two parties continued to fraternise his brother-in-law, " You are up very with one another. The Huguenots were early, Henriot, for a newly-married treated with an attention and respect man ! sufficient to turn the heads of the most " Yes, sire," replied the King of embittered among them. P^re Cotton Navarre, " I was anxious to learn from had been seen dining and making merry the Admiral, who knows everything, with the Baron de Courtaumer, and the whether some gentlemen whom I am still Due de Guise had gone up the Seine with expecting are likely to arrive soon." " the Prince de Conde in a barge, attended More gentlemen ! why, you had eight by a band of musicians. hundred on the day of your wedding, King Charles appeared to have laid and they still keep arriving every day. aside his habitual melancholy, and to be Do you want to invade us ? " asked unable to do without the company of his Charles, laughing. brother-in-law Henri. Lastly, the Queen- The Due de Guise frowned. Mother was so cheerful and so taken up " Sire," replied the Bearnais, " there is with embroideries, jewels and plumes, talk of an expedition against Flanders, as to lose her sleep. and I am collecting round me all those The Huguenots, though but slightly of my own country and the neighbouring mollified by this new Capua, began districts whom I think likely to prove to don once more their silken doublets, serviceable to your Majesty." to set up emblems, and to parade in The Duke, recollecting the scheme front of certain balconies just as though of which the Bearnais had spoken to they were Catholics. On all sides there Marguerite on the wedding-day, listened was a reaction in favour of the Reformed more attentively. Religion, such as to make people imagine " Good, good 1 " answered the King, the entire Court was going to turn with his deceitful smile, "the more of Protestant. The Admiral himself, spite them there are, the better pleased we of his previous experience, allowed him- shall be; bring them up, Henri, bring self to be carried away like the rest, and them up. But who are these gentlemen ? " became so excited that one evening he Courageous fellows, I trust? forgot for two whole hours to chew his " I don't know, sire, whether my men tooth-pick, an occupation to which he are equal to your Majesty's, or those of usually gave himself up the moment his the Due d'Anjou, or the Due de Guise, dinner was finished until eight o'clock but I know their worth, and am certain at night, when he sat down again to they will do their best." supper. ** Are there many that you still " On the evening when the Admiral had expect ? relapsed into this incredible forgetfulness " Some ten or a dozen more." " of his usual habits, Charles IX. had *' And theii names ? invited Henri de Navarre and the Due " Sire, their names have escaped me, de Guise to sup with him in private. and with the exception of one of them. " ; : QUEEN MARGOT 15 recommeiiJccl to me by Teli';ny as an dignity, " I am always a wizard when I accomplished .[gentleman, and called De wish for positive information as to what ." la Mole, I could not tell you. . . concerns my own business or that of the
! " De la Mole " replied the King, King. My messenger arrived from who was well versed in j3'eneaIo[;ical Orleans an hour ago, and, thankw to his matters, " isn't he one Lerac de la ^Iole, relays of horses, accomplished thirty-two a Provencal ? leagues within the day. M. de la Mole, " The same, sire ; I gather recruits who is riding his own horse, travels but even in Provence, as you see." ten leagues a day, and will not arrive " And I," said the Due Je Guise, with until the twenty-fourth. That is the a mocking smile, " go even further than whole magic." his Majesty the King of Navarre, for I "Bravo! my father; well answered," am going to hunt even in Piedmont for said Charles. " Prove to these young all the trusty Catholics I can find." men that it is wisdom as well as old age " Catholics or Protestants," interrupted that has whitened your hair and your
*' the King, it matters little, provided beard ; and now we will send them away they are valiant." to talk of their tourneys and love affairs, The King had assumed such a tone of while we remain together to discuss our indifference in saying these words, which wars. Good advisers make good kings, seemed, from his point of view, to place my father. Come, gentlemen, I wish to Protestants and Catholics upon an equal talk with the Admiral." footing, that even the Due de Guise was The two young men went out, the astonished. King of Navarre first, followed by the
" Your Majesty is discussing the Due de Guise ; once outside the door, " Flemish ? said Admiral de Coligny, to however, each turned with a frigid bow whom the King some days earHer had in his own direction. granted the privilege of visiting him un- Coligny had followed them with his announced, and who had heard the last eyes with some uneasiness, for he never words spoken by His Majesty. saw these two hostile spirits meet without " Ah ! here is my father, the Admiral," fearing that some fresh explosion would cried Charles IX., opening his arms follow. Charles, comprehending what " we talk of war and gallant gentlemen, was passing in his mind, advanced to him and he arrives like iron attracted by the and linking his arm in the Admiral's, magnet. My brother-in-law of Navarre observed and my cousin of Guise are expecting " Make your mind easy, my father, I reinforcements for your army; that is am here to exact obedience and respect what we w^ere discussing." from everyone. I am veritably King, " And these reinforcements are arriv- now that my mother is no longer Queen, ing," said the Admiral. and that she has ceased to be, now that
" Have you had any news, sir ? " asked Coligny is my father." " " the Bearnais. Oh ! sire," said the Admiral, Queen " " Yes, my son, more particularly with Catherine " regard to M. de la Mole ; he was at Is a mischief-maker. With her there Orleans yesterday, and will be in Paris can be no peace. The Italian Catholics to-morrow or the day after." are enraged, and will hear of nothing but " Plague take it ! The Admiral must extermination. I, on the contrary, am be a wizard to know thus what is taking not only for pacific measures, but would
place at thirty or forty leagues' distance ! even wish to place power in the hands of For my own part, I should like to know those of the Reformed Religion. The with equal certainty what happened or other Party are too dissolute, my father, has happened before Orleans." and scandalise me by their amours and
Coligny remained impervious to this irregularities. Look ! would you like me deadly thrust of the Due de Guise, which to speak frankly," continued Charles, evidently bore reference to the death of waxing increasingly confidential, " I mis- his father, Fran9ois de Guise, who had trust all who surround me except my been slain at Orleans by Poltrot de Mere, new friends. I suspect the ambition of not without a suspicion that the Admiral the Tavannes. Vieilleville cares about had suggested the deed. nothing but good wine, and would betray *' Sir," he replied coldly and with his Sovereign for a cask of Malmsey. " —;; 16 QUEEN MARGOT
Montmorency thinks of nought but his Ronsard, I know that, should you see me not, hunting, and spends his time between his Your Monarch's voice will be. by you forgot, So let me tell you tha' I still pursue hounds and his falcons. The Comte de The art poetic erst begun with you ; Retz is a Spaniard, the Guises are Lor- This trifle, therefore, I desired to send rainers. I don't believe there are any To stir the ambition of my poet friend. true Frenchmen in France, so help me God! except myself, my brother-in law Come, cease your absorption in household afTairs,
The time is gone by for gardening cares ; of Navarre, and you. But, for myself, I The King summons you, w^hom he loves of all am tied to the throne and cannot lead men, armies into the field. It is as much as For the verses so fall sweet which from your pen ; they will do to let me hunt in peace at And know, should you fail to Amboise to repair, Saint-Germain and Rambouillet My A serious quarrel with me you will share." brother-in-law of Navarre is too young " " and inexperienced. Besides, he seems to Bravo ! sire, bravo ! said Coligny, " me to take in every respect after his I know more of war than I do of poetry, father, Antoine, of whom women were but these verses seem to me to equal the ever the ruin. There is no one left but finest of Ronsard, Dorat, and even you, my father, who are at once as Michel de I'Hospital, Chancellor of brave as Julius Cassar and as wise as France." Plato. So, really and truly, I don't "Ah! my father!" ciied Charles, " truly ; for title know what I ought to do ; to keep how you speak the of you here as my adviser or send you poet, mark you, is the one that I desire there as general. If you remam to above all things ; and, as I said to my give advice, who will lead the master in poetry a few days ago : army ? If you command, who will advise me ? The art poetic (I'm indignant at the thing) " Sire," said Coligny, " you must Should sure rank higher than that of being King Poet and King, each wears a crown upon his conquer first ; after the victory will come brow, the time for counsel." But I, the King, receive it, you, the bard, bestow. " is That your opinion, my father ? Your spirit, kindled by celestial flame,
Well ! be it so. Your advice shall be Shines of itself, I but by greatness of name my ; taken. You shall start to-morrow for While, from the gods, if I seek predilection, Ronsard their darling is, I, their mere reflection. Flanders, and I for Amboise." " Your lyre, enchanting with its dulcet tone, " Your Majesty leaves Paris ? Enthrals men's minds— I but their bodies own " Yes. I am tired of all this noise and Makes you their lord, and thus you win your way all these fetes. I am no man of action, Where proudest monarch never yet held sway." but a dreamer. I was not born to be a King but a poet. You shall form a sort " Sire," said Coligny, " I was well of Council, who will manage affairs while aware that your Majesty conversed with you are at the Wars ; and provided my the Muses, but I had no notion you had mother has no hand in it, all will go taken them as your chief advisers." well. I have already told Ronsard to " Next to you, my father, next to you come and join me ; and there, far and it is in order that my relations with from all uproar, far from the madding them may not be disturbed that I wish to crowd and from evil-doers, we two, put you at the head of affairs. Listen, beneath our spacious woods, on the then ; I must reply immediately to a new banks of the river, and to the accom- madrigal sent me by my great and be- paniment of the murmur of the brooks, loved poet ... so I cannot now give will talk of the things of God, the you all the documents necessary for ac- sole compensation for human affairs quainting you with the great question on which this world contains. Come, listen which Philip II. and I are divided. to these lines, in which I have invited Moreover, there is a kind of plan of him to join me ; I composed them this campaign sketched out by my Ministers. m.orning." I will hunt up all these and hand them to Coligny smiled. Charles passed his you to-morrow morning." " hand across his forehead, which was as " At what hour, sire ? " yellow and smooth as ivory, and recited At ten o'clock ; and if I should in a kind of sing-song the following happen to be engaged with my verses and lines : shut up in my'^study . . . well ! you can : ; :
OUEEN MARGOT 17 come in here all the same and take all red corsage was covered with gold em- the papers you find on this table enclosed broidery, like those worn by the peasants in this red portfolio; the colour is bright, of Nettuno and Sora at the present day. and you cannot make any mistake. Now The room which she had occupied for I am going to write to Ronsard." nearly twenty years adjoined the King's " Adieu, sire." bed-chamber, and presented a singular " Adieu, my father." mixture of elegance and rusticity in " " the palace and the cottage were Your hand ! which " My hand, did ynu say ? in my arms, blended in almost equal proportions, so clasped to my breast, that is your place. that the apartment occupied a middle Come, my old warrior, come." position between the simplicity of the And Charles, drawing Coligny to him villager and t;^.e luxury of the great lady. as he bowed, placed his lips on his white Thus the prie-dieu at which she knek locks. was of oak, wonderfully carved, and The Admiral went out, wiping away a covered with gold-fringed velvet, while tear. the Bible—for she belonged to the Re- Charles looked and listened until he formed Religion—from which she read was out of sight and hearing, then let his her prayers was one of those old, tattered pale face droop, as was his wont, between volumes such as are found in the poorest his shoulders, and walked slowly from houses. The rest of the furniture of the the room into the closet where his collec- room was in keeping with this prie-dieu tion of weapons was stored. and this Bible. " This room was a favourite one of the Well ! Madelon," said the King.
King's ; in it he took lessons in fencing On hearing his familiar voice she with Fomp^e, and in poetry with Ronsard. raised her head with a smile ; then, In it was placed a large collection of the getting up from her knees, she said " " finest weapons, and the finest armour Ah 1 it is you, my son ! that he had been able to find. The walls " Yes, nurse, come here." were covered with axes, shields, pikes, Charles let the curtain fall back again, halberds, pistols, and musketoons, and and went and took a seat on the arm of a that very day a noted an-^iourer had chair. The nurse followed him. brought him a splendid arquebue, on the " What do you want with me, Char- stock of which were engraveri in silver lot," said she. these lines composed by the royal poet " Come k ?,ie, iind speak softly." himself The liur-^ t\,proached, with a famili- arity which might have been born of that In defence of the faith I am loyal maternal tenderness of the woman for the 'Gainst the foes of the King I am cruel. child whom she has nursed at her breast, but to which the lampoons of the day This room Charles entered on the ascribed a cause infinitely less pure. " present occasion, and, after carefully " Here I am," said she ; speak." " closing the door, raised a curtain which " Is the man I sent for here ? concealed a passage leading to a chamber " He has been here for half an hour." where a woman, kneeling before a prie- Charles got up and went to the window dieu, was engaged in prayer. to see that no one was on the watch, held As his movements had been slow, and his ear close to the door to make sure his steps, deadened by the thick carpet, that no one was listening, shook the dust had made no more noise than if he had from his stands of arms, stroked a large been a ghost, the woman, hearing nothing, greyhound which was following his steps, continued her prayers without turning stopping when his master stopped and round. Charles stood for a moment, advancing when he advanced ; then, looking at her in deep thought. turning to the nurse : She was a woman of four or five and " Very well, nurse, bring him in." thirty, whose striking beauty was The worthy woman went out by the heightened by the costume worn by the same passage by which she had entered, peasants in the neighbourhood of Caux, while the King went and leaned against a She wore the high cap wliich was so table on which weapons of various kinds fashionable at the French Court during were lying. the reign of Isabeau de Baviere, and her He had scarcely reached this table "" " " — 1« OlEEN MARGOT
" when the curtain was raised a,eain to "A brave noblen"i?.n of Picardy ? give admission to the man whom he was " Sire, sire," cried Maurevel, " do not expecting. crush me ! This was a p^erson of about forty, with " And a v/orthy officer," continued grey and shifty eyes, a nose hooked like Charles, on whose face an almost a screech-owl's, and projecting cheek- ferocious cruelty was depicted as he went bones ; his features endeavoured to on talking, " who welcomed you as a son, express respect, though his lips, blanched lodged you, fed and clothed you." by terror, could only assume a hypocritical Maurevel uttered a sigh of despair. smile. "You called him your father, I believe," Charles gently extended a hand behind the King continued mercilessly, " and a his back and grasped the butt of a newly- tender friendship bound you to young " invented pistol which was fired by means De Mouy, his son ? of a flint in contact with a wheel of steel Maurevel, still on his knees, bent to instead of by a match, then fixed his dull the ground, more and more crushed by eye upon the new-comer and scrutinised the words of the King, who stood over him narrowly, at the same time whistling him motionless, like a statue which the the air of one of his favourite hunting- lips alone endowed with life. songs with remarkable accuracy and " By-the-bye," continued the King, melodiousness. " was it not ten thousand crowns that After a few seconds, during which the you were to receive from M. de Guise in " stranger's countenance grew more and case you killed the Admiral ? more disconcerted : The assassin, in his consternation, " You are Fran9ois de Louviers- seemed to strike the very floor with his " Maurevel ? asked the King. forehead. " The same, sire." " As for the lord of Mouy, your good " *' Commander of the Petardiers ? father, one day you accompanied him on " Yes, sire." a reconnoitring party which he was " I wished to see you." pushing forwards towards Chevreux. Maurevel bowed. He let his whip fall, and dismounted to " You know," continued Charles, pick it up. You were alone with him ; dwelling on each word, " that I love all you then snatched a pistol from your my subjects equally." holsters and shot him in the back as he " I know," stammered Maurevel, "that was stooping ; when you saw that he was your Majesty is the father of his people." dead—for you killed him with one shot " And the Huguenots and the Catholics you escaped upon the horse which he are equally my children." had given you. That, I believe, is the " Maurevel remained dumb ; the tremor, story ? however, which shook his frame was And as Maurevel met this accusation, visible to the King's piercing glance, each detail of which was true, in silence, although the man whom he addressed Charles began to whistle the same was almost hidden in shadow. hunting-song with the same accuracy " That is disappointing to you," con- and melodiousness as before. tinued the King, " you who have waged " So now, sir murderer," said he, after such stern war against the Huguenots." an instant, " do you know that I have a Maurevel fell upon his knees. great mind to hang you ? — " " " " ! Sire," he stammered, believe me Oh ! your Majesty cried Maurevel. " I believe," continued Charles, fixing " The young De Mouy entreated me to more intensely on Maurevel a glance do so but yesterday, and I really did not which, from being cold, became almost know how to answer him, for his demand flashing, " I believe that you wanted at is perfectly just." Moncontour to kill the Admiral who has Maurevel clasped his hands. " just left me ; that you failed in your All the more so because, as you said, object, and that you then joined the army I am the Father of my people, and I told you, now that I of my brother, the Due d'Anjou ; that because, as have you went afterwards for the second time patched up matters with the Huguenots, to the Princes and took service in —the they are as much my children as the company of M. de Mouy de St. Phale Catholics." " I •* " Oh sire ! Sire," said Maurevel, in abjer.*- " : —! QUEEN MARGOr 19
" despair, my life is in your hands, do I rightly, for the brave De Mouy. After with me as you will." that, will you tell me that with a pistol " " You are right, and I would not give haven't you got that pistol still ? you a groat for it." ** Pardon me, sire," replied Maurevel, I " But, sire," answered the assassin, " is with somewhat more assurance, " but I there no way in which I can redeem my shoot better with the arquebus than the crime ? pistol." ' " " " 1 hardly think so. Still, if I were in Oh ! said Charles, pistol or arque- your place, which, thank God, 1 am bus, It makes little difference, and I am not. ..." sure my cousin of Guise will not wrangle • Well, sire ! if you were in my over the choice of weapons." place? " murmured Maurevel, hang- " But," said Maurevel, " I must have ing in suspense on Charles's lips. a weapon on whose accuracy I can rely, * I think I should find a way of for perhaps I may have to shoot from extricating myself," continued the King. some distance." Maurevel raised himself on one knee, ' I have ten arquebuses in this room," and fixed his eyes on Charles to assure replied Charles, " with which I can hit a himself that the King was not joking. gold crown at a hundred and fifty paces. " " I Uke young De ^louy very much, of Will you try one of them ? " " course," the King went on, but I like Oh ! sire ! with the greatest pleasure," my cousin of Guise much more, and if cried Maurevel, going towards the the latter were to beg the life of a man weapon lying in a corner, and which whose death was demanded by the for- had been brought to the King that very day. " " mer, I confess I should be much puzzled No, not that one," said the King ; I how to act. However, from political as reserve that for my own use. I am going well as from religious motives I ought to to have a great hunt one of these days, do what my cousin of Guise asks me, for when I hope it will prove useful; but De Mouy, brave officer as he is, is of take your choice of the others." small importance in comparison with a Maurevel took down an arquebus from Prince of Lorraine." a stand.
* During these words Maurevel rose *' Now, sire, this enemy, who is he ? from the ground slowly, like a man asked the assassin. " returning to life. " How should I know that ? repHed " Well, the important thing for you, the King, crushing the wretch with a then, in your critical position, is to gain look of contempt. the favour of my cousin of Guise, and "Then I will ask M. de Guise," a propos I remember something he was stammered Maurevel. telling me yesterday." The King shrugged his shoulders. " " Maurevel came a step nearer. Ask nothing," said he ; M. de Guise " " 'Just fancy, sire,' he said to me," * that will not answer you. Do you think
every morning at ten o'clock my deadly people get replies to such questions ? It enemy passes through the Rue Saint- is the business of those who want to Germain-l'Auxerrois on his return from escape hanging to guess for themselves." " " the Louvre ; I see him go by from a Still, how am I to recognise him ? barred window on the ground-floor, a " I have told you that he passes the window belonging to the house of my old Abbe's window every morning at ten." tutor, the Abbe Pierre Piles, and every " But a great many people go past that
time I see him go by, I utter a prayer window ; will your Majesty deign to give " that the Devil might pitch him into hell.' me some slight hint ? " " Now, master I^Iaurevel," continued Oh ! that's easily done : to-morrow, Charles, " supposing you were the Devil, for example, he will carry a red morocco or at least could take his place for a portfolio under his arm." moment, perhaps my cousin of Guise " Sire, that is sufficient." might be pleased." " Have you still that fast horse which " Maurevel recovered his sinister smile, M. de Mouy gave you ? and his lips, still white with fear, let fall " Sire, my mount is one of the swiftest." " the words Oh ! I am not uneasy about you ** But, sire, I cannot send him to hell." only, it is well you should know that the " You did so, however, if 1 remember cloister has a door at the rear." 20 QUEEN MARGOT
" Thanks, sire. Now, pray God speed " Here," said the rider to himself, " is me. an inn which promises well, and the host " What ! pray the Devil rather, for it who keeps it must be an ingenious fellow, is only by his protection that you can upon my v/ord. I have always heard say escape the halter." that the Rue de I'Arbre Sec was near the ** Adieu, sire.'* Louvre, and provided the establishment ** Adieu. Ah ! by the bye, Monsieur fulfils the promise of its sign-board ,1 de Maurevel, you know that if by any shall do capitally here." chance you should be heard of before ten While the newcomer was uttering this o'clock to-morrow, or if you should not soliloquy, another horseman, who had be heard of after ten, there is a dungeon entered the street from its opposite end, " in the Louvre ! that is to say from the Rue Saint-Honore, And Charles IX. started afresh to also halted and remained in ecstasy before whistle his favourite air softly and more the sign of the Belle-Etoile. melodiously than ever. The one of these horsemen whom we know, at least by name, rode a white horse of Spanish breed, and was dressed in a black doublet trimmed with jet. His
cloak was of dark purple i^elvet ; he wore boots of black leather, and carried a CHAPTER IV sword with a hilt of chased steel, and a dagger similarly ornamented. Passing THE EVENING OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH from his equipment to his face, we shall OF AUGUST, 1572. remark that he was a man of four or five and twenty, of sunburnt complexion, with OUR reader has not forgotten that blue eyes, a slight moustache, and a row mention was made in the preced- of white teeth, which seemed to light up ing chapter of a gentleman called La his features when he opened a perfectly- Mole, for whom Henri de Navarre was shaped mouth to give expression to a waiting somewhat impatiently. This sweet though melancholy smile. young gentleman, as the Admiral had As for the second traveller, he presented announced, entered Paris by the Porte a complete contrast to the first. Beneath Saint-Marcel, towards the close of the his hat, with its turned-up brim, appeared day of the 24th of August, 1572, and a rich and curly crop of hair, red rather
bestowing a somewhat contemptuous than fair ; beneath his hair were grey glance on the numerous hostelries dis- eyes, which, at the slightest opposition, playing their picturesque signs to right flashed with a fire so brilliant that you and left, rode his still-smoking horse into would then have called them black. the heart of the City, where, after cross- The rest of his face consisted of a ruddy ing the Place Maubert, the Petit-Pont, complexion, thin lips surmounted by a the Notre-Dame Bridge, and passing fair moustache, and a splendid set of along the quays, he stopped at the end of teeth. In short, with his fair skin, his tall the Rue de Bresec, turned l)y us at a later stature, and his broad shoulders, he was date into the Rue de I'Arbre Sec, and a very handsome cavalier in the ordinary which, for the greater convenience of our acceptation of the term, and for the past readers, we shall allude to under its hour, during which he had been staring modern name. up into every window on pretence of The name doubtless pleased him, for looking for sign-boards, had attracted he turned down the street, and, his atteri- much attention on the part of the fair tion being attracted by a fine piece of for the men, who at first perhaps sex ; as metal creaking on its iron support at his had shown some inclination to laugh on left hand, halted once more in order to seeing his scanty cloak, tight-fitting hose, read these words: A la Belle-Etoile, and old-fashioned boots, they had ended painted beneath a picture representing an this laugh with a most gracious " God " object most attractive to the hungry keep you ! on a survey of this coun-
traveller ; namely, a fowl roasting against tenance, which assumed ten different a dark sky, while a man in a red cloak expressions in a minute, with the one was extending towards this new sort of exception, however, of that benevolent star, his arms, his purse, and his desires. and deprecating expression Fhich always :
QUEEN MARGOT 21
distinguishes the face of ilie provincial I however, to the custom with such visitor when in a dirficulty. persons, the worthy proprietor appeared It was he who first accosted tlie other to have taken no notice of them, being 'jjentleman who, as wc have said, was engaged in a very earnest conversation thus inspecting the hostelry of the Bclle- with a tall fellow, with a wizened, yellow Etoile. face, ensconced, like an owl among its "Zounds! sir," he observed, with that feathers, in a drab cloak. dreadful mountain accent which, at his Our two friends were so close to the P.rst word, makes a man known for a host and the man in the cloak with riedmontese among a room full of whom he was conversing, that Coconnas, strangers, " are we not somewhere near annoyed at the neglect shown to himself tiie Louvre ? At any rate, you seem to and his companion, pulled the landlord have the same taste as myself, which is by the sleeve. The latter appeared to Hattering to my dignity." rouse himself with a start, and took leave " Sir," replied the other with a Pro- of his interlocutor with the words vencal accent in noway less marked ihan ** Au revoir. Come again soon, and the Piedmontese accent of his companion, mind you keep me informed how things *' I fancy that, in point of fact, this inn is are going." near the Louvre. I am, however, still " Here, you rascal ! " said Coconnas, asking myself whether I shall have the " don't you see that we have business " honour of agreeing with your opinion ; I with you ? " am debating the question in my mind." Ah ! I beg pardon, messieurs," said " " You have not yet decided, sir ? The the host : I did not see you."
attractive, in " ! house, however, looks and Zounds you ought to have seen us ; addition I have perhaps allowed myself and now that you have done so, instead to be influenced by your presence. You of saying monsieur ' in that abrupt will allow, at any rate, that the sign is a fashion, say * Monsieur le Comte,' if you " tempting one ? please." " Oh ! no doubt; but it is exactly that La Mole stood in the rear, letting which makes me doubt whether the Coconnas, who seemed to have taken the reality will come up to it. Paris is full of affair into his own hands, do the talking. swindlers I have been told, and you can It was easy, however, to see by the frown cheat by means of a sign-board as well as on his brow that he was prepared to with anything else." come to his aid when the moment for
*' Zounds, sir," replied the Piedmontese, action should arrive. ** " 1 don't bother my head about trickery, Well ! what is your will, Monsieur le " and should the host serve me up a fowl Comte ? asked the landlord in a more less well roasted than that on the sign, subdued tone. " I'll put him on the spit himself, and not Good ; that's better already, is it " leave him until he is browned to a nicety. not ? said Coconnas, turning to La Let us go in, sir." Mole, who nodded his head. " M. le *' You have decided me," said the Pro- Comte and myself, being attracted by ven9al, laughing ; "so lead the way, sir, your sign-board, desire to find supper and 1 beg of you." lodging in your hostelry." "Upon my soul, sir, I will do nothing " Gentlemen," said the landlord, " I of the kind, for I am but your humble am exceedingly sorry, but I have only servant, Comte Hannibal de Coconnas." one room, and I am afraid that it will not " And I, sir, am but Comte Joseph be suitable for you." " Hyacinthe Boniface de Lerac de la Mole, Oh ! w^ell, so much the better," said
'• at your service." La Mole ; we will go and lodge else- " In that case, sir, let us take arms and where." enter together." " No, no," said Coconnas. " I will The result of this conciliatory proposal stay, at rate ; is I any my horse worn out. was that the two young men, dismounting 1 will have the room, then, since you do j from their horses and throwing their not want it." { reins to '• an ostler, took each other by the 1 Ah ! that's quite another matter," arm, and settling their swords, made for answered the landlord, still i maintaining the door of the inn, on the threshold of the same imperturbability. " If there is
I which stood the landlord. Contrary, only one of you I can't put you up at all." " : ; 23 QUEEN MARGOT
" " " Zounds ! cried Coconnas, a pretty especially when those travellers are fellow, upon my word. Just now we gentlemen. Instead of saying to us
' were two too many, and now we are not uncivilly : Gentlemen, I don't want to enough by one ! You don't want to take have anything to do with you,' he would " us in, then, you rascal ? have done better to have said politely : " Upon my word, gentlemen, since you ' Enter, gentlemen,' being free to put in take that tone, I will give you a straight his bill : Gentleman s room, so much answer." lackey s room, so much ; seeing that, " Answer, then, and be quick about it." though we have no lackeys at present, " Well, then, I prefer not to have the we expect to have some." honour of entertaining you." Saying this. La Mole gently pushed " Because ? " asked Coconnas, aside the innkeper, who was already growing white with rage. extending his hand towards his arquebus, " Because you have no grooms, and made Coconnas pass in, and entered the therefore, for one gentleman's room house behind him. occupied, I should have two grooms' " Never mind," said Coconnas, " it's as chambers empty. Now, if I give you the much as I can do to replace my sword in gentleman's room, I run the risk of not the sheath without satisfying myself that letting the others." it pricks as sharply as this rogue's larding- " Monsieur de la Mole," said Coconnas, needles do." turning round, " don't you agree with me " Patience, my dear comrade," said La ? " that we must teach this fellow a lesson Mole, patience ! All the inns are full *' It seems justifiable," said La Mole, of gentlemen attracted to Paris by the preparing, like his companion, to belabour marriage festivities, or for the approach- the landlord with his whip. ing war with Flanders, and we shouldn't
But in spite of this double demonstra- find any other quarters ; mayhap, too, it tion, somewhat alarming on the part of is the custom in Paris to receive strangers two gentlemen who appeared so deter- in this way on their arrival." " mined, the innkeeper showed no surprise, Zounds ! you are patient, and no mis- " and merely retreated a step within the take ! muttered Coconnas, twisting his doorway, red moustache with fury, and pulverising " It is easy to see," he remarked in a the innkeeper with his glance. " But let " jeering tone, that these gentlemen hail the rascal look to himself ; if his cooking from the country. In Paris the fashion is bad, if his beds are hard, if his wine is of butchering innkeepers for refusing to not three years in bottle, if his drawer is " let their rooms is obsolete. It is the not as supple as a rush great lords, and not the citizens, who get " There, there, my gentleman," said butchered, and if you make much dis- the host, sharpening his knife on a grind- turbance I shall call in my neighbours, stone, " make your mind easy you are ; and it is you who will get the thrashing, in the country where things are to be had a punishment quite beneath the dignity for the asking." of two gentlemen. Then with a shake of the head, he " Zounds ! he is laughing at us," cried muttered sotto voce :
Coconnas, with rising wrath. " It is some Huguenot ; the traitors " Gregoire ! my arquebus," said the have become so insolent since the mar- landlord, addressing his drawer, in the riage of their Bearnais with Mistress " " same tone that he might have said, a Margot 1 seat for these gentlemen." Upon which he added, with a smile " " By the Pope ! roared Coconnas, which would have made his guests " drawing his sword ; come, warm up. shudder had they seen it " " Monsieur de La Mole ! Ha ! ha ! it would be amusing if " Not so, an it please you ; for while Huguenots had chanced to tumble in " we are getting warm, our supper will be here—and if ** getting cold." Look here ! can we have our supper?" •• ? " What ! you mean to say cried asked Coconnas, sharply, interrupting Coconnas. his host's asides. " I mean that mine host of the Belle- " Why, just as you please, sir," re-
Etoile has right on his side ; only he plied the latter, mollified no doubt by the doesn't know how to deal with travellers, thought that had just occurred to him. ! QUEEN MARGOT ^3
" of T would advise Well ! we do please, and quick's the another Henri, whom word," answered Coconnas. you to say no harm, and tliat is Henri de Henri de Then, turning to La Mole : Navarre, not to mention Cond6, *' Come, Monsieur le Comte," said he, who is also an excellent prince." " "while they are preparing our room, tell I know nothing about them,'* me, does Paris happen to strike you as a answered the host. " " " gay city ? Yes, but / do," said La Mole, and " " is with King Henri My word ! no," said La Mole ; I as my business de seem to have come across nothing but Navarre, I recommend you not to abuse scared or crabbed faces. Perhaps the him in my presence." Parisians are in fear of a storm. Look The host, without replying to M. de how black the sky is, and how oppressive la Mole, contented himself with slightly the atmosphere." touching his cap, and continuing to gaze
" Tell me, Count, you are looking for at Coconnas with admiration, observed : " the Louvre, are you not ? " So you are going to speak with the " And you, too, I believe, Monsieur de great Due de Guise ? You are very Coconnas." fortunate, and no doubt you have come " " Well, we will look for it together, if here for " you like." " For what ? asked Coconnas. " *' " host, Eh ! isn't it rather late to go out ? For the fete," answered the said La Mole. with a curious smile. " " Late or not, I must go ; my orders You should say rather for the fetes, I told are peremptory—make for Paris as for Paris is glutted with them, am ; quickly as possible, and communicate at least, people talk of nothing but balls, with the Due de Guise the instant you banquets, and carousals. There is " arrive." plenty of amusement in Paris, eh ! " On hearing the Due's name mentioned, A fair amount so far, sir ; but we are the landlord approached and listened going to have an abundance, I hope." attentively. " At any rate, the marriage of His " I fancy this rascal is listening to us," Majesty, the King of Navarre, has drawn said Coconnas, who, being a Piedmon- plenty of people to the city," said La tese, was rather spiteful, and could not Mole. forgive the host of the Belle Etoile for " Plenty of Huguenots, yes, sir," re-
the unceremonious fashion in which he plied La Huri^re, sharply ; then, recover- " had welcomed them. ing himself : I beg your pardon," said " Yes, gentlemen," said the landlord, he, " perhaps you gentlemen belong to " touching his cap, " I am listening, but the Religion ? " " only in ord-^r to serve you. 1 heard the To the Religion ! cried Coconnas, " great Due de Guise mentioned, and so I not I ! I am as Catholic as the Holy hurried forw^ard. In what way can I Father himself." " oblige you, gentlemen ? La Huri^re turned to La Mole as if to " Ha ! that name apparently is magical question him ; but La Mole either did in its effects, for, from being insolent, not understand his look, or thought it you have become obsequious. Zounds better not to reply except by another " master—master—what is your name ? question. " Master La Huri^re," replied the " If you don't know His Majesty, the landlord, with a bow. King of Navarre, Master La Huri^re. "Well! Master La Huri^re, do you perhaps you know the Admiral ? I have fancy that my arm is less heavy than the heard that he enjoys some measure of
Due de Guise's, who has the privilege of favour at the Court ; and as I have been " making you so poHte ? recommended to him, I should be glad " No, Monsieur le Comte, but it is not to know where he resides, if it will not so long," replied La Huri^re. "Besides," burn your mouth to mention his added he, " I must tell you that this address." great Henri is idolised by us Parisians." " He was residing in the Rue de •* " \Vhich Henri ? asked La Mole. Bethisy, to the right here, sir," answered " I imagine there is only one," said the the host, with an inward satisfaction Innkeeper. which he was unable to disguise in his " Pardon me. my friend, there is outward manner. " ; " H QUEEN MARGOT
"TT'^s residing?" asked La Mole; " " has he removed, then ? CPIAPTER V " Yes, out of this world, very likely." " " What does he say ? exclaimed the OF VIRTUE IN GENERAL AND OF THB " two gentlemen simultaneously ; the LOUVRE IN PARTICULAR " Admiral removed from this world ! " Why ! Monsieur de Coconnas," went two gentlemen, directed by the " THE on the host with a cunning smile, you first person they came across, took are of the party of Guise and don't know the Rue d'Averon, then the Rue Saint- that ? Germain I'Auxerrois, and presently found " ** What do you mean ? themselves in front of the Louvre, the » " Why, that the day before yesterday, towers of which were beginning to fade as he was going through the Place Saint- into the darkness of evening. Germain-l'Auxerrois, the Admiral was " What is the matter with you ? shot by an arquebus just in front of the asked Coconnas of La Mole, who, house of the Canon Pierre Piles." stopping at the sight of the ancient " " And was he killed ? cried La Mole. castle, was gazing with reverence at its " No, he only had his arm and two drawbridges, its narrow windows, and its fmgcrs smashed, but it is hoped that the pointed turrets, which suddenly presented bullets v.-ere poisoned." themselves to his view. ** " What, you wretch ! hoped ! " Upon my word, I hardly know," said " I mean to say, believed," replied the La Mole, " but my heart is beating. I host. " Don't let us quarrel about a word am no more timid than other people, yet my tongue tripped." somehow this palace strikes me as gloomy And La Huriere, turning his " back on and, shall I say, terrifying ! La Mole, thrust out his tongue in the " Well, for my part," said Coconnas, most jeering fashion, accompanying this " I don't know what has come to me, but gesture with a wink at Coconnas. I feel unusually cheerful. My dress, " Really and truly," said Coconnas, however, is somewhat untidy," continued beaming. he, running over his travelling-costume ! " Really and truly " murmured La his " it is with eyes ; but no matter, suited Mole, with mournful stupefaction. to a cavalier. Besides, my orders enjoin " It is just as I have the honour to tell promptitude, so I shall be welcome." you, gentlemen," replied the host. And the two young men, each dis- " In that case," said La Mole," I must turbed by the sentiments which he had go to the Louvre without a moment's expressed, continued their road. " delay. Shall I find King Henri there ? The Louvre was well guarded ; all the *' It is possible, for he is lodged there." sentries appeared to be doubled. Our " And I also must go to the Louvre," two travellers therefore were at first in said Coconnas. ** Shall I find the Due somewhat of a difficulty. But Coconnas, '* de Guise there ? who had remarked that the name of the " Most probably, for I saw him pass Due de Guise acted on the Parisians as by a short time ago with two hundred a sort of charm, approached a sentry, and, gentlemen." employing that all-powerful name, asked " Come, then, Monsieur de Coconnas," if, by virtue of it, he might be admitted said La Mole. to the Louvre. " 1 will follow you, sir," said Coconnas. The name appeared to produce on the " " But your supper, gentlemen ? asked soldier its usual effect ; he asked Cocon- La Iluri^re. nas, however, if he could not give the " " Ah ! said La Mole, "perhaps I shall watchword. have supper with the King of Navarre." Coconnas was obliged to admit that he " And I with the Due de Guise," said could not. " '* Coconnas. Then keep off, my friend ! said the "And 1," said the host, as he looked soldier. after the two gentlemen who took the At this moment a man who was talking road to the Louvre, " will polish up my with an officer of the guard, and had helmet, prime my arquebus, and sharpen heard Coconnas request admission to the my halberd. One never knows what Louvre, broke off his conversation, and, may happen." advancing towards him, asked: " — ; QUEEN MARGOT •5
" What do you wand wid Monsir de " Yes, with a letter." " " " Gouise ? For Monsir de Gouise ? " " I want to speak to him," answered No, for his Majesty, the King of Coconnas, sniilinp:. Navarre." " I not pelong to the King of "It is imbossible ; the Dugue is with do the King." Navarre, Monsir," answered De Besme, " " 1 have a letter, however, summoning with a sudden coldness of manner, so I me to Taris." gannot take charge of your letter." " " And Besme, turning his back on La Ah ! you haf a letter ? " Yes, and I have come a long distance." Mole, entered the Louvre, motioning to Coconnas to follow him. La Mole was "Ah ! you haf gome a long way."
" I have come from Piedmont." left alone. troop of horsemen, " Fery goot ; dat's another matter. At that moment a " And your name is ? numbering about a hundred, issued from *• The Comte Hannibal de Coconnas." a gate parallel to that by which Besme " Fery well gif me the letter, Monsir and Coconnas had entered. ; Hannipal." *' Halloa! " said the sentry to his com- *' Upon my word, a very polite fellow," rade, " it is De Mouy and his Huguenots said La Mole to himself, '* can't I find they look delighted. The King must some one like him to take me to the King have promised to let them take vengeance of Navarre ? on the murderer of the Admiral, and as " Well, gif me the letter," continued the he is the same man that assassinaed De German, extending his hand towards Mouy's father, the son will kill two birds Coconnas, who showed signs of hesitation. with one stone." " " *' said Mole, Zounds ! replied the Piedmontese, I beg your pardon," La with all the suspicion of a semi-Italian, addressing the soldier, " but didn't you " I hardly know if I ought to — I have not say that officer was Monsieur de Mouy?" the honour of your acquaintance, sir." " Yes, certainly I did." " " I am Pesme ; I pelong to Monsir, the And that those accompanying him " Dugue of Gouise." were " " Pesmcy' murmured Coconnas, " I Heretics—yes, I said so." don't know the name." " Thank you," said La Mole, without ** It is Monsieur de Besme," said the appearing to notice the disparaging term " " is all I sentry ; you are puzzled by the pronun- used by the sentry, that wanted ciation, that is all. You may give him to know." letter I for And at once making towards the your ; will answer him."
" : Ah 1 Monsieur de Besme," cried leader of the horsemen " Coconnas, " of course I know you—why, " Sir," said he, accosting him, I un- of course, with the greatest pleasure. derstand that you are Monsieur de I\Iouy." Here is my letter. Forgive my hesita- ** Yes, sir," replied the officer, politely. " so well known among tion ; but one must be cautious if one Your name, wishes to be loyal." those of the Religion, emboldens me to " Quite right," said De Besme, " dere address you, sir, and ask you to do me a is no need forabologies." service." " Upon my word, sir," said La Mole, " What is it, sir ? But, first of all, to " approaching in his turn, '* since you are whom have I the honour of speaking ? so obliging, would you take charge of my " To Comte Lerac de la Mole." " letter as you have done of my friend's ? The two young men bowed to each " " What is your name ? other. " Comte Lerac de la Mole." " I am listening to you, sir," said De " " Gomte Lerag de la Mole ? Mouy. " Yes." " Sir, I come from Aix with a letter " I don't know you." from M. d'Auriac, the Governor of " That is easily explained, sir. I am a Provence. It is addressed to the King of stranger, and, like the Comte de Navarre, and contains urgent and im- Coconnas, have come a long distance." portant news. How can I convey this " " And where haf you come from ? letter to him, and how can I get into the " From Provence. Louvre." " " With a letter ? *' Nothing easier, sir, than to get into :
&6 QUEEN MARGOT
the Louvre," replied De Mouy, " only I could you not, in his absence tell the
fear that the King of Navarre is too Queen . . . .?" busy at this hour to receive you. But, " Yes, Madame, no doubt," replied La never mind, if you like to follow me I Mole, " if anyone would be kind enough
will take you to his apartments ; the rest to conduct me to her presence." depends on yourself." " You are in it, sir." " " " A thousand thanks." What ! cried La Mole. " Come, sir," said De Mouy. " I am the Queen of Navarre," said De Mouy dismounted from his horse, Marguerite. threw the bridle to his lackey, approached La Mole made a sudden movement of the door and spoke to the sentry, then astonishment and fear, which made the passed La Mole through into the castle, Queen smile. and, opening the door of the King's " Speak quickly, sir," said she, " for apartments, observed the Queen-Mother is waitmg for me." " " Enter, sir, and make enquiries for Oh ! Madame, in that case, allow me yourself. to go away, for I could not possibly And, bowing to La Mole, he with- speak to you just now. I cannot collect drew. my thoughts; the sight of you has con-
La Mole, left alone, looked around him. fused me and I cannot think ; I can only The ante-chamber was empty, and one admire." of the inner doors was open. Marguerite advanced in all her grace- He took a few steps and found him- ful beauty towards this young fellow, self in a passage. who, all unconsciously, had acted the He knocked and called, but without part of the practised courtier. " * getting any answer : the most profound Compose yourself, sir," said she ; I silence reigned in this quarter of the will stay, and they must wait for me." " Louvre. Oh ! forgive me, Madame, for not " Who was it who told me," thought having at once greeted your Majesty with he, " of the severe etiquette of the all the respect that you have the right to palace ? Why, you can come and go as look for from one of your most humble though you were in a public square." servants, but ." And he called again, with no better " But," continued Marguerite, " you result. took me for one of my ladies." " Well," thought he, " I will go straight " No, Madame, but for the shade of
ahead ; I must end by meeting some- the fair Diane de Poitiers; I am told that body." she haunts the Louvre." And he advanced down the passage, '' Come, sir," said Marguerite, " I see I which became darker and darker. need not be uneasy about you, you will Suddenly a door opposite to the one soon win your way at the Court. You
by which he had entered was opened, and said you had a letter for the King : it was two pages appeared carrying flambeaux, quite unnecessary, but never mind, where
and escorting a woman of imposing is it ? I will give it to him . . . but stature, majestic mien, and striking make haste, I beseech you." beauty. La Mole promptly opened the folds of The light flashed full upon La Mole, his doublet, and drew from his breast a who remained motionless. letter enclosed in a silk envelope. The woman, on her part, stopped, just Marguerite took the letter and looked as La Mole had done. at the writing. " " What are you wanting, sir ? " she " Are you not Monsieur de la Mole ? asked the young man in tones that she asked. sounded like sweet music to his ears. " Can I indeed be so fortunate that " " Oh ! Madame," said La Mole, lower- your Majesty should know my name ? i'lig his eyes, " forgive me, I beg of you. " I have heard my husband, the King, I have just left M. de Mouy, who was mention it, and also my brother, the Due
kind enough to show me the way here, d'Alen9on : I know that you have been and I was looking for the King of expected." Navarre." And she slipped into the body of her
*' His Majesty is not here, sir ; he is, I dress, all stiff with embroidery and dia- believe, with his brother-in-law. But monds, this letter, which had been taken : ;
QUEEN MARGOT 27
from the young man's doublet, and was twenty paces from each other, they could still warm from lying in his breast. La not distinguish each other's faces. La Mole's eyes followed Marguerite's move- Mole approached him. " " ments greedily. Great heavens ! he murmured, as "Now, sir," she said, "go down to the he came closer, " why, it is the Comte de corridor below, and wait until someone Coconnas." comes to you from the King of Navarre The Piedmontese had already turned
or the Due d'Alenyon : one of my pages round on hearing his step, and was look- will conduct you." ing at La Mole with equal surprise. W^ith these words Marguerite moved " Zounds 1 " cried he, "it is M. de la
away. La Mole stood back against the Mole, or the devil take me! Ouf ! What wall. But the passage was so narrow, am 1 saying ? I am swearing in the
and the Queen of Navarre's farthingale King's own palace ; but there, it appears was so wide, that her silk robe brushed that the King swears a deal harder than igainst the young man's coat, and he ever 1 do, and even in Church. So you have " was conscious of a delightful perfume as found your way into the Louvre then ? she passed him. " Yes, as you see. Did M. de Besme " La Mole quivered through his whole introduce you ? frame, and feeling as though he were " Yes, he is a delightful German, is going to fall, leaned against the wall for M. de Besme. And who acted as yoiiv support. guide?" Marguerite disappeared like a vision. " M. de Mouy 1 told you that the " " Are you coming, sir ? said the page, Huguenots didn't stand badly at the
who had been bidden to conduct him to Court at present ; and have you met the lower corridor. M.de Guise?" " " Oh ! yes, yes," cried La Mole ex- No, not yet; and you, did you ob-
citedly ; for, as the page was pointing tain your audience from the King of " in the direction in which Marguerite had Navarre ? " gone, he hoped that he might catch sight No ; but it cannot be long delayed. of her again if he made haste. I was brought here, and told to wait." And in point of fact, on reaching the " You will see that it is a question of top of the staircase he perceived her on some grand banquet, and that you and I the landing below, and whether by chance will sit side by side at the feast. Truly,
or because she heard the sound of his what a singular chance ! Fate has wedded
steps. Marguerite raised her head and he us for the last two hours ; but what is was able to see her once more. the matter with you ? You seem pre- " " Oh ! said he, as he followed the occupied." " " " page, she is not a mortal but a goddess I ! said La Mole quickly, with a and, as Virgil says start, for, in point of fact, he remained " still dazzled by the vision he had seen, Et vera incessu patuit dea. " no, but the place in which we are gives •* " Well ? asked the page. birth in my mind to a whole host of " Here I am ; I beg your pardon," said reflections." La Mole. " Philosophic ones, no doubt ; it is the The page preceded La Mole, descended same with myself. Just when you came to the floor below, opened a first door, in, all my tutor's instructions were and then a second, and stopping on the recurring to my mind. Monsieur le threshold, " observed : Comte, do you know Plutarch ? " This is the place where you will have " Why, of course," said La Mole, to wait." smiling, " he is one of my favourite La Mole entered the corridor, and the authors." door was closed behind him. " Well," continued Coconnas, seriously, The corridor was empty with the ex- " that great writer seems to me not to ception of a gentleman who was walking have been mistaken when he compares up and down, and who seemed, like La the gifts of Nature to bright but Mole, to be waiting. ephemeral flowers, while he regards The evening was already beginning to Virtue as a balsamic plant with an im- cast deep shadows from the vaulted roof, perishable perfume, and as a sovereign . and although the two men were scarcely remedy for the healing of wounds." " : 28 QUEEN MARGOT
" Do you know Greek, Monsieur de " Well, to-night ? " asked Coconnas. " Coconnas ? said La Mole, looking " Well, come back here to-night with fixedly at his interlocutor. a white cross fastened in your hat. De " No, but my tutor did, and strongly pass-word will be Gouise. Hush! nod a recommended me to discourse on virtue, word." " ' in case I ever found myself at Court ; it At what hour am I to come ? looks well, he said. So I warn you that ' When you hear de dogzin."
* " I am ready armed for the subject. By- The dogzin ? asked Coconnas. " " ' the-bye, do you feel hungry ? Yes, de dogzin : ding, ding ! " -No." Oh ! the tocsin ? " I thought, however, that you han- Yes, dat is what I said." kered after the roast fowl of the Belle- All right; I will be there," said
Etoile ; for my own part, I am dying of Coconnas. starvation." And, bowing to De Besme, he went "Well, then, here is a fine opportu- away, saying to himself nity for utilising your arguments on " What the devil does he mean, and virtue, and proving your admiration what are they going to sound the tocsin for Plutarch, for that great writer says for ? Never mind ! I stick to my opinion somewhere or other : Tipiirov ia-Tc rrjv fxkv that M. de Besme is a charming Teuton. ij/vxrjv oSvvr], rov hk yaar^pa A.t/x(3 aaKelv— Shall I wait for the Comte de La Mole ? 'tis well to inure the mind to grief and no; he will probably sup with the the stomach to hunger." King of Navarre." " " Why ! you know Greek, then ? cried And Coconnas made off towards the Coconnas, with astonishment. Rue de I'Arbre Sec, whither the sign of " " My word, yes ! answered La Mole, the Belle-Etoile drew him like a magnet. " my tutor taught it me." Meanwhile a door in the corridor leading " Zounds ! Comte, in that case your from the apartments of the King of
fortune is assured ; you will write poetry Navarre opened, and a page advanced with King Charles IX., and talk Greek towards M. de La Mole. " with Queen Marguerite." " Are you the Comte de La Mole ? " Not to mention," added La Mole, said he. laughing, " that I can also talk Gasconese " I am." " with the King of Navarre." " Where are you lodging ? At this moment the door of the cor- " Rue de I'Arbre Sec, at the Belle- ridor, which was next to the King's Etoile:' " apartments, opened, a step resounded, Good ! It is at the gate of the Louvre.
and a shadowy figure approached in the Listen . . . his Majesty sends word darkness. It proved to be that of M. de that he cannot receive you at this mo-
Besme. ment ; he will perhaps send for you to- He peered into the young men's faces night. In any case, if you do not hear in order to find which of the two men he from him before to-morrow morning, wanted, and then motioned to Coconnas come to the Louvre." to follow him. " But if the sentry refuses me Coconnas waved his hand to La admission ? " Mole. Ah ! true . . . the pass-word is De Besme led Coconnas to the end of give this word, and all doors Navarre ; the corridor, opened a door, and they will open to you." found themselves at the top of a staircase. " Thanks."
Here De Besme stopped, and, looking " Wait, sir ; I have orders to conduct all round him, both above and below, you to the gate for fear you should lose
asked : your way in the Louvre." " " Monsir de Gogonnas, where are you " By-the-bye, what about Coconnas ? " lodging ? said La Mole when he found himself out- " " At the Belle-Etoile, Rue de I'Arbre side the palace. Oh ! he will stay to Sec." supper with the Due de Guise." " Goot ! goot ! it is only two steps from But on entering the inn, the first person here go back guickly to your inn, and that he saw was Coconnas seated at — " to-night table with an enormous fried omelette in him. He looked round again. I front of : : — QUEEN MARGOT 39
" *' with which anotlier corridor led to the apart- Ha ! ha ! exclaimed Coconnas, a burst of laughter, " you don't seem to ments of the Queen-Mother. have supped with the King of Navarre Catherine de' Medici was alone, seated table, her elbow resting on a half- any more than 1 have with M.de Guise." near a " No, indeed." opened Pookof Hours, her head reclining ?" beautiful, " And do you feel hungry yet on a hand still remarkably to the cosmetics supplied to her " 1 should think so." (hanks " Rene, who combined •' In spite of Plutarch ? by the Florentine, poisoner •* Monsieur le Comte," said La Mole, the functions of perfumer and laughing, " Plutarch observes in another to the Queen-Mother. attired in the * with Henri H.'s widow was place : He who has, should share aside him who has not.' Will you, for the mourning which she had not laid sake of Plutarch, share your omelette since her husband's death. She was now with me, and we will talk of virtue w^hile a woman of about two or three and fifty, the freshness of her full we are eating it." who, thanks to figure, still preserved the marks of " Not I, indeed," said Coconnas, round apartments, like " virtue is all very well when one is at her early beauty. Her the Louvre and afraid of being overheard, her dress, were those of a widow : every- and on an empty stomach. Sit down thing, upholstery, walls, furniture, was of there and have your supper.'" a severe character, with the exception of canopy covering a " Come, I see that Fate has decided that, above a kind that we are to be inseparable. Shall you chair of State, in which there was now " her httle pet greyhound, sleep here ? lying asleep her her son-in- " I don't know." which had been given by had received " Nor I either." law, Henri de Navarre, and Phoebe, there " At any rate, I know where I shall the mythological name of spend the night." was painted in its natural colours a rain- ** Greek device " Where is that ? bow surrounded by a " In the same place where you spend it suggested to her by King Fran9ois L is inevitable." yourself ; that ^oi? (jiipiL Tjhl Kal aWprjv And both began to laugh as they which may be thus translated turned their best attention to Master La Huiiere's omelette. Radiance it brings and eke serenity. Suddenly, and at the moment when the Queen-Mother seemed to be plunged in thought — thought which brought a slow and hesitating smile to her carmine- tinted lips, the door opened, the curtain CHAPTER VI was raised, and a man appeared with a
pale, haggard face, and said : THE DEBT PAID " Everything is going wrong." Catherine raised her head, and recog- AND now, if the reader is curious to nised the Ducde Guise. " " •* know why La Mole had not been Going wrong ! she cried. What " received by the King of Navarre, why do you mean, Henri ? Coconnas had not been able to see M. de " i mean ttiat the King is more than Guise, and why both of them, instead of ever infatuated with his cursed supping at the Louvre on pheasants, Huguenots, and that if we wait for partridges, and venison, supped at the his leave to execute the great under- Belle-Etoile on fried omelette, he must taking, we shall wait a long time be good enough to go back with us to the perhaps for ever." " old Royal Palace, and follow Queen " What has happened, then ? asked Marguerite, whom La Mole had lost Catherine, maintaining her habitual I' ' sight of at the entrance to the grand calmness of expression, to which, how- corridor. ever, she knew so well how to give a While Marguerite was descending the different appearance when occasion staircase, the Due de Guise, whom she required. had not set eyes on since the night of her " Why, just now, for the twentieth wedding, was in the King's closet, from time, I asked his Majesty the question f " ; 30 QUEEN MARGOT whether he would continue to put up asked Charles, fixing on his mother that with the bravado in which the Protestants dull eye which at times became so have indulged since their Admiral was piercing. wounded." " Because I receive fresh insults daily " " And what did my son reply ? asked from those of the Religion, because even Catherine. to-day I have heard you threatened by
*' ' He replied : You, Due, cannot help the Protestants in your own palace, and being suspected by the people as the I don't wish to stand by and witness such instigator of the murder of my second things." father, the Admiral ; defend yourself as " But, mother," said Charles, with an you please. For myself, I shall know air of conviction, " there has been an how to protect myself if I am insulted.' attempt to kill their Admiral. Poor
And with that he turned his back on me people ! an infamous murderer had in order to feed his dogs." already assassinated their brave M. de " And you did not attempt to detain Mouy. Death of my life, mother ! justice " him ? must be done in my kingdom." " " Yes, but he answered me with that Oh ! make your mind easy, my son voice of his which you know so well, justice will not be wanting, for, if you looking at me with that expression which refuse it to them, they will exact it after
' only he can assume : Duke, my dogs their fashion ; from M. de Guise to-day, are hungry, and I will not keep them from me to-morrow, from you later waiting for any man.' And so I came on. " to warn you." " Do you think so, Madame ? said * You were quite right," said the Charles, a tone of hesitation for the first Queen-Mother." time showing itself in his voice. " "But how are we to act ? " Don't you know, my son," replied " We must make a final effort." Catherine, abandoning herself entirely to " " And who will undertake it ? the violence of her thoughts, ** don't you " " I will. Is the King alone ? know that it is no longer a question of ** No ; M. de Tavannes is with him." the deaths of Franfois de Guise or the " Wait for me here, then ; or, rather, Admiral, a question of the Protestant or follow me presently." the CathoHc religions, but merely of the Catherine at on-ce rose and proceeded substitution of the son of Antoine de " to the King's rooms, where his favourite Bourbon for the son of Henri II. ? greyhounds were reposing on Turkey " Come, come, mother, you are re- i carpets and velvet cushions. Upon lapsing into your usual exaggeration," perches fastened to the wall were two or said the King. " three choice falcons and a little shrike, " What do you advise, then, my son ? with which Charles amused himself by " That we should wait, mother. All catching small birds in the gardens of human wisdom is comprised in that word. the Louvre or of the Tuileries, the The greatest, the bravest, and above all building of which had just begun. the cleverest man, is he who knows how On her way the Queen-mother had to wait." contrived to impart an expression of "You may wait, then ; but I cannot." grief to her countenance, down which With these words Catherine bowed, trickled a last, or rather a first, tear. and began to move towards the door. Noiselessly she approached Charles, Charles stopped her. who was giving his dogs pieces of cake " Well, then, mother, what is to be cut into equal portions. done ? " said he, " for before everything " My son ! " said Catherine, in trembling I am just, and I should like everyone to tones, so well assumed that they made be satisfied with my conduct." the King start. T Catherine went up to him. •* " What is the matter, Madame ? he " Come here, Comte," said she to asked, turning quickly. Tavannes, who was caressing the King's " I wish to ask your permission, my shrike, *' and tell the King what you son, to retire to one of your Castles ; it advise." '* matters little which, provided it be a long " Does your Majesty permit me ? way from Paris." asked the Comte. ** for ? *' ' And what reason, Madame Speak, Tavannes, speak." .
j " "
QUEEN MARGOT 31
" What docs your Majesty do out come and say to me: * Sire, yon shall be " hunting when the boar charges ? rid of all your enemies at a blow, and " there shall not one of them be left by Zounds ! sir, I wait for him with my feet fiimly planicd," said Charles, " and this time to-morrow to reproach you drive my spear into his throat." with the death of the rest,* ah I in that ** Merely to prevent him from wounding case, 1 don't say what I might do I you," added Catherine. "Well, sire?" " " And to amuse myself," said the King, Tavannes," interrupted the King, with a sigh which denoted a courage " You are annoying Margot, put her " her perch. is pushed to ferocity ; but I should not back on There no reason amuse myself by killing my subjects, for, why everyone should fondle her, because after all, the Huguenots are my subjects she bears my sister's name." just as much as the Catholics." Tavannes put back the shrike on *• Then, sire," said Catherine, " your her perch, and amused himself with subjects the Huguenots will act like the twisting the ears of a greyhound. boar whose throat has not been pierced ** But, sire," replied the Due -de Guise, by the spear; they will rip up the throne." " supposing anyone were to say ' Your " shall rid of all Bah ! Madame, do you really think Majesty be your enemies ' so ? " said the King, in a tone that implied to-morrow ? that he did not place great faith in his " By the intercession of what Saint " mother's predictions. could that miracle be accomplished ? " But have you not seen M. de Mouy " Sire, to-day is the twenty-fourth of " and his fellows this very day ? August, the feast of Saint Bartholomew." " Yes, for they have only just left me "A fine Saint," said the King, ** who ; " but has he asked me anything that is not allowed himself to be roasted alive ! " just ? He demanded of me the death of So much the better ; the greater his the murderer of his father and of the sufferings, the greater his wrath against Admiral. Did we not punish Mont- his executioners." gommery for the death of your husband, " And it is you, cousin, who, with your ?" my father, though it was a mere accident pretty little gold-hilted sword, will kill " Very well, sire," said Catherine, in a ten thousand Huguenots here to-
" let morrow 1 Death of my life I Monsieur tone of vexation ; us say no more. Your Majesty is under an Almighty de Guise, you are mighty amusing." protection which will give you strength, And the King burst into a loud laugh wisdom, and confidence ; while I, poor —but a laugh so hollow that the room woman, forsaken by God, on account, re-echoed it in mournful tones. doubtless, of my sins, I fear and I give " Sire, allow me one single word,'* way." pursued the Duke, shuddering involun- With these words Catherine bowed tarily at the sound of that scarcely once more, motioning to the Due de human laughter. " A sign from you, Guise, who had come in meanwhile, to and all is in readiness. I have the Swiss stay and make one final attempt. Guard, I have eleven hundred gentlemen,
Charles followed his mother with his the light cavalry, the citizens ; your eyes, but this time made no attempt to Majesty, on your side, has your guards, recall her; then, whistling his hunting- your friends, your Catholic nobles .... song, began to fondle his hounds. We are twenty to one." Suddenly he broke off. " Well, cousin, since you are so strong, •* My mother has a regal spirit," said why the devil do you come and din this " ." he ; truly she sticks at nothing. Come, into my ears ? Do it without me ! . . now, deliberately to kill a few score And the King turned again to his Huguenots for coming to demand hounds. justice! Was it not their right, after At this moment the curtain was raised, all?" and Catherine reappeared. * A few score 1 " muttered the Due de " All goes well," said she to the Duke, Guise. " press him and he will yield." " " Ah ! you are there, sir ? said the And the curtain fell again without the King, affecting to see him for the first King having seen, or at least having " time , yes, a few score, no very great shown that he had seen, his mother. " loss, trulyj Ah i if some one were to But at least," said the Due de Guise, ! — 32 OUEEN MARGOT
" I must know that in carrying out my the town this evening with Messieurs desire 1 shall be doing what is pleasing d'Alen9on and De Conde. I thought I to your Majesty." should find them here paying their court " Truly, cousin Henri, you hold your to you." knife to my throat, but I shall stand Catherine smiled. " " " firm ; zounds ! am I not King ? Oh ! you gentlemen ! said she . , . " " No, sire, not yet ; but you shall be if Men are very lucky in being able to
you choose, to-morrow." gad about like that ; don't you think so, " " " "Ah ! continued Charles, you would daughter ? " " kill the King of Navarre then as well, True," answered Marguerite ; free- and the Prince de Conde ... in my dom is very sweet." " " Palace of the Louvre ! Does that mean that I curtail yours, Then he added in a scarcely articulate Madame ? " said Henri, bowing to his
voice : wife. '* " I do not say but that . . . outside No, sir ; I am not pitying myself, ." the Palace . . but the condition of women in general." " Sire," exclaimed the Duke, " they " Perhaps you will go and see the are going out this evening to a revel with Admiral, my son?" said Catherine. your brother, the Due d'Alen9on." " Yes, possibly." " " Tavannes," said the King, with Do so ; it will look well, and to- admirably acted impatience, " don't you morrow you can give me news of him." see that you are teasing my hound " I will go, then, Madame, since you Come, Actaeon, come here." approve of such a step."
And Charles went out without choosing " I ? " said Catherine, " I approve of
to hear any more, and returned to his nothing. . . . But who is that ? Go " chamber, leaving Tavannes and the Due and see, will you ? de Guise in almost as great uncertainty Henri stepped towards the door to as before. execute Catherine's order, but at the A scene, however, of a different kind same moment the hangings were raised was passing in the presence of Catherine, and Madame de Sauve showed her fair who, after counselling the Due de Guise head. to stand firm, had retired to her room, " Madame," said she, " it is Rene the where she found assembled the persons perfumer, whom your Majesty sent for." who usually assisted her in disrobing for Catherine flashed a glance at Henri bed. de Navarre. Catherine's face, upon her return, was The young Prince blushed slightly as joyous as it had been melancholy and almost immediately became alarm- when she left her room. One by one ingly pale. The name of his mother's she dismissed her ladies and courtiers murderer had just been pronounced, and
with the most gracious air ; presently feeling that his face betrayed his none remained with her except Mar- emotion, he went and leaned out of the guerite, who, seated on a chest near the window. open window, was gazing at the sky, The little greyhound gave a howl. absorbed in her own thoughts. At the same moment two persons On fmding herself alone with her entered, one of whom had been daughter, the Queen-Mother opened her announced, while the other did not mouth two or three times as if about to require that ceremony. speak, but each time some gloomy The first was Rene, the perfumer, who thought checked the words she was on approached Catherine with all the obse- point of uttering. the quious respect of Florentine tradesmen ; Presently the curtain was raised, and he opened a box which he had brought, Henri de Navarre appeared. and all its compartments were seen to be The little greyhound, which was filled with jars and powders. asleep in the chair, sprang up and The second person was Madame de rushed to him. Lorraine, Marguerite's eldest sister. " " You here, my son ! said Catherine, She came in by a small private door, starting, "are you supping, then, at the which led to the King's apartments " Louvre ? hoping not to have been observed by ** No, Madame, we are going to scour Catherine, who, with Madame de Sauve, : " ;
QUEEN MARGOT 33 was inspecting the box brought by " Yes." R6n6—and went and sat down, pale and " Thank you," said he, taking the trembling, beside Marguerite, close to letter, and thrusting it into his doublet. whom the King of Navarre was standing Leaving his wife, he then went and laid with his hand to his forehead, as though his hand on the Florentine's shoulder. " trying to recover from some shock that Well, Master li6n€ 1 and how goes " had stupefied him. business ? said he. " At this moment Catherine turned Pretty well, P^onseigneur, pretty round. well," answered the poisoner, with his " Daughter," said she to Marguerite, treacherous smile. " said Henri, " you can withdraw to vour own room : I should think so," you, my son, can go and amuse yourself '* with a man, who like yourself, supplies in the town." all the crowned heads of France and all Marguerite rose, and Henri turned other countries." half round. *• Except the King of Navarre," an- Madame de Lorraine seized Mar- swered the Florentine, impudently. " guerite's hand. Zounds ! Master Rene, you are
; *' Sister," she said in low and rapid right and yet my mother, who also tones, " in the name of M. de Guise, who dealt with you, told me when dying not will save you as you saved him, do not to forget you. Come to my room to- " or the day after, and bring leave this room ! morrow, me " ** of your best perfumes." Eh ! what are you saying, Claude ? some asked Catherine, turning round. " That will not be a bad idea," said ." " Nothing, mother." Catherine, smiling, " for people say . . *• You were whispering to Marguerite." " That I carry an odour with me," " " Only to wish her good-night, replied Henri, with a laugh ; who told " Madame, and to give her a message you that, mother, was it Margot ? from the Duchesse de Nevers." " No, my son," said Catherine; " it ?" " And where is our beautiful Duchess was Madame de Sauve." " With her brother-in-law, M. de At this moment the Duchesse de Guise." Lorraine, who, spite of all her efforts, Catherine looked at them both with a could not restrain herself, burst into sobs. suspicious eye, and exclaimed with a Henri did not even turn round. " frown " What is the matter, sister ? cried " Claude, come here." Marguerite, rushing towards her. Claude obeyed, and Catherine seized " Nothing, nothing," said Catherine,
her hand. coming between the two young women : " What did you say to her, you im- " she has one of those attacks of nerves prudent girl?" she muttered, wringing which Mazille told her to treat with the girl's hand so hard as to make her aromatics." cry out. And she grasped her eldest daughter's
" Madame," said Henri, who, without arm more tightly than before ; then, hearing the actual words, had lost turning towards the younger, she
nothing of what had passed between the remarked : Queen and Claude and Marguerite, *' Come, Margot, didn't you hear me " Madame," said he to his wife, " may I ask you to withdraw ? If that is not " kiss your hand ? enough, I command you to do so." Marguerite held out a trembling hand. " Forgive me, Madame," said Mar- "What did she say to you?" he guerite, who was pale and trembling, asked, as he stooped to kiss her fingers. " I wish your Majesty good-night." " She told me not to go away, and do ** And I hope your wish may be not yoii, in heaven's name, go out granted —good-night." either ! Marguerite withdrew with tottering As in a flash Henri perceived a whole steps, vainly endeavouring to catch her plot. husband's eye, who did not even turn in " That is not all," said Marguerite her direction. " here is a letter brought by a Proven9al A short silence ensued, during which gentleman." Catherine remained with her eyes fixed "M. dela Mole?" on the Duchesse de Lorraine, wiio, on — 34 QUEEN MARGOT her side, did not speak, but looked at her ** Upon my word, sir, I should like to mother with her hands clasped. go very well, for it is quite possible they Henri, who had his back turned, saw will come and rouse me in the night." the whole scene reflected in a mirror, " And me too," said Coconnas; "but pretending to be curling his moustaches in that case it seems to me that instead with a pomade given him by Rene. of going to bed and making those who ''And you, Henri," said Catherine, come to fetch us wait, it would be better "do you still intend to go out?" to call for cards and have a game, and "Ah! yes, true!" cried the King of then we should be all ready for them." Navarre. " Upon my word, I forgot " I would gladly accept your proposal, that the Due d'Alen9on and the Prince sir, but I have very little money for play, de Conde are waiting for me ; I think barely a hundred gold crowns in my these wonderful scents must have got in- valise, and what is more, that is all I to my head and made me lose my mem- have in the world. I have got to make ory. Au revoir, Madame." my fortune with that." " " "Atirevoir: you will bring me news A hundred crowns ! cried Coconnas, " " of the Admiral to-morrow, will you not ? and you grumble ! Zounds ! sir, I pos- ** I will take care to do so. Well, sess only six." " " " Phoebe, what ails you, lass ? Oh ! come," replied La Mole, I saw " " Phoebe ! said the Queen-Mother you draw from your pocket a purse which impatiently, appeared to be not only full, but, one " Call her back, Madame," said the might say, almost bursting." '* " Bearnais, for she won't let me go out." Ah ! but that is to wipe out an old The Queen rose, took the little dog by debt that I have to settle with an old the collar and held her, while Henri went friend of my father's whom I suspect to out with face as calm and smiling as be, like yourself, a bit of a Huguenot. though he did not feel at the bottom of Yes, there are a hundred rose nobles in it," his heart that he was carrying his life in continued Coconnas slapping his pocket, his hand. " they belong to Master Mercandon but ; Directly the Queen-Mother released my personal fortune is limited, as I have the dog, it rushed to overtake him, but said, to six crowns." " the door was shut, and the little creature " How can we play, then ? could only push its muzzle beneath the "Why, that is just the reason why 1 hangings, uttering a prolonged and mourn- want to play; besides, an idea has just ful howl the while. come into my head." " " Now, Charlotte," said Catherine to " What is that ? Madame de Sauve, " go and fetch M. de " We have both come to Paris with the " Guise and Tavannes, who are in my same object ? oratory, and when you have brought " Yes." " them, you can look after the Duchesse de " We have each a powerful patron ? Lorraine, who is suffering from hysterics." " Yes." " You can rely on yours, as I can upon " mine ? " Yes." " Well ! it occurred to me that we CHAPTER VH might play first for our money, next for the first favour that comes to us, whether " THE NIGHT OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH OF from the Court or from our mistress. . . " " AUGUST, 1572 A most brilliant idea ! said La Mole " laughing ; but I confess I am not WHEN La Mole and Coconnas had enough of a gambler to risk my whole fmished their scanty meal— for life on a turn of the cards or the dice, for the iov\'\soi the Belle- Eioile existed only the first favour which either of us obtains on the sign-board — Coconnas spun his will probably affect our whole lives." " chair round, stretched out his legs, leaned Well 1 let us put aside then the first his elbow on the table, an, tossing off a favour from the Court and play for the
final glass of wine, asked : first favour from our mistress." " Are you going to bed now at once, " I see but one objection," said La " Monsieur de la Mob ? Mole. ' ;
QUEEN MARGOT 35 " " What is that ? I should be able to pay up to-morrow "That I don't possess a mistress." morning." " " Nor I ; but I don't expect to be lonp; Fortune will come to you, then, while " before I do. I am not so ugly, thank you are asleep ? God, as to be without some sort of at- " No, I shall go in search of her." traction for women." " Where shall you go ? Tell me, and " Oh ! you will be all right in that res- I will go with you." pect no doubt, Monsieur de Coconnas " To the Louvre." " but as I have not the same confidence in " Are you returning there to-night ? my lucky star in matters of love, I believe " Yes, I have a private appointment that to pit my stake against yours would with the great Due de Guise." be robbing you. So let us play to the ex- While Coconnas had been talking of tent of your six crowns, and should you going in search of fortune at the Louvre, have^the misfortune to lose, and should La Huri^re had left off furbishing his want to continue the game, well, you helmet, and had placed himself behind are a gentleman, and your word will be La Mole's chair in such a way that only good for the money." Coconnas could see him, and from there " " " All right ! cried Coconnas ; that is he proceeded to make signs which the speaking to the point ; you are right, sir, Piedmontese, absorbed in his play and his the word of a gentleman is a guarantee conversation, did not observe. " " for the money, especially when that Well ! that's very remarkable ! gentleman has credit at Court. So be said La Mole, " and you were right when sure I shall not be risking too much in you said that we were both of us born playing against you for the first favour under the same star. I, too, have an I should happen to obtain." appointment at the Louvre to-night, not " Yes, yoii can lose, no doubt, but / with the Due de Guise, but with the cannot win ; for, being of the party of the King of Navarre." " King of Navarre, I have nothing to ex- " Have you an order ? pect from the Due de Guise." " Yes." " " " Ah ! you heretic ! I scented you A countersign ? out," muttered the landlord from where he " No." " ." sat polishing up his old helmet. And he Well, I have one ; mine is . . broke off his work to make the sign of the At these words La Huriore made a cross. gesture so expressive, just as the indis- " Ah ! evidently, then," replied Cocon- creet Piedmontese raised his head, that nas, shuffling the cards which the drawer Coconnas remained petrified far more by had just brought him, "you belong this gesture than by the deal on which he ." to? . . had just lost three crowns. Seeing the " " To what ? astonishment depicted on his opponent's " To the Religion." face, La Mole turned round, but saw " " I ? nothing except the landlord standing " Yes, you." behind him with his arms folded, and " Well ! and suppose I do," said La wearing the helmet which he had seen " Mole, smiling ; have you anything to him rubbing up a moment before. " ? say against us ? " What is the matter " he asked
*' Oh ! no, thank God ; it's all one to Coconnas. me. I have a profound hatred of Protes- Coconnas looked at his companion tantism, but I do not hate the Protestants; and at the landlord without replying, for and besides, it is all the fashion now." he understood nothing of the gestures, •* Yes," repHed La Mole, laughing, which La Huriore was now repeating. "witness the shooting of the Admiral. La Huriere saw that he must come to " Shall we play at shooting as well ? his rescue. "Just as you like," said Coconnas; " It is only," said he quickly, " that I " so long as we play, it matters little. am very fond of the game myself, and " Play, then," said La Mole, picking that as 1 was coming up to look at the up his cards and sorting them in his hand with which you have just won, hand. Monsieur caught sight of me in my
"Yes, and play boldly; for should I war-gear, which, worn by a hurcb).'^ lose a hundred gold crowns like yours. citizen, must have surprised him." — 36 QUEEN MARGOT
" " You do look fine, indeed ! exclaimed for, to tell the truth, I don't hold so very La Mole, bursting out laughing. much by the Mass, and since the King " Why, sir," replied La Huri^re, with doesn't hold by it either ..." admirably simulated good-humour, and "And then it is such a beautiful faith," " " a deprecating movement of his shoulders said La Mole, so pure, so simple ! expressive of inferiority, " it is true we " And ... it is so fashionable," said are not very valorous, and have not a Coconnas, " and ... it brings luck at smart appearance. It's all very well for cards, for, deuce take it, you get all the fine gentlemen like yourselves to polish aces in the pack, and yet I have watched your gilded helmets and fine rapiers, and you all the time and you play a straight provided that our guard game you don't cheat it we mount ; ... must be ." punctually . . the Religion ..." " " " Ah ! so you mount guard, do you ? You owe me six crowns more," said said La Mole, shuffling the cards in his La Mole, quietly. " " turn. Ah ! how you tempt me ! said Co- " Oh ! yes, Monsieur le Comte, I connas, "and if I should not be pleased should think so ; I am sergeant in a with my reception by the Duo de Guise company of citizen militia." to-night ..." " And when La Mole was busy dealing " Well ? " out the cards, La Huri^re with these Well ! to-morrow I will ask you to words withdrew, putting his finger on present me to the King of Navarre; and his lips to impose discretion on Coconnas, make your mind at ease, if once I turn who was more puzzled than ever. Huguenot. I shall be more Huguenot It was this probably that caused him than Luther, Calvin, Melancthon and all to lose the second deal almost as quickly the reformers in the world put together." as he had lost the first. *' Hush " said La Mole, " you will get " " " Well ! said La Mole, that makes into trouble with our host."
*' exactly your six crowns ; would you like Ah ! true," said Coconnas, turning to stake your revenge on your fortune to his eyes towards the kitchen. ** But no, " come ? he is not listening to us ; he is too busy " W^illingly," said Coconnas. just at this moment." " " But before pledging yourself further " What is he about ? said La Mole, in advance, did you not tell me you had who could not see him from the place " an appointment with M. de Guise ? where he sat.
Coconnas glanced towards the kitchen, " He is talking to . . . deuce take it, it " and saw La Huri^re repeating the same is he ! signal of warning. "He! who?" " " Yes," said he ; but it isn't time yet. " Why, that sort of night-bird he was Besides, let us talk a bit about yourself. talking to when we arrived—the man Monsieur de la Mole." with the yellow doublet and drab cloak. " I think we should do better to talk Zounds ! how excited he is getting. I about the game, my dear Monsieur de say. Master LaHuri^re, do you happen Coconnas, for, if I am not much mis- to be discussing politics." taken, 1 stand to win another six crowns This time, however. La Huri^re replied from you." by a gesture so energetic and imperative " Zounds ! you are right. I always that, spite of his love for the cards, heard that the Huguenots were lucky at Coconnas got up and went to him. " play. I should like to turn Huguenot, " What is the matter ? asked La Mole. " " " devil take me if I shouldn't ! You want some wine, sir? said La La Huri^re's eyes flashed like coals, Huri6re, eagerly grasping Coconnas's but Coconnas, absorbed in his game, did hand, "it shall be brought. Grdgoire, " not perceive it. some wine for these gentlemen ! " Do so, Comte, do so," said La Mole, Then he whispered in Coconnas's ear : " " and though the call has come to you in Silence ! silence, on your life ! and somewhat singular fashion, we will make get rid of your companion." you welcome among us." La Huri^re was so pale, and the yellow Coconnas scratched his ear. man so gloomy, that Coconnas felt a sort "If Iwas sure that your luck comes of shudder, and turning to La Mole,
from that," said he, "I warrant you . . . said :^- — — — QUEEN MARGOT 37
" I he^ yon to excuse me, dear Mon- He then offered a chair to Coconnas taking third sieur de La Mole ; that makes fifty and one to Maurevel, and a crowns I have lost at a sitting. I am chair for himself, remarked : not in the vein this evening, and I am " All is made fast, Monsieur de Maur- speak." afraid of getting into difliculties." evel ; you can " Very well, sir, very well, just as you Eleven o'clock was striking from please," said La Mole. "Besides I shan't Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois. Maurevel be sorry to turn in for a bit. Master counted each stroke of the clock as its La Huri^re! ..." melancholy clang resounded through the " " Monsieur le Comte ? night; then when the last echo had died
"If anyone should come for me from away : the King of Navarre, will you awake me. " Sir," said he, turning to Coconnas, I shall be dressed and therefore ready whose hair almost stood on end at sight in a moment." of the precautions taken by the two men, " " " Like myself," said Coconnas ; "and in are you a good Catholic ? order not to keep his Highness waiting a '* Why, I should think so," answered single moment, I will prepare my badge. Coconnas. " Master La Huri^re, a pair of scissors and " Are you devoted to the King ? con- some white paper." tinued Maurevel.
" " " ; I Gregoire ! shouted La Huri^re, Heart and soul think you insult " some white paper to write a letter, and me, sir, by putting such a question." " scissors to cut an envelope for it." We won't quarrel about that ; only, " Well ! for sure, something unusual is you have got to follow us." going on here," said Coconnas to himself. « Where to." " " Good-night ! Monsieur de Coconnas," That is not your concern ; you must said La Mole. " And you, mine host, be let us lead you. It is a question of your good enough to show me to my room. fortune and perhaps your life." " " Good luck, my friend ! I warn you, sir, that at midnight I La Mole disappeared up the winding have business at the Louvre." staircase, followed by La Huri^re. In- " That is just where we are going.'* stantly the mysterious man in his turn " M. de Guise is expecting me." seized Coconnas by the arm, and, draw- " And us too." ing him close to him, said in rapid " But I have a private pass-word," tones : continued Coconnas, somewhat mortified " Sir, you have been a hundred times at sharing with M. de Maurevel and La on the point of disclosing a secret on Huriere the honour of an audience. which depends the fate of a kingdom. " So have we." God willed that your mouth should be " But I have a badge of recognition." closed just in time. A word more and I Maurevel smiled, then drew from his should have shot you dead. Now that doublet a handful of crosses of white we are happily alone, listen." material, gave one to Coconnas, one to " But who are you who speak to me in La Huriere, and took one for himself. " this tone of command ? asked Coconnas. La Huriere fastened his to his helmet, " Do you happen to have heard of De Maurevel placed his in his cap. " " Maurevel ? Oh 1 then," said Coconnas in amaze- " " The assassin of the Admiral ? ment, " the appointment, the pass-word, " " And of Captain de Mouy." and the badge are for everybody ? " " Yes, of course." Yes, sir ; for all good Catholics, that is." " Well, I am De Maurevel." " Then there is some fete^ some Royal " " Oho ! said Coconnas. banquet at the Louvre, I suppose," " Listen to me then." exclaimed Coconnas, " from which those " Zounds ! I should think I would." dogs of Huguenots are to be excluded ? " ^ " Hush ! said De Maurevel, putting . . . Good I capital ! they've been his finger to his mouth. showing themselves oflf there quite long At this moment the landlord was enough." " " heard shutting the door of a room, after Oh ! yes," said Maurevel, there is a which he closed and bolted the door of fete at the Louvre, a Royal banquet, and
the corridor, and hurried back to his two the Huguenots wz// be invited to it. . . . companions. Nay, more, they will be the heroes of the " 38 QUEEN MARGOT fete, they will pay for the banquet; of the Quarter entering the street ; watch and if you will be on our side, we carefully what he is about to do." " will begin by going to invite their He is knocking at all the doors. But " principal champion—their Gideon, so to what is that on the doors ? " speak." A white cross, young man ; a cross " " The Admiral ? exclaimed Coconnas. like the one we wear in our hats. In " Yes, old Gaspard, whom, like a fool, former days it was left to God to dis-
I missed, though I fired at him with one tinguish those who were His ; to-day we of the King's own guns." are more civilised, and save Him the " And that is why I have been rubbing trouble." up my helmet, grinding my sword, and " But each door that he knocks at is sharpening up my knives," said La opened, and armed citizens issue from Huriere, in a fierce, loud voice, that each house." matched his warlike get-up. *' He will knock at ours as he has done At these words Coconnas shuddered at the others, and we shall go out in our turn." and turned pale ; he was beginning to understand. " But," said Coconnas, " all this crowd " " " of people to kill old What, really ! he cried, this fete, agog go and one
! ! it is ! this banquet . . . it is . . . they Huguenot Zounds infamous are going ..." it is an affair of cut-throats and not of " " You have been a long while in soldiers ! " " guessing it, sir," said Maurevel, " and it Young man," said Maurevel, if you is easy to see that you are not as tired as object to old men, you can choose young we are of the insolence of these heretics." ones : there will be plenty for all tastes. " And you are taking upon yourself to If you despise daggers, you can use the for the Huguenots are not the go to the Admiral, and to . . . ? sword; Maurevel smiled, and drawing Cocon- people to let their throats be cut without defending themselves, and Huguenots, nas to the window, said : " you know, young and old, die hard." Look ; do you see in that small open " Square at the end of the street, behind But you are going to kill them all, " the Church, that body of men mustering then ? " " silently in the shadow ? All." " " Yes." " By the King's order ? " The men who compose that body " By order of the King and M. de Guise." wear a cross in their hats like you and *'And when?" me and Master La Huriere here." " When you hear the bell of Saint- " " Well ? Germain-l'Auxerrois." " " Ah ! then that is why that amiable Well ! That is a company of Swiss the small cantons, commanded by German who is with M. de Guise . . . from " You know that the gentlemen what is his name ? Toquenot. " from the small cantons are the King's " M. de Besme ? cronies." " Exactly: that is why M. de Besme " Indeed ? " said Coconnas. told me to hurry up at the first stroke of " " Now, look at that troop of horsemen the tocsin ? " you have seen M. de Besme ?" passing along the Quay ; do you recog- Then nise their leader ? " I have seen him and spoken with him.** " " " " How could I possibly do so ? said Where was that ? " " It was he got Coconnas, still shuddering ; I only At the Louvre. who arrived in Paris this evening." me admitted, who gave me the pass-word,
" . . ." Ah ! well, that is the man with whom who you have the midnight appointment at « Look." " the Louvre. See, he is going there to Zounds ! it is the man himself." ** ?" wait for you." Would you like to speak to him " " " The Due de Guise ? Upon my word, 1 shouldn't mind." " The same. Those escorting him are Maurevel opened the window softly. Marcel, ex-provost of the merchants, and Besme was just passing by with some Choron, the present provost. The two score of men. " " last are going to muster their companies Guise and Lorraine ! said Maurevel. turned his head, and seeing that of citizens ; and look, there is the Captain Besme " " QUEEN MARGOT 39 their business was with liini, came up to The first stroke was heard from the the window. belfry of Saint Germain I'Auxerrois. ' " " " signal ! cried Maurevel. Ah ! it is you, Monsir de Maurevel." The They
" Yes, it is I ; what are you looking have fixed the time earlier, then ? It was
? till I . . for not to be midnight, was told ,
" I am looking for the hostelry of the So much the better ! when it is a ques- Belle-Etoile, to warn a certain Monsir tion of the glory of God and of the King, Gogonnas." clocks that are too fast are better than " Here I am, Monsieur de Besme ! those that are too slow." said the young man. The mournful note of the church bell '* ?" continued. Presently first shot re- Ah ! goot ! you are ready a " *' the Yes ; what am 1 to do ? sounded, and almost immedi<^tely " gleam of torches illuminated the Rue de What Monsir de Maurefel tells you ; he is a goot Cathohc." I'Arbre-Sec like a flash of lightning. *' You hear? " said Maurevel. Coconnas wiped the perspiration from " Yes," answered Coconnas. " But his forehead with his hand. you. Monsieur de Besme, where are you " It has begun," cried Maurevel, " " '* going ? Forward ! " " " " I ? said De Besme, laughing. One moment, one mom.ent ! said «* Yes, you ?" the landlord. " Before we begin the " the Oh ! I am going to haf one leetle campaign, let us see to the safety of word wid the Admiral." house ; I don't want my wife and " Tell him two, if necessary," said children to have their throats cut while I Maurevel, " and say that, this time, if he am away. There is a Huguenot here." " " recovers from the first shot, he won't from M. de la Mole ! cried Coconnas, with the second." a start. " " Be easy, Monsir de Maurefel, be Yes ! the silly heretic has rushed into easy, and instruct dat young man well in the wolf's jaws." " " " his duties." What ! cried Coconnas, you would " " Yes, yes, never fear ; the Coconnas' attack your guest ? " are fine sleuth-hounds ; it runs in the I have sharpened my rapier with that blood." special object." '' " " Farewell." Oho ! said the Piedmontese, " Come on." frowning. " " And you ? " I have never killed anything but my " You put up the game, and we shall rabbits and ducks and fowls, so I don't be in at the death, I warrant." quite know how to set to work to kill a
De Besme went off, and Maurevel man. Well ; I will practise on this one, shut the window. and, if I am a bit clumsy, at any rate *' You hear, young man ? " said there will be nobody there to laugh at Maurevel, " if you have any private me." " enemy, even if he is not precisely a Zounds ! but it's cruel hard," ob- Huguenot, put him down on your list, jected Coconnas. " M. de la Mole is my
and he will pass muster with the rest." companion ; he has supped with me, " Coconnas, more astonished than ever played cards with me *' by all he had seen and heard, looked in Yes ! but M. de la Mole is a heretic," " turns at his host, who was strikmg a said Maurevel ; he is condemned, and if series of formidable attitudes, and at we do not kill him, others will." Maurevel, who was quietly drawing a *' Not to mention that he has won fifty paper from his pocket. crowns from you," said the landlord. " Here is my list," said he, " three " That is true, but he has won them hundred of them. Let every good fairly, I am sure of it," said Coconnas. Catholic do to-night the tenth part of the " Fairly or not, you have got to pay work that I shall do, and by to-morrow him all the same, while, if I kill him, you there won't be a single Heretic left in the get off paying." " Kingdom." Come, come, sirs ; let us make haste,"
" " *' Hush 1 said La Huri^re. cried Maurevel. Let us have at " " What is it ? exclaimed Coconnas him with a gun, a rapier, a hammer, a and Maurevel, together. poker—anything you please; but get " 40 QUEEN MARGOT done with it if you wish to arrive in time appears that the Huguenots are to be to give a hand to M. de Guise with the killed to-night by the King's order. You Admiral, as you promised you would." must get out of it as best you can." Coconnas gave a sigh. "Traitors! Murderers! Is that it? " *' I'll run and do it," cried La Hurifere, Well, wait then ! " wait for me." And La Mole, taking aim in his turn, " " *' fired his Zounds ! cried Coconnas, he will one of pistols. La Huriere, who make that poor fellow suffer torments, had kept his eye on him, had time to and perhaps rob him. I should like to be throw himself to one side; but Coconnas, there to finish him off if necessary, and not expecting this smart reply, stood prevent him from being robbed of his firm, and the ball grazed his shoulder. " " money." Sdeath ! he cried, grinding his teeth, " And under the influence of this bright you have hit me ; now it's betwixt us idea Coconnas mounted the stairs be- two, as you will have it so." hind La Huri^re, whom he soon over- And, drawing his rapier, he rushed the upon La Mole. took ; for the higher he mounted, slower did La Huri^re go, doubtless as Had he been alone. La Mole would no the result of more mature reflection. doubt have waited his attack, but behind As he reached the door, still followed him was La Huriere reloading his arque- by Coconnas, several shots resounded in bus, not to mention Maurevel, who was the street. They heard La Mole jump at mounting the stairs at full speed in once from his bed, and the floor creak answer to the landlord's summons. La beneath his weight. Mole therefore dashed into a closet, bolt- " " Deuce take it ! said La Huri^re in ing the door behind him. " " " ! some anxiety, I believe he is awake." Ah ! wretch cried Coconnas " It looks like it," said Coconnas. furiously, beating the door with the hilt " ** And going to defend himself ? of his rapier, "wait, wait. I will give you " Quite likely. I say, Master La as many sword-thrusts as you have won
Huriere, if he were to kill you, it would crowns from me to-night. I came • to be funny." prevent your being hacked to pieces and " " ! robbed, reward Hem ! hem said the landlord. being and you me by Knowing himself, however, to be putting a bullet through my shoulder. " armed with a good arquebus, he gathered Just wait, you rascal ! his courage together, and burst in the Meanwhile La Huriere came up, and door with a vigorous kick. with a blow from the stock of his arque- La Mole was then seen, fully dressed, bus, dashed the door to pieces. though without his hat, intrenched be- Coconnas rushed into the closet, nearly hind his bed, his sword between his teeth, knocking his head against the opposite and his pistols in his hand. wall, but the closet was empty and the " " Ho ! ho ! said Coconnas, dilating window open. his nor^trils, like an animal that scents " He must have thrown himself out," blood, " this promises to become interest- said the landlord, ** and as we are on the ing, Master La Huriere. Come, come, fourth floor, he is dead." " " forward ! Or else he has escaped by the roof of
*' Ah ! I am to be murdered, it appears, the next house," said Coconnas, throwing " and by you, you scoundrel ! cried La his leg over the window-sill, and prepar- Mole, with blazing eyes. ing to follow him over the sloping and La Huri^re's sole reply to this address slippery surface. was to lower his gun and take aim. But Maurevel and La Huriere threw them- La Mole had obsf rved the action, and selves upon him, and dragging him back stooping at the moment when the gun into the room, exclaimed both together: i went off, the bullet passed over his head. " Are you mad ? You will kill your- " " Help, help, Monsieur de Coconnas! self."
! cried La Mole. " Bah " said Coconnas, " I am a " Help, help, Monsieur de Maurevel 1 mountaineer, and accustomed to climb cried La Huriere, over glaciers. Besides, when a man has *' Upon my word ! Monsieur de la once insulted me, I will climb to the sky Mole," said Coconnas, "all that I can do or go down into hell after him, whatever iu this business is to remain neutral. It road he takes. Let me alone." "; ; QUEEN MARGOT 41
" Come, come," said Maurevel, " he is and throwing himself upon the wounded either dead or a long way off by this man, Coconnas plunged his sword thrice up to the hilt in his breast. time : come with us, and if this man " escapes you, you will find a dozen others And now," cried Coconnas, leaving to take his place." the Huguenot to writhe in the convul- " sions of his death agony ; now for the " are right : Death to the You " Huguenotsl" roared Coconnas: "I want Admiral ! my revenge, and the sooner the better." " Ha! ha! my friend," said Maurevel, " to the work." And all three rushed like an avalanche you seem to be warming " " down the stairs. My word, yes," said Coconnas. I • " don't know if it is the smell of powder To the Admiral's ! cried Maurevel. "To the Admiral's!" repeated La that intoxicates, or the sight of blood that Iluri^re. excites me, but 'sdcath, I am taking a " To the Admiral's, then, since you liking to butchery. This is a man hunt, " as one may say. I have only been at wish it I said Coconnas in his turn. All three rushed out of the Belle- bear-hunts and wolf-hunts up to now, Etoile, now left in the charge of Gre- and upon my word of honour man-hunt- goire and his fellows, and made for the ing strikes me as the most diverting sport." Admiral's house, situate in the Rue de And the three men resumed their way.
Bethizy ; a bright light and the rattle of muskets guided them in that direction.
*' " Hallo ! who goes there ? cried " Coconnas : a man without scarf or doublet." " Some one escaping," said Maurevel. CHAPTER Vni " Shoot, shoot, you who have the " guns ! cried Coconnas. THE VICTIMS " " Not I," said Maurevel ; I keep my powder for bigger game." house in which the Admiral " " THE You then, La Huri^re ! lived was situated, as we have said, " Wait, wait," cried the innkeeper, in the Rue de Bethizy. It was a large taking aim. building at the further end of a court- "Wait, indeed!" cried Coconnas; "and yard, and had two wings projecting into while you are waiting he escapes." the street. A large gate, flanked by two And he dashed off in pursuit of the un- smaller ones, gave entrance to this court- fortunate fugitive, whom, as he was yard. already wounded, he would soon have When our three adherents of the Due overtaken. But just as he was shouting : de Guise reached the end of the Rue de ! " Turn round, turn round, I tell you Bethizy, which is a continuation of the so that he might not strike him from Rue des Fosses-Saint-Germain-l'Aux- behind, a gun went off, a bullet whistled errois, they saw the house surrounded by past Coconnas's ears, and the fugitive Swiss, by soldiers, and armed citizens roiled over like a hare checked in full in their right hands were swords or pikes career by the ball of the sportsman. or arquebuses, while some held in their A shout of triumph behind him made left hands torches which imparted to the Coconnas turn round, and he saw La scene a funereal and uncertain light, Huri^re flourishing his weapon. which, following the movement of the " I've hanselled my gun this time at crowd, spread along the pavement and any rate," he cried. Climbed along the walls, or flamed over " Yes, but you nearly pierced me this living sea in which each weapon through and through as well." flasried a reflecting ray. All about the " Look out, my friend, look out ! house and in the adjoining streets terrible shouted La Huri^re. scenes were being enacted. Long-drawn Coconnas sprang backwards. The scieams were heard, musketry crackled, wounded man had risen on one knee, and, and from time to time some half-naked thirsting for revenge, was about to strike wretch, pale and blood-bespattered, would the Piedmontese with his dagger, just as dasn by, bounding like a hunted deer, the landlord gave him the warning. past the circle of fatal light in which a " Ah ! you viper," cried Coconnas world of demon.' seemed to be struggling " ;
4^ QUEEN MARGOT
In a moment Coconnas, Maurevel, and The Duke made a movement as if to La Huri^re, recognisable from afar by rush into the house. their white crosses, and received with " Monseigneur, Monseigneur," said Du shouts of welcome, were in the centre of Gast, coming up and checking him, this panting crowd, huddled close together " your rank bids you stay here and wait." " like a pack of hounds. Doubtless they You are right, Du Gast ; thank you, would not have been able to make their I will wait ; but, in truth, I am dying way through it, but that some of the with impatience and uneasiness. Ah ! if " crowd recognised Maurevel and made he should escape me ! way for him. Coconnas and La Huri^re Suddenly the sound of steps was heard slipped through behind him, and all three approaching once more . . . the win- succeeded in slipping within the courtyard. dows of the first floor were lighted up as In the centre of this courtyard, the though the house were on fire. three gates of which had been broken in, The window to which the Duke had a man, round whom the assassins re- raised his eyes so often was opened, or, spectfully left an empty space, was rather, was shattered into fragments standing erect with an unsheathed rapier and a man appeared on the balcony with in his hand, and his eyes fixed on a a pale face and a white neck splashed balcony raised some fifteen feet from the with crimson blood-stains. " " " ground, and extending in front of the Besme ! cried the Duke, you at " chief windows of the house. This man last ! well ?
'* " was stamping impatiently, and occasion- Dere he is ! answered the German ally turning round to question those coolly, stooping down and immediately nearest to him. rising as he lifted what seemed to be a " Nothing yet," he muttered. " Nobody considerable weight. ** . . . he must have been warned and " But the others, where are they ? has fled. What do you think, Du Gast ?" asked the Duke impatiently. " Impossible, Monseigneur." " De others, dey are polishing off the " Why not ? Didn't you tell me, a rest of them." " moment before we arrived, that a man " And you, what have you done ?
*• without any hat, with a drawn sword in You shall zee ; stand back a leedle." his hand, and running as though he were The Duke stepped back a pace or two. being pursued, had knocked at the door At this moment the object could be " and had been admitted ? distinguished which Besme was dragging " Yes, Monseigneur ; but M. de Besme toward him with such powerful effort. arrived almost directly, and the doors It was the body of an old man. were broken in and the house surrounded. He lifted it above the edge of the bal- The man went in, sure it in air enough ; but he cony, balanced a moment the and certainly can't have got out." threw it at his master's feet.
! *' Hallo " said Coconnas to La The dull thud of the falling body and Huri^re, " am I mistaken, or isn't that the streams of blood that spirted from M. de Guise whom I see there ? it sprinkling the pavement far and wide,
" The same, my friend yes, it is the struck even the Duke himself with hor- ; great Henri de Guise in person, waiting, ror, but this feeling was of short duration, doubtless, for the Admiral to come out, and curiosity made everyone step for- that he may treat the Admiral as the ward, while the light of a torch flickered latter treated his father. Everybody gets over the victim. his turn, my friend, and it is our turn Then could be seen a white beard, a " to-day, God be praised ! venerable face, and hands stiffened in " " Hallo ! Besme ! cried the powerful death. ?" " " voice of the Duke, "isn't it finished yet The Admiral ! shouted twenty And with the point of his sword, as voices at once, relapsing instantly into impatient as its owner, he struck sparks silence.
from the paving-stones. " Yes, the Admiral : it is he, sure At this moment were heard shouts enough," said the Duke, approaching the within the house, followed by shots, then corpse to contemplate it with silent joy. " a loud movement of feet and a sound of The Admiral ! the Admiral ! "repeated clashing weapons, succeeded by a fresh in awed tones all the witnesses of this silence. terrible scene, pressing closely against — OUEEN MARGOT 43 one another as they timidly approached At this moment, indeed, cries of dis- this grand old hero now laid low. tress, proceeding apparently from a " Ah I there you lie, then, Gaspard ! female voice, were heard, and a red glare said the Duke de Guise triumphantly; illuminated one of the wings of the house, " you were my father's murderer ; he is while two men were seen rushing in head- now avenged." long flight, and pursued by a long line of And he had the audacity to place his assassins. One of the two was shot down foot upon the breast of the heroic IVo- by an arquebus; the other, finding an testant. open window in his path, leapt boldly But at this act of sacrilege the eyes of into the courtyard, without considering the dying man immediately opened with the height, or taking any notice of the an eflbrt ; his bleeding and mangled hand foes who awaited him below. " " contracted for the last time, and the Ad- Kill him ! kill him ! shouted the miral, in sepulchral tones, uttered these assassins on seeing their victim about to words : escape. *• Henri de Guise, one day you too The man rose from the ground and shall feel on your breast the foot of the picked up his sword, which, in his fall, assassin. It was not I who slew your had escaped from his hands, lowered his father. With my dying breath I curse head and charged through the crowd, you." upsetting three or four of them, and run-
The Duke, pale and trembling in spite ning one through with his sword ; then, of himself, felt an icy shudder run amid pistol shots and imprecations from through his whole frame; he passed his the soldiers, furious at having missed hand across his brow as though to avert him, he passed like lightning in front of the dismal spectacle ; when he let it fall Coconnas, who, with a dagger in his again and ventured to turn his eyes on hand, was waiting for him at the gate. " " the Admiral once more, he saw that his Wounded I cried the Piedmontese, eyes were closed, his fingers had relaxed, stabbing him through the arm with his and a dark stream of blood had flowed sharp-pointed blade. over his white beard from the mouth that " Coward! " replied the fugitive, slash- had just uttered these terrible words. ing the face of his enemy with the edge of The Duke raised his sword with a ges- his sword m default of space to pierce ture at once of determination and des- him with its point. " pair. Ten thousand devils I " yelled " " " " Well ! Monsir," said Besme, are Coconnas, it is Monsieur de la Mole ! " " " you sadisfied ? Monsieur de la Mole ! repeated La " Yes, my friend, yes," replied Henri, Huri^re and Maurevel. " for you have avenged ..." " It was he who warned the Admiral 1" " " De Due Fran9ois, have I not ? shouted several of the soldiers. " " "The Religion," replied Henri, in a Kill him I kill him I resounded from hollow voice. " And now," he continued, all sides. turning to the Swiss, and the soldiers Coconnas, La Huri^re, and some ten and citizens who were blocking up the soldiers dashed off in pursuit of La Mole, courtyard and the street, " now, my who, covered with blood and urged to " friends, to work I that pitch of excitement which supplies " Ah ! good day, Monsieur de Besme," the last reserve to human strength, sprang Coconnnas now observed, approaching along the streets with no other guide, with a certain'admiration the German, save the instinct of self-preservation. who, still standing on the balcony, was The feet of his foes behind him, and their calmly wiping his sword. shouts, spurred him on and seemed to " It was you, then, who finished him lend him wings. At times a bullet off? " cried La Huri^re in an ecstacy of whistled past his ear, causing him sud- delight ; "and how did you manage it, my denly to urge his slackening steps to a worthy gentleman ? fresh rapidity. He no longer breathed, " Oh ! quite zimply, quite zimply ; on or even panted ; his heaving chest hearing de noise he obened his door, and emitted a dull hoarse roar that was I ran him drough the body wid my rapier. almost a death-rattle. Mingled blood But dat is not all, I pelief Tdligny is and sweat trickled from his hair over his wounded ; I hear him crying out." face. Presently his doublet grew too ; ;;
44 QUEEN MARGOT tight for the convulsive beating of his La Mole rushed towards her.
*' it ; " " heart, and he tore open his sword Madame ! he cried, the Huguenots his grew too heavy for hand, and he are being butchered ; I, too, am being threw it away. At times he seemed to hunted down, and they want to butcher be gaining ground, and escaping from me. Ah ! you are the Queen . . . save his murderers, but at the shouts of the me. latter, other assassins who found them- And he threw himself at her feet, selves near him, quitted their bloody leaving a broad track of blood on the work elsewhere and joined in the pursuit. carpet. Suddenly he perceived the river flowing Seeing this man kneeling before her, so silently on his left ; it seemed to him that, pale and so exhausted, the Queen of like the stag at bay, it would be an un- Navarre rose in amazement, concealing speakable joy to plunge into its depths, her face in her hands, and crying out for and the supreme voice of reason alone help. " " checked him from doing so. On his right Madame ! said La Mole, with an loomed the Louvre, sombre and motion- effort to rise, ** in heaven's name do not less, but alive with ill-omened noises. call, for should any one hear you, I am
Helmets and cuirasses, crossing the lost ! Murderers are in pursuit of me draw-bridges, coldly reflected the rays of they are mounting the stairs ; I hear the moon. La Mole thought of the King them . . . there they are . . . there they " of Navarre as he had thought of Coligny are ! they were his two sole protectors. Summon- " Help ! " repeated the Queen of ing up all his strength, he looked at the Navarre, who was beside herself with " " sky with an inward vow to abjure if he terror, help ' " " escaped being massacred, made a detour Ah ! it is you who have killed me ! which gained him thirty yards on the cried La Mole, in despair. *' I could not pursuing pack, struck straight for the have thought it possible to die by so " Louvre, dashed upon the bridge amid the beautiful a voice, or so fair a hand ! soldiers, received a fresh dagger-thrust, At the same instant the door opened, which glanced along his ribs, and, spite and a pack of men, panting and furious, " " of the shouts of Kill him ! kill him ! their faces stained with blood and powder, which resounded behind and around him, and armed with arquebuses, swords, and spite of the threatening attitude of the halberds, rushed into the room. sentries, flew Hke an arrow into the court- At their head was Coconnas, his red yard, sprang towards the entrance-hall, hair bristhng, his pale blue eyes inordi- cleared the stair-case, mounted two floors, nately dilated, his cheek gashed by La recognised a door, and fell against it, Mole's sword, which had traced its blood- beating at it with hands and feet. stained furrow on the flesh ; the Piedmon- " \\ ho is there ? " murmured a tese, in his disfigurement, was a terrible woman's voice. sight to behold.
" ! " "Oh! God! God!" cried La Mole, Zounds " cried he, there he is 1 " " they are coming ... I hear them . . . Ah ! we have got him this time ! there they are ... I see them ... it is La Mole looked round him for a ." I ! . . . I ! . . weapon, but could find none. He glanced " " Who are you ? replied the voice. at the Queen and saw the deepest pity La Mole remembered the pass-word. depicted in her countenance, and realising " " Navarre ! Navarre ! he cried. that she alone could save him, rushed The door opened immediately. La towards her and folded her in his arms. Mole, without seeing or thanking Coconnas stepped forward and, with Gillonne, burst into a vestibule, rushed the point of his long rapier, pierced his through a corridor and two or three enemy's shoulder once more, and some rooms, and finally reached a chamber drops of warm red blood bedewed Mar- lighted by a lamp suspended from the guerite's white and scented sheets. ceiling. Marguerite, seeing the blood flow, and In a bed of carved oak, behind velvet feeling a shudder pass through the curtains embroidered with gold fleurs-de- frame which clasped her, threw her- lys, a woman, half-undressed, was leaning self, together with La Mole, into the on her arm, opening wide eyes of terror passage on the opposite side of the bed and astonishment. barely in time, for La Mole, whose QUEEN MARGOT 45
strength was quite exhausted, was in- the name he bore, he advanced with capable of escaping or oilcring any de- clenched fistj against Coconnas and his fence. His livid face rested against the companions, who retreated in terror be- Queen's shoulder, his fingers clutched fore the anger that flamed in his eyes. and tore the delicate embroidered cambric, *' Would you assassinate a son of " which covered Marguerite's body with France, then ? billows of gauze. Then, as they continued to retire be-
*' Ah ! Madame, save me!" he mur- fore him : mured in a dying voice. '• Captain of the Guard, come hither It was all that he could say; a deathly and hang me these brigands." mist darkened his eyes, his head sank More alarmed at the sight of this un- heavily backward, his arms relaxed their armed young prince than he would have hold, his legs gave way beneath him, and been at the sight of a squadron of he rolled to the floor in his own blood, cavalry, Coconnas had already gained dragging down the Queen with him. the door. La Huriere fiew down the Coconnas, excited by the shouts and stairs with the agility of a deer, the the scent of blood, maddened by his soldiers hustled and tumbled over one furious chase, extended his arm towards another in their eagerness to escape, and
the recess ; a moment more, and his found the door narrow in comparison
sword would have pierced La Mole to with their desire to get outside it. the heart and probably Marguerite at Meanwhile Marguerite had, with an the same time. almost mechanical impulse, thrown her At the sight of the naked steel, and damask counterpane over the uncon- perhaps even more at the sight of this scious La Mole, and had moved away brutal insolence, the Daughter of Kings from him. raised herself to her full height and When the last of the assassins had dis- uttered such a cry of terror, rage, and in- appeared, the Due d'Alen9on turned dignation, that the Piedmontese remained round. " petrified by some unknown emotion ; it Sister," he cried, on seeing Mar- is true that, had this scene been prolonged guerite stained with blood, " are you " and confined to the same actors, this wounded ? emotion would soon have melted like And he advanced towards her with a snow in an April sun. solicitude that would have done honour But suddenly a young lad of sixteen to his aflfection, had not that affection or seventeen, dressed in black, his face been accused of being greater than was pale and his hair in disorder, rushed becoming in a brother. through a door concealed in the wall. " No, I think not, or if I am, it is but " Wait, my sister, wait," he cried, " I slightly." " " am here ! But this blood," said the Duke, run- " " Fran9ois ! Franpois ! help ! said ning his trembling hands over Mar- Marguerite. guerite's body, " where does it come " " " The Due d'Alenfon ! muttered La from ? Huriere, lowering his arquebus. " I don't know. One of those wretches " " Zounds ! a Son of France ! grum- laid hands on me; perhaps he was bled Coconnas, retreating a step. wounded." " " The Due d'Alen9on glanced round Laid hands on my sister ! cried the him. " He saw Marguerite with dis- Duke. Oh ! if you had but pointed hevelled hair and lovelier than ever, him out to me, had you told me which he crouching against the wall and surround- was, had I known where to find ed by men with fury in their eyes, sweat him!" ... " " upon their foreheads, and foaming at the Hush ! said Marguerite. mouth. " But why ? " said Fran9ois. " " Scoundrels ! he cried. " Because if anyone should see you in " ." Save me, brother, they will murder my chamber at this hour. . me!" " M-^y not a brother visit his sister, " An angry gleam flashed over the Duke's Marguerite ? pale face. The Queen bestowed on the Due Though he was unarmed, yet, sus- d'Alen9on such a threatening glance, that tained doubtless by the consciousness of the young man stepped backwards. " " :
46 QUEEN MARGOT
*' Yes, yes, Marguerite," said he, " you Queen, devoured her for an instant with are right ; I will go back. But you can- his eyes, and stammered " " not remain alone this terrible night. How lovely you are ! Would you like me to summon Gillonne?" And, as though dazzled, he closed his ** go, go eyes with a sigh. No, no, nobody ; Francois, back by the same way by which you Marguerite gave a slight cry. The came." young man had turned paler, if possible, The young prince obeyed, and had than before, and for a moment she scarcely disappeared when Marguerite, thought that sigh had been his last. " " hearing a sigh from behind the bed, Oh ! God," said she, have pity on rushed to the door of the secret passage, him." and bolted it, then ran to the other door, At this moment there was a loud which she fastened in the same manner, knocking at the door of the corridor. just as a body of archers and soldiers, Marguerite half rose, supporting La who were in pursuit of other Hnguenots, Mole with her hands placed beneath his quartered in the Louvre, swept by like a arms. *' " hurricane at the end of the corridor. Who is there ? she cried. Then, after looking carefully round to ** Madame, it is I, the Duchesse de see that she was really alone, she went Nevers." " " '* back to the passage by the bed, lifted the Henriette ! cried Marguerite. Oh !
damask counterpane which had con- there is no danger ; it is a friend. Do you cealed La Mole from the eyes of the Due hear, sir ? d'Alen9on, drew the inert mass with La Mole, with an effort, rose on one great difficulty into the centre of the knee. room, and, seeing that the unfortunate '* Try to support yourself while I go man still breathed, she sat down, sup- and open the door," said the Queen. porting his head on her knees, and La Mole put his hand to the ground, dashed water in his face to restore him to and succeeded in maintaining his balance. consciousness. Marguerite took a step towards the Not until then, when the water had door, but stopped suddenly, shuddering removed the mask of dust and blood with alarm. " " and powder which concealed the wounded Ah ! you are not alone ? she cried, man's face, did Marguerite recog- hearing a sound of weapons. nise in him the handsome gentleman " No, I have twelve guards with me, v/ho, full of life and hope, had come sent by my brother-in-law, the Due de three or four hours previously to ask pro- Guise." " " tection from the King of Navarre, and M. de Guise ! murmured La Mole. " " had quitted her, dazzled by her beauty, Oh ! the murderer ! " while his own appearance had not failed Hush, hush ! not a word," said to leave an impression on the mind of the Marguerite. Queen. And she looked all round to see where Marguerite uttered a cry of alarm, for she could conceal the wounded man. " now she not only pitied, but was inter- " A dagger, a sword ? murmured La ested in the wounded man, who, in point Mole. of fact, was no longer a mere stranger in " To defend yourself ? — it would be her eyes, but almost a friend. She useless; did you not hear? They are washed the remaining blood-stains from twelve and you are alone." his handsome face, now pale, however, " Not to defend myself, but to prevent
and languid from suffering ; almost as my falling into their hands alive." pale as himself, she placed her hand upon " No, no, I will save you," said
his heart and found that it still beat. She Marguerite. " Ah ! this closet, come, " then took a bottle of salts from a table come ! and made him inhale it. La Mole made an efTort, and, sup- La Mole opened his eyes. ported by Marguerite, reached the closet. '* " Great God ! he faltered, " where Marguerite locked the door, and thrusting am I ? the key into her box, whispered to him
" Saved, saved ! fear nothing," said through the panelling : Marguerite. " Not a sound, not a groan or a sigh, La Mole, with an effort, glanced at the and you are saved." QUEEN MARGOT 47
Then, throwin*^ a cloak over her it would be a pity if any accident has shoulders, she went and opened her door happened to him, for he was doing very to her friend, who rushed into her arms. well." "Ah!" said she, "no harm has " I think he is quite safe," said La " happened to you, Madame ? Huriere, " and I expect he will join us " No, none," said Marguerite, drawin^^ again presently." " the cloak top^ether so as to hide the " \Vh(!re have you come from ? stains of blood upon her dressinj^-gown. " From the Louvre, where I must tell " So much the better ; but in any you we were received rather rudely." " case, as the Due de Guise has given me " By whom ? " twelve guards to escort me home, and as Why, the Due d'Alen^on ; isn't he " I do not need so large a company, 1 taking part in this business ? have left six for your Majesty. Half-a- " Monseigneur the Due d'Alen^on dozen of the Duke's soldiers are worth takes part in nothing that doesn't affect as much to-night as a whole regiment of him personally ; propose to him to treat the King's guards." his two elder brothers as Huguenots, and
Marguerite did not venture to refuse : he will join in, always provided that the she installed her six guards in the business can be settled without com- corridor, and embraced the Duchess, promising himself. But aren't you going who, with the other six, returned to the along with these good people, Master Palace of the Due de Guise, in which la Huriere?" " she was living during the absence of her " Where are they going ? " husband. To the Rue Montorgueil ; a Hugue- not minister of my acquaintance lives
there with a wife and six children ; it is passing strange how these heretics breed." " " And where are you going yourself ? " CHAPTER IX Oh I I have a bit of private business." THE ASSASSINS " Don't go without vie then," said a " voice that made Maurevel start ; you COCONNAS had not fled, he had know the best places, and I should like merely retreated. La Huriere had to have a hand in the work." " " not fled, he had merely rushed away. Ah 1 it is our Piedmontese friend ! The one had disappeared in tiger-fashion, said Maurevel. the other in w^olf-fashion. " It is M. de Coconnas," said La Consequently La Huriere had already Huriere; " I thought you were following reached the Place Saint-Germain- me." " I'Auxerrois when Coconnas was only Plague take it ! you scuttled off too coming out of the Louvre. fast for that, and besides, I went a little La Huriere, finding himself alone out of my direct road in order to throw with his arquebus amid the persons who into the river a wretched brat that was
' were rushing past, the whistling bullets shouting : Down with the Papists, long
* and the corpses which were falling from live the Admiral ! Unfortunately, I the windows — some of them whole, believe the little scamp knew how to others in fragments — began to be swim. If you want to drown these con- alarmed, and to endetivour to get back founded heretics, you must pitch 'em discreetly to his hostelry; but just as he into the water like kittens, before they was turning out of the Rue de I'Arbre- can see." Sec by the Rue d'Averon, he fell in with " You say you have come from the
a band of Swiss and light horse—the Louvre ; did your Huguenot friend " troop of which Maurevel was the leader. lake refuge there ? asked Maurevel. " " " . " Well ! cried the latter, who had Yes, he did, confound hi*. ! christened himself by the name of the, ** I shot at him just as he vas picking King's Butcher, " have you finished up his sword in the Admiral's court- already ? You are going home, my yard, and I don't know how ever it friend, and what the deuce have you happened, but I missed him." " done with our Piedmoniese gentleman ? Ah 1 but / didn't miss him/' said — "; 48 QUEEN MARGOT
" " Coconnas ; I stuck my blade nearly Oho ! I understand," said Coconnas; six inches into his back. Besides, I saw " yes, ten to one he is."
*' him fall into the arms of Marguerite Hush ! we are there." " zounds ! a fine woman that. I confess, What is yonder great house, with its " however, I should be glad to be quite wing abutting on the street ? certain that he is dead, because the "The H6tel de Guise." fellow seems to me to be of a very " 1 could really hardly have missed vindictive disposition, and he might bear coming here," said Coconnas, " since I me a grudge for the rest of his life. have come to Paris under the patronage But didn't you say you were going of the great Henri. But, my dear fellow, " somewhere or other ? everything is perfectly quiet in this neigh- " Are you anxious to come with me bourhood, you can hardly distinguish the " then ? sound of firing. You might imagine you " 'Sdeath ! I don't want to remain were in the country. Deuce take it, if where I am for ever. I have only killed everybody isn't asleep." three or four as yet, and when I get cold In point of fact, the palace of the Due my shoulder pains me, so let us get on." de Guise presented as peaceful an aspect " " Captain ! said Maurevel to the as on ordinary occasions. All the win- leader of the troop, " give me three of dows were closed, and a single light shone your men, and go and settle your minister behind the blind of the chief window of with the rest." the projecting wing, which had attracted Three Swiss detached themselves from Coconnas's attention on entering the the main body and joined Maurevel. The street. two parties, however, marched side by Maurevel stopped a little way beyond side until they were opposite the Rue the Duke's palace; that is to say, at the
Tirechappe ; there the Swiss and the corner of the Rue du Petit-Chantier, and light horse took the Rue de la Tonnel- the Rue des Quatre-Fils. lerie, while Maurevel, Coconnas, La " This is the house of the man we are Huri^re, and the three soldiers followed looking for," said he. the Rue de la Ferronnerie, went down the " The man you are looking for, you
Rue Trousse-Vache, and reached the Rue mean" . . . said La Huri^re. Sainte-Avoye. " We are looking for him, as you have " Where the devil are you taking us come with me." " " to ? said Coconnas, who was beginning What ! this house which seems to be ." to tire of this long tramp without any sleeping so peacefully. . . " results. Exactly ! You, La Huri^re, are to *' I am taking you on an expedition at utilise that honest face with 'which once brilliant and useful. Next after the Heaven has endowed you in mistake, Admiral, Teligny, and the Huguenot by knocking at the door. Hand your princes, I could offer you nothing better, arquebus to M. de Coconnas, I can see so be patient. Our business lies in the he has had his eye on it for the last hour. Rue du Chaume, and we shall be there in If you are admitted, you will ask if you a moment." can speak to M. de Mouy." " " " " " Tell me," asked Coconnas, isn't the Ha ! ha ! said Coconnas, I under- " Rue du Chaume near the Temple ? stand ; it appears that you, too, have " Yes; why?" a creditor in the neighbourhood of the " Because there is a certain Lambert Temple." Mercandon, an old creditor of my family, " Exactly," continued Maurevel. " You to whom my father has commissioned will go upstairs in the capacity of a me to repay a hundred rose nobles, Huguenot, and inform De Klouy of all which I am carrying in my pocket for that is going on ; he is a brave man, he ." that purpose." will come down . . "Well!" said Maurevel, "here is a " And once he has come down ? fme opportunity for getting out of his asked La Huri^re. debt." " Once he has come down, I shall beg " " How do you mean ? him to measure swords with me." ! " Why, to-day is the day for settling " A brave fellow, upon my soul old scores. Is your friend Mercandon a said Coconnas, " and I will do exactly " Huguenot ? the same with Lambert Mercandon " ; "
QUEEN MARGOT 49 and if he Is too old to accept my of a frightened womnn raised in affection- challenge, 1 will fight with one of his ate entreaty, M. de Mouy hunted for his sons or his nephews." doublet, his cloak, and weapons. " " La Huriiire, without further parley, He is coming down ! cried Maure- ** Attention there ! went and knocked at the door ; at his vel, pale with delight. blows, which rang loudly in the silence he whispered to the Swiss. of the night, the doors of the H6tel de " Here, La Huriere," he added to the Guise opened, and several heads were landlord, who had retreated to join the saw then that the palace soldiers, " take your arquebus again." thrust out ; you " • " " was quiet and peaceful after the fashion Sdeath 1 cried Coconnas, here is of fortresses, that is to say, because it the moon coming from behind a cloud was full of soldiers. to witness this fine encounter. I would The heads disappeared almost im- give a good deal if Lambert Mercandon mediately, guessing, no doubt, what was were here to act as second to M. de afoot. Mouy." " Does your M. de Mouy live there, " Wait, wait," said Maurevel. " M. de " then ? said Coconnas, pointing to the Mouy himself is worth ten men, and the house at which La Huriere continued six of us will have all we can do to get to knock. rid of him. Advance, you there," con- " No, it is the house of his mistress." tinued Maurevel, motioning to the Swiss " *' strike Zounds ! w^hat an opportunity for to steal up to the door, and him showing his gallantry you are giving him, when he comes out." " " to let him draw his sword beneath the eyes Oho ! said Coconnas, as he watched " of his fair lady ! Then we shall be merely these preparations, it appears that the the judges of the combat. I should be glad affair won't take place exactly as I enough, however, to do some fighting imagined it would." myself; my shoulder is smarting badly." De Mouy was already heard drawing " " And your face ? asked Maurevel back the bars. The Swiss had issued " it is pretty well knocked about, too." from their concealment in order to take Coconnas uttered a kind of roar. up their position by the door. Maurevel " " " Zounds 1 said he, I hope he is and La Huriere were creeping up on tip- dead ; if not, I will go back to the Louvre toe, w^hile Coconnas, deterred by a rem- to finish him off." nant of gentlemanly feeling, remained La Huriere was still knocking. Pre- where he was, when the young woman, sently a window opened on the first whose presence they had quite forgotten, floor, and a man appeared on the balcony appeared on the balcony in her turn and in a night-cap and a pair of drawers, uttered a terrible cry on seeing Mau- and unarmed. revel, La Huriere, and the Swiss soldiers. " " Who is there ? he shouted. De Mouy, w^io had already half-opened Maurevel signed to the Swiss, who the door, stopped. concealed themselves round a corner, " Come up again, come up again,"
•' while Maurevel flattened himself against shouted the young woman ; I see the wall. swords gleaming, and the match of an " Ah I Monsieur de Mouy, is that arquebus ; it is a trap." " " " " you ? said the landlord, in a wheedling Oho ! replied the man's voice, let tone. us just see what all this means." " Yes, it is I ; what do you want And he slammed the door to again, "Why! Monsieur," continued La replaced the bars, pushed back the bolt, Huriere, " don't you know w^hat is going and went upstairs. on ? The Admiral has been butchered, IVIaurevel's plan of campaign had to and the Protestants are being massacred be altered as soon as he saw that De ; come to the rescue, and quick." Mouy would not come out. The Swiss " " " Ah ! cried De Mouy, I suspected stationed themselves at the opposite side that something was brewing for to-night. of the street, and La Hurifere waited, I ought not to have deserted my brave arquebus in hand, until the enemy re- comrades. Here I am, my friend ; wait appeared at the window. He did not a moment." have to wait long. De Mouy advanced, And without shutting the window, holding out two pistols of such formid- through which could be heard the cries able length that La Huriere, who was — — ; — 50 QUEEN MARGOT in the act of takinf^ aim, suddenly reflec- had escorted the Duchesso de Nevers ted that the Huguenot's bullets had no home, came out, together with three or further to travel to reach the street than four gentlemen followed by their pages, his own had to reach the balcony. and advanced towards the house of young " Truly," said he to himself, " I may De Mouy's mistress. kill this gentleman, but on the other hand A second shot, fired into the middle of the gentleman may kill me at the same the band, killed the soldier who was moment." nearest to Maurevel ; after which De Well, as La Huri^re, after all, was Mouy, being without weapons, or at a landlord by trade and a soldier only least his weapons being useless, inas- by accident, this reflection determined much as he had discharged his pistols, him to retreat and seek shelter in an and his foes were beyond the reach of his angle of the Rue de Braque, at such a sword, took shelter behind the raihngs of distance that it would have been alnost the balcony. impossible for him to be sure, especially The windows of the neighbouring at night, of the exact direction his bullet houses, however, now began to be ought to take, so as to hit De Mouy. opened here and there, and, according to De Mouy glanced round him and ad- the peaceful or warlike humour of their vanced, though making himself as small inhabitants, were either closed again or as possible, like a man preparing for bristled with muskets and arquebuses. " '* a duel ; but seeing that no shot was fired, Help ! my worthy Mercandon !
lie remarked : cried De Mouy, making signals to an old " It seems to me, you, sir, who brought man who, from a window that had just me this news, that you have forgotten been opened opposite to the Hotel de your arquebus at my door. Here 1 am, Guise, was trying to discover the cause " what do you want? of all this disturbance. " " ?" Ha ! that's what I call a brave fellow," Did you call. Sire de Mouy cried the " said Coconnas. old man, " is it you they are attacking ? " Well ! " continued De Mouy, "friends '* They are attacking me, you, and all or foes, whichever you be, don't you see the Protestants, and, look, there is the " I am waiting ? proof of it." Maurevel, La Huri^re, and the Swiss, De Mouy had, in fact, at this moment all maintained an embarrassed silence. seen La Huriere in the act of pointing
Coconnas waited a moment ; then, see- his arquebus at him. The shot was fired, ing that nobody would maintain the con- but the young man had time to duck, versation begun by La Huriere and con- and the bullet smashed a pane of glass tinued by De Mouy, he quitted his place above his head. " " and stepped into the middle of the street Mercandon ! cried Coconnas, who
then, holding his hat in his hand : was so delighted at the sight of this fray, " Sir," said he, ** we are not here to that he had forgotten his creditor, but commit murder, as you might imagine, was now reminded of him by De Mouy's " but to arrange a duel. I have accom- words ; Mercandon, Rue de Chaume,
panied an enemy of yours who wants to yes, that's it ! So that is where he lives.
have an encounter with you, so as to Good ! we shall each have our own man settle an old dispute in gallant fashion. to deal with now."
'Sdeath ! Monsieur de Maurevel, come And while the people from the H6tel forward then, instead of turning your de Guise were breaking in the doors of
back ; the gentleman accepts your chal- De Mouy's house; while Maurevel was lenge." trying to set fire to the building with a " " " given Maurevel 1 cried De Mouy ; Mau- torch ; while, once the doors had revel, my father's murderer! Maurevel, way, a terrible conflict ensued against a the King's butcher! Zounds! yes, I single man, who, with each stroke of his accept." rapier, accounted for one of his foes And taking aim at Maurevel, who was Coconnas was trying, by means of a about to knock at the Hotel de Guise, to paving-stone, to break in Mercandon's ask for reinforcements, he pierced his door, who, without paying any heed to hat with a ball. this solitary effort, was firing out of his Hearing the report of the pistol and window as fast as he could re-load his the cries of Maurevel, the guards who weapon. ! "
QUEEN MARGOT 51
The whole neighbourhood, hitherto so wall for support, fell face forward on the dark and deserted, became hghted up as ground. though it were broad dayHght, and De Mouy profiting by this opportunity, thronged as though it were the inside of dashed into the Rue de Paradis and an ant-hill; for six or eight gentlemen disappeared. with their friends and servants, issuing The resistance made by the Huguenots from the Hotr.l de Monlmoiency, had had been so vigorous, that the people just made a furious charge, and, with from the Hotel de Guise, finding them- the support of the firing from the selves driven back, had returned to the windows, were beginning to make palace and closed the doors, fearing the Maurevel and his men, as well as those house might be attacked and taken by from the H6tel de Guise, retreat, and assault. ended by driving them to bay at the Coconnas, excited by the blood and house from which they had come out. the uproar, and having reached the pitch Coconnas, who had not yet succeeded when, with Southerners especially, cour- in bursting in Mercandon's door, though age is transformed into frenzy, had he went at it with all his might, was neither seen nor heard anything. He driven back along with the rest. He merely noticed that the din in his ears now set his back against the wall, grew less, that his hands and face were grasped his sword, and began, not drying a little, and, lowering the point of merely to defend himself, but also to his sword, saw nothing near him but a attack, with cries so terrible, that his man stretched on the ground his face voice dominated the whole melee. He deluged by a red stream, and the houses thrust about him to right and left, striking around him in flames. both friends and foes, until he had The truce was of short duration, for cleared a wide space all round him. In just as he was approaching the man, proportion as his rapier pierced breast whom he thought he recognised as La after breast, and the warm blood be- Huriere, the door of the house which he spattered his hands and face, so did he, had vainly endeavoured to burst in with flashing eyes, dilated nostrils and opened, and old Mercandon, followed by clenched teeth, regain the lost ground, and his son and two nephews, rushed out approach the besieged house. upon the Piedmontese, who was just De Mouy, after a terrible struggle on recovering his breath. " ** the stairs and in the hall, had fought his There he is ! there he is ! they way, in truly heroic fashion, out of his all shouted simultaneously. burning house. Amid all the strife he Coconnas was in the middle of the
" ' had not ceased to shout : Maurevel street, and, fearing he might be sur- " Maurevel 1 here ! where are you ? rounded and attacked by all four at once, hurling at him all the while the most sprang backwards with the agility of the insulting and abusive epithets. At last chamois which he had so often hunted in he appeared in the street, holding in the mountains, and set his back against his arms his mistress, half-dressed the wall of the Hotel de Guise. His and almost unconscious, and with a mind once easy against surprise, he stood dagger between his teeth. His sword on guard and began to jeer at his flashed as it whirled about his head, assailants. describing or red circles, " white according Halloa ! Father Mercandon," said " as the moon silvered its blade or a torch he, " don't you recognise me ? illumined the blood which stained it. " On the contrary, I recognise you Maurevel had fled. Huriere, driven " La only too well, you scoundrel ! cried the back by De Mouy into the arms of old Huguenot. " You want to do me a Coconnas, who, not recognising him, mischief—me, your father's friend and received him on the point of his sword, comrade ! " demanded quarter from both sides. At " And his creditor, aren't you ? this moment Mercandon perceived him, " Yes, his creditor, since you mention and recognised him by his white scarf as it yourself." one of the assassins. " Well ! exactly so," answered The shot was fired. La Huriere, Coconnas. " I have come to settle flinging up his arms, dropped his arque- our account." bus, and after trying vainly to grasp the '* Let us seize and bind him," said the 52 QUEEN MARGOT old man to the others, who, in obedience cross and white scarf, threw a flower-pot to his suggestion, rushed towards the at him, which struck him above the knee. " " " wall. Good ! said Coconnas, one throws " One moment," said Coconnas, me flowers, and the other, pots. If this laughing. *' In order to arrest me you goes on they will empty the houses." require a warrant, and you have forgotten " Thanks, mother, thanks," shouted the to apply to the Provost for one." young man. " " With these words he turned his sword Go on, wife, go on ! said old Mer- against the young man nearest to him, candon, " but take care you don't hit us !" and at the first disengagement cut open " Wait, Monsieur de Coconnas, wait," his wrist. The unhappy young fellow said the lady of the Hotel de Guise, " I retreated with a yell of pain. am going to get my folks to fire at their " " That's one of them ! said Coconnas. windows." " At the same moment the window be- Halloa ! it's a pandemonium of neath which Coconnas had sought women, some of whom are for me, and " " shelter opened with a creaking noise. some against ! said Coconnas. Death
Coconnas gave a jump, fearing an attack of my life ! let us get done with it." from that quarter; but, instead of an The face, indeed, of things had greatly enemy, he perceived a woman- -instead changed, and matters were evidently of the murderous weapon that he was drawing to a conclusion. To cope with preparing to encounter, a bouquet of Coconnas, wounded, it is true, but in all flowers rolled at his feet. the vigour of his four-and-twenty years, " " skilled in the use of weapons, irritated Zounds ! a woman ! said he. He saluted the lady with his sword, rather than weakened by the three or four and stooped to pick up the bouquet. scratches he had received, there now re- " Look out, brave Catholic, look out," mained only Mercandon and his son. Mer- cried the lady. candon, was an old man between sixty and
Coconnas rose, but not quickly enough seventy ; his son, a youth of from sixteen to prevent the second nephew's dagger to eighteen, pale, fair, and fragile, had from piercing his cloak and grazing the thrown away his now useless, because other shoulder. unloaded, pistol, and was flourishing with The lady gave a piercing shriek. trembling hand a sword but half the
Coconnas thanked her, and reassured length of that of the Piedmontese ; the her with the same gesture, then dashed father, armed only with a dagger and an upon the second nephew, who broke empty arquebus, was calHng for succour. old at the window opposite, away ; but at the second pass his An woman foot slipped in the blood. Coconnas the young man's mother, held in her hand sprang upon him with the swiftiief-^ of a a piece of marble, which she was pre- tiger, and drove his sword through his paring to throw. Finally Coconnas, ex- chest. cited on the one side by threats, and on " " " encouragements, proud of Bravo, bravo ! cried the lady, I the other by will send you help." his double victory, intoxicated with the " You need not trouble to do that, smell of blood and powder, his face Madame," said Coconnas. *' Just watch lighted up by the flames of the burning until the end, if the affair interests you, house, elated by the thought that he was and you will see how Comte Hannibal fighting beneath the eyes of a woman de Coconnas serves the Huguenots." whose beauty appeared to him as sur- At this moment the son of old Mer- passing as her rank seemed incontestable candon fired a pistol at close range, and —Coconnas, like the last of the Horatii, Coconnas dropped on one knee. had felt his strength increase two-fold, The lady at the window uttered a cry, and, seeing the young man hesitating, him and crossed his little but Coconnas got up again ; he had sprang towards dropped only to avoid the bullet, which sword with his own terrible and blood- struck the wall two feet from the fair stained rapier. Two passes were enough spectator, to send it flying from the lad's hands. Almost at the same instant a cry of Seeing this, Mercandon tried to drive rage came from the window of Mercandon's Coconnas back so that the projectiles house, and an old woman who recog- hurled from the window might be mora nised Coconnas for a Catholic by his sure of striking him. Coconnas, however, "
QUEEN MARGOT 53
In order to paralyse this double attack *• My son, my Olivier," shrieked the " from the old Mercandon, who was try- mother, abjure . . . abjure!" " " ing to pierce him with his dagger, and Abjure, dear child I cried Mercan- from the old woman, who was trying to don, rolling at Coconnas's feet, ** do not smash his head with the piece of marble, leave us alone in the world." seized his adversary in his arms, and, "Abjure, all of you together!" cried " choking him in his herculean embrace, Coconnas ; three souls and one life for " presented him to all blows like a sliield. a Credo ! " " *• Help ! help ! cried the young man, I agree," said the young man. " he is crushing me to death." " Agreed," cried Mercandon and his And his voice began to be lost in a wife. " " choking gurgle. On your knees, then ! said Cocon- Hereupon Mercandon changed from nas, " and let your son say word by word threats to entreaties. what I shall dictate to him." *' Spare him ! spare him ! Monsieur de The father was the first to obey. Coconnas, he is my only child," " I am ready," said the youth, kneeling ** " My son ! my son ! cried the mother, in his turn. " the hope of our old age ; do not kill Coconnas then began to dictate the him, sir." words of the Creed in Latin. Whether " " Don't kill him, indeed ! said Cocon- by chance or by design, however, the " nas, bursting out laughing ; what was young Olivier had knelt down close to the he going to do to me, then, with his spot where his sword had fallen. Scarce- " sword and pistol ? ly had he spied this weapon within reach " Sir," continued Mercandon, clasping of his hand than, without ceasing to his hands, " I have in the house a bond repeat the words after Coconnas, he signed by your father, I will give it you stretched out his arm to grasp it. Cocon-
back ; I have ten thousand gold crowns, nas saw the movement though he pre- you shall have them all you shall have tended not to. But, just as the young ; " j our family jewels, but do not kill him ! man touched the hilt of the weapon with " And 1 have my love," said the lady his fingers, Coconnas dashed at him and of the H6tel de Guise in a low tone, rolled him over.
'• " 1 and I promise it to you." Ah ! you treacherous young hound Coconnas reflected a moment, then said he.
suddenly asked the young man : And he buried his dagger in his throat. " *' Are you a Huguenot ? The youth gave a cry, rose convulsive- " I am," murmured the youth. ly on one knee and fell back dead. " " " " In that case, you must die I replied Ah ! you butcher I roared Mercan- Coconnas, with a frown. don, " you are killing us in order to rob " " Die ! my poor child ! cried the us of the hundred rose nobles which you old man. owe us." " " And a cry rang from the mother of Od's life ! no," said Coconnas, and such grief and despair, that it shook for the proof . . ." a moment the fierce determination of the As he said this Coconnas threw at the Piedmontese. old man's feet the purse which his father " " Oh ! Madame la Duchesse I cried had given him on his departure in order the father, turning towards the lady, to settle the debt with his creditor. " intercede for us, and your name shall " And the proof," he continued, " is be included in our prayers night and that there is your money." " " morning." And here is your death ! shouted *' " Let him change his Faith, then ; the mother from the window. said the lady of the Hotel de Guise. *' Have a care, Monsieur de Coconnas " I am a Protestant," insisted the have a care," said the lady of the Hotel youth. de Guise. " Then die," said Coconnas, raising his But before Coconnas could turn his dagger, " since you will not take the life head a heavy mass, hurled through the offered you by that fair mouth." air, fell right upon the head of the Pied- Mercandon and his wife saw the montese, breaking his sword in his hand terrible blade flash Hke lightning above and stretching him senseless on the pave- their son's head. ment, unable to hear the two-foid cry of — " ! 54 QUEEN MARGOT joy and distress which answered each flowing from your wounds . . . CA other to right and left. Gillonne, look how pale he is." Mercandon rushed immediately, dagger " Come, let us see, where are you " in hand, upon the unconscious Coconnas. wounded ? But at this moment the door of the H6tel " Madame," said La Mole, trying to de Guise opened, and the old man made locate the chief sources of the pain which off, seeing the gleam of swords and par- he felt in all parts of his body, " I think while the lady whom he had I have received one dagger-wound in the tisans ;
addressed as Madame la Duchesse, her shoulder and another in the breast ; the wondrous beauty lighted up by the flames others are not worth troubling about." with " That we shall see," said Slarguerite of the conflagration, and blazing ; diamonds and jewellery, leaned half out " bring me my casket of balsams, of the window to cry to the men who Gillonne." rushed up, as she pointed to Coconnas : Gillonne obeyed, and returned holding " in There ! there ! just opposite me ; a in one hand the casket and the other a gentleman dressed in a red doublet. silver gilt ewer and some fine Dutch That's the man, yes, yes, that's the linen. " lift him, man ! • • ." Help me to Gillonne," said
the Queen ; "the poor man has exhausted his strength in getting up." " But, Madame," said La Mole, " I am
quite ashamed ; I really cannot allow
you . . ." " Sir, you must do as I bid you," said " it CHAPTER X Marguerite ; would be a crime to let yourself die when we can save you." " " " DEATH, MASS, OR BASTILLE Oh ! cried La Mole, I would rather die than see you, you, the Queen, MARGUERITE, as we have said, soil your hands with my unworthy blood 1 had closed her door and return- . . . never ! never ed to her room. As she entered it, her And he drew back respectfully. " heart still beating violently, she saw Your blood, my gentleman," replied " Gillonne, who was gazing in terror to- Gillonne with a smile, why, you havn't wards the door of the closet, scrutinising scrupled to soil her Majesty's bed and the marks of blood sprinkled over the bed chamber finely with it already." bed, the furniture, and the carpet. Marguerite drew her cloak across her "Oh! Madame!" she cried on per- cambric dressing-gown bespattered with " ceiving the Queen, " is he dead, then ? little red spots. This gesture, full of feminine modesty, recalled to La Mole " Silence ! Gillonne," said Marguerite in a tone of urgency that indicated the the fact that he had held in his arms and importance of the injunction, and Gil- clasped to his breast this Queen, so lonne was effectually silenced. beautiful and so beloved, and a fugitive Thereupon Marguerite took from her blush mantled on his pale cheeks at the casket a small gold key, opened the door thought. " " of the closet and pointed with her linger Madame," he stammered. can't you " to the young man inside. hand me over to the care of a surgeon ? " " La Mole had succeeded in getting up A Catholic surgeon, I suppose ? and going to the window. He had dis- asked the Queen in a tone which La covered a small dagger, such as were Mole understood and which made him carried by women at that time, and had start. " snatched it up on hearing the door open. Don't you know," contined the Queen " Fear nothing, Monsieur," said Mar- in a tone and with a smile of ineffable " sweetness, " that we Daughters of France guerite ; I give you my word, you are in safety." are brought up to know the value of La Mole fell upon his knees. herbs and to compose balsams ? Our " Madame," he cried, " You are more duty, from all time, both as women and lain in soothing pain to me than a queen, you are a goddess." as queens, has ; and " Do not agitate yourself thus, sir," so we are as good as the best surgeons in so, at least, our flatterers say. .cried Marguerite, " the blood is still the world, — —
QUEEN MARGOT 55
Has my fame in this respect never with a carved back which extended in reached your ears? Come, Gillonne, let front of the window, which they opened us get to work." half-way so as to give him air. La Mole still tried to resist; he re- The movement aroused La Mole, who peated once more that he would rather sighed and opened his eyes. He was die than impose upon the Queen a task beginning to experience that feeling of which, begun from pity, might end in dis- unspeakable comfort which accompanies gusting her. Tliis contest merely re- the sensations of the wounded man who, sulted in exhausting his strength. He on returning to consciousness, finds cool- staggered, closed his eyes, and fell with ness instead of raging fever, and the his head backwards, swooning away for scent of balsam instead of the warm and the second time. nauseous odour of blood. Then Marguerite, seizing the dagger He murmured some incoherent words, which he had dropped, quickly cut the to which Marguerite answered by a smile strings of his doublet, while Gillonne, and by placing her finger on his mouth. with another blade, ripped up, or rather At this moment were heard several cut off his sleeves. knocks given at a door. Then Gillonne, with a rag soaked in " Someone is knocking at the secret clean water, stanched the blood which passage," said Marguerite. " was trickling from his breast and should- " Why, who can be coming, Madame ? er, while Marguerite, with a gold, round- said Gillonne in alarm. pointed needle, probed the wounds with " I will go and see," said Marguerite. as much skill and delicacy as Master " Stay here and don't leave him for an Ambroise Pare himself could have dis- instant." played in similar circumstances. Marguerite entered her chamber, The wound in the shoulder was deep, locked the door of the closet, and went to but that in the breast had merely grazed open the door of the passage leading to
the ribs and entered the flesh ; neither of the apartments of the King and the them had penetrated the cavities of that Queen-Mother. " " natural fortress which protects the heart Madame de Sauve ! she exclaimed, and lungs. starting back abruptly and with an "A severe wound, but not dangerous expression denoting, if not terror, at least
Acervimum humeri vulnus, non autem hatred ; so true is it that a woman never lethale,'* murmured the fair and learned forgives another for taking from her even " surgeon ; pass me the balsam and get the a husband who does not love her " " lint ready, Gillonne." Madame de Sauve ! " Gillonne, to whom the Queen had just " Yes, your Majesty ! she replied, given this fresh order, had already wiped clasping her hands. and perfumed the young man's breast, as " You here, Madame,'* [continued well as his finely moulded arms, his Marguerite with increasing astonishment shoulders so gracefully set back, and his and in a more imperious tone. muscular neck, which seemed to belong Charlotte fell on her knees. " Forgive
rather to a statue of Parian marble than me, Madame," said she ; "I realise to what to the mangled body of a dying man. extent I have sinned against you, but if "Poor young fellow," murmured you only knew I am not entirely to Gillonne, looking not so much at the blame, and an express command from
result of her work as at the person on Queen-Mother. , ." whom it had been bestowed. " Rise," said Marguerite, " and as I " Isn't he handsome?" said Marguerite don't suppose you have come in the hope with queenly outspokenness. of justifying yourself in my eyes, tell me " Yes, Madame, but I think that instead why you are here." of letting him lie on the ground like this " I have come, Madame," said Charlotte we ought to lift him up and place him on still on her knees, and with an expression this couch against which he is merely of alarm on her face, " I have come to leaning." ask if he is here." " Yes, you are right," said Marguerite. " Here ? who ? whom are you speak-
And the two women, stooping down, ing of, Madame ? . , , I really do with their united strength Hfted La Mole not understand." « " and placed him on a sort of large divan Of the King ! 56 QUEEN MARGOT
" ! The King you actually pursue him your forgiveness ; for I shall not venture
into my presence ! though you know to follow you, even at a distance." very well that he does not come here." Marguerite offered her hand to her. ! " Ah, Madame " continued the ** I will go and find Queen Catherine,*'
*' Baronne de Sauve, without replying to said she ; return to your room. The this taunt or even appearing to notice it. King of Navarre is under my protection ; *' " Ah ! would to God he toere here ! 1 have promised to be his ally, and I will " " Why ? be faithful to my promise." " My God, Madame, because they are " But if you cannot gain admittance to " butchering the Huguenots, and because the Queen-Mother, Madame ? the King of Navarre is their chief." " Then I will go to my brother Charles, " " Oh ! cried Marguerite, seizing who cannot refuse me an interview." IMadame de Sauve by the hand and " Go then, go, Madame,"said Charlotte, forcing her to get up, " I had forgotten stepping back to let Marguerite pass, it " ! Besides, I did not dream that a king and God speed your Majesty." could run the same risk as the others." Marguerite sped down the corridor, but " Greater, Madame, a thousand times before she reached the further end she greater," cried Charlotte. turned to make sure that Madame de " Madam.e de Lorraine had warned me, Sauve was not lingering behind, and saw ns it happens. I told him not to go out. that she was following her. " Did he go ? The Queen of Navarre saw her ascend " No, no, he is in the Louvre. He the stairs leading to her apartments, and
cannot be found ; and if he is not then continued her way to the chamber here. . ." of the Queen-Mother. " He is not here." A great transformation had taken place " " Oh ! cried Madame de Sauve, with there ; instead of the usual crowd of an outburst of grief, " then it is all over courtiers opening their ranks for her with him, for the Queen-Mother has with respectful salutations, Marguerite sv.orn his death." encountered nothing but guards with *• " " His death ! said Marguerite, you blood-stained partisans and garments " astound me ! It is impossible! smeared with blood, or gentlemen in " Madame," replied De Sauve, with that torn cloaks, their faces blackened by earnestness which passion alone imparts, powder, carrying orders and despatches, *' I tell you that the King of Navarre coming and going, and by their hurrying cannot be found." to and fro causing an immense com- " And the Queen-Mother, where is motion in the corridors. she?" Marguerite nevertheless persevered, *' The Queen-Mother sent me to fetch and succeeded in reaching the ante- M. de Guise and M. de Tavannes, who chamber, only to find it guarded by two were in her oratory, and then dismissed lines of soldiers, who allowed no one to me. I went upstairs to my room pass but those who brought a certain and there—forgive me, Madame, if I hurt countersign. you— I waited as usual." Marguerite tried in vain to cross this *' " For my husband, I suppose ? said human barrier. She saw the door open Marguerite. and shut several times, and each time " He did not come, Madame, so I through the open space she perceived looked for him in all directions and in- Catherine, rejuvenated by action, with quired of everybody. One soldier told all the energy of a woman of twenty, me he thought he had seen him a short writing letters, receiving and unsealing while before the massacre began, escorted despatches, giving orders, addressing a by a guard of soldiers with drawn word to these, bestowing a smile on those, swords, but that is more than an hour the men who received the most cordial ago." smile being those who were most be- "Thank you, Madame," said Mar- grimed with blood and powder. guerite ;" I thank you, even though the Amid this tumult with which the anxiety you have shown be perhaps a Louvre resounded, and which filled it with fresh insult to me." alarming rumours, could be heard a if "Oh! Madame, so, pardon me, and I never-ceasing rattle of musketry in the I shall return to cheered my own room by I street. — — " QUEEN MARGOT 57
" I shall never reach her," said Mar- information and had not heard the com- " guerite to herself, after making three pliment ; thank you, I will go there." fruitless attempts to pass the line of And as she went, she murmured :
*' " halberdiers ; rather than waste time 1 cannot let him perish after what I
here, 1 will go and find my brother." promised him, and after the way he be- At this moment M. de Guise passed haved to me when that ungrateful Henri i by; he had just announced to the Queen was hidden in the closet." the death of the Admiral and was return- Rushing up to the door of the King's ing to the slaughter. apartments, she found them guarded " " soldiers Oh ! Henri ! cried Marguerite, within by two companies of " '• where is the King of Navarre ? drawn up round the walls of the several The Duke gave a smile of astonish- rooms. ment, bowed, and without replying went " There is no admission to the King's out with his guards. presence," said the officer, stepping for- Marguerite ran to a captain who was ward quickly. " about to leave the Louvre, and was " That surely does not apply to me ? making his men load their arquebuses said Marguerite. before starting. " The order is absolute, Madame." " The King of Navarre ? " she asked "But I, the Queen of Navarre! his " ; " " where is he, sir ? sister ! *• 1 don't know, Madame," he replied " Accept my apologies, Madame, but ; " 1 am not of His Majesty's guards." my orders are peremptory." " " Ah ! my dear Rene ! cried Marguer- And the officer closed the door again. " ite, recognising Catherine's perfumer Oh ! he is lost," cried Marguerite,
. . . it is you . . . you have just alarmed by the sight of all those sinister come from my mother . . . Do faces, which, when they were not breath- you know what has become of my ing vengeance,expressed stern inflexibility. husband?" " Yes, yes, I understand it all . . , " His Majesty is not my friend, I have been used as a decoy ... I
Madame . . . you should remember am the trap in which the Huguenots are that. It is even said," he added, with being caught and butchered. I will get what was more like a grinding of the in, if it costs me my life." teeth than a smile, " that he dares to tax And Marguerite began to run like a me with having poisoned his mother with madwoman along the corridors and gal- the connivance of Madame Catherine." leries, when suddenly, as she passed a " No ! no ! my good Rene, don't small door, she heard a sound of singing " believe that ! cried Marguerite. in a sweet monotone that was almost " Oh ! it doesn't matter much to me, mournful. It was a Calvinist hymn Madame," said the perfumer; "neither chanted by a trembling voice in the the King of Navarre nor his friends are neighbouring room. much to be dreaded at this moment." " My brother's nurse, the good Made-
! And he turned his back upon Ion . . . she is there " cried Mar- Marguerite. guerite, tapping her forehead as a sudden " " Monsieur de Tavannes, Monsieur de thought struck her ; she is there ! . . .
" ! Tavannes, just one word, I implore you ! God of all Christian folk, help me cried Marguerite. Tavannes, who was And Marguerite, filled with hope, knock- passing, stopped. " Where is Henri de ed gently at the little door. " Navarre ? asked Marguerite. To go back to Henri de Navarre. " Upon my word," said he aloud, " I After the warning which Marguerite believe he is parading the town with had given him, after his interview Messieurs d' Alen9on and de Conde." with Rene and his departure from Then, speaking so low that only the Queen-Mother's apartments, which
Marguerite could hear, he added : poor little Phcebe, like his good " Fair Majesty, if you want to see the genius, had tried to prevent, Henri man to be in whose shoes I would give de Navarre had met some Catholic my life, go and knock at the door of the gentlemen, who, under pretence of King's armoury." doing him honour, had escorted him back "Oh! thank you, Tavannes," said to his quarters, where some twenty Marguerite, who had Ustened only to the Huguenots were waiting for him. These C ; 58 QUEEN MARGOT
Huguenots surrounded the yonug Prince in all probability it was a casa of organ- and refused to leave him, feehng a pre- ised and premeditated massacre, a Cap- sentiment of coming danger in regard to tain came to fetch him, and conducted that fatal night. They had remained him along a corridor to the King's apart- together thus without anyone attempting ments. On their approach the door to disturb them. the At first stroke, opened and then closed behind them, as however, of the bell of Saint Germain- if by magic. The Captain then took I'Auxerrois, which struck upon their Henri to the King, who was now in his hearts as a funeral knell, Tavannes en- armoury. When they entered, the King tered and announced to Henri, amid a was seated in a great chair, his hands .1eath-like silence, that King Charles resting on the arms and his head sunk on wished to speak with him. his breast. At the sound of their ap- Nobody attempted or sc^ much as proach Charles raised his gloomy brow, thought of resistance. The floors and on which Henri saw the perspiration galleries and corridors of the Louvre standing in heavy drops. creaked beneath the tread of soldiers, " Good evening, Henriot," said the who had been mustered, to the number King *' roughly ; leave us, La Chastre." of some two thousand, in the courtyards The Captain obeyed. without and the apartments within. There was a moment of sombre silence, Henri, after taking leave of his friends, during which Henri glanced round un- v/hom he was not to see again, followed easily and saw that he was alone with Tavannes, who conducted him to a small the King. gallery near the King's apartments, Charles IX. suddenly rose. " Od's where he left him alone, without weapons life " ! said he, tossing back his fair hair and a prey to the deepest misgivings. with a rapid gesture and wiping his brow The King of Navarre counted two at the same time, *' you are glad to find mortal hours thus, minute by minute, " yourself with me, are you not. so, Henri ? listening with increasing terror to the " Certainly I am, sire," answered the sound of the tocsin and the reports of the King " of Navarre ; it is always a arquebuses; seeing, through a glazed pleasure to be with your Majesty." grating, by the light of conflagration *' " Better than being down there, eh ? and the flaming of torches, the fugi- replied Charles, following up his own tives and the assassins rushing past thoughts rather than replying to Henri's understanding nothing of these murder- compliment. ous shouts and cries of distress ; enter- " I do not understand, sire." taining no suspicion, in short, spite of all " Look, then, and you will understand." he knew of Charles IX., of the Queen- With a rapid movement Charles Mother and the de Due Guise, as to the walked, or rather, sprang to the window. horrible tragedy that v/as being enacted Dragging after him his more and more at that very momemt. astounded brother-in-law, he pointed out Henri possessed not so much physical to him the terrible picture of the courage as, what is higher still, moral assassins, who, on the planking of a strength though ; he feared danger, he barge, were butchering and drowning a it faced smiling ; but it the was danger of succession of fresh victims brought to the battle-field, danger in the open-air them every minute. and in broad daylight, under the eyes of " But, in heaven's name, what is going all, the danger that is accompanied " by on to-night ? asked Henri, turning pale. the shrill music of trumpets and the in- "To-night, Monsieur," said Charies,
spiriting roll of drums . . . But " they are ridding me of the Huguenots here, he was without weapons, shut up Look yonder, do you see above the Hotel all alone in almost total darkness, in de Bourbon that smoke and flame ? which he could scarely discern either the That is the Admiral's house which is foe who might creep up stealthily, or the blazing. You see that body which our steel that might treacherously pierce his good Catholics are dragging along on a breast. These two hours were, perhaps, torn mattress, it is the body of the most terrible that he had ever the Admiral's son-in-law, your friena spent. T^ligny." Just as the tumult was at its hei<:'lit, "Oh! what docs it mean?" criea and Henri was beginning to reahse tiiat the King of Navarre, searching vainly — OUKKN MARGOT 59
nt his side for the hilt of his da^'ger and Henri, pinned against the tapestry, tlie trembling with shame and rage, for he sweat of anguish on his brow, yet, thanks felt that he was being mocked and to his power of self-control, apparently threatened both at once. calm, watched every movement of the " It means," cried Charles, with sudden angry King like a bird fascinated by a ferocity and turning ghastly white, " that snake. I will have no more Huguenots round Charles loaded his arquebus, and
me, do you understand, Henri ? Am I stamping with blind fury : " King, am I master here ? "Will you have the Mass ? " he shouted, *' But, your Majesty . . ." flashing the fatal weapon before the " My Majesty slays and massacres at other's eyes; but Henri remained dumb. this moment all who are Huguenots; Charles made the. vaulted roofs of it is my will and pleasure. Are you a the Louvre ring with the most fearful " Catholic ? cried Charles, whose anger oath ever uttered by lips of man, and was gradually rising like a flowing tide. from pale grew livid. " " * " Sire," said Henri, remember your Death, Mass, or Bastille ! he cried,
' own words : What matters the religion taking aim at the King of Navarre. '* " " of those who serve me well ? Oh ! sire ! cried Henri, will you " " " Ah ! cried Charles, bursting into a kill me, your own brother ? sinister laugh, " remember my words, do Henri, with that incomparable adroit-
you say, Henri ! Verba volant, as my ness which distinguished him, had sister Margot says. And didn't all those," evaded the answer demanded by the
he added, pointing with his finger to the King ; for without a doubt, had that city, " didn't all those also serve me well ? answer been in the negative, he would Weren't they brave in battle, wise in have been a dead man. counsel, ever devoted ? They were all After any violent ebullition of rage a useful subjects, but they were Huguenots, reaction almost immediately sets in, and "
, and Huguenots I will not put up with ! Charles did not repeat his question, and, But Henri remained speechless. after a moment of uncertainty, in which "There, do you understand me now, he gave vent to a low growl, he turned " ? , Henriot to the open windov/ and took aim at a "I understand you, sire.'* man who was running along the quay " : « Well ? opposite. " " Well ! sire, I do not see why the 1 must kill some one," screamed King of Navarre should do what so Charles, livid as a corpse, and his eyes many gentlemen and poorer folk have suffused with blood, and pulling the not done. For I presume that if all trigger, he brought down the man who these unhappy people are dying, it is was running. Henri groaned aloud. because the same proposal has been made Then, animated by a dreadful zeal, to them that your Majesty makes to me, Charles loaded and lired his arquebus and that they have declined it." without intermission, uttering a shout of Charles seized the young Prince's delight each time the shot proved fatal. arm, and fastened upon him a glance " It is all up with me," said the King which gradually changed from one of of Navarre to himself, " when he finds heavy dulness to the gleam of a wild nobody else to kill, he will kill me." " " beast's eye. Well ! is it done ? suddenly asked a *' " Ah ! so you suppose," said he, that voice behind the two men. I have taken the trouble to offer the Mass It was Catherine de' Medici, who had i^to those who are being slaughtered down entered during the reverberation of the " I there ? last shot, without being heard. " " " Sire," said Henri, disengaging his No, a thousand thunders of hell ! arm, " shall not you die in the religion of roared Charles, throwing his arquebus to " your forefathers ? the other end of the room. . . " No, the I" " " ." 'Slife ! yes, and you ? obstinate fool ... he refuses ! . . " I shall do the same, sire," replied Catherine made no reply. She slowly Henri. turned her gaze towards the part of the Charles uttered a bellow of rage, and room where Henri stood as motionless as with trembling hands snatched up his one of the figures of the tapestry against arquebus, which was lying on the table. which he was leaning. Then she turned I' :
6o QUEEN MARGOT an eye on Charles, as much as to say " Reflect, my brother," cried Mar- " " Then why is he still alive ? guerite, who understood Catherine's ." clearly as " He is alive ... he is alive . . terrible meaning as did Charles, stammered Charles, who understood the " reflect that you have made him my look perfectly, and answered it with a husband." hesitating voice, " he is alive because he Charles IX., caught between the ... is my kinsman." imperious glance of Catherine and the Catherine smiled. Henri saw the suppliant look of Marguerite, remained smile, and recognised that it was for a moment undecided, but, at last, his Catherine, more than any one else, whom good genius carried the day. he had to fear. " I'faith, Madame," said he, stooping " " Madame," he said to her, " I see to whisper into Catherine's ear, Margot clearly that this is all your work, and not is right, and Henri is my brother-in-law." that of my brother-in-law, Charles. It " Yes," replied Catherine, whispering ** was you who conceived the idea of draw- in her turn to her son, yes, , . , but if '* ing me into a snare, and of making your he were not} daughter the bait which should destroy us all. It is you who have separated me from my wife, so that she might be spared the annoyance of seeing me killed ." before her eyes. . ! *' Yes, but it shall not be so " cried CHAPTER XI another breathless and passionate voice, which Henri recognised in an instant, THE MIRACULOUS HAWTHORN IN THE and which made Charles start with sur- CEMETERY OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS prise, and Catherine with anger. " " Marguerite ! cried Henri. reaching her apartments, Mar- " ONguerite sought vainly to divine the " Margot ! said Charles. " " Catherine had whispered to My daughter ! faltered Catherine. words which " Monsieur," said Marguerite to Henri, Charles IX., and which had had the " your last words were an accusation effect of settling that terrible question of against me, and in using them you were life or death under debate at the moment. spent a part of the morning in at once both right and wrong ; right, be- She cause, in fact, I am the tool that has tending La Mole, and the rest in trying puzzle her mind been employed to destroy you all ; wrong, to solve the which was because I was ignorant that you were unable to fathom. going to your death. For myself, Mon- The King of Navarre was a prisoner sieur, I owe my life to chance, to the for- in the Louvre. The Huguenots were with ever increasing getfulness of my mother, possibly ; but being hunted down the moment I learned your danger, I re- activity. That terrible night had been membered my duty. Well, the duty of a succeeded by a day of still more hideous wife is to share her husband's fortunes. massacre. The bells no longer sounded for Let them banish you. Monsieur ; I follow the tocsin, but pealed Te Deiims, and their joyous note, resounding amid fire you into banishment ; let them imprison produced i sadder impres- you, I go to prison, too ; let them kill you, and slaughter,
I die with you." sion perhaps in broad daylight than that And she held out her hand, which her of their fatal knelling in the darkness of husband grasped, if not with love, at the preceding night. Nor was this all : a least with gratitude. strange portent had occurred ; a haw- " had bloomed in spring and Ah 1 my poor Margot," said Charles, thorn, which "you would have done much better to shed, as usual, its scented blossoms in the tell him to become a Catholic." month of June, had burst again into "Sire," replied Marguerite with that flower during the night, and the Catholics, lofty dignity which was natural to her, seeing in that occurrence a miracle which, *' for your own credit do not demand an to the popular mind, showed that God act of cowardice from a Prince of your was on their side, were going in proces- own house." sion, headed by crosses and banners, to Catherine bestowed a significant the Cemetery of the Innocents, where glance on Charlo3, the thorn tree had blossomed. Tb's s'jr:^ QUEEN MARGOT 6i of the approval of heaven bestowed on checked her. The marriage had been ar- the massacre which was being perpetrated ranged contrary to his wishes. Fran9ois had redoubled tlie ardour of the mur- detested Henri, and had only maintained derers. And while each street and cross- his neutrality in respect to him because roads and scjuare of Paris presented a he felt convinced that Henri and his wife scene of desolation, the Louvre had had practically remained strangers to already served as a common tomb for all each other. Any sign of interest in her the Protestants who were found within husband shown by Marguerite might its walls when the signal was given. The therefore bring closer to his breast, in- King of Navarre, the Prince de Conde, stead of averting from it, one of the three and La Mole were the only Huguenots in daggers which threatened him. So it who survived. Marguerite shuddered on seeing the Reassured with respect to La Mole, young Prince more than she would have whose wounds, as she had decl^r^^d the done had her visitor been King Charles evening before, were dangerous, but not IX., or the Queen-Mother herself. Judg- mortal, Marguerite was now pre-occupied ing from his appearance, one would with one thought only, namely, to save not have imagined that anything unusual her husband's life, which continued to be was taking place in the city or at the threatened. No doubt the first feeling Louvre. He was dressed with his cus- that had engrossed the wife was one of tomary elegance ; his clothes and linen pity for the man to whom, as the Bear- were fragrant with those scents which nais himself had said, she had just sworn Charles IX. despised, but of which he alliance, if not love. But, following upon and the Ducd'Anjou made such constant this sentiment, another of a less innocent use. A trained eye such as Marguerite's, nature had penetrated the Queen's heart, however, could observe that, spite of his Marguerite was ambitious, and in her being paler than usual, and the fact that marriage with Henri de Bourbon she had his hands, which were as beautiful and seen an almost certain prospect of shar- well-tended as a woman's, trembled ing a throne with him. Navarre, torn slightly, his inward being was animated on the one side by the Kings of France, by a feeling of joy. on the other by the Kings of Spain, who He entered in his customary fashion, had succeeded in filching away, bit by and approached his sister to embrace her. bit, half of its territory, Navarre could, if But Marguerite, instead of holding out Henri de Bourbon fulfilled the hopes her cheek to him, as she would have aroused by his courageous behaviour on done to King Charles or the Due the rare occasions on which he had d'Anjou, bent her head and presented her drawm the sword, become a genuine forehead to him. kingdom with the French Huguenots for The Due d'Alenfon sighed as he put its subjects. Marguerite, thanks to her his pale lips to her forehead. penetrating and well-instructed mind, had Then, seating himself, he began to re- foreseen and calculated all this. In late to his sister the story of that night of losing Henri, therefore, she would be horror ; the slow and terrible death of losing, not only a husband, but a throne. the Admiral ; the instantaneous death of She was absorbed in these reflections Teligny, pierced to the heart by a bullet. when she heard a knock at the door of He dwelt on all the sanguinary details of the secret corridor. She started, for the scene with that love of blood which three persons only made use of that door, was characteristic of him and his two namely, the King, the Queen-Mother, and brothers. Marguerite let him talk on. the Due d'Alenfon. She opened the door At last, his story told to the end, he fell of the closet a little way, motioned with silent. her finger to Gillonne and La Mole to be " You have not come here merely to " silent, and then went to admit her visitor. tell me this, have you, brother ? It was the Due d'Alen^on. The Duke smiled. " The young Prince had disappeared " You have something else to say ? 3ince the previous evening. At one mo- '' No," replied the Duke, " I am ment Marguerite had entertained the waiting." '* idea of begging his intercession on be- " For what ? half of the King of Navarre, but adread- " Didn't you tell me, dearest Mar- ^l thought that occurred to her mind had guerite," replied the Duke, bringing his 62 QUEEN MARGOT chair closer to his sister's, " that your "What about his nights? " continued marriage with the King of Navarre was the Due d'Alen9on. " " against your own incHnation ? " Well ? asked Marguerite, feeling
" Yes, no doubt : I knew nothing of that it was incumbent upon her to make the Prince de Beam when he was pro- some reply. posed as my husband." " Well, he has spent them with " And since you have known him, have Madame de Sauve." '* you not declared to me that you felt no " How do you know that ? cried " love for him ? Marguerite. *' ** I told you so, it is true." I know it because I had an interest " Was it not your opinion that this in knowing it," replied the young Prince, marriage would bring you unhappiness ?" turning pale and plucking at the em- *' My dear Fran9ois," said Marguerite, broidery of his sleeves. •' when a marriage is not the height of Marguerite now began to understand happiness, it is generally the height of what it was that Catherine had whis- misery." pered to Charles IX., but she professed to " Well, my dear Marguerite, I am remain in ignorance. " '* waiting, as I said before." Why do you tell me this, brother ? " ' But what tire you waiting for ? she replied, with an air of sadness ad- " is it " For you to show tokens of your mirably assumed ; to remind me delight." that nobody here loves me or cares about " " What have I to be delighted at ? me, neither my natural protector nor the " at the unexpected opportunity man whom the Church has given me for Why, " which presents itself of regaining your husband ? freedom." " You are unjust," said the Due " " d'Alen9on eagerly, drawing his chair My freedom ! replied Marguerite, who wished to force the Prince to speak still closer to his sister; "/ love and out his thoughts without reserve. protect you." " you " Brother," said Marguerite, fixing her Why, of course, your freedom ; and the King of Navarre will be glance upon him, " you have something separated." to tell me from the Queen-Mother." " fixing " are mistaken, sister, I " Separated ! said Marguerite, I ! you her eyes upon the Duke. swear it ; what can make you think The Due d'Alen9on tried to meet his that?" " sister's glance firmly, but presently with- What makes me think it, is that you drew his eyes in embarrassment. have broken off the friendship which " " you to my husband, and have Separated ! repeated Marguerite ; attached " let us look into this closely, brother, for deserted his cause." " his cause ! " replied the I am very glad that you are making me Deserted in great confusion. sift the matter thoroughly ; and how do Duke, " " Fran9ois, they expect to separate us ? Yes, undoubtedly. Come, You have admitted it " Why ? Henri is a Huguenot," mut- speak candidly. tered the Duke. a dozen times, you two can only raise " of yourselves or even maintain your positions No doubt ; but he made no secret ." This alliance . . his religion, and that fact was known by mutual support. when the marriage was arranged." " Has become impossible, sister," inter- •' but how has Henri acted since rupted the Duke. Yes, " " " your marriage, sister ? said the Duke, Why so ? " involuntarily allowing a ray of joy to Because the King has designs against brighten his features. your husband— I beg pardon, I am "Why, you ought to know that better wrong in saying your husband—against than anyone else, Francois, since he has Henri de Navarre, 1 mean. Our mother spent his days nearly always in your has divined everything. I joined myself company, either hunting or at mall or to the Huguenots because I thought tennis." they were in favour. But now the " Yes, his days no doubt," replied the Huguenots are being massacred, and in " " there won't be fifty of them left Duke ; but what about his nights ? a week held out the Marguerite was silent, and it was now alive in all the Kingdom. I the King of her turn to drop her eyes. hand of friendship to QUERN MARGOT 63
• Since yesterday my alliance has been Navarre because ho was . . • your is your husband no longer with the King of Navarre." husband. But now be " then ? no longer. What have you to say to "With whom, " Guise. In destroying that, you who are not only the most With M. de de beautiful woman in France, but also the the Huguenots, they have made M. " Catholics." most vigorous mind in the Kin.Lrdom ? Guise King of the Henri II. who *I have this to say," replied Mar- "And it is the son of for his guerite, "that I know our brother acknowledges a Due de Lorraine ." Charles. I saw him yesterday in one of sovereign ! . . " It is of days, Mar- those fits of frenzy, each one of which one your bad shortens his hfe by ten years; these guerite, and you refuse to understand attacks are now, unfortunately, of very anything." ' frequent occurrence, with the probable I confess / am trying in vain to read result that our brother Charles has not your thoughts." " very long to live. Finally, the King of Sister, you belong to as great a Poland is just dead, and the question of house as does the Princess de Porcian, electing a Prince of the royal house of and Guise is no more immortal than the
of Navarre. Well ! Marguerite, France is much debated ; such then King being the present circumstances, this is suppose now three things, all of them not the moment for deserting allies who, within the range of possibility : the first when the struggle comes, can support us is, that Monsieur should be elected King second, that you loved me by the co-operation of a Nation and the of Poland ; the help of a Kingdom." as I love you. Well ! I am King of ** But," cried the Duke, " are not you France, and you . . . and you . . . guilty of a greater desertion towards me Queen of the Catholics." in preferring a stranger to your own Marguerite hid her face in her hands, " brother ? amazed at the depth of insight in this
" Explain yourself, Fran9ois ; how young man, whom nobody at the Court " have I deserted you ? ever dreamed of calling a very intelligent " You asked the King yesterday to person. spare the life of the King of Navarre." " But," she asked, after a moment's " Well ? " asked Marguerite, with as- silence, " you are not jealous, then, of the sumed simplicity. Due de Guise as you are of the King of " The Duke rose abruptly, took two or Navarre ? three turns round the room with a be- " What is done is done," said the Due " wildered air, and then came and took d'Alen9on, in a hollow voice ; and if I hold of Marguerite's hand. It was stiff have had cause to be jealous of the Due and cold. de Guise, well, I have been jealous." " Adieu, sister," said he, " you have '* There is only one thing that hinders chosen not to understand me, so you the success of this fine scheme." " must blame only yourself for the mis- « What is it ? fortunes which may happen to you." " That I no longer love the Due da Marguerite turned pale, but remained Guise." " motionless in her place. She allowed " And whom do you love, then ? the Duke to go without making any " Nobody." effort to recall him, but hardly had he The Due d'Alen9on looked at Mar- disappeared from sight down the corri- guerite with the astonishment of one who, dor ere he retraced his steps. in his turn, is at a loss, and quitted the " Listen, Marguerite," said he ; "I apartment with a sigh, pressing a cold have forgotten to tell you one thing, hand upon his forehead, which seemed namely, that at this hour to-morrow the as if it would burst. King of Navarre will be dead." Marguerite remained alone in thought. Marguerite uttered a cry, for the The situation began to be clearly outlined thought that she was the instrument of a to her eyes. The King had sanctioned murder caused her an insurmountable the massacre, Queen Catherine and the horror. Due de Guise had put it into execution. " And you will not prevent it ? " said The two Dukes, De Guise and D'Alengon, " she ; you will not save your best and were going to combine in order to make " j most trusty ally ? the best they could out of it. 1 The death (14 QUEEN MARGOT of the King of Navarre would be a up by the feet from the great gallows at natural consequence of that great catas- Montfaucon. trophe. She herself would then be left a The cavalcade entered the cemetery of widow, throneless and powerless, with no the Holy Innocents by the gate opposite other prospect than that of the cloister, to the Rue des Chaps, called to-day the where she would not even have the sad Rue des Dechargeurs. The clergy, who consolation of lamenting a husband—who had been warned of the visit of the King hp ' never been her husband. and the Queen-Mother, were awaiting She had reached this point when she their Majesties in order to deliver an received a message from Queen Catherine address. asking if she would not join in an expe- Madame de Sauve took advantage of dition which was to be made by the whole the moment when Catherine was listening Court to visit the miraculous hawthorn to the complimentary speech addressed in the Cemetery of the Innocents. to her, and approached the Queen of Her first inclination was to refuse to Navarre, asking permission to kiss her take part in this pilgrimage ; but the hand. Marguerite held out her hand, thought that the expedition might per- and Madame de Sauve, as she kissed it, haps supply her with an opportunity of slipped into her sleeve a small piece of learning something fresh in regard to the paper folded up. fate of the King of Navarre decided her. Quick and artful as Madame de She replied, therefore, that, if a horse Sauve's withdrawal had been, it had not were reserved for her, she would willingly escaped the notice of Catherine, who accompany their Majesties. turned round just as her Maid-of-Honour Five minutes later a page came and was kissing the Queen's hand. announced that, if she would come down, The two women encountered that the cavalcade was ready to start. Mar- penetrating gaze without betraying any guerite commended the wounded man to emotion. Presently Madame de Sauve the care of Gillonne, and descended. left Marguerite's side and resumed her The King, the Queen-Mother, Tavan- place near Catherine. nes, and the principal Catholics were After replying to the address in her already on their horses. Marguerite honour, Catherine smilingly beckoned the threw a rapid glance over this group, Queen of Navarre to her side. which was composed of about twenty " Well, my child," said the Queen- persons. The King of Navarre was not Mother, in her Italian patoisy " you appear among them. to be on very friendly terms with Madame " Madame de Sauve, however, was there; de Sauve ? they exchanged glances, and Marguerite Marguerite smiled, the most bitter look understood that her husband's mistress of which her beautiful face was capable had something which she wished to say disfiguring her countenance. to her. " Yes, mother," she answered, " the The cavalcade started, and reached the serpent came and bit my hand." " " Rue Saint-Honore by way of the Rue Ha ! ha ! said Catherine, with a de I'Astruce. At sight of the King, smile, " I believe you are jealous." Queen Catherine, and the leaders of the " You are mistaken, Madame," replied Catholic party, the people rushed together, Marguerite. " I am no more jealous of following the cortege like a rising tide the King of Navarre than he is in love " with shouts of : Long live the King ! with me ; only I know how to distinguish
hurrah for the Mass ! death to the my friends from my enemies, and I love " Huguenots ! those who love me, but hate those who These cries were accompanied by the hate me. Should I be your daughter, " brandishing of reddened swords and Madame, if 1 did not ? smoking arquebuses,which clearly pointed Catherine smiled in such a manner as to the share which each individual had to give Marguerite to understand that, if taken in the sinister event that had just she had entertained any suspicion, this been accomplished. had now been entirely dissipated. On arriving opposite the Rue de Prou- At that moment, too, the attention of velles, they met some men dragging along the august assemblage was attracted by a headless corpse. It was that of the sonic fresh arrivals. The Due de Guise Admiral, and they were going to hang it rode up, escorted by a troop of gentlemen, : .
QUEEN MARGOT 65
still hot from the recent slaup^htcr. This anxiety, real or pretended, did not They were followed by a litter, richly escape Catherine. " adorned, which drew up opposite the " Whom are you looking for ? Kinp:. " I am looking for. ... I don't see ' " The Duchesse de Nevers I cried her here any longer," she said. " Charles IX. " See, let her come and re- ** Wiiom don't you see ? ceive our conpjratulations, this fair and " Madame de Sauve," said Marguerite.
" faithful Catholic. They tell me, cousin, " Has she returned to the Louvre ? that you shot at the Huj^uenots from " Didn't I tell you that you were " your own windows, and killed one of them jealous ? whispered Catherine to her " with a stone." daughter. bcstia ! . . . Come, Hen- " The Duchesse de Nevers blushed riette ! she continued, with a shrug of deeply. her shoulders, "take the Queen of ** Sire," she said in a low tone, falling Navarre with you." on her knees before the King, ** on the Marguerite still pretended to be look- contrary, it was a wounded Catholic ing around her ; then, whispering in her whom I had the honour to take in." turn to her friend : " Well, well, cousin, there are two " Take me away quickly," she said. ways of serving me ; one by exterminat- " I have things of the utmost importance ing my enemies, and the other by suc- to tell you." couring my friends. You did what you The Duchess curtseyed to Charles and could, and I am sure you would have Catherine ; then, bowing to the Queen of done more, had it been possible." Navarre Meanwhile the crowd, seeing the har- " Will your Majesty condescend to get mony that prevailed between the house of into my litter ? " she said. Lorraine and Charles IX., shouted with " With pleasure, only you will have to " all their might : Long live the King ! take me back to the Louvre." long hve the Due de Guise 1 Hurrah for " My litter, like myself and my ser- " the Mass ! vants, is at your Majesty's orders," " Do you return to the Louvre with replied the Duchess. " us, Henriette ? said the Queen-Mother Marguerite got into the litter, and to the fair Duchess. signed to the Duchess, who entered it in Marguerite touched her friend's elbow, her turn, and respectfully took the seat in who understood the signal at once, and front. answered : Catherine and her gentlemen returned " No, Madame, unless your Majesty to the Louvre by the same way as they commands me to do so, for I have some had come. The Queen-Mother whispered business in the city with her Majesty the incessantly to the King the whole way, Queen of Navarre." pointing several times to Madame de " And what are you two going to do Sauve. " together ? asked Catherine. And each time the King laughed his '* We are going to see some very rare usual laugh—a laugh more sinister than and curious Greek books which were a threat. found in the house of an old Protestant As for Marguerite, when once she felt pastor, and which have been transterrea tne litter in motion, and knew that she to the tower of St.-Jacques-la-Boucheno," had nothing more to fear from Catherine's replied Marguerite. piercmg scrutiny, she drew Madame de " You would do better to go ana ^ee Sauve's note quickly from her sleeve, and them throw the last of the Hu^aenots read as follows from the top of the Pont des Meuniers " I have received orders to hand the into the Seine," said Charles. " It is the King of Navarre this evening two keys; duty of all good Frenchmen to be there." one, that of the room in which he is con- " We will go, if it is your Majesty's fined ; the other, the key of my own wish," said the Duchess de Nevers. room. Once he has entered my room, I Catherine glanced suspiciously at the am bidden to keep him there until six two younger women. Marguerite, who in the morning. Let your Majesty was on the watch, caught the look, and, reflect, let your Majesty decide, let your turning round at once with a very pre- Majesty account my life as of no value." occupied air, looked anxiously about her. " There is no room left for doubt," ' ;
66 QUEEN MARGOT
** muttered Marguerite to herself ; and the "'Your Majesty* again! Come, I shall poor woman is the tool they mean to get angry, Henriette ; have you forgotten " employ for the ruin of us all. But we our agreement ? shall see ... we shall see if they can " No, that I should be your respectful make Queen T\Iargot, as my brother servant in public, your foolish confidante
Charles calls me, into a nun so easily." in private ; that was the agreement, was " " " Who is your letter from ? asked the it not, Marguerite ? Duchesse de Nevers, pointing to the " Yes, yes," said the Queen, smiling. paper which Marguerite had just read " That we should have neither rivalries through repeatedly with such rapt of houses nor treachery in love-affairs attention. that all should be frank and above-board ; " Ah ! Duchess ; I have a whole host an alliance, in short, both defensive and of things to tell you," answered Mar- offensive, for the sole purpose of finding, :;uerite, tearing the note into a thousand and if we find it, of stealing that ineces. ephemeral thing called happiness." "Yes, Duchess, that is it, and, in order to renew the compact, kiss me." And the two charming heads, the one pale and clouded with sadness, the other fair and frolicsome, met gracefully and CHAPTER XII joined their lips as they had joined their thoughts. " MUTUAL CONFIDENCES " There is something fresh then ? asked the Duchess, fixing on Marguerite ** A ND, first of all, where are we an eager and inquisitive glance. " " £-\^ going ? asked Marguerite. " Not Isn't everything fresh for the last " to the Pont des Meuniers, I fancy ? . . . two days ? " 1 have seen enough of that sort of work Oh ! / am talking of love and not of " smce yesterday! politics. When we are your mother *' I am taking the liberty of bringing Catherine's age we can begin to be in- your Majesty ..." terested in political matters ; but being " In the first place, before everything only twenty, my fair Queen, let us talk else, my Majesty wishes you to forget of something else. Come, are you mar- " ' your Majesty ' . . . You are bringing me. ried in actual fact ? ." you say . . "To whom?" said Marguerite, laughing. " *' " To the Hotel de Guise, unless you Ah ! you quite reassure me " decide otherwise." Well ! Henriette, what reassures you ** ! no, let alarms Duchess, I must give my Oh Henriette ; us go to your me. house. The Due de Guise is not there, husband his rights," " " lior your husband ? " When ? " " '* No, indeed ! cried the Duchess, with To-morrow.** " a dbw'^'ht which made her beautiful eyes Really, my poor friend ! And it is " shine i:ke emeralds; "no! neither my necessary ? brother-in-law, nor my husband, nor " Absolutely so." " anybody ! I am free, free as the air, as 'Sdeath ! as an aquaintance of mine the bird, as the cloud . . . Free, says, this is very sad. your Majesty, do you hear ? Do you " Do you know somebodv who says reaHse what happiness is comprised in 'Sdeath,'* asked Marguerite laughing.
* " that word free ' ? I come and I go and Yes." * " ? 1 give my orders. Ah ! my poor Queen, And who is that somebody you are not free, and that is why you " You are asking all the questions, Finish, sigh . . ." when you ought to be answering. " " You come and go and give your and then I will begin orders! Is that all, then ? Is freedom " Here it is then in two words : the useful for nothing else but that ? Come, King of Navarre is in love and doesn't you are too joyful for a person who has want me. I am not in love, but I don't got no more than freedom." want him. However, we must both " Your Majesty promised to talre the alter nur ininds, or seem to do so, be- lead in the exchange of coniidences." tween now and to-morrow." " "
QUEEN MARGOT 67
" " Well, alter your mind Mien ! and you Ah ! then you have taken a Catholic may be sure that he will do the same." this time, it seems." " ** That is just where the impossibility " 'Sdcath ! replied the Duchess. " I lies ; for I am less disposed than ever to All right, understand." '* change my mind." " And who is our Huguenot ? •• " In respect to your husband only, I I have not chosen him ; this young hope ? man is nothing to me, and probably * " I have a scruple, Ilenriette. never will be." " *' * A scruple about what ? But, anyhow, who is he ? that does " A religious one- Do you make any not prevent your telling me, you know difference between Huguenots and how inquisitive I am." " " Catholics ? A poor young fellow as handsome as " ** In political matters ? the Nisus of Benvenuto Cellini . . . «' Yes." who came to take refuge in my room." «' " I Of course I do." Oh ! . . . and 'suppose you didn't " " *' But in love ? invite him to do so ? ** " My dear friend, we women are such Poor lad I don't laugh like that, Hen- pagans that, as regards sects, we embrace riette, for he is hovering between hfe and them all ; and as regards gods, we ac- death at this moment." " knowledge several." " Is he ill, then ? " " Or rather, a single one, do you not ? " He is severely wounded." ** " Yes," said the Duchess, with a glance But that is very tiresome ; a wounded " sparkling with pure paganism ; yes, the Huguenot! at this time especially. And Eros, Cupido, Amor yes, the what are you doing with this wounded one called ; god with the quiver, with wings and Huguenot, who is nothing to you and " bandaged eyes . • • 'Sdeath ! 'tis never will be anything ? " " the god for me ! He is in my closet ; I am hiding him, " You have a way of praying that is and I want to save him." a trifle exclusive, my dear." " He is young, handsome, and wounded. " him in your closet We must do right, come wha^ You are hiding ; you this may . . . Ah ! Marguerite, how want to save him ; Huguenot will be the best ideas, like the noblest actions, very ungrateful, if he doesn't become too get disguised in passing through the grateful." " " mouths of the vulgar ! He is already, I fear , , . more so
*' The vulgar I . . , But it was my than I could wish." " brother Charles, I fancy, who congratu- And he interests you . . . this poor " " lated you ? young man ? " " Your brother Charles, Marguerite, is From humanity . . , merely. " a great sportsman who blows the hunting Ah ! humanity, my poor Queen ! that horn all day, which makes him very thin is always the virtue which is the undoing
. . . I decline him and all his bland- of us women." ishments. Besides, I answered your " Yes, and you understand that as at brother Charles . . Didn't you any moment the King, the Due d'Aien9on, " hear my answer ? my mother, my husband even , . . may ." " No, you spoke so low." enter my room . . " So much the better, I shall have all " You want to ask me to keep your the more to tell you. Come, Marguerite, little Huguenot, isn't that it, as long as let me hear the end of your confidences." he is ill, on condition that I give him back " «* ? It is that . . . that . . ." to you when he recovers " Well ? " You are laughing at me," said Mar- " That, if you really threw the stone," guerite. " No, I swear that I am not said the Queen laughing, *' of which my looking forward so far. Only, if you brother spoke, I had better refrain from could find some means of concealing the tellmg you." poor fellow, if you could preserve the
**Good! you have chosen a Hugue- life which I have saved—well ! I should " to you. You are free not," cried Henriette. Well ! make be really grateful neither your mind easy ! To re-assure your con- at the Hotel de Guise; you have science, I promise to choose one also on brother-in-law nor husband to watch you the first opportunity." or oppose you, and, what is more, dear "
68 QUEEN MARGOT
Henriette, you have a large closet like in order to serve my King and my mine behind your room, where nobody, religion, I shall not need to send M. luckily for you, has the right to enter. Hannibal de Coconnas away. " ?" Well ! lend me this closet for my His name is Hannibal de Coconnas Huguenot, and when he is well, you shall replied Marguerite, with a burst of open his cage and he will fly away." laughter. *' There is only one difficulty, dear " A dreadful name, isn't it ? " said " Queen, and that is that the cage is Henriette. Well ! the man who bears already occupied." it is worthy of it. 'Sdeath ! what a *' What ! then you have also saved champion 1 And what torrents of blood " someone ? he set flowing! Put on your mask, my " That is just what I answered your Queen, here we are at the palace." brother." " Why must I put on my mask ? " '* Ah ! I understand ; that is why you Because 1 want to show you my spoke so low that 1 didn't hear you." hero." " " Listen, IMarguerite, to my story, *' Is he handsome ? which is most interesting and no less " He seemed to me glorious while he romantic than your own. After leaving was fighting. It is true that was at you six of my guards, I had returned night by the light of the flames. I con- with the remaining six to the Hotel de fess that this morning, by daylight, he Guise, and was watching the sacking and didn't strike me quite so much. How- burning of a house, which is only ever, I think you will be pleased with separated from my brother's palace by him." the Rue des Quatre-Fils, when suddenly " So my protege is refused at the
I heard a sound of women screaming and Hotel de Guise ; I am sorry, because it is men swearing. I stepped on to the bal- the very last place to which they would cony, and the first thing which I see is a come to search for a Huguenot." " sword, the fire from which seems of itself Refused ! not a bit of it ; I will have to light up the whole scene. 1 admire him brought here this evening ; the one this furious blade, being a lover of shall lie in the corner to the right, the heroic deeds ; then I naturally try to other in the corner to the left.". distinguish the arm that wields it, and " But they will recognise one another the body to which this arm belongs. At as Catholic and Protestant, and eat each last, amid the blows and cries, I perceive other up." " the figure of a man, and I see ... a Oh ! there is no danger. M. de hero, a Telamonian Ajax, I hear a voice, Coconnas has received a blow in the face, the voice of a Stentor. I am aroused to which prevents him seeing clearly your ; enthusiasm. I remain palpitating with Huguenot has received a wound in the excitement, starting at each thrust that breast, which almost prevents him from threatens him, at each pass that he stirring . . . and then, besides, you will
makes ; it was such a quarter of an hour, caution him to be silent with respect to you see, my Queen, as I had never religion, and everything will go off experienced, such an exciting quarter of capitally." " an hour as I could not have believed Very well ; be it so." possible. So there I stood, silent, in " Agreed, let us go in." breathless suspense, when suddenly my " Thank you," said Marguerite, pressing hero disappeared." her friend's hand. "How was that?" "Here, Madame, you become 'her
" Beneath a stone hurled at him by an Majesty ' again ; allow me, then, to do old woman, whereupon, like Cyrus, 1 you the honours of the Hotel de Guise as
' recovered my voice, and cried : Help ! befits the Queen of Navarre."
! help ' Our guards rushed out and And the Duchess, descending from raised him up, and eventually carried the litter, almost knelt in order to help him to the room which you are asking Marguerite to descend in her turn; then, me to give to your protege.'* pointing with her finger to the door of " Ah ! dear Henriette, I understand the palace, which was guarded by two this story the better, since it is almost the sentries, arquebus in hand, she followed same as my own." at some distance behind the Queen, who " With this difrerencu, my Queen, that walked niajesiiccdly in fiout, mainlainin^ " " QUEEN MARGOT 69
her attitude of respect so long as thfty Oh ! Ilenriette, how lucky he did not see were under observation. On reaching me ! her chamber the Duchess shut the door, " Well, then, since you saw him at " and summoning her bedchamber woman, work, didn't you think him handsome ? a brisk ItaHan girl from Sicily: " I don't know," said Marguerite; ** for " Mica," she said to her, in Italian, I was looking at the man whom he was " " how is M. le Comte now ? pursuing." '* He gets better and better," she replied. " And what is the name of the man " " *' And what is he doing ? whom he was pursuing ? ?" "At this moment, Madame, I believe " You will not mention it before him he is taking some refreshment." " No, I promise you." ** " " Good," said Marguerite ; it is a good Lerac de La Mole." sign when the appetite returns." "And what do you think of him now ?'' " *• " Ah ! true : 1 forgot that you are a Of M. de La Mole ? pupil of Ambroise Par^. Go, Mica." " No, of M. de Coconnas." " *• You are sending her away ? " Upon my word," said Marguerite, " 1
" So that she may keep watch for us." confess 1 think. . . ." Mica went out. She paused. "Now," said the Duchess, "will you " Come, come," said the Duchess, " I ?" go in to him, or shall 1 bring him here see you are angry with him for having " Neither ; I want to see him without wounded your Huguenot." being seen." " But it seems to me," said Marguerite, " What does it matter, since you have laughing, " that my Huguenot owes him your mask ? nothing, and that the gash with which he " He may recognise me by my hair, has underlined his eye . . ." my hands, some jewel." " They are quits, then, and we can *' Oh ! how prudent my fair Queen has patch up their quarrels. Send me your " grown since her marriage ! w^ounded man." " Marguerite smiled. No, not yet ; later on." " Well ! I see only one way," continued "When?" the Duchess. " When you have lent your man another " " What is that ? room." " " To look through the key-hole." " Which room ? " Very well ; take me there." Marguerite looked at her friend, who, The Duchess took Marguerite by the after a moment's silence, looked at her hand, led her to a door over which fell a also and began to laugh. curtain, knelt on one knee and put her "Well, be it so !" said the Duchess. eye to the opening left by the absent " And so, alliance between us, closer than key. ever." " " Yes," she said ; he is at table, and " Sincere friendship always," replied has his face turned towards us. Come." the Queen. Marguerite took her friend's place, and " And the password, the sign of recog- " in her turn put her eye to the key-hole. nition, if we should want one another ? Coconnas, as the Duchess had said, was "The triple name of your triple divinity seated at a table well supplied with food, —Eros-Cupido-Amor." to which his wounds did not prevent him And the two women separated, after from doing full justice. embracing each other for the second time " " Good heavens ! cried Marguerite, and shaking hands for the twentieth time. starting back. " What is it ? " asked the Duchess, in astonishment. " Impossible ! No ! Yes ! Oh ! on my " soul, it is he himself ! " " Who himself ? " " Hush ! said Marguerite, getting up and seizing the Duchess's hand, " it is the man who tried to kill my Huguenot, who pursued him into my bedroom, who Struck him wheu he was in my amis. : ; ;
7P QUEEN MARGOT
I can see your knees shake. The wound CHAPTER XIII in your shoulder bled again this morning.'* KEYS MAY SOMETIMES OPEN DOORS FOR " Madame," answered the young man, WHICH THEY WERE NEVER INTENDED " earnestly as I thank your Majesty for having given me shelter yesterday even- Queen of Navarre, on her return ing, I ask you as earnestly to be good THE " to the Louvre, found Gillonne in a enough to let me go away to-day state of great excitement, During the " But," said Marguerite in amazement, Queen's absence Madame de Sauve had " I know not how to describe such a mad come, bringing a key which had been determination ; it is worse than in- handed to her by the Queen-Mother. gratitude." " " This key belonged to the room in which Oh ! Madame ! cried La Mole, Henri was confined. It was clear that, clasping his hands, " believe me that, for some reason or other, the Queen- far from being ungrateful, I have a feeling Mother wished tbe Prince de Beam to of gratitude in my heart that will last all spend the night with Madame de Sauve. my life." " " Marguerite took the key and turned it It will not last long then ! said over and over in her hands. She recalled Marguerite, stirred by his tone, which left every word spoken by Madame de Sauve, no doubt of the sincerity of his words " weighed it letter by letter in her mind, for, either your wounds will reopen and and thought she understood Catherine's you will die from loss of blood, or you design. will be recognised as a Huguenot and be Taking pen and ink, she wrote on a killed before you have gone a hundred piece of paper yards down the street." " I must leave the Louvre neverthe- " Instead of going to-night to Madame less," murmured La Mole. " " de Sauve, come to the Queen of Navarre. You must ! said Marguerite, looking " Marguerite," at him with a clear and penetrating " glance ; then, turning slightly pale : Oh ! Then she rolled up the paper, placed it in yes, I understand, I beg your pardon, doubtless there is person the hollow of the key, and ordered Gil- Monsieur ; some lonne to slip the key under the prisoner's outside the Louvre to whom your absence door as soon as it was dark. causes cruel uneasiness. Quite right This first care accomplished. Mar- and natural, Monsieur de la Mole, and I understand perfectly. Why did you not guerite thought of the wounded man ; she closed all the doors, entered the closet, say so at once, or rather, why did I not and to her great astoni'=1iment found La think of it myself ? It is a duty, when Mole dressed again in his clothes, which one shows hospitality, to protect the were still all torn and blood-stained. affections of your guest as well as to his wounds, and to look after his On seeing her he tried to rise ; but dress staggered and was unable to stand, and heart as well as his body." fell back upon the sofa which had been "Alas! Madame," answered La Mole, converted into a bed. " you are strangely in error. I am " " Why, sir, what has happened ? nearly alone in the world and quite alone asked Marguerite, " and why are you so in Paris, where nobody knows me. My disobedient to your doctor's orders ? I assassin is the first man that I spoke to ordered you rest, and instead of obeying in this city, and your Majesty is the first " has spoken to me." me you are doing just the opposite ! woman who "Oh! Madame'" said Gillonne, "it " In that case," said Marguerite in surprise, " do you want to go is not my fault : I implored Monsieur why ** le Comte not to be so foolish, but he away ? declared that nothing would keep him " Because," said La Mole, " last night rest, to- any longer at the Louvre." .. your Majesty had no and
" " . ." You want to leave the Louvre ! said night . Marguerite, looking in astonishment at Marguerite blushed. the young man, who lowered his eyes; " Gillonne," said she, " it is getting
" why, it is impossible. You cannot late, I think it is time you took the key." Gillonne smiled and withdrew. walk ; you are pale and without strength — ; " " " QUEEN MARGOT 7X
" But,*' continued Maif^uerite, " if you your husband. He will come in his turn, are alone in Paris and friendless, what as the Due d'Alen^on and Madame de " will you do ? Sauve have come. He will cc^nfide his •• ^ladame, I shall find friends ; for, as secrets to you. Well ! I ought not to I was beinL( pursued, 1 thought of my hear these secrets I indiscreet ; might be 1 mother, who was a Catholic ; seemed to . . . and I can't ... I ought
see her glide before me on my way to the not . . . above all, I [ivill not be
! Louvre, with a cross in her hand, and I that vowed that, should God preserve my life, The tone in which La Mole uttered I would embrace my mother's religion. these last words, the agitation in his God has done more tnan preserve my voice and the confusion on his counten-
life, Madame ; He has sent me one of ance, conveyed the truth to Marguerite His angels to make me love her." with a sudden flash. " " But you cannot walk you will " ! " ; Ah said she, you heard from that faint before you have gone a hundred closet all that has been said in this room " yards." up till now ? ' " Madame, I made trial of myself " Yes, Madame." yesterday in the next room ; I walk The words were hardly audible.
slowly and with difficulty, it is true ; but " And you want to go away this even- let me only reach the Place du Louvre ing, so that you may hear no more ? once there, I will wait on events." " This very instant, Madame, if it Marguerite leaned her head on her please your Majesty to give me permis- hand and pondered deeply. sion." " " " And the King of Navarre," she said Poor fellow ! said Marguerite, in an '' with intention ; you no longer speak of unmistakeable tone of pity. him to me. Have you, in changing your Astonished at such a gentle answer religion, lost the desire to enter his when he was expecting a sharp reply. La " service ? Mole raised his head timidly ; his look " Madame," replied La Mole, turning met Marguerite's, and remained rivetted pale, " you have just touched upon the by some magnetic power on the clear and true reason for my departure. ... I penetrating gaze of the Queen. know that the King of Navarre is in " You think yourself incapable of keep- imminent danger, and that your majesty's ing a secret then, M. de la Mole? " said whole influence as a Daughter of France Marguerite softly. will scarcely avail to save his head." She was reclining against the back of " " What do you mean, sir ? asked her chair, half concealed by the shadow Marguerite, " and of what dangers are of a thick curtain, and thus enjoyed the " you speaking ? happiness of reading the young man's " Madame," replied La Mole, with mind completely, while her own feelings some hesitation, " everything can be remained unfathomable. heard from that closet." " Madame," said De la Mole, " I have " True," murmured Marguerite to her- an unfortunate disposition ; I distrust self, " M. de Guise had already told me myself, and to see the happiness of an- so other gives me pain." " Then she added aloud : " Whose happiness? said Marguerite, *' ' " Well, what have you heard ? with a smile. Ah 1 yes, the happiness of " " Why, in the first place, the con- the King of Navarre ! Poor Henri ! ! versation which your Majesty had with " You see how happy he is, Madame " your brother this morning cried La Mole quickly. " " With Fran90is ? cried Marguerite " Happy ? . . . " blushing, " Yes, since your Majesty pities him." *' With the Due d'Alen9on, yes, Marguerite crumpled the silk of her
Madame ; and then afterwards, the con- alms-bag, unravelling the golden fringe. versation of Mademoiselle Gillonne with " Then you refuse to see the King of Madame de Sauve." Navarre ? " she said, " your mind is made ** " And it is these two conversa- up on that point ? " tions . . . ? " I shrink from being importunate to "Yes, Madame. You have been his Majesty at this moment." " married for barely a week, and you love " But my brother, the Due d'Alenron ? ; : QUEEN MARGOT 72 " knees 1 « heard them, Madame ! on my «' " cried La Mole, the Oh, Madame I entreat you, let me go, yes, alive or dead. ; even less would Due d'Alen9on ! No, no answer. ! You do not d'Alen9on than the Have pity on me I solicit the Due have ! and when 1 Well ! I will speak Kins; of Navarre." I , , ,^ spoken, then you will drive me away, " Because ..." asked Marguerite, betokened by the hope." „ with an emotion^ said " Be silent, unfortunate man ! tremblinGj of her voice. Marguerite, who felt an unspeakable though I am already too "Because, reproaches " be devoted charm in listening to his ; half-hearted a Huguenot to be a " of silent, will you ! servant to his Majesty the Kmg , i. replied La Mole, who not yet a good enough "Madame," Navarre, I am Marguerite's d'Alen9on doubtless did not consider Catholic to be friendly with M. "I tone as stern as he had expected, M. de Guise." and everything can be heard from Marguerite's turn to droop repeat that It was now to die this closet. Do not condemn me eyes and to feel her inmost heart her death than the most cruel not have said whether by a worse vibrate ; she could could devise." pleased her or gave her executioners La Mole's words " Marguerite. " ! Hush ! hush said pitiless, you returned. "Oh! Madame, you are At this moment Gillonne not listen. But understand that I Marguerite questioned her with a glance will you answer, also conveyed by a love ..." Gillonne's " interrupted Mar She had " Hush, I tell you ! glance, was in the affirmative. hand the guerite, laying her warm, scented succeeded in conveying the key to mouth of the young man, who Navarre. over the King of it to his it in his hands and pressed Marguerite turned her eyes once more seized atti- lips. Mole, who remained in an ^ ,_ , upon La » murmured La Mole. his head drooping on But ..." tude of indecision, rebel " ! is ^ this who is Be silent, child Who his breast, and pale as a man " who will not obey his Queen ? suffering at once in mind and body. stepping quickly from the closet, " Mole is proud," she Then, Monsieur de la her- proposal she closed the door, and supporting said, " and I hesitate to make a the wall, as with one hand she will doubtless reject." self against to him which he of her tried to still the violent beating La Mole rose, took a step towards heart Marguerite, and would have bowed her I " Open, Gillonne," she said. before her in token that he was at left the room, and a moment deep, sharp, burning pam Gillonne orders ; but a the King of that later the curtain was hfted by drew tears from his eyes, and feeling caught hold of a Navarre. he was going to fall, he he " You sent for me, Madame ? said curtain to support himself. Marguerite. you see," cried Marguerite, to "There, " received my him in her Yes, sire, your Majesty running to him and holding " need letter ? arms, " you see, sir, that you still " Not without some surprise, I confess," my help." with a said Henri, looking round him La Mole's lips barely moved. suspicion which soon vanished. yes," he murmured, "I need «*Yes, " some uneasiness, I the light I And not without you as the air 1 breathe, as I ' fancy, Monsieur," added Marguerite. see. Yet, though I Madame. a knock, thrice re- "I admit it, At this moment enemies, and door. [surrounded by relentless peated, was heard at Marguerite's friends who are even more dan- " hear, Madame?" said Gilluime 'by Do you ' gerous than my enemies, I remembered alarm. in I had seen your Marguerliu Ithat on a certain evening "Already!" munnerea generosity " • eyes beam with a sentiment of " Must i open the dooi i the day of our wedding—and the King oir I '* while Henri seemed to be trying to read " And your wife, you mean, sire ? " ." the depths of her heart. Yes . . . and my wife . . " all "Then?" Well ! Madame, as I thought of " this, I said to myself directly I read your Then perhaps it would be different, note summoning me to come, * The King and perhaps 1 should incline to remain of Navarre, a defenceless prisoner and King of the Huguenots, as they say . . . friendless, has but one means of dying a As things are, 1 must be contented that I death that shall make a stir and be re- am spared my life." corded in the annals of history, and that Marguerite regarded Henri with so is to be betrayed to death by his wife,' and strange a look that it would have aroused so I came." suspicions in a mind much less acute than " Sire," replied Marguerite, " you will that of the King of Navarre. * alter your tone when you learn that all And are you sure of arriving at that " that is taking place at this moment is the result at least ? she said. " said ; " in this work of one who loves you . . . and Pretty well," Henri whom you love." world, as you know, Madame, one is never Henri drew back at these words, and sure of anything." " hi? piercing grey eyes from beneath their " It is true," replied Marguerite, that dark lashes eagerly questioned the Queen. your Majesty announces so much " moderation and professes so much dis- Oh ! do not be alarmed, sire," said the Queen with a smile, " I do not pretend interestedness, that, after renouncing your for a moment that this person is myself." crown and your religion, you will probably it is hoped, at least your " But yet, Madame," said Henri, " it is renounce—so — you who sent me the key, and this is union with a Daughter of France." your writing." These words carried with them such a " That it is my writing and that it deep significance that Henri shuddered comes from me, I do not deny. As to involuntarily. But speedily mastering the key, that is a different matter. Enough his emotion, he continued : " for you that it has passed through no less Deign to recollect, Madame, that at than four women's hands before reaching this moment I am not my own master ; I you." shall act, therefore, as the King of France " " for myself, if I were con- Four ! cried Henri with amazement. orders me. As **Yes, no less than four," said Mar- sulted in the shghtest degree upon this " in which is involved no less than guerite : the Queen-Mother, Madame question, de Sauve, Gillonne, and myself." my throne, my honour, and my life, Henri began to ponder this puzzle. rather than base my future upon any " Let us talk sensibly now, sire, rights which our forced marriage may and above all, frankly," said Marguerite. give me, I should prefer to bury myself " Is it true that, as was publicly reported as a hunter in some castle, or as a peni- yesterday, your Majesty had consented tent in some cloister." " to abjure? This attitude of resignation to circum- " Report is wrong, Madame, I have not stances and this renunciation of worldly yet consented." ambitions, alarmed Marguerite. She " But you have made up your mind, thought that possibly the rupture of their however." marriage had been agreed upon between " That is to say, I am deliberating. Charles IX., Catherine, and the King of What would you have ? When one is Navarre. As for herself, would they twenty and in sight of a throne, why, hesitate about placing her in the position or victim, merely because she i' faith ! there are things which are well of dupe worth a Mass." was the sister of the one and the daughter " Including life among those things, is of the other ? Experience had taught " it not so ? her that these were no grounds on which Henri could not repress a slight smile. she could base her security. Ambition, " You are not telling me everything, therefore, gnawed at the heart of the sire," said Marguerite. young Queen, who was too superior to " I reserve something from my allies, vulgar weaknesses to allow herself to be loss of self-respect ; Madame ; for, you know, we are as yet dragged into a in the all even but allies. If you were both my ally . . . case of women, common-place and ..." ones, when they are in love, their love ! 74 QUEEN MARGOT inflicts none of this misery upon them, courageous entry into the King's for true love is ambition as well. armoury ? In truth, Madame, you came " Your Majesty," said Marguerite, with just in time, I cannot deny it, and de- a kind of bantering scorn, "has not much scended on the scene like some goddess confidence, methinks, in the star that of old, just in the nick of time to save my " shines above every monarch's brow ? Ufe." " " "Ah!" said Henri, "it is because I Unhappy man ! cried Marguerite in have searched for mine at this moment a hollow voice, seizing her husband by all in vain, concealed as it is by the the arm. " Don't you see, then, that, on storm which now roars over my head." the contrary, nothing is saved, neither " What if a woman's breath were to your freedom, your crown, nor your life dispel this storm and make the star shine Poor blind fool I You saw in my letter " as brightly as before ? nothing but an appointment ? You " It would be very difficult," said Henri. thought that Marguerite, incensed by " " Do you deny the existence of this your coldness, desired a reparation ? " woman, sire ? " But, Madame," cried Henri in aston- " No, I only deny her power." ishment, " I confess . . ." " " Her willingness, you mean ? Marguerite shrugged her shoulders " I said her power, and I repeat the with an expression impossible to describe. word. A woman is only really powerful At the same instant a strange sound, when she combines within her both love like a sharp, eager scratching, was heard and interest in equal degree ; should one at the small concealed door. only of these two sentiments fill her Marguerite dragged the King in the thoughts, then like Achilles she is vulner- direction of the door. able. Well, in the case of this woman, " Listen," she said. unless I mistake, I cannot reckon on her ** The Queen-Mother is coming out," love." said a voice rendered tremulous by terror, Marguerite was silent. which Henri immediately recognised as "Listen," continued Henri, "at the that of Madame de Sauve. last stroke of the bell of Saint-Germain- " And where is she going ? " asked TAuxerrois you ought to have thought of Marguerite. regaining your liberty, which had been " She is coming to your Majesty." pawned for the purpose of destroying The rustling of a silken robe growing those of my party, while I ought to have fainter in the distance, showed that thought of saving my life. That was the Madame de Sauve had run away. thing most urgent. . . . Thereby we "Oh! oh!" cried Henri. lose Navarre, I know well, but Navarre " I was certain of it," said Marguerite. is a trifle in comparison of the freedom ** And I feared as much," said Henri, granted you of being able to speak aloud " and here is the proof." in your own room, a thing which you did Upon which, with a rapid movement, not venture to do when you had someone he opened his black velvet doublet, and in that closet listening to you." disclosed to Marguerite a fine tunic of Although at the height of her pre- steel, covering his breast, and a long occupation. Marguerite could not forbear Milanese dagger, which gleamed in his a smile. As for the King of Navarre, he hand like a snake in the sun. had already risen in order to return to his " We have something else to think of apartments, for it " was already past eleven, here besides steel and cuirass ! cried and the Louvre was asleep, or at any Marguerite. " Come, sire, hide that rate, seemed to be asleep. dagger; it is the Queen-Mother, true; Henri took three steps towards the but the Queen-Mother alone and un- door ; then suddenly stopped as though attended." he had only at .'• that moment remembered "Still . . the reason that had " brought him to the Silence I she is here, I hear her." Queen. And stooping to Henri's ear, she " By the bye, Madame," said he, " have whispered some words which the King you not some communication to make to listened to mth attention mingled with me; or did you only wish to give me the astonishment opportunity of thanking you for the Henri at once concealed himself leprieve afforded me yesterday by your behind the curtains of the bed. : : " QUEEN MARGOT 75 Marguerite, on her side, sprang with The exordmm was an alarming one to the agility of a panther towards the anybody who knew Catherine well. closet where La Mole was waiting, and " What is she going to tell me ? grasping his hand in the darkness thought Marguerite. " " " Silence ! said she to him, coming so In arranging this marriage," con- close that he felt her warm, perfumed tinued the Florentine, " we have certainly breath like a moist vapour on his face, accomplished one of those acts of policy "Silence!" which weighty considerations enjoin on Then, returning to her room and those who govern. But it must be con- shutting the door, she unfastened her fessed, my poor child, we did not dream head-gear, cut all the strings of her that the King of Navarre's aversion to dress with her dagger, and threw herself you, young, beautiful, and attractive as into bed. you are, would be persisted in up to this She was just in time, the key was point." turning in the lock. Marguerite rose, and, drawing together Catherine had pass-keys for all the doors the folds of her nightdress, made her in the Louvre. mother a ceremonious curtsey. " Who is there ? " cried Marguerite, " It is only this evening that I have while Catherine stationed at the door a learnt," said Catherine,—"otherwise I guard of four gentlemen who accom- should have come to see you sooner—that panied her. your husband is far from showing you And, as though alarmed at this abrupt those attentions which are due, not only invasion of her chamber. Marguerite, to a pretty woman, but also to a Daughter issuing from behind the curtains in a of France." white dressing-gown, sprang from the Marguerite sighed, and Catherine, en- bed, and on recognising Catherine came couraged by this mute token of agree- to kiss her hand with such well-feigned ment, continued : surprise that even the Florentine was " That the King of Navarre should, in taken in by it. point of fact, carry on an open intimacy with one of my maids of honour, whose conduct towards him amounts to a scandal, that this infatuation should lead him to despise the wife whom we have been pleased to assign to him, is a mis- fortune which cannot be remedied by us CHAPTER XIV poor creatures who hold this exalted rank, but which the humblest gentleman SECOND NIGHT AFTER THE WEDDING in our Kingdom would avenge by challenging his son-in-law, either himself, Queen-Mother surveyed the or through one of his sons." XHEscene with marvellous rapidity. Marguerite drooped her head. et slippers at the foot of the bed, " I have seen for some time, my Marguerite's garments scattered on the daughter," continued Catherine, " by chairs, the rubbing of her eyes as though your red eyes and your bitter outbursts she had been fast asleep— all these signs against Madame de Sauve, that the convinced Catherine that she had wound in your heart cannot always, spite aroused her daughter from sleep. of your efforts, bleed inwardly." Thereupon she smiled as a woman Marguerite started; a slight move- who has been successful in her schemes, ment had shaken the curtains, but happily and drawing up a chair Catherine did not notice it. " Let us sit down. Marguerite," she *' This wound, my child," she said, said, " and have a chat." increasing her affectionate sweetness, " it " I am listening to you, Madame." is for the hand of a mother to heal. Those " It is time, my daughter," said who arranged your marriage, thinking to Catherine, closing her eyes in that slow promote your happiness, and who, in way peculiar to people who are reflecting their solicitude on your account, remark or dissimulating deeply, " it is time that that Henri de Navarre is absent from you should understand how greatly your your apartment every night ; those who brother and I desire to make you happy." cannot tolerate that a puppet- King such : " ; 76 QUEEN MARGOT " see, said Marguerite, as he is should offer a continual insult to You Madame," " a woman of your beauty, rank, and worth that you were wrongly informed." by his contempt of your person and his Catherine glanced at Marguerite, then indifference as to posterity; those who at Henri. Her active brain connected see, in short, that at the first breath of the sight of that pale, moist brow, and wind which he deems favourable, this those eyes surrounded by a faint ring of foolish and insolent creature will turn bistre, with Marguerite's smile, and she against our family and drive you from bit her thin lips in silent rage. «9 his house—have not they the right to Marguerite allowed her mother a provide for your future, by annulling moment in which to contemplate this your connection with him, in a manner picture, which produced on her the effect more worthy both of yourself and your of the Medusa's head. Then she dropped " the curtain, and, walking on tiptoe, came position ? *• And yet, Madame," replied Mar- back to Catherine, and, resuming her " in spite of these observations, seat, observed guerite, " prompted by your maternal affection, and " You were saying, Madame ? Florentine tried for which fill me with joy and pride, I am The some moments girl's simplicity bold enough to represent to your Majesty to fathom the ; then, as that the King of Navarre is my husband." though her keen glance had been dulled Catherine made an angry movement, by Marguerite's calm demeanour : " Nothing," she said. and coming closer to Marguerite : " " Is And she quitted the apartment with He your husband ! she said. -J' the blessing of the Church, then, sufficient hasty steps. to make you husband and wife, and does As soon as the sound of her feet had the consecration of marriage consist died away in the distance of the corridor, the words of the prieftt. Your the curtain of the bed was opened again, solely in _ girl, if and Henri, with sparkling eyes, oppressed husband, indeed ! Why, my you were Madame de Sauve you might give breathing, and trembling hands, came me that answer. But, contrary to what and knelt before Marguerite. He was we expected of him, since the day that dressed only in his hose and coat of mail, you gave Henri de Navarre the honour and Marguerite, seeing him in this of calling you his wife, he has surrendered ridiculous costume, while grasping his your marriage rights to another, and at hand heartily, could not help bursting this moment," said Catherine, raising her out into laughter. " " voice, " if you come with me—this key Ah ! Marguerite," he cried, how ? opens the door of Madame de Sauve's shall I ever repay my debt to you apartment—you shall see for yourself." And he covered her hand with kisses, *' not speak which mounted up insensibly from her Oh ! Madame, please do so loud," said Marguerite, " for not only hand to her arm. ." " Sire," she said, drawing back quite are you mistaken, but you will also . . " " forget that at this « Well ? gently, do you husband." moment an unhappy woman, to whom "Well ! you will awake my At these words Marguerite rose with you owe your life, is pining at your voluptuous grace, and letting her night- absence ? Madame de Sauve," she added, *' dress float half open, the short sleeves of in a low tone, has sacrificed her jealousy which left exposed her beautifully rounded by sending you to me, and perhaps, after arm and truly royal hand, she held a sacrificing her jealousy, she will sacrifice taper of pink wax to the bed, and raising her life for you, for you know—none better the curtain, smilingly pointed out to her — that my mother's wrath is terrible." mother the proud profile, the dark hair, Henri shuddered, and rising from his and the half-opened mouth of the King knees, made as though he would go out. " all," of Navarre, who seemed to be in a calm Oh ! but after said Mrrguerite, ' and deep sleep upon the disordered with admirable coquetry, I am com- bed. forted on reflection. The key was given Pale, with haggard eyes, crouching you without indication of how it was to backwards as though a gulf had yawned be used, and you will be deemed to have beneath her feet, Catherine uttered a shown me the preference this evening." sound that was more like the hoarse "And I do show it you, Marguerite bellow uf a wild beast ihan a woman's cry. consent only to forget ..." QUEEN MARGOT 77 " Speak lower, sire, speak lower," re- such importance that he dared not confide plied the Queen, mimicking the words it to an ordinary messenger." she had used to her mother ten minutes "In point of fact," said the King, tak- '• " earlier ; you can be heard from the ing the letter and reading it, he advised closet, and as I am not yet (juite at me to leave the Court and retire to Beam. liberty, 1 will ask you not to speak so M. d'Auriac, though a Catholic, was a loud." true friend of mine, and had probably, as • " Oh ! said Henri, half laughing, half governor of the province, got wind of '• it annoyed, it is true ; 1 forgot that was wnat wa^ Roing on. Zounds, sir ! why probably not I who was destined to play not have handed me this letter three days •* the last scene of this interesting comedy. ago, instead of giving it to me to-day ? ." " This closet . . Because, as I have had the honour '* Let us go in, sire," said Marguerite, to inform your Majesty, in spite of all •• for T wish to have the honour of pre- my diligence, I was unable to arrive senting to your Majesty a brave gentle- until yesterday." man who was wounded during the " It is most annoying," muttered the massacre, as he was coming to the King, " for we might by now have been in Louvre to warn your Majesty of the safety, either at La Rochelle, or on some danger you were in." good plain with two or three thousand The Queen, followed by Henri, went horse round us." towards the door. " Sire," said Marguerite sotto voce, The door opened, and great was the '* what is done is done, and instead of astonishment of Henri on seeing a man wasting time in recriminations as regards in this closet destined to afford so many the past, the question is how to derive the surprises. greatest advantage for the future." But greater still was the astonishment " Were you in my place," said Henri, of La Mole on finding himself unex- with his questioning glance, " should you " pectedly face to face with the King of still entertain hope, Madame ? Navarre. Henri looked at Marguerite " Yes, certainly, I should regard the with a glance of irony, which she met game as consisting of three points, of with perfect composure. which I had lost but the first deal." " "Sire," said Marguerite, "1 have Ah I Madame," said Henri, in a low reason to fear that this gentleman, who tone, " if I could feel sure that you were ." is devoted to your Majesty's service, may my partner in the game . . yet be killed even here in my apart- " Had I wanted to go over to your ment, and therefore I commit him to opponents," answered Marguerite, " I your protection." think I should not have waited so long." " " "Sire," said the young man, "I am True," said Henri ; I am ungrateflil, the Comte Lerac de La Mole, whom your and, as you say, all may yet be repaired Majesty was expecting, and who was even to-day." recommended to you by the unfortunate "Alas! sire," replied La Mole, "I M. de Teligny, who was killed fighting wish your Majesty all success, but to-day by my side." we have the Admiral no longer wich us." " " " Ah ! said Henri, the Queen, in Henri smiled that cunning smile of fact, handed me his letter; but had you which the meaning was not understood not also a letter from the Governor of at the Court until the day that he " became Languedoc ? King of France. '* Yes, sire, with instructions to give it " But, Madame," he replied, ^ with a to your Majesty directly I arrived." significant glance at La Mole, "this " " Why did you not do so ? gentleman cannot remain here without " Sire, I came to the Louvre 5^esterday puttmg you to great inconvenience, and evening, but your Majesty was so busy being exposed to annoying surprises. " that you were unable to receive me." What shall you do with him ? *• " True," said the King, but I think " Why, sire," said Marguerite, " cannot you might have sent the letter in to we get hirn out of the Louvre, for I agree me. entirely with what you say." " I had orders from M. d'Auriac to " It would be difficult." give it to no one but your Majesty, since " Cannot M. de La Mole find a place " it contained, as he assured me, news of in your Majesty's household ? " : 78 QUEEN MARGOT *^ " Alas ! Madame, you treat me as constraint and timidity. He felt, without though I were still King of the Hugue- explaining it to himself, the absurdity of nots and ruler of a people. You know his position. It was Marguerite who, quite well that I am half a CathoHc, and with feminine delicacy, extricated him have now no following at all." from his unpleasant situation. Any other but Marguerite would have *^ Sire," she said, " we are forgetting " hastened to reply : La Mole is a that the poor wounded man needs rest. " Catholic likewise ! But Marguerite I am tumbhng off to sleep myself. Why, wished that Henri should ask her for look ! what she desired to obtain. As for La La Mole was indeed turning pale, but Mole, seeing the caution observed by his his paleness was caused by Marguerite's protectress, and not knowing yet where last words, which he had heard and to plant his foot on the slippery ground understood. of a Court so dangerous as that of France, '* Well, Madame," said Henri, " nothing he remained silent likewise. more easy; cannot we leave M. de La " " But," resumed Henri, reading the Mole to take his rest ? letter once more, " why does the Governor The young man directed a supplicating of Provence tell me that your mother was glance towards Marguerite, and, spite of a Catholic, and that this accounts for his their Majesties' presence, fell back into a " friendship towards you ? chair, overcome by pain and fatigue. " And what was it you were saying to Marguerite understood both the love me, Monsieur le Comte," said Marguerite, conveyed in the look and the despair " about a vow which you had made in denoted by the weakness. regard to a change of religion ? My " Sire," said she, " this young gentle- ideas are confused on that point ; so help m.an has risked his life for his King, me. Monsieur de La Mole. Wasn't there since he ran here, after he had been a question of your taking some such wounded, to announce to you the deaths " step as the King appears to desire ? of the Admiral and Teligny, and it ** Alas ! yes, but your Majesty received behoves your Majesty to do him an my explanations on this point so coldly honour for which he will be grateful all that I did not venture. ..." his life." ? " Because, sir, the matter did not affect " What is that, Madame " said Henri " me. Make your explanations to the command me ; I am ready to obey." King." " M. de La Mole will sleep to-night at " " will lie Well ! what was this vow ? the feet of your Majesty, who on ** Sire," said La Mole, " when I was this couch. As for myself," added Mar- ^eing pursued by the assassins, weapon- guerite, with a smile, " with my august less, almost dying from my two wounds, husband's permission I shall call Gillonne i seemed to see my mother with a cross and retire to rest ; for I swear to you, tn her hand guiding me towards the sire, that I am not the one of us three Louvre. Then I vowed, were my life who stands least in need of repose." spared, to adopt the creed of my mother, Henri was possessed of plenty of spirit who had been allowed by God to leave —perhaps of even too much of it—both her grave to act as my guide during that friends and foes reproached him with this terrible night. God led me hither, sire. later on. But he realised that she who I see myself here beneath the double thus banished him from the conjugal protection of a Daughter of France and couch had acquired the right to do so by of the King of Navarre. My life has the very indifference which he had dis- her besides, Marguerite been miraculously preserved ; it only played towards ; remains for me to fulfil my vow. I am had avenged herself for this indifference ready to become a Catholic." by saving his life. His answer, therefore, suggestion of self- Henri frowned : sceptical as he was, conveyed no wounded he understood an abjuration from motives esteem. of self-interest, but was little inclined to " Madame," said he, " were M. de La believe in abjuration on religious grounds. Mole in a condition to reach my apart- "The King is not willing to undertake ment, I would offer him my own bed." " " but your my protege," thought Marguerite. Yes," replied Marguerite ; In presence of these two opposing apartment at the present moment can "willii, Lu Mole's atULudtJ wub one of proLecL neither of you, and prudence ; QUEEN MARGOT 79 requires that your Majesty should remain here until to-morrow." And without waiting for the King's CHAPTER X\ reply she summoned Gillonne, placed WILLS cushions for the King upon the couch, WHAT WOMAN WILLS, GOD and also at the foot of the couch for La wrong; Mole, who seemed so happy and con- MARGUERITE was not Catherine's tented with this honour that you would the wrath excited in she per- have sworn his wounds no longer pained breast by this comedy, in which him. ceived the plot without having any power bound to As for Marguerite, after dropping a to alter its denouement, was Instead of ceremonious curtsey to the King, she descend upon somebody. the Queen- returned to her room, and, after seeing returning to her apartments, to the room of that all the doors were well bolted, lay Mother went straight up down on her bed. her lady of the bedchamber. two " Now," said Marguerite to herself, Madame de Sauve was expecting visits that of Henri she was hoping for, " M. de La Mole must have a protector ; she was at the Louvre to-morrow, and he who that of the Queen-Mother she lay in bed, half- turned a deaf ear to-night will to-morrow dreading. As ^ watch in the be sorry for it." dressed, while Dariole kept turn in the Then she signed to Gillonne, who was ante-chamber, she heard a key of slow waiting to receive her final instructions. lock, and then the approach have been loud " Gillonne," she said, in low tones, " it steps, which would also deadened is necessary that, under some pretext or and heavy, had they not been carpet. She other, my brother, the Due d'Alen9on, by the thickness of the the should be seized with a wish to come here could not recognise in these steps she sus- to-morrow morning before eight o'clock." light and eager tread of Henri ; preventing Two o'clock struck at the Louvre. pected that someone was La Mole talked a few moments, as Dariole from coming to warn her, and, discretion demanded, with the King, who leaning on one elbow, with eyes and ears gradually went off to sleep, and was on the alert, she waited. presently snoring loudly, as though he The curtain was raised, and with a had been lying on his own rough couch shudder the young woman saw Catherine in his native Beam. de' Medici appear before her. calm but La Mole possibly slept soundly, like Catherine w^as outwardly ; de Sauve, accustomed to study the King ; but there was no sleep for Madame Marguerite, who tossed on her bed from her for the last two years, knew how cruel side to side, disturbing by her restlessness much stern purpose, and perhaps that the young man's thoughts and sleep. vengeance, lay concealed beneath " He is very young," murmured Mar- apparent calmness. de Sauve would have jumped guerite, as she lay awake ; " he is very Madame shy, and perhaps even a Httle ridiculous out of bed on perceiving Catherine, but forbid this, but he has nice eyes, a good figure, and the Queen raised her finger to and poor Charlotte remained rooted to many attractive . . . points ; but suppose all her suppose he should turn out to be a coward, the spot, trying to summon up courage in order to face the storm which after all ! He was running away when silently brewing. he received his wound . . . and now he was " you convey the key to the King is abjuring . . . it is annoying, for the Did " of Navarre ? asked Catherine, the tone dream was beginning well . . . come of ... let me drop this subject and turn to of her voice indicating no change lips, however, grew paler as the triple god of that foolish Henriette." manner ; her And towards the early morning Mar- she spoke the words. . ." in tone guerite succeeded at length in faUing "Yes, Madame . a as confi- asleep, murmuring to herself, Ercs- which she vainly tried to make Cut)ido-Amor, dent as Catherine's. ** " And you saw him ? " " Saw whom ? " The King of Navarre " No, Madame, but 1 am expecting " 80 QUEEJN MARGOT " him ; indeed, when I heard the key turn It is so," said Catherine, transfixing in the door, I thought it was he who was Madame de Sauve with the glance of her coming." eyes, like a double dagger-thrust. " At this reply, which was either one of " But what can make you think so? perfect truth, or else the height of dis- asked Charlotte. simulation, Catherine could not restrain a " Go down to the Queen of Navarre, slight shudder. She clenched her plump, fool ! and you will find your lover there." " " broad hand. Oh ! said Madame de Sauve. " And yet, Carlotta, you knew per- Catherine shrugged her shoulders. fectly well," she observed, with her evil " Are you jealous, by any chance ? smile, " that the King of Navarre would asked the Queen-Mother. I " not come to-night." " I ? said Madame de Sauve, sum- " " I, Madame, I knew that ! cried moning up her strength, which seemed on Charlotte, with an admirably-feigned the point of deserting her. " accent of surprise. Yes, you ! I am curious to see what " Yes, you knew it." the jealousy of a Frenchwoman is like." ** Not to come means that he must be " But," said Madame de Sauve, " how " dead ! replied the young woman, shud- would you expect me to have any other dering at the mere supposition. feeling than that of wounded self-pride ? What gave Charlotte the courage to I love the King of Navarre only so far brazen it out thus was the certainty she as is necessary in order for me to serve entertained of a terrible punishment in your Majesty." case her small act of treachery were Catherine looked at her for a moment discovered. with pensive eyes. *' You didn't write, then, to the King of " What you tell me may possibly, on Navarre, Carlotta mia ?" asked Catherine, the whole, be true," she murmured. with the same silent and cruel laugh. " Your Majesty reads my heart." " No, Madame," answered Charlotte, " And that heart is entirely devoted to in a tone of admirable simplicity, " your me?" Majesty didn't tell me to, I believe." " Command me, Madame, and you A short silence ensued, during which shall judge." Catherine gazed at Madame de Sauve " Well, then, Carlotta, since you much as the snake gazes at the bird sacrifice yourself in my service, you must which it wishes to fascinate. continue, still in the same interest, to be " You think yourself beautiful and very much smitten wtth the King of " clever, do you not ? Catherine presently Navarre, and above all to be very went on. jealous —jealous as an Italian woman "No, Madame," answered Charlotte; would be." " I know only that your Majesty has " But, Madame," asked Catherine, ?" been exceedingly indulgent to me when " how does an Italian show her jealousy there was any question of my cleverness " I will tell you," replied Catherine, and and beauty." after two or three movements of her head " Well," said Catherine, becoming up and down, she went out slowly and animated, "you were mistaken if you silently, as she had come in. that, and 1 lied if I told you so Charlotte, troubled by the penetrating believed ; you are only an ugly fool compared with glance of those eyes, dilated like those of my daughter Margot." the cat or the panther—though this " That is quite true, Madame," said dilation did not take anything from the Charlotte, " and I shall not attempt to depth of the glance— Charlotte, I say, deny it, to you especially." allowed her to go away without saying a *• Accordingly," continued Catherine, word, hardly daring to breathe until she *' the King of Navarre much prefers my had heard the door close behind the daughter to you, and that is not what you Queen, and Dariole had come to tell her wanted, I imagine, nor is it what we had that the dread apparition had really arranged." vanished. '* " Alas ! Madame," said Charlotte, this Dariole," she then remarked, " bring time bursting into sobs which were not in a chair close to my bed and sleep there the least counterfeited, " if that be so I lo-night, I beg of you, for J dare not be am very unhappy." left alone." : : QUEEN MARGOT 8i which expressed the most perfect calm- Dariole obeyed ; but, spite of the com- pany of her waiting-woman, and of the ness. lamp which she ordered to be left alight With another vague yet scrutinising for greater security, Madame de Sauve, glance the Duke then surveved the whole with its like Marguerite, did not sleep until dawn, apartment; he saw the bed so haunted were her ears by the harsh coverings in disorder, the two pillows tones of Catherine's voice. upon the bolster, the King's hat thrown Marguerite, however, though she had on a chair. not slept until morning, awoke at the He turned pale, but immediately re- first call of the bugles and tiie barking of covering himself " the dogs. " My brother Henri," said he, are rose immediately and began to you coming to play tennis with the King She " don a costume as neglige as it was hand- this morning ? some. Then she called her women and " Does the King do me the honour of her ante-chamber having chosen me," asked Henri, " or is bade them summon to " the King of Navarre's usual attendants; it only an attention on your own part ? next opening the door which confined " Why, no, the King has not spoken with the same key Henri and La Mole, about it," said the Duke, a trifle discon- *' not usually she bade the latter good-morning warmly, certed ; but do you make " set ? and calling her husband : one of his '* Come, sire," she said, " to have de- Henri smiled, for such grave events ceived my mother is not all we have to had happened since his last game with do, you must also persuade your whole the King that there would have been court of the perfect understanding that nothing surprising if Charles IX. had exists between us. But do not be changed his usual players. ! alarmed," she added, laughing, ** and pay " I will go, brother " said Henri good heed to my words, which the smiling. circumstances render almost solemn " Come, then," replied the Duke. " To-day will be the last time that I shall " Are you going away ? asked Mar- put your Majesty to this cruel test." guerite. The King of Navarre smiled and " Yes, sister." " ordered his gentlemen to be brought " Are you in a hurry, then ? in. " In a great hurry." It was not until they were greeting him " But if I wanted you for a few " that he pretended to notice that his cloak minutes ? had remained on the Queen's bed ; he Such a request from Marguerite's apologised for receiving them in this mouth was so rare, that her brother fashion, took the cloak from the hands looked lat her, growing red and pale by of Marguerite, who blushed as she handed turns. ** it to him, and clasped it on his shoulder. " What is she going to say to him ? Then, turning to them, he enquired the thought Henri, no less astonished than news of the city and the court. the Due d'Alen9on. Marguerite was observing out of the Marguerite, as though guessing her corner of her eye the astonishment de- husband's thoughts, turned to him. picted on the faces of the gentlemen at " Monsieur," she said, with a charming the intimacy between the King and Queen smile, " you can go and join his Majesty of Navarre which had just been disclosed, if you wish, for the secret which I have when an usher entered, followed by three to disclose to my brother is known to you or four gentlemen, and announced the already, since the request which I ad- Due d'Alen9on. dressed to you in connection with that To secure his arrival, Gillonne had secret has been refused by your Majesty. only needed to tell him that the King had I do not wish, therefore, to weary your spent the night with his wife. Majesty by expressing for the second Fran9ois entered so hastily as almost time in your presence a desire which you to knock down those who preceded him. seemed to find it disagreeable to comply His first glance was for Henri, the with." second only for Marguerite. " What is it all about?" asked Fran9ois, Henri replied by a courteous salute. looking at them both in astonishment. " Marguerite composed her countenance. "Ah ! ah ! said Henri, reddening with : : : 92 OUEEN MARGOT vexation, " I know what you mean, opening, she was still reserving an impor- Madame. I assure you I regret that I am tant part of her thoughts. not more free in the matter. But if I Then she added am unable to fshow M. de La Mole a " Perhaps you will think quite differ- hospitality which could afford him any ently from Henri, that it is not seemly security, I can nevertheless join my that this young man should leside quite recommendation with your own to my so close to my apartment." brother of Alenjon on behalf of the " Sister," said Fran9ois eagerly, " Mon- person in whom you are interested. sieur de La Mole, if it is quite convenient rerhaps," added he—to give even more to you, shall be installed within half an emphasis to the words which we have hour in my apartments, where I believe just underlined—" perhaps my brother he will have nothing to fear. Let him will even hit on some idea which will love me, and I will love him." permit you to keep M. de La Mole .... Fran9ois spoke falsely, for at the here .... close to you .... which bottom of his heart he already detested would be better still, would it not, La Mole. Madame?" " Good ... I was not mistaken " Come, come," said Marguerite to then," murmured Marguerite, as she saw " herself, " between the two of them I the King of Navarre frown. Ah ! to shall get that done which neither of the lead the two of you, I see that I must two would do by himself." lead one by means of the other." And she opened the door of the closet Then, completing her thought and made the wounded man come out, " Come," she continued, " well done, after saying to her husband Marguerite, as Kenriette would say." " It is for you, Monsieur, to explain to In point of fact, half an hour later, La my brother the grounds on which we feel Mole, after being seriously given his cue an interest in M. de La Mole." by Marguerite, kissed the border of her Henri, thus driven into a corner, re- robe and ascended, fairly briskly for one lated in two words to M. d'Alen9on, who who was wounded, the staircase leading was half a Protestant through the spirit to the quarters of M. d'Alen90n. of opposition, just as Henri was half a Two or three days elapsed, during Catholic from motives of prudence—the which the agreement between Henri and arrival of La Mole in Paris, and how his wife appeared to become more firmly the young man had been wounded in established. It had been conceded that coming to deliver him a letter from M. Henri should not make a public abjura- d'Auriac. tion, but he recanted privately to the When the Duke turned round, La King's Confessor, and attended Mass Mole was standing before him. every morning at the Louvre. In the Fran9ois, on seeing him so handsome evening he went ostensibly to his wife's and so pale—doubly attractive, therefore, apartment, entered by the principal door, both by his beauty and his paleness— felt talked with her for a few minutes, then the birth within his breast of a new source went out by the small secret door, and of alarm. Marguerite would work upon went up to Madame de Sauve, who had him both through his jealousy and his not failed to inform him of Catherine's self-love. visit, and of the undoubted danger that *' My brother," said she, " I guarantee threatened him. Henri accordingly, thus that this young gentleman will be useful informed on these two points, was more to anyone who employs him. Should suspicious than ever of the Queen- you accept his services, he will find in Mother, and with all the more reason you a powerful master, and you in him a since Catherine's countenance insensibly devoted servant. In these times it is began to smoothe, until one morning a well to be surrounded with faithful fol- kind smile even dawned on her pale lips. lowers, especially," she added, lowering That day he found the greatest difficulty her voice so that only the Due d'Alen9on in deciding to eat anything except the could hear, " when one is ambitious eggs which he had got cooked for him- and has the misfortune to be but the self or to drink anything but the water third Son of France." which he had seen drawn from the Seine She laid her finger on her mouth to under his own eyes. intimate to Francois that, in spite of this The massacres continued, but in !; gUEEN MARGOT «3 diminishing quantity ; there had been health ; if you will, mother, we will go on such a great slaughter of the Huguenots horseback to Montfaucon." that their numbers had been greatly " I would gladly go, my son," said reduced. The majority were dead, Catherine, " had I not an appointment several had escaped, some had remained which I cannot miss ; besides," she added. in hiding. " we ought to invite the whole Court for a Occasionally a loud clamour would visit paid to a man of such importance as arise in one or other quarter of the the Admiral : it will be an opportunity city, when one of these latter was dis- for those who watch to make some covered. The execution was then private interesting observations. We shall see or public, according as the unliappy who come and who stop away." victim had been driven to bay in a place " Upon my soul, mother, you are right whence there was no escape or was able it will be much better to have the affair to flee. In the latter case, it was an to-morrow, so issue your invitations and amusement for the whole district where I will issue mine, or rather, we will invite the event took place ; for instead of nobody ; we will merely say we are going, growing calmer by the extinction of their and then people will be free to go or not, enemies, the Catholics became increas- as they please. Adieu, mother, I am ingly ferocious ; and the fewer of them going to blow the horn." there were left, the more outrageous was " You will tire yourself, Charles their fury against this unfortunate Ambroise Pare is always warning you, remnant. and quite rightly, that it is too violent an Charles IX. had taken great delight in exercise for you." hunting down the Huguenots, and when "Eah!"said Charles, "I should hke he had been unable to continue the chase to be certain of dying from no other himself, he enjoyed the sound of the cause but that, in which case I should pursuit being carried on by others. bury everybody here, even including One day, on returning from a game of Henriot, who is destined one day to suc- mall, which, with hunting and tennis, was ceed all of us, according to what his favourite amusement, he came in to Nostradamus declares." his mother with beaming face, followed Catherine frowned. by his usual company of courtiers. " Son, son," said she, " mistrust es- " Mother," said he, embracing the pecially such things as seem impossible, Florentine, who, remarkins: his delight, and, meanwhile, take care of yourself." had already tried to conjecture its cause, " Just a flourish or two to amuse my " Good news 1 What do you think ? hounds, who are weary to death, poor The illustrous carcase of the Admiral, beasts ! I ought to have let them loose which we thought lost, has been dis- on the Huguenots; that would have " covered ! pleased them." " Indeed," said Catherine. And Charles left his mother's room, " By the Lord ! yes. You thought as entered his Armoury, took down a horn T did, mother, did you not, that the dogs and blew it with a vigour that would have had made their wedding breakfast of it, done credit to Roland himself. The but nothing of the sort. My people, my wonder was that such a blast could be good, kind people, had an idea ; they produced by that weak and sickly body have strung up the Admiral on the great and those pallid lips. gibbet at Montfaucon." Catherine was really waiting for some- one, as she had told her son. As soon as he had gone out, one of her women came " Upon the ground they threw him dowa- " and spoke to her in a low tone. Catherine And now they've strung him up 1 smiled and rose, bowed to the assembled courtiers, and followed the messenger. « " Well ? said Catherine. The Florentine Rene, the man to whom "Well, my good mother," replied the King of Navarre had given so diplo- " Charles, I have always wished to see matic a reception on the vigil of St. the dear man again since I learnt that he Bartholomew, had just entered her was dead. It is a fine day; the air is oratory. refreshing and the scent of flowers " seems Ah ! Rene, it is you," said Catherine, everywhere; I feel in the very best of " I was waiting for you with impatience.'* " " 84 QUEEN MARGOT Rene bowed. ' " IMadame, you are wrong in your " You received the line I wrote to you interpretation of vives honorata. The " yesterday ? Queen of Navarre did, in point of fact, " I had that honour." live honoured, for she enjoyed, during " Have you made a fresh trial, as I life, the love of her children and the told you to do, of the horoscope drawn respect of her adherents, a love and by Ruggieri, and which accords so well respect all the more sincere, inasmuch as with that prophecy of Nostradamus, to she was poor." the effect that my three sons shall all " Yes," said Catherine, " I will allow come to the throne ? . . . For some you the vives honorata, but the morieris days past, Rene, events have been much reformidata, come, how will you explain modified, and I have thought it possible that?" *' * that destiny might have become less Explain it ! nothing easier : You will " threatening." die feared.' " " Madame," replied Rene, shaking his " Well, did she die feared ? head, " your Majesty is well aware that " So much so, Madame, that she would events cannot alter destiny ; it is destiny, not now be dead, had not your Majesty on the contrary, that rules events." feared her. Lastly, the final part, "/Is " You have, however, repeated the Queen you will grow great, or he greater " sacrifice, have you not ? than you were as Queen; that again is "Yes, Madame," answered Rene, " since true, Madame, for, in exchange for the to obey you is my first duty." corruptible crown, she now enjoys, it " " Well, what is the result ? may well be, as queen and martyr, the " " The same as before, Madame ? heavenly crown, and in addition to that, " still uttered What ! the black lamb who yet knows the earthly future that " its three cries?" may be in store for her posterity ? " It did, Madame.'* Catherine was superstitious to excess. " Foreshadowing three cruel deaths in She was alarmed even more perhaps at my family!" faltered Catherine. Rene's coolness than at the persistence of *' " Alas, yes ! said Rene. the omens ; and, as in her case, a false " " And afterwards ? step was always an opportunity for sur- " Afterwards, Madame, I found in its mounting the situation boldly, she re- entrails that strange displacement of the marked abruptly to Rene, with no liver which we had already noticed in the transition except the silent working of first two victims—that it pointed in the her thoughts : opposite direction, I mean." " Have the perfumes from Italy " " A change of dynasty. Still, still ? arrived ? muttered Catherine. " We must fight " Yes, Madame." " against it however, Rene," continued she. " You will send me a box of them ? " Rene shook his head. '' Of which ? ." " told your Majesty," he replied, " The last, those . . I have I " that Fate rules all things." Catherine paused. " ^ '* That is your opinion? said Catherine. "Those which the Queen of Navarre " "Yes, Madame." was so pleased with ? " Do you remember the horoscope of " Exactly." Jeanne d'Albret?" " There is no need to prepare them, is "Yes, Madame." there, Madame ? for your Majesty is now " Just repeat it, for I have forgotten it." as skilful as I am." " " " " Vives honorata, morieris reforrnidata, You think so ? said Catherine ; at regina amplificabere." any rate they are successful." * " Which means, I believe : You will "Your Majesty has nothing more to " live honoured,' and she lacked the say to me ? asked the perfumer. * " replied necessaries of life, poor woman ! Yon No, no," Catherine, thought- will die feared,' and we made a laughing fully; "I think not, at least. Shoukl ^ fresh occur in the sacrifices, stock of her ! You ivill be greater even anything than you were as Queen,* and she is dead, let me know. By the bye, let us give up and her grandeur rests in a grave to lambs, and let us try hens." " which we have forgotten so much as to Alas ! Madame, I fear that changing put her name! the victims will not alter the omens." — QUEEN MARGOT 85 " Do as I bid you." That was all La Mole wanted* Rene bowed, and went out. Ambroise Pare came, as usual, to dress Catherine sat for a moment biirird in his wounds. La Mole explained to him thought, then rose and entered lier bed- the necessity for his mounting on horse- room, whore her ladies were waiting for back, and asked him to take extra care in her, and where she announced the expe- putting on the bandages. The two dition on the morrow to Monlfaucon. wounds had now closed, and that in the The news of this pleasure party was shoulder alone gave him pain. Both the talk of the Palace and the whole city were red, as wounds in process of healing that evening. The ladies had their most should be. Master Ambroise Pare elegant costumes prepared, the gentlemen covered them with a gummed court- their weapons and horses of state. The plaster, much in vogue at that period for merchants closed their shops and ware- such crises, and promised La Mole that houses, and the loungers of the streets all would go well, provided he did not killed a few Huguenots here and there in exerthimself unduly duringthe expedition. honour of the occasion, in order to be La Mole was filled with joy. Apart able to give a fitting accompaniment to from a certain weakness owing to loss of the corpse of the Admiral. blood, and a slight giddiness due to the There was a great hubbub throughout same cause, he felt as well as possible. the evening and a great part of the Marguerite, besides, would doubtless form night. one of the cavalcade, and he would see La Mole had spent a most miserable her once more, and when he reflected how day in succession to three or four others much good the sight of Gillonne had no less wretched. done him, he did not doubt that to see M. d'Alen9on, in order to comply with her mistress would prove more efficacious Marguerite's wishes, had installed him in still. his apartments, but had not seen him He therefore employed part of the since. He felt himself, like some poor money which he had received on leaving forsaken child, suddenly deprived of the his family in buying the most handsome tender, delicate, and charming attentions tunic of white satin and the most of two women, of one of whom the richly-embroidered cloak which a fashion- mere remembrance incessantly devoured able tailor could procure for him. The his thoughts. True, he had had news of same man also supplied him with boots her through Ambroise Pare, the sur- of scented leather, such as were worn at geon, whom she had sent to visit him this date. all ; These were brought to him but this news, transmitted through a man in the morning, only half an hour after of fifty, who ignored or affected to ignore the time at which La Mole had ordered the interest taken by La Mole in the them to be sent, so that he had no cause slightest detail that concerned Marguerite, for complaint. He dressed quickly, was very incomplete and unsatisfying. looked at himself in the glass, and was It is true that Gillonne had come once well satisfied with his dress and general on her own account, of course—to learn appearance, and finally assured himself how the patient was going on. This by taking several turns quickly round his visit had produced the effect of a ray of room that, although he still felt consider- hght in a dungeon, and La Mole had able pain, his mental happiness would remained dazzled by it, in constant silence his bodily indisposition. expectation of a second appearance, A cherry-coloured cloak, of his own which, however, though two days had suggestion, cut somewhat longer than elapsed since the first, failed to come. they were then worn, suited him par- Accordingly, when the news of this ticularly well. splendid gathering of the whole Court on While this scene was passing at the the morrow reached the convalescent, he Louvre, another of the same kind was sent a request to M. d'Alen9on, that he taking place at the Hotel de Guise. A might be allowed to attend him. tall, red-haired gentleman was examining The Duke did not even ask if La in the glass a reddish line which crossed Mole was in a condition to bear the his face in an unpleasant manner, was fatigue, but merely replied : combing and perfuming his moustaches, " all By means ; let him have one of and spreading a triple layer of white and my horses." red powder on that unfortuna^'e line " —; 86 QUEEN MARGOT which, spite of all the cosmetics in use " he has even eaten this morning with at that period, persisted in reappearing. better appetite than usual." When all these applications proved in- " Good, sir," said the Duchess. sufficient, an idea occurred to him ; a Then, turning to her chief gentleman: blazing August sun was pouring its rays " Monsieur dArguzon," she said, " let on the courtyard ; he therefore went us start for the Louvre, and keep an eye, down and walked up and down in it for I beg you, on the Comte Hannibal de ten minutes, his hat in his hand, his nose Coconnas, as he is wounded, and conse- in the air, and his eyes closed, exposing quently weak, and I would not for all the himself voluntarily to the sun's fierce world have him take any harm, since beams. that would excite the ridicule of the This exposure soon produced a com- Huguenots, who bear him ill-will since plexion so brilliant that the red line was that fortunate Eve of St. Bartholomew." now too pale to be in harmony with the And Madame de Nevers, in her turn, rest of his face, and appeared yellow by mounting her horse, started with radiant contrast ! Our gentleman appeared none face for the Louvre, which was fixed as the less satisfied with this rainbow effect, the general place of meeting. and, thanks to a layer of vermilion spread It was two o'clock in the afternoon over the scar, he made it match its sur- when a long cavalcade on horseback, roundings very fairly well. After this he glittering with gold, jewels, and splendid donned a magnificent coat, which a tailor robes, appeared in the Rue Saint-Denis, had placed in his room before he had so debouching at the turning to the Ceme- much as asked for a tailor. tery of the Innocents, and winding beneath Thus adorned, scented, and armed the sun's rays between the rows of gloomy from head to foot, he v/ent down for the houses on either side like some enormous second time into the courtyard and began reptile with gleaming coils. ^ to caress a large black horse, whose beauty would have been peerless but for a small scar, resembling that of his rider, which he had received from a cavalry- man's sabre in one of the battles of the late Civil War. Equally dehghted, however, with his CHAPTER XVI horse as he was with himself, this gentle- man, whom our readers have doubtless A DEAD ENEMY HAS AYE A PLEASANT recognised without difficulty, was in the SAVOUR saddle a quarter of an hour before anyone else, and made the courtyard of the Hotel procession of modern times, hov/- de Guise resound with his courser's NOever splendid, can convey any idea neighs, responded to, in proportion as of the magnificence of this spectacle. he gained control over it, by exclama- The rich and gorgeous robes of silk, the tions of 'Sdeath I uttered in various use of which on State occasions was tones. handed down by Fran9ois I. to his suc- After a few moments the horse, com- cessors, had not yet been superseded by pletely subdued, recognised by ready the scanty and sombre garments in vogue obedience the lawful authority of its in the reign of Henri HI.; consequently rider ; but this victory had not been the costume of Charles IX., less sump- achieved without noise, and this noise tuous, but perhaps more elegant than as our gentleman had probably calculated those of the periods preceding, glittered in upon —had attracted to the window a all its perfect harmony. No comparison lady whom our tamer of steeds saluted with such a cavalcade is possible in our with a deep reverence, and who smiled own day, since we have to fall back upon upon him in most gracious fashion. symmetry and uniformity when we wish Five minutes later Madame de Nevers to make any magnificent display. summoned her steward. Pages, esquires, gentlemen of inferior " Monsieur," she asked, " has the rank, dogs and horses, walking at the Comte Hannibal de Coconnas break- sides and in the rear of this royal proces- fasted well ? sion, swelled it into a veritable army, " Yes, Madame," answered the steward behind this army came the people or : —; QUEEN MARGOT S7 rather, to be more accurate, the people shook his head violently, as though proud were everywhere. of the burden which he bore. They followed, they walked by the side "Well, Duchess, what news?" said and in the front; they shou'ed simul- the Queen of Navarre. taneously Noel and Haro, for in this " None that I know of, Madame," cortegev^ere to be seen several Hup^uenots, said the Duchess, aloud. who were jeered at by the malicious Then, in a lower tone : mob. " What has become of yourHuguenot? In the morning, in the presence of she asked. Catherine and the Due de Guise, Charles '* I have found him a place of safety," had spoken before Henri de Navarre, as answered Marguerite. " And what have though it were quite a natural thing to you done with your friend who killed so " do, of going to inspect the gibbet of many people ? Montfaucon, or rather, the mutilated " He insisted on taking part in this body of the Admiral which was suspended performance ; he is riding my husband's there. Henri's first impulse had been to charger, a horse as big as an elephant. excuse himself from taking part in the He is an astounding horseman. I allowed expedition. That was what Catherine him to come because I thought your was waiting for. At the first words in Huguenot would be prudent enough to which he expressed his repugnance to keep his room, and so there would be no the proposal, she exchanged a glance and fear of his meeting him." " a smile with the Due de Guise. Henri Oh ! as to that," said Marguerite, intercepted both the glance and the smile, with a smile, " even if he were here and understood their meaning, where- which he is not— I don't think they upon, suddenly correcting himself, he would fight. My Huguenot is a hand- exclaimed : some lad, but nothing more—a pigeon, " Why should I not go, after all ? I not a kite—he coos, he does not bite. am a Catholic, and I owe it to my new After all," said she in an indescribable religion to do so." tone, and with a slight shrug of her Then, addressing Charles IX. shoulders, " after all, perhaps we thought " Your Majesty may reckon upon me," him a Huguenot while all the time he is " said he ; I shall be always glad to a Brahmin, and his rehgion forbids him accompany you wherever you go." to shed blood." " And he glanced rapidly round him to " But where is the Due d'Alenfon ? see how many frowned. asked Henriette, " I don't see him." " Accordingly, among this whole caval- He will join us ; he had a pain in his cade, the person who was perhaps the eyes this morning, and wanted not to object of the greatest curiosity was this come ; but as it is known that, in order motherless son, this King without a to take a different line from his brothers kingdom, this Huguenot who had turned Charles and Henri, he leans towards the Catholic. His long, characteristic face, Huguenots, it was represented to him his rather common figure, his familiarity that the King would take his absence in towards his inferiors—a familiarity bred bad part, and so he determined to come. of the mountaineering habits of his youth, Why, see, they are shouting down there and which he preserved to the end of his it must be he just coming through the life—all these things marked him out to Poite Montmartre." the spectators, some of whom shouted : "Yes, it is, I recognise him," said " To Mass, Henriot, to Mass." Marguerite. " How smart he looks to- To which Henri replied : day: he has been taking great pains with " I was there yesterday, I was there his appearance for some time ; he must to-day, and I shall be there to-morrow. be in love. See how nice it is to be a ! it Egod seems to me that's enough.'* Prince of the blood ; he gallops into As for Marguerite, she was on horse- everybody, and they all clear out of his back, looking so beautiful, so fresh and way." elegant, that " round her rose a chorus of Look out ! he is going to ride us down admiration, some notes of which, it must as well," said Marguerite, laughing. be admitted, were addressed to her com- " Make your gentleman move aside, panion, the Duchesse de Nevers, who had Duchess, for there is one of them who just joined her, and whose white steed will get killed if he doesn't move." " " ss QUEEN MARGOT " it " Why! is my intrepid hero ! cried pass in front of Marguerite and the the Duchess, "just look." Duchesse de Nevers. When it came to Coconnas had, in point of fact, left his La Mole's turn to pass the two princesses, rank in order to get close to Madame de hei raised his hat, saluted the Queen by Nevers ; but at the very moment when bowing to his horse's neck, remaining his horse was crossing the kind of outer bare-headed until her Majesty should boulevard separating the Rue Saint- honour him by a look. Denis from the Faubourg of the same Marguerite, however, proudly turned name, a horseman in the train of the Due her head away. d'Alen9on, vainly endeavouring to check La Mole doubtless read the expression his horse, charged full against Coconnas. of disdain upon the Queen's face, for, The shock caused Coconnas to totter on from being pale, he became livid, and his colossal steed, his hat nearly came was even obliged to grasp his horse's off, but he managed to save it, and turned mane to save himself from falling. round with fury. " See what you have done, you cruel ;'Why, Lord! it is M. la " de Mole!" woman ! said Henriette to the Queen ; said Marguerite, '' ." stooping to her friend's why, he is going to be ill ! . . ear. " That is all that was required to com- " " That pale, handsome young fellow ! plete the exhibition," said the Queen, cried the Duchess, unable to overcome with a crushing smile. ..." Have you her first impression. any smelling-salts ? " Yes, yes ! the very man who nearly But Madame de Nevers was wrong. upset your Piedmontese." La Mole, who had staggered, recovered " Oh ! but something terrible will his strength, and, once more reseating happen," said " the Duchess ; they are himself firmly in the saddle, resumed his glaring at one another ; they recognise place behind the Due d'Alen9on. each other ! The procession continued to advance Coconnas, on turning round, had until the gloomy outline of the great indeed recognised the features of La gallows erected by Enguerrand de Mole, and in his surprise had let go of his Marigny came in sight. Never had it bridle, for he thought that he had cer- been so well furnished as at the present tainly killed his former companion, or at moment. least completely disabled him. La Mole, The ushers and guards marched in on his side, recognised Coconnas, and front, and formed a large circle round felt his face begin to burn. During a the enclosure. At their approach the few seconds, which sufficed to express all ravens perched upon the gibbet flew off the emotions felt by the two men, they with croaks of disappointment. exchanged glances which made the two On ordinary occasions the gibbet of women shudder. After which, La Mole, Montfaucon furnished a shelter behind looking all round him and realising, no its columns to the dogs attracted by a doubt, that the opportunity was not frequent prey, and to philosophic thieves favourable for an explanation, set spurs who came to meditate upon the sad to his horse and rejoined the Due vicissitudes of fortune. d'Alen9on. Coconnas remained for a But to-day there were at Montfaucon, moment furiously twisting his moustaches apparently at least, neither dogs nor to a point, after which, seeing that La thieves. The ushers and the guards had Mole had gone off without saying a word, driven away the former at the same time he, too, continued his march. as the ravens, while the latter had " " Ah ! said Marguerite, with con- mingled with the crowd in order to carry temptuous regret, " I was not mistaken, out some of those good strokes of business then . . . this time it was quite evident which form the pleasant vicissitudes of that he lacks courage." their profession. Andshe bit her lips until thebloodcame. The procession advanced ; the King " He is very good-looking," answered and Catherine were the first to arrive, the Duchess, pityingly. followed in succession by the Due d'An- The Due d'Alen9on had by now just jou, the Due d'Alen(;on, the King of reached his place behind the King and Navarre, M. de Guise, and their gentle- the Queen-Mother, and his genilemen, in men ; next came Marguerite, the order to keep with him, were obliged to Duchesse do Nevers, and all the ladies ; QUEEN MARGOT 89 composing what may be termed the flying one ourselves . • . For instance," squadron of the Queen ; in the rear fol- said the King, after a moment's reflection, ** lowed pages, esquires, serving-men and listen to this, gentlemen : populace, in all some ten thousand " persons. Here lies—nay ! we must change the wor^ flattering to the From the principal gibbet hung a Too dead ; shapeless form, a dark body, smeared and Here hand's the Admiral, by his feet Because he's lost his liead." streaked with congealed blood, and mud whitened by successive layers of dust. " " The body was headless, and had conse- Bravo, bravo ! cried the Catholic quently been suspended by the feet. The gentlemen in chorus, while the Huguenots populace, with its usual ingenuity, had frowned in silence. replaced the head with a bunch of straw, As for Henri, he was talking to Mar- over which had been placed a mask, and guerite and Madame de Nevers, and in the mouth of this mask some wag, pretended not to hear. who knew the Admiral's habits, had in- ** Come, come. Monsieur,'* said serted a tooth-pick. Catherine, beginning to be overcome by A spectacle at once gloomy and curious the horrible odour in spite of the per- was furnished by all these elegant noble- fumes with which she was covered " one men and all these fair ladies passing must part from even the best company along, Hke one of the processions painted let us bid farewell to the Admiral and by Goya, amid blackening skeletons and return to Paris." jW gibbets with their long lean arms. The She nodded her head ironically as when more noisy the delight of the visitors one takes leave of a friend, and resuming became, the more did it contrast with the her place at the head of the column, gloomy silence and cold insensibility of turned to regain the road, while the pro- these corpses, the butt of ghastly jests at cession defiled past the corpse of Coligny. which even those who made them The sun was declining on the horizon. shuddered. The crowd followed in the wake of Many found it almost beyond endur- their Majesties in order to enjoy to the ance to bear the dreadful sight ; among utmost the magnificence of the cavalcade the group of assembled Huguenots it was and all the details of the spectacle ; the easy to distinguish, by his paleness, thieves followed the crowd, and ten Henri, who, however great his power of minutes after the King's departure there self-control and dissimulation, was unable was not a soul left near the mangled to support the sight. Alleging as an corpse of the Admiral, upon which the excuse the foul smell proceeding from all evening breeze was just beginning to these human remains, he approached blow. Charles IX., who, side by side with When we say not a soul, we are mis- Catherine, had stopped in front of the taken. A gentleman mounted on a black body of the Admiral, and observed : horse, who doubtless had been unable to " Don't you think, sire, that this poor get a comfortable view of that shapeless corpse smells too badly to allow us to and blackened trunk at the moment when " stay here any longer ? it was honoured by the presence of the " You think so, Henriot ? " said Charles, Royal visitors, had remained until the whose eyes sparkled with a fierce joy. last, and was amusing himself by examin- " " Yes, sire 1 ing every detail of the chains, cramp- ** Well, I don't agree with you . . . irons, stone pillars, of the whole gibbet in to my mind the corpse of an enemy smells short, which doubtless appeared to him always pleasant." —newly arrived in Paris and ignorant of *' Upon my word, sire," said Tavannes, the perfection to which everything in the " since your Majesty knew that we were Capital was brought—the paragon of the to pay a little visit to the Admiral, you ugliest thing man ever invented. should have invited Pierre Ronsard, your We need not inform our readers that professor of poetry ; he would have com- this person was our friend Coconnas. A posed an epitaph on the spot for old woman's trained eye had sought for him Gaspard." in vain among the cavalcade, and scanned " We don't require him in order to do the ranks without being able to discover that," said Charles, " and we will make him. D : go OUEEN MARGOT M. de Coconnas, ns we have said, was La Mole had made his detour. H(* at that moment standing in ecstasy before walked his horse up to Coconnas from the masterpiece of Enguerrand de behind and tapped him on the shoulder. Marigny. The Piedmontese turned round. " " " But this woman was not the only per- Oh ! said he, it was not a dream son who was looking for M.de Coconnas. then, and you are still alive." Another gentleman, conspicuous in his " Yes, sir, I am still alive, though white satin doublet and splendid plumes, through no fault of yours." " " " after looking in front and at the sides of 'Sdeath ! replied Coconnas, I re- the procession, bethought himself to look cognise you, very well, in spite of your pale behind, and saw the tall stature of looks. You were redder than that the Coconnas and his giant steed sharply last time we met." outlined against the sky, reddened by the " And I," said La Mole, " recognise last reflections of the setting sun. you, too, in spite of that yellow line Hereupon the gentleman in the white across your face ; you were paler than satin doublet left the road taken by the you are now when I made it." rest of the cavalcade, struck off down a Coconnas bit his lips, but determining small path and reached the gibbet by a apparently to maintain the conversation circuitous course. in ironical style, he continued Almost immediately, the lady whom " It is strange, Monsieur de La Mole, we have recognised for the Duchesse de is it not, especially for a Huguenot, to be Nevers, as we recognised the tall gentle- able to look at the Admiral suspended man with the black horse for Coconnas, from that iron hook, and yet that there approached Marguerite and said to her : should be found people who exaggerate " We were both mistaken, Marguerite, so much as to accuse us of having killed for the Piedmontese has stayed behind, them all, down to the little children at " and M. de La Mole has gone after him." the breast ! " " " Od's life ! something will happen Comte," said La Mole, bowing, I then," said Marguerite laughing. " Upon am no longer a Huguenot, I have the my word, I confess that I shall not be good fortune to be a Catholic." " " sorry to have to go back on his Bah I cried Coconnas, with a burst account." of laughter, " you have become converted, " Marguerite turned round just in time sir; that is very clever of you ! to see La Mole turn back along the path. " Monsieur," continued La Mole as It was now the turn of the two prin- seriously and politely as before, " I had cesses to desert the cavalcade : the oppor- vowed to abjure if I escaped being tunity for doing so was most favourable, massacred." as they were just winding round at a " Comte," replied the Piedmontese, "it place where the road was joined by a was a very prudent vow, and I congratu- path. This path, which was bordered by late you upon it ; have you made any " high hedges, was an ascending one, and other vows ? passed within thirty yards of the gibbet. " Yes, sir, I have made a second vow," Madame de Nevers whispered a word to replied La Mole, caressing the hilt of his her captain, Marguerite signed to Gil- sword with perfect calmness. " lonne, and all four turned up this path " What is it ? asked Coconnas. and concealed themselves behind the " To hang you up there, look you, on thicket nearest to the spot where the that small hook beneath Monsieur de scene of which they wished to be specta- Coligny, which seems to be waiting for tors would take place. Here, as we have you." " " " said, they were about thirty yards from What ! said Coconnas, all alive, as " where Coconnas was gesticulating in I am now ? ecstasy in front of the Admiral's dead " No, sir, after I have run my sword body. through your body." All dismounted, the Captain holding Coconnas grew purple and his eyes the bridles of the four horses. The thick darted flames. " turf afforded the three ladies a seat such " To that nail ? said he, in a bantering as princesses often demand in vain. tone. An open space allowed them not to "Yes," replied La Mole, "to that lose a single detail of the scene. nail . , ." ! " QUEEN MARGOT l»l ** " " You are not tall enough for that, my Let them alone ! said Henriette, little fellow ! " said Coconnas. who, having seen Coconnas at work, " Then I will mount upon your horse, hoped at the bottom of her heart that he " my big killer of men ! answered La would make as short work of La Mole " he Mole. Ah ! you fancy, my dear Mon- as had done of Mercandon's son and sieur Hannibal de Coconnas, that you nephews. " can assassinate people with impunity on Oh ! they really look splendid like the loyal and honourable pretext that you that," said Marguerite; "just look; you are a hundred to one. Not so ; there would say they were breathing fire." comes a day when man meets man, and In point of fact, the combat, begun that day, I believe, has arrived. I should with jeers of provocation, had become a much have liked to crack your ugly skull silent one the moment that the champions with a pistol-shot, but I should aim had crossed swords. Each man mis- badly, for my hand still trembles from trusted his strength, and each was the wounds you dealt me in such a das- obliged, after every quick movement, to tardly fashion." repress a shudder of pain aroused by his " " old My ugly skull ! roared Coconnas, wounds. La Mole, however, with leaping from his horse. " Down with eyes fixed and blazing, with lips parted you, Monsieur le Comte, and let us draw." and teeth clenched, was advancing with And he grasped his sword. firm, quick steps upon his opponent, who, " I believe your Huguenot said * ugly recognising in him a master in the use of skull,'" whispered the Duchessede Nevers weapons, gave way, step by step, but still " ? to Marguerite ; do you think him ugly gave way. The two combatants arrived ** " in this He is delightful ! said Marguerite, way at the edge of the ditch, on laughing, " and I am obliged to admit the other side of which were the spec- that M. de La Mole's anger makes him tators. There, just as though his retreat " unjust ; but, hush ! let us look ! had been purposely arranged so as to La Mole had, in point of fact, dis- bring him close to his lady, Coconnas mounted as rapidly as Coconnas had stopped, and La Mole, disengaging his done ; he had unfastened his cherry- weapon at somewhat too wide a distance, coloured cloak and laid it on the ground, deUvered a direct thrust with the rapidity and, drawing his sword, was standing on of lightning, and at the same moment guard. La Mole's white satin tunic was soaked " " with red stain, Oh ! dear ! he cried, as he extended a which continued to grow his arm. larger and larger. ! " Oh ! " growled Coconnas, as he " Courage " cried the Duchesse de stretched out his. Both of them, be it Nevers. " ! remembered, were wounded in the Ah ! poor La Mole " exclaimed shoulder, and any sudden movement Marguerite, with a cry of grief. caused them pain. La Mole heard this cry, threw at the A burst of ill-checked laughter came Queen one of those glances which pene- from the thicket. The Princesses had trate the heart more deeply than the not been able entirely to restrain them- point of the sword, and lunged to his full selves on seeing the two champions extent. rubbing their shoulder-blades with pained This time both women uttered a simul- grimaces. This laughter reached the taneous cry. The bleeding point of La ears of the two gentlemen, who were Mole's rapier had appeared at Cocon- ignorant that there were any witnesses nas's back. of the scene, and who, on turning round, Neither of them, however, had fallen ; recognised their ladies. both remained on their feet, looking ar La Mole resumed his guard, firm as an one another open-mouthed, each feeling automaton, and Coconnas crossed the that the slightest movement on his part other's sword with a most emphatically would make him lose his balance. At pronounced 'Sdeath last the Piedmontese, more dangerously " than his opponent, and feeling Why ! but they are going at it in good wounded earnest, and there will be murder done that his strength was escaping with his fall unless we put a stop to it ; we have had blood, let himself upon La Mole, with while enough of joking. Ho ! there, gentle- clasping him one arm, with men ! " cried Marguerite. the other he tried to draw his dagger. : : ; 92 QUEEN MARGOT La Mole, on his side, summoned all his Thou white hawthorn, in mantle green, Shading this bank with leafy saeen, strength, raised his hand, and brought The wild vine clothes thee to thy roots hilt of his sword full in the down the With tender, twining, trailing shoots. face of Coconnas, who fell, stunned by his the blow ; in falling, however, he dragged The nightingale that woos mate, his opponent down with him, and both of Making his orisons so late, To ease with song his love-sick breast, them rolled into the ditch. Yearly beneath thy boughs doth rest. Marguerite and the Duchesse de Nevers, seeing that even in their dying Live on, live on, thou beauteous tree, kill Live to all eternity state they were still endeavouring to on ; stormy blast, blow, each other, rushed towards them, aided Nor nor woodman's Nor time's rude hand, e'er lay thee low. by the Captain of the Guard. But before they had reached them, their hands " Halloa, there ! " repeated the Captain, relaxed their grasp, their eyes closed, and "why don't you come when you're called ! each of the combatants, letting fall his Don't you see that these gentlemen need " weapon, stiffened in a supreme convul- help ? sion. A large pool of blood surrounded The man in the cart, whose forbidding each. exterior and coarse face formed a strange " " ! cried contrast with the sweet, idyllic song just Oh ! brave, brave La Mole Marguerite, incapable of restraining her quoted, stopped his horse at this, got " cart, stooping over admiration any longer. Ah ! forgive down from the and me, I beg your pardon a thousand times the two bodies " for having suspected you." And her eyes Those are fine wounds," said he, " filled with tears. but I have made some better ones." " " ? " asked Mar- " ! ! Who are you, then Alas ! alas valorous Hannibal murmured the Duchess. ..." Tell me, guerite, feeling involuntarily a certain Madame, did you ever see two more terror which she had not the strength to intrepid lions ? " And she burst into sobs. overcome. " 1 " Madame," replied the man, bowing Zounds ! shrewd strokes these " said " the Captain, trying to stanch the blood, to the ground, I am Master Caboche, " executioner to the Provost of Paris, and which flowed in torrents. Ho 1 there, you who are coming yonder, be quick, be I have come to hang on this gibbet some " companions for the Admiral yonder." quick ! " As he spoke, a man, seated in the fore- Well ! I am the Queen of Navarre part of a kind of tumbril painted red, throw your corpses down there, spread appeared through the evening mist, the saddle-cloths of our horses in the chanting this old ballad, which the bottom of your cart, and drive these two miraculous occurrence at the Cemetery gentlemen gently back to the Louvre, of the Innocents had doubtless recalled to while we go on in front." his memory Bel aubespin fleurissant, Verdissant, Le long de ce beau rivage, Tu es v^tu, jusqu'au has, CHAPTER XVn Des long bras D'une lambrusche sauvage. A RIVAL TO MASTER AMBROISE PAR]6 Le chantre rossignolet, THE tumbril in which Coconnas and Nouvelet, La Mole had been placed, now Courtisant sa bien-aim^-e, turned back again on the road to Paris, Pour scs amours alUger, Vient loger following in the darkness the group of Tous les ans sous ta ramie. courtiers which led the way. On reach- ing the Louvre, the driver was given a Or, vis, gentil aubespin, lavish reward. The two wounded men Vis sans fm ; were carried to the quarters of th« Due Vis, sans que jamais tonnerre, d'Alen9on, and a messenger despatched Ou la cognte, ou les vents, for Master Ambroise Par^. Neither of Ou le temps Te puissent ruer par terre. the two wounded men had recovered QUEEN MARGOT 93 consciousness by the time the doctor however, was prolonged to an inordinate arrived. length. After seeing La Mole laid, like liaiullcd himself, upon a bed, and his wounds La Mole was the least badly ; the sword had penetrated beneath the riji^ht dressed, like his own, by the surgeon, he arm-pit, but had not struck any vital saw La Mole sit up in bed, though he his lunp^ was himself was still confined to it by weak- organ ; as for Coconnas, pierced, and the breath issuing from the ness, pain, and fever ; soon he saw him wound made the flame of a candle get down from the bed, then walk, by the flicker. Ambroise Pare would not help of the surgeon's arm, and, finally, by answer for his recovery. his own unaided strength. Madame de Nevers was in despair; it Coconnas, still delirious, watched all was she who, confident in the courage, these different stages of his companion's skill, and strength of the Fiedmontese, convalescence with a glance sometimes had prevented Marguerite from stopping stolid, sometimes furious, but always the combat. She would have liked to threatening. have had Coconnas carried to the Hotel The excited mind of the Fiedmontese de Guise, so that she might renew the was thus haunted by an alarming com- care with which she had tended him on bination of fancy and reality. He had the first occasion, but her husband might thought La Mole dead, nay, twice dead, arrive from Rome at any moment, and and yet he recognised La Mole's ghost resent the presence of a stranger in his lying in a bed like his own ; next, as we establishment. have said, he saw this ghost get up, then In order to conceal the cause which walk, and, more alarming still, walk had led to their being wounded. Mar- towards his own bed. This ghost, from guerite had caused the two young men to which Coconnas would fain have fled, be carried to her brother's apartments, were it to hell itself, came straight saying that they had fallen from their towards him, and stopped at his pillow, horses during the expedition to Mont- erect, and gazing at him ; there was even faucon ; but the truth had leaked out, the on the ghost's features an expression of Captain, who had witnessed the combat, tenderness and compassion, which having described it with admiration, and Coconnas mistook for one of infernal it was soon known at the Court that two mockery. new duellists had just sprung into fame. Thereupon was kindled in his mind, Attended by the same surgeon, the two more diseased, perhaps, than his body, a wounded men went through the different blind desire for vengeance. Coconnas phases of convalescence corresponding was filled with but one idea—namely, to more or less with the severity of their procure a weapon of some description, injuries. La Mole, who was the less and with this weapon to strike this body seriously wounded of the two, was the —or ghost—of La Mole which tortured first to recover consciousness. As for him so cruelly. His clothes had been at Coconnas, a violent fever had super- first laid on a chair, but were afterwards vened, and his return to consciousness removed, being quite soiled with blood, was marked by all the symptoms of the but on the same chair they had left his most violent delirium. dagger, which nobody had any idea that he Although confined in the same room as would before very long want to make use Coconnas, La Mole, on regaining con- of. Coconnas saw the dagger ; during sciousness, had not noticed his com- three successive nights, taking advantage panion, or, at any rate, had given no of La Mole's being asleep, he tried to sign of having seen him. Coconnas, on reach it with his hand ; three times did the other hand, on first opening his eyes, his strength fail him, and he fainted. At fastened them on La Mole with an ex- last, on the fourth night, he reached the pression which proved that the blood weapon, grasped it with the end of his which the Fiedmontese had lost had in fingers, and, with a groan wrung from no degree diminished the passion of his him by pain, hid it beneath his pillow. Lery temperament. On the next day he saw something un- Coconnas fancied that he w^as dream- precedented hitherto ; the ghost of La ing, and that in his dream he encountered Mole —which appeared to gather fresh the enemy, whom on two occasions he strength every day, while he himself, per- believed that he had killed ; this dream, petually haunted by this dreadful vision " 94 OUEEN MARGOT exhausted his own strength in the ever- we are. I told those ladies, but thoy lasting endeavour to unravel this mystery w'ouldn't listen to me. If my orders had —the ghost of La Mole, growing more been followed instead of those of that ass and more active, took two or three Ambroise Pare, you would long ago have thoughtful turns round the room ; then been in a condition either to go on adven- presently, after arranging its cloak, tures together, or to have had another girding on its sword, and placing on its fight W'ith each other if you wanted to do head a w^de-brimmed felt hat, opened the so. However, we shall see. Is your " door and went out. friend conscious ? Coconnas breathed more freely ; he " Not completely." believed himself rid of his phantom. For " Put out your tongue, my gentleman." two or three hours his blood flowed more Coconnas put out his tongue at La calmly through his veins and at a lower Mole with such a fearful grimace that temperature than it had yet done since the doctor shook his head a second time. " " " the moment of the duel ; if La Mole had Ah ! he murmured, spasmodic but kept away for a whole day, Coconnas contraction of the muscles ; there is no would have become conscious ; an ab- time to lose. I will send you this evening sence of a w^eek might, perhaps, have a draught ready prepared, which you must cured him ; but, unfortunately, La Mole make him take three times, at intervals returned after two hours. of an hour ; once at midnight, and again His return was a veritable dagger- at two and three o'clock." thrust to the Piedmontese, and although " Very well." " La ]\Iole did not come in unaccompanied, " But who will give him this draught ? Coconnas did not bestow so much as a « I will." " glance on his companion. " You yourself ? And yet the man who accompanied "Yes." " La Mole was well worth looking at. " You promise ? He was a man of about forty, short, " On the word of a gentleman." thick-set, and powerful, with black hair " And supposing some doctor should that came down to his eyebrows, and a wish to take away a small portion in dark beard which, contrary to the fashion order to analyse it and see of what in- of the day, covered the whole of the gredients it is composed ..." " lower part of his face ; the new comer, I will pour out every drop of it." " however, appeared to pay but little regard *' Also on the word of a gentleman ? to fashion. He wore a kind of leather " I swear it." tunic stained with brown spots, red hose " By w^hom shall I send you the and belt, great leather ankle boots, a cap draught ? of the same colour as his hose, while his " By anyone you choose." " waist [was encircled by a broad girdle But my messenger . . " " from which hung a knife hidden in its " Well ? " sheath. " How will he reach you ? This strange character, whose presence " I have thought of that. He will say in the Louvre seemed to be an anomaly, that he comes from M. Rene the per- threw his brown cloak on a chair and fumer." walked abruptly up to the bed of Co- *' The Florentine who lives on the Pont " connas, whose eyes, as though by some Saint-Michel ? " curious fascination, remained fixed on Exactly : he has the entree to the La Mole, who stood at some distance. Louvre both by day and night." The new comer looked at the patient and The man smiled. then shook his head. "That is certainly the least the Queen- " You have waited a very long time, my Mother owes him. Very well, the gentleman," said he. messenger shall come from Master RtuiS " I was not able to go out sooner," said the perfumer : there is no harm in my La Mole. taking his name for once ; he has exercised " Egod ! then you should have sent for my trade often enough, without having a «ie." licence for it." " ** By what messenger, I should like to " I can rely upon you, then ? said La " Know ? M(;lc. " " Ah I true 1 I was forgetting where You can." " : QUEEN MARGOT 95 " As regards payinont ..." lips; an unquenchable thirst consumed ; the little lamp burned " Oh! 1 will settle that with the gentle- hisburnin;'^^ ihroat man himself when he gets about again." as usual, its faint light making a thousand "And make your mind easy, I believe phantoms dance before Coconnas's un- he will be in a condition to reward you certain glance. handsomely." Hereupon he saw, to his consternation, after taking " I believe so, too. But," he added, La Mole get oil his bed and, with a peculiar smile, " as it is not the a turn or two round the room —as the custom for people who do business with hawk which fascinates a bird—approach me to be grateful, it will not surprise me him with outstretched fist. Coconnas his dagger, if, once upon his legs again, he should reached his hand towards forget, or rather not care to remember grasped it by the handle, and prepared to me. plunge it into his enemy. La Mole came " " in nearer nearer. Ha ! ha! said La Mole, smiling and " muttered feebly his turn ; in that case I shall be there Coconnas " to refresh his memory." Ah ! it is you, still you ! Come on. ' ! shake your Well, be it so I In two hours you Ah you threaten me, you shall have the draught." fist, you smile ! Come on ! Ah ! you " Au revoir." still approach stealthily, step by step; " " What did you say ? come on, so that I may kill you." ** Au revoir." And uniting the action with the threat, The man smiled. Coconnas did in fact, just as La Mole " It is my custom always to say adieu,*' was stooping over him, draw the dagger he replied. " Adieu, then, Monsieur de from beneath his sheets, but the effort the draught in made by the Piedmontese to raise it La Mole ; you shall have two hours. You understand, it must be exhausted his strength ; the arm extended taken at midnight ... in three doses . . . towards La Mole dropped half-way, the one every hour." dagger fell from, his flaccid hand, and he With these words he went out, leaving fell back in a dying state upon the pillow. La Mole alone with Coconnas. " Come, come," murmured La Mole, Coconnas had heard the whole con- raising him gently and putting a cup to versation without in the least understand- his Hps, " drink this, my poor fellow, you ing its meaning : nothing but an empty are burning." jingle of words had reached his ear. Of It was this cup which Coconnas had the whole conversation he had grasped mistaken for the threatening fist created but one word—midnight. by the fancy of his disordered brain. . He continued, therefore, gazing eagerly At the contact, however, with the vel- at La Mole, who remained in the room vety potion which moistened his lips and walking to and fro buried in thought. cooled his breast, Coconnas recovered The unknown doctor kept his promise, his reason, or rather his instinct ; he felt and at the appointed hour sent the a sense of comfort stealing over him such draught, which La Mole placed on a as he had never experienced before ; he small chafing-dish. Having taken this threw a look of intelligence at La Mole, precaution, he lay down to rest. who was holding him in his arms and This action on La Mole's part smiling at him, and from his eye, but gave a little rest to Coconnas, who tried lately contracted with gloomy rage, a in his turn to close his eyes, but his small tear trickled down his hot cheek. " " feverish drowsiness was merely a con- Sdeath ! murmured Coconnas, sink- tinuation of his waking delirium. The ing back upon the pillow, " if 1 get over same phantom which pursued him by this. Monsieur de La Mole, you shall be day haunted him by night ; through his my friend." dry eyelids he continued to see La Mole " And you will get over it, my com- " ever menacing him : then a voice repeated rade," said La Mole, if you will drink in his ear: "Midnight! midnight! mid- two more cups like that which I have night ! just given you, and dream no more bad He was suddenly aroused by the sound dreams." of the clock striking twelve. Coconnas An hour later, La Mole, self-appointed opened his feverish eyes ; the hot breath as sick-nurse, and punctually obeying the from his chest was devouring his parched orders of the unknov/n doctor, got up a : 96 QUEEN MARGOT second time, poured a second portion of the King of Navarre, the other the sister- the liquor into a cup, and brought it to in-law of the Due de Guise—show to the Coconnas. But this time the Piedmontese, eyes of all so public a mark of interest in instead of awaiting him dagger in hand, two simple gentlemen ? No : that clearly welcomed him with open arms and was the answer which La Mole and swallowed the beverage with delight, Coconnas must give to such a question. after which, for the first time, he enjoyed None the less was their absence, which a peaceful sleep. might possibly be due to total forgetful- The third cup produced a no less won- ness, a cause of grief. derful effect. The patient began to It is true that the Captain, who had breathe regularly, though somewhat assisted at the combat, had come from rapidly. His rigid limbs relaxed, a gentle time to time, and, as though on his own moisture spread over the surface of his initiative, to inquire how the two wounded parched skin, and when Master Ambroise men were going on. It is true that Pare visited the invalid next morning, he Gillonne, on her own account, had done smiled with satisfaction and said : the same ; but La Mole had not ventured " I will now answer for the safety of to speak of Marguerite to the one, nor M. de Coconnas, and it will be one of the had Coconnas ventured to speak of best cases I have cured." Madame de Nevers to the other. The result of this scene—half tragic, half comic—which was not, however, without a certain affecting romance, regard being had to the ferocious dispo- sition of Coconnas, was that the friend- ship between these two, begun at the inn CHAPTER XVIII of the Belle-Etoile and violently inter- rupted by the events of the night of St. RESURRECTION Bartholomew, was resumed henceforth with fresh vigour, and soon surpassed FOR some time each of the two that of Orestes and Pylades by a matter young men kept his secret locked of five sword thrusts and one pistol within his breast. At last, becoming one shot distributed between their two day unusually confidential, the thought bodies. with which each was wholly taken up Be it as it may, their wounds, old as burst the barrier of their lips, and they well as new, severe as well as trifling, cemented their friendship by that last were now at last in a fair way of becom- proof, without which there is no true ing healed. La Mole, faithful to his friendship, that is to say, by an entire mission as nurse, refused to leave Co- exchange of confidence. connas's room until he was completely Both were distractedly in love, one cured. He lifted him in bed so long as with a Princess, the other with a Queen. weakness confined him to it, helped him There was something appalling to the to walk as soon as he was capable of two poor lovers in the almost impassable that exertion, in short, paid him all that distance which separated them from the attention ro which his gentle and loving objects of their desire. Yet hope is a nature prompted him, and which, backed sentiment so deeply rooted in the human up by the vigorous constitution of the breast, that, spite of the folly of their Piedmontese, brought about a recovery hope, they yet hoped. more rapid than could reasonably have Both of them, besides, as they grew been looked for. stronger, began to pay great attention to The two young men were tortured, their personal appearance. Every man however, by one and the same thought — even the most indilTerent to physical each, during his delirious fever, imagined advantages — in certain circumstances, he had seen the lady who filled his whole holds silent conversations with his heart approach him ; but it was quite mirror and exchanges glances of intelli- certain that, since the time that each had gence with it, after which he almost become conscious, iieitiier Marguerite nor always goes off well satisfied with his Madame de Nevers had entered the room. interview. Well, our two young friends Besides, the reason of this was obvious : were not of thoiu; wiiose mirrors were could these women —the one the wife of likely to give thcni unpleasant news. QUEEN MARGOT 97 La I\Tolo, pnle nnd elegant, possessed the convalescence spent in Rcclusion, the beauty of distinction ; Coconnas, strap- day so eagerly expected arrived. ping and vigorous, with high colour, We have said seclusion, and it is the possessed the beauty of strength. Nay, right word to use, for, on several occa- more, in the case of Coconnas, his ilhiess sions, in their impatience, tliey had had improved him. He had grown wanted to anticipate this day ; but a thinner and more pale ; and lastly, the sentry, stationed at their door, had barred celebrated gash which had caused him so their passage every time, and they were much annoyance by the resemblance of told that they must not go out without an its prismatic hues to a rainbow, had dis- exeat from Master Ambroise Pare. appeared, in all probability heralding, Well, one day, the skilful surgeon, like the post-diluvian phemonenon, a long having recognised that his two patients succession of clear days and calm were, if not completely cured, at least on nights. the way to complete recovery, had The two wounded men, moreover, con- granted this exeat, and at about two in tinued to be surrounded by the most the afternoon on one of those lovely delicate attentions ; on the day when autumn days which Paris occasionally each of them had been able to get up, he affords to her astonished inhabitants, who had found a dressing-gown on the chair have • already resigned themselves to nearest to his bed, and on the day on making preparation for the winter, the which he was able to dress, a complete two friends issued arm in arm from the costume. Further, in the pocket of each Louvre. doublet was a well filled purse, which La Mole, who had been delighted at each of them kept, of course, only to finding on a chair the famous cherry- restore it at the proper time and place to coloured cloak which he had folded up the unknown protector who watched over so carefully before the fight, had con- him. stituted himself guide to Coconnas, who This unknown patron could not be allowed himself to be led along without the Prince with whom the two young making any resistance and even without men were lodged, since not only had this reflecting. He knew that his friend was Prince not once come up to see them, but taking him to the unknown doctor whose had not even made inquiries as to their potion, though unpatented, had cured progress. him in a single night, when all the drugs A vague hope whispered to the heart given by Master Ambroise Pare were of each that this unknown protector was slowly killing him. He had divided into the woman whom he loved. two portions the money in his purse^ that Accordingly the two invalids awaited is to say, two hundred rose nobles, and with unexampled impatience the moment with one hundred he intended to reward when they should be able to go out. La the anonymous yEsculapius to whom he Mole, who was stronger, and further on owed his recovery. Coconnas, while not the way to recovery, might have done so fearmg death, was none the less pleased long ago, but a sort of tacit convention to be alive ; accordingly, as we see, he bound him to the fortunes of his friend. was preparing to make a handsome re- It had been agreed that they should compense to the man who had saved his devote the occasion of their first going life. out to the paying of three visits. La Mole took the Rue de I'Astruce, The first, to the unknown doctor the Rue Saint-Honore, the Rue des Prou- whose velvety potion had wrought such velles, snd soon found himself in the a remarkable improvement in the in- Place des Halles. Near the ancient flamed chest of Coconnas. fountain, and at the spot designated at The second, to the inn of the defunct the present day by the name of the Master La Huri^re, where each had left Carreau des Halles, rose an octagonal his horse and valise. stone building surmounted by a large The third, to Rene, the Florentine, wooden lantern covered by a pointed who, uniting the business of sorcerer roof, on the top of which was a creaking with that of perfumer, not only sold vane. This wooden lantern had eight poisons and cosmetics, but also composed openings, crossed, as the field of a coat- philtres, and delivered oracles. of-arms is crossed by the heraldic device At last, after two months of termed a fesse, by a kind of wooden : 98 QUEEN MARGOT wheel, divided in the middle so as to "The man who saved your life, my admit within the hollows cut for that dear friend," said La Mole, " the man purpose, the head and hands of the con- who brought to the Louvre that refresh- demned criminal or criminals who were ing draught which did you so much good." " " " exposed to view at one or more of these Oh ! said Coconnas, in that case, eight apertures. This strange erection, my friend ..." which bore no resemblance to any of the And he extended his hand to him surrounding buildings, was called the But the man, instead of responding to Pillory. this advance by putting out his own A house, shapeless, hunch-backed, hand, drew himself up. tumble-down, lame, and one-eyed, its " Sir," said he to Coconnas, " thank low-browed roof speckled with moss like you for the honour you wish to confer the skin of a leper, had grown like some upon me, but if you knew who I am, you sort of ugly toadstool at the foot of this would probably refrain." " tower-like erection. It was the house of " Upon my word," said Coconnas, I the public executioner. declare that, were you the Devil, I should A man was, on the present occasion, consider myself under an obligation to exposed to view, and was putting out his you, for but for you I should be dead at tongue at the passers-by ; he was one of this moment." the thieves who had operated at the " I am not the Devil exactly," answered gibbet of Montfaucon, and had had the the man with the red cap, " but many ill luck to be caught in the act of exer- people would often rather see the Devil cising his trade. than see me." " Coconnas thought that it was this " Who are you, then ? asked Coconnas. curious sight which his friend had brought " Sir," replied the man, " I am Master him to see, and he mingled with the crowd Caboche, executioner to the Provost of of gazers, who responded to the exposed Paris." " ** with- man's grimaces by shouts and hooting. Ah ! . . . said Coconnas, Coconnas was naturally cruel, and this drawing his hand. Caboche. spectacle amused him greatly ; only he "There, you see!" said Master " would have preferred that, instead of No ! I will touch your hand, DevA shouts and hoots, stones should have been take me if I don't. Hold it out ..." " thrown at this criminal, who was so in- " Really ? solent as to put out his tongue at noble " Wide open." " " lords did the honour to visit him. There ! who him " " . Accordingly, when the moving lantern Wider still . . . that's right ! . . turned on its base to delight another side And Coconnas drew from his pocket the of the square with a sight of the culprit, handful of gold prepared for his anony- and the crowd followed the movement of mous doctor, and placed it in the the lantern, Coconnas wanted to follow executioner's hand. the crowd, but La Mole stopped him and " I should have preferred your hand said sotto voce without anything in it," said Caboche, " " This isn't what we have come here shaking his head, for I have no lack of the for." gold ; but of hands to touch mine, on " " Why have we come then ? asked contrary, I stand much in need. Never gentleman." Coconnas. mind ! God bless you, my " You shall see," answered La Mole. " So then, my friend," said Coconnas, So speaking, he led Coconnas straight looking with curiosity at the executioner, " to the little window of the house which it is you who administer torture, who rested against the tower. A man was break on the wheel, wlio quarter bodies I leaning with his elbow on the window-sill. and cut off heads, and break bones. Ah i "Ah! gentlemen, it is you!" said he, I am very pleased to make your ac- raising his red cap and baring his head quaintance." " with its dark thick hair descending to his " Sir," said Master Caboche, I do not eyebrows, "you are welcome." do everything myself ; for, just as you " what " Who is this fellow ? asked Coconnas, gentlemen have your lackeys to do trying to recall the past, for he fancied you are unwilling to do, so I have my he had seen this head at some moment of assistants to do the rough work and des- his delirium. patch the rascals, Only, when 1 happen to : — QUEEN MARGOT 99 have to deal with pjentlemen like you and blood streaming from his nose and your companion, for example — then it is mouth. Supposing him to be a friend, quite another matter, and 1 do myself an he is a friend whom we possess in the honour in carrying out personally all the next world." details of the execution from first to last, Chatting thus, the two young men from preliminary question todccapitation." entered the Rue de I'Arbre-Sec and made Coconnas felt an involuntary shudder their way towards the sign of the Belle pass through his veins, as though the Etoile, which still creaked in the same brutal screw were crushing his legs and place, offering to the traveller its gas- the steel edge grazing his neck ; La tronomic hearth and appetising legend. Mole, without examining the cause, Coconnas and La Mole expected to experienced a similar sensation. find the house in gloom, the widow in Coconnas, however, mastered this mourning, and the scullions with crape emotion, of which he felt ashamed, and round their arms ; but, to their great wishing to take leave of Caboche with a astonishment, the household was in full final jest swing. Madame La Huriere quite " " he, " Well, master ! said I have resplendent, and the drawers bhther than your word that when my turn comes to ever. " mount the gallows of Enguerrand de Why ! the faithless creature must " Marigny or the scaffold of M. de have married again ! said La Mole. Nemours, nobody but yourself shall Then, addressing this new Artemis : touch me." " Madame," said he, " we are two gen- '• I give you my promise." tlemen who were acquainted with poor " This time," said Coconnas, " here is M. La Huriere. We left two horses and my hand in token that I accept your two valises here, which we have come to promise." claim." And he extended to the executioner " Gentlemen," answered the landlady, his hand, which the latter timidly touched, after a vain attempt to recall them to her though it was evident that he had a great mind, " as I have not the honour of desire to grasp it heartily. knowing you I will call my husband, if At the mere contact, Coconnas turned you please, . . , Gregoire, call your slightly pale, but the same smile re- master here." mained on his lips ; while La Mole, who Grdgoire passed from the outer was ill at ease, seeing the crowd turning kitchen, which was, so to speak, the along with the lantern and approaching general pandemonium, into the inner them, pulled him by the cloak. room, which was the laboratory in which Coconnas, who, at bottom, was as were composed the dishes which La anxious as La Mole to end this scene, Huriere, during his life-time, deemed into which, through the natural bent of worthy of being prepared by his own his disposition, he had plunged further skilled hand. than he cared about, nodded his head and " Deuce take it," muttered Coconnas, moved away. " but it makes me sorry to see this house " " My word ! said La Mole, when he so gay when it should be sad. Poor La " and his companion had reached the Croix Huriere ! du Trahoir, " agree with me that you " He tried to kill me," said La Mole, breathe more freely here than in the " but I forgive him with all my heart." " Place des Halles ? La Mole had hardly uttered these " I admit it," said Coconnas, '' but all words, when a man appeared holding in the same I am very glad to have made his hand a saucepan in which he was the acquaintance of Master Caboche ; it cooking some onions, which he stirred is as well to have friends everywhere." with a wooden spoon. " Even at the sign of the Belle-Etoile^'' La Mole and Coconnas uttered a cry said La Mole, laughing. of surprise. " Oh 1 as for poor La Huri^re," said At this cry the man raised his head, Coconnas, " he's dead and no mistake. I and with a similar cry of surprise let fall saw the flash of the arquebus, I heard his saucepan, retaining nothing in his the bullet resound as though it had hand but his wooden spoon. struck the great bell of Notre- Dame, and " Jn nomine Patris," said the man, I left him lying in the gutter with the waving his spoon as though it had been a I : lOO QUEEN MARGOT " holy water sprinkler, "et Filiif et " What then ? ." " Spiritiis Sancti . . I thought ... I was wrong, I see " " ." Master La Huri^re ! cried the it now. . . " young men. " What did you think, come ? " Alessieurs de Coconnas and de La " I thought I might be your heir." " " " Mole ! said La Huri^re. Oh ! indeed ! said the two young ** " You are not dead, then ? said men. Coconnas. " I am none the less delighted that " • " Why, you are both still alive ? you are alive, gentlemen." asked the host. " So that you have sold our horses, I " " I saw you fall, all the same," said suppose ? said Coconnas. ' Coconnas. " I heard the sound of the Alas ! yes." '* " bullet smashing something about you— And our valises ? continued La Mole. " " don't know what. I left you lying in the Oh ! the valises ! no . . . cried La " gutter with the blood flowing from your Huriere ; merely their contents." nose, mouth, and even from your eyes." " I say. La Mole," replied Coconnas, " All as true as gospel. Monsieur de " here is an impudent rascal. Shall we " Coconnas. But the noise that you heard rip him up ? was the bullet striking my helmet, against This threat appeared to produce a which it was flattened, fortunately ; but great effect on La Huriere, who ventured the blow was none the less severe, as a to say proof of which," added La Huri^re, " But, gentlemen, the matter can be lifting his cap, and showing a head as arranged, it seems to me." " " bald as a knee, " you see I haven't a hair Listen," said La Mole ; it is I who left." have the chief ground of complaint The two young men burst out laughing against you." at the sight of his grotesque face. " Certainly, Monsieur le Comte, for I " " Ah ! you are laughing ! said La remember that in a moment of folly I Huriere, somewhat reassured; "then you had the audacity to threaten you." " haven't come with hostile intentions ? " Yes, with a bullet that passed two " And you. Master La Huriere, are you inches above my head." " " cured of your warlike propensities ? « You think so ? " " Yes, my word, yes, gentlemen ; and I am sure of it." ." now . . "If you are sure of it, Monsieur de La ." " Well ? now . . Mole," said La Huriere, picking up his " Now I have taken a vow to see no saucepan with an air of innocence, " I other fire than that of my kitchen." am too much your servant to contradict " Bravo," said Coconnas, " a very you." prudent resolve. Now "—added the " Well," said La Mole, " for my own Piedmontese—" we left two horses in part, I make no claim against you." " " your stables and two valises in your What, sir ! " bedrooms." " Unless it be ... ! *' " Oh ! the devil " said the host, Yes, yes ..." said La Huriere. scratching his ear " Unless it be a dinner for myself and *' Well?" my friends whenever I find myself in " ** Two horses, you say ? your neighbourhood." " Yes, in the stable." " What 1 " cried La Huriere, with " " " And two valises ? delight ; I am at your orders, my *' Yes, in the bedroom." gentleman." " " " Look here, it's like this . . . you That is agreed upon, then ? " thought I was dead, didn't you ? " With all my heart. . . . And you, " Certainly." Monsieur de Coconnas," continued the " You admit that, as you made a mis- host, " do you subscribe to the bargain ?" " take, I, for my part, could make one also." Yes ; but, like my friend, I add a " In thinking us to be dead also ? you small condition. were quite at liberty to do so." "What is it?" " " Well ! you see that, inasmuch as you That you pay M. de La Mole the died intestate ..." continued La fifty crowns I owe him, and which I Huriere. entrusted to you." ; QUEEN MARGOT lOI '* " To me, sir ? when ? These five bridges were lined with " A quarter of an hour before you sold houses, as to this day is the case with the my horse and valise." Ponte-Vecchio, at Florence. La Hurifere gave a sign of intelligence. Of these five bridges, each of which " Ah 1 I understand," said he. has its own history, we are for the And stepping towards a cupboard, he moment specially concerned with the drew out, one by one, fifty crowns, which Pont Saint-Michel. he brought to La Mole. This bridge had been built of stone in " 1 Ji^ its Good, sir, good " said the gentle- 1373 ; spite of apparent solidity, a " man : serve us up an omelette. The flood had partly destroyed it on the 31st fifty crowns shall be for Gregoire." of January, 1408 ; in 141 6 it was re- " " " Oh ! cried La Iluricre, truly, my constructed of wood, but during the gentlemen, you have princely hearts, and night of the i6th of December, 1547, it you can rely on me in life and in death." was again carried away; in 1550, that is " In that case," said Coconnas, " bring to say, twenty-two years before the date us the omelette, and don't spare the lard at which we nave arrived, it was once and butter." more rebuilt of wood, and, although Then, turning to the clock : already much in need of repair, was con- *• Upon my word, La Mole, you are sidered to be fairly substantial. right. We have still three hours to wait Among the houses which lined the as well spend them here as elsewhere. bridge, opposite the little island where All the more, since, if I mistake not, we the Templars had been burned, and are here nearly half-way to the Pont where to-day stands the platform of the Saint-Michel." Pont-Neuf, you noticed a timber-built And the two young men went and took house over w^hich descended a broad roof, the same places at table, in the same like the lid of an immense eye. At the little lower room, which they had occu- single window in the first floor, above a pied on that celebrated evening of the window and a door on the ground floor, twenty-sixth of August, 1572, during which were closely shuttered and barred, which Coconnas had proposed to La shone a dull red light, which drew the Mole to play one another for the first eyes of passers-by to the low, broad front mistress they might obtain. of the house, which was painted blue, with Let us declare, for the credit of their rich gilt mouldings. A kind of frieze, morality, that it did not enter the head of separating the lower storey from the first either of them that evening to make a floor, represented a crowd of demons similar proposal to his companion. rivalling one another in the grotesqueness of their attitudes, and a broad band, painted blue, like the rest of the front, extended between the frieze and the first- floor window, with this inscription: "Rene, Florentine, Perfumer to Her Majesty CHAPTER XIX the Queen-Mother." The door of this shop, as we have said, MASTER RENE, PERFUMER TO THE QUEEN- was securely bolted, but it was protected MOTHER from nocturnal attacks, even better than by its bolts, by the reputation of its AT the period when this story takes tenant, a reputation so formidable that place, if you wanted to cross from those who came over the bridge almost one side of Paris to the other, there were always at this point crossed over to the but five bridges, some of stone, the rest houses on the other side, as though they of wood ; these five bridges were all feared lest the odour of the perfumes within the Cite proper, and were called might percolate to them through the wall. respectively the Pont des Meuniers, Pont- More than this, the neighbours to au-Change, Pont Notre-Dame, Petit- right and left, fearing doubtless to be Pont, and Pont Saint-Michel. compromised by his proximity, had both At all other places where it was neces- packed ofl" from their houses since Master sary to cross the river, there were ferry- Rene had come to settle on the bridge, boats established which formed a more or and the houses on each side of him had less efficient substitute for bridges. remained shut up and untenanted. In I03 QUEEN MARGOT spite, however, of the fact that they were stretches like a bridge across the room, empty and deserted, some belated passers- dividing it into two parts. At the end of by had seen rays of light shining through the first compartment is the door open- their closed shutters, and affirmed that ing upon the outer staircase. In the they had heard sounds resembUng groans, side of the second compartment is the which proved that these two houses were door from the secret staircase ; this door, frequented by beings of some kind or however, is invisible, being hidden by a other, though whether these beings be- carved cupboard, fastened to it by iron longed to this world or the other, was clamps, so that when the door opens, the moves with it. not known. cupboard , Catherine The result was that the tenants of the alone shares with Rene the secret of this houses on either side of the two deserted door, and goes up and comes down by ones occasionally asked themselves the it ; it is by putting her eye or her ear to question whether it would not be wise for this cupboard, in which holes have been them, to adopt the same course which contrived, that she sees and hears what their neighbours had taken. goes on in the room. It was doubtless to the terror which he There are also two other doors free had publicly inspired that Master Rene from any concealment in the sides of this owed the privilege of being the only second compartment. The one opens person allowed to burn lights after the into a little room lighted from the roof, permitted hour. Besides, neither patrol and its only furniture is a large stove, nor night-watch had ventured to interfere together with some retorts, alembics, and is with one who was doubly dear to Her crucibles ; this the alchemist's labora- Majesty in his capacity of fellow- tory. The other opens upon a little cell countryman and perfumer. more curious than the rest of the apart- As we assume that the reader, fortified ment, for it is not lighted at all, has by the philosophy of the eighteenth neither carpet nor furniture, but merely a century, no longer believes either in kind of stone altar. magic or magicians, we shall invite him Its floor is of flag-stones sloping from to enter with us this dwelling, which, at the centre to the edges, and round these that period of credulous superstition, edges at the bottom of the walls runs a diffused such profound terror in its little gutter communicating with a funnel, neighbourhood. through the mouth of which can be seen The shop on the ground floor is silent flowing the dark water of the Seine. and deserted after eight in the evening, From nails fastened in the wall are hung at which hour it closes, not to open strangely-shaped instruments, all either sharp edge the again until some time next morning ; it pointed or with a — points is there that the daily sale of perfumes, as sharp as a needle, the edges as sharp ointments, cosmetics, and all articles re- as a razor ; some shine like mirrors, the tailed by a first-class chemist, is conducted. others, on the contrary, are of a dull grey Two apprentices assist in this retail or a dark blue colour. black hens tied business ; they do not sleep in the house, In a corner, two to- but in the Rue de la Calandre. In the gether by the feet are struggling : this is evening they leave just before closing the sanctuary of the augur. time; in the morning they walk up and Let us come back to the middle room, down until the shop is opened. the one with the two compartments. In this shop, which is fairly wide, and It is to this room that ordinary con- extends a good way back, are two doors, sultants are admitted; , it contains each opening upon a staircase. One of Egyptian ibises, mummies with gilded the staircases is at the side, and built fillets, a gaping crocodile, skulls with inside the wall itself; the other is an shaking teeth, musty folios gnawed by exterior staircase, visible from the quay, rats, affording to the eye of the visitor a called at the present day the Quai des miscellaneous medley producing various Augustins, and from the part of the bank emotions which deflect the thoughts from now called the Quai des Orfevres. their natural current. Beliind the curtain Both of these staircases lead to the are phials, strange looking boxes, jars of room on the first floor. sinister aspect; the whole illuminated by This room is of the same size as the two small silver lamps exactly alike, look- .hop below. A curtain, however. ing as though they had been stolen from ; QUEEN MARGOT 103 somealtarof Saiita-Maria-Novellaorfrom contents of the room one after another, and the Church of the Dei-Servi at Florence, finding himself, in the middle of his and which, burning with perfumed oil, inspection, at the door of the cell, he throw their yellow light from the dark wanted to open it. ceiling, from which each hangs by three " Excuse me, sir," said Rene in his black chains. grave voice, and laying his hand on that Rentf, alone and with arms crossed, of Coconnas, " the visitors who do me the IS striding up and down the second com- honour of coming here are only admitted partment of the middle room, shaking his to this part of the room." " head. After long and gloomy meditation Ah I no matter," replied Coconnas he stopped in front of an hour-glass. " and besides, I feel as if I want to sit " " " Ah ! said he, I forgot to turn it, down." and all the sand has probably run out And he sat down in a chair. long ago." A profound silence ensued ; Rene Then, looking at the moon, which was waited until one or other of them should struggling to emerge from behind a dark explain the object of their visit. The cloud which seemed to rest on the silence was only broken by the laboured summit of the steeple of Notre-Dame : breathing of Coconnas, who was not yet " Nine o'clock," said he. " If she quite convalescent. comes, she will come as usual in an hour *' Master Rene," said he at last, " you or an honr-and-a-half ; there will even are a clever man ; tell me therefore if I then be time for all." shall continue to feel the effects of my At this moment a noise was heard on wound, that is to say if I shall always the bridge. Rene applied his ear to the suffer from this shortness of breath which mouth of a long tube, the other end of prevents me from riding, fencing, and which projected into the street in the eating fried omelettes." shape of a snake's head. Rene put his ear to Coconnas's chest, " No," said he, " it is neither she nor and listened attentively to the play of they. Those are the steps of men ; they his lungs. " are stopping before my door ; they are No, Monsieur le Comte," said he, coming here." " you will get over it." " At the same moment three sharp " Really and truly ? knocks resounded. " I guarantee it." " Who is there ? " asked Master Rene. " You delight me." " Must we give our names ? " asked a Another silence followed. voice. " Don't you want to learn anything " " It is absolutely necessary," replied else. Monsieur le Comte ? ** " Rene. Yes," said Coconnas ; I want to " In that case, my name is Comte know if I am really in love." 'J^^d Hannibal de Coconnas," said the voice " You are," said Rene. " that had already spoken. " How do you know ? " And mine, the Comte Lerac de La *" The fact of your asking the question Mole," said another voice, making itself proves it." " heard for the first time. 'Sdeath ! I believe you are right. But " " Wait, wait, gentlemen, I am at your with whom ? service." " With the lady who now on all occa- And at the same time Rene drew back sions employs the oath you have just the bolts, raised the bars, and opened the uttered." door to the young men, contenting him- " Upon my word. Master Rene, you self with merely turning the key after are a clever fellow," said Coconnas, in " they had passed through ; then, conduct- astonishment. Now, La Mole, it is ing them by way of the outer staircase, your turn." he introduced them into the second com- La Mole blushed, and remained em- partment. barrassed. " La Mole, on entering it, crossed him- Eh 1 what the deuce ? . . . speak up," self beneath his cloak ; he was pale and said Coconnas. unable to control the shaking of his " Go on," said the Florentine. hands. " I don't wish to ask you if I am in Coconnas examined the different love, Monsieur Rene," stammered La " ; 194 OUEEN MARGOT Mole, whose voice was gradually gaining that Rene alone heard the sound, doubt- confidence, " for I know that I am, and less because he was expecting it. do not conceal it from myself ; but tell Without affecting to do so, and putting me if I shall be loved in return, for in in the meanwhile some trifling questions truth everything that at first gave me to La Mole, he put his ear to the tube ground for hope seems now to point in and heard the sound of some voices, the opposite direction." which appeared to determine him. " Perhaps you have not done all that " Sum up, then, your desire now," said you should do." he, *' and call the person whom you " What can I do, sir, but prove by my love." respect and devotion to the lady of my La Mole knelt as thouG:h he had been heart that she is truly and deeply speaking to a goddess, and Rene, passing beloved ? into the first compartment, slipped noise- " " You are aware," said Rene, that lessly down the outside staircase ; a these proofs are sometimes very insig- moment later light steps were heard on nificant." the floor of the shop. " " Must I despair, then ? La Mole, on rising, saw Master Rene "No, you must have recourse to in front of him ; the Florentine held in science. There are in human nature his hand a little figure of wax of rather antipathies that may be overcome, sym- slumsy workmanship ; it wore a crown pathies that may be forced. The iron is and a robe. not the magnet, but if you magnetise it, " Do you still desire to be loved by it in its turn attracts iron." your Royal mistress ? " asked the per- " No doubt, no doubt," murmured La fumer. Mole, " but I dislike all this dabbling in " Yes, if it costs me my life, if I lose magic." my soul," answered La Mole. " " Ah ! if you dislike it," said Rene, Very well," said the Florentine, " you ought not to have come." taking with the tips of his fingers some " Come, come," said Coconnas, " are drops of water from a ewer and shaking you going to play the child now ? Mon- them over the head of the figure, as he sieur Rene, can you conjure up the uttered some words in Latin. " devU ? La Mole shuddered ; he realised that •• No, Monsieur le Comte." some act of sacrilege was being per- " I am sorry for that ; I had a word or formed. " two to say to him, and that, perhaps, " What are you doing ? he asked. would have encouraged La Mole." " I am baptising this little figure by " Very well, be it so," said La Mole the name of Marguerite." " " let us tackle the question frankly. I " But with what object ? have heard of forms modelled in wax to " To establish sympathy." resemble the beloved object. Is that a La Mole was opening his lips to pre- " means ? vent him from proceeding further, but a " An infallible one." mocking glance from Coconnas checked " And there is nothing in this experi- his words. ment which can cause injury to the life Rene, who had seen the movement, or health of the person whom one loves?" waited. " Nothing." " You must surrender your will fully *' Let us try it, then." and entirely," said he. " Would you like me to begin ? " said " Go on," answered La Mole. Coconnas. Rene traced some cabalistic characters ** No," said La Mole, " and since I on a roll of red paper, placed them on a have embarked upon it, I will go steel needle, and with this needle pierced through with the matter to the end." the little statue to the heart. " Do you desire intensely and ardently At the mouth of the wound, strange to to know how to set about it. Monsieur say, a small drop of blood appeared ; he de La Mole ? " asked the Florentine. then set fire to the paper. " " ** Oh ; cried La Mole, I am dying to The heat of the needle melted the wax know, Master Rene." around it, and dried up the drop of blood. At that same moment there was a gentle " In the same way," said Rene, " by knocking at the street door, so gentle the force of sympathy, your love will ——: QUEEN MARGOT 105 jVierce and burn the heart of her whom he went straight to Marguerite, and put- you love." ting one knee to the ground, in the manner Coconnas, in his capacity as a free- in which Artaxerxes the Great used to be thinker, laughctl in his sleeve and jeered represented outside the shows at fairs, he cried, in tone to which the difficulty of under his breath ; but La Mole, who was a in love, and also superstitious, felt a cold breathing caused by his wound did not sweat form at the roots of his hair. fail to impart a certain appealing force " And now," said Rent^, •' place your '* Madame, at this very moment, at the lips on those of the statue, and say : request of my friend the Comte de La " ** Marguerite, I love you ; come ! Mole, Master Rene was calling up your La Mole obeyed. spirit ; well, to my great astonishment, At the same moment the door of the your spirit has appeared accompanied by second apartment opened and light steps a body which is very dear to me, and were heard approaching. Coconnas, who which I commend to my friend. Shade was inquisitive and incredulous, drew his of her Majesty the Queen of Navarre, dagger, and fearing that, if he lifted the will you be good enough to ask the body curtain, Rene would stop him as he had ot your companion to pass to the other " done when he tried to open the door of side of this curtain ? the cell, he cut a hole in the thick hang- Marguerite began to laugh, and motioned ings with his dagger, and applying his to Henriette, who passed to the other eye to the opening, uttered a cry of side. astonishment, which was responded to by " La Mole, my friend," said Coconnas, corresponding cries from two women's " be eloquent as Demosthenes, as Cicero, voices. and reflect that my life depends upon *• What is the matter ? " asked La your persuading the body of the Duchesse Mole, almost dropping the wax figure, de Nevers here that I am her most de- which Rene took out of his hands. voted, obedient, and loyal servant." "The matter is," replied Coconnas, " But—" stammered La Mole. " " that the Duchesse de Nevers and Do as I bid you ; and you, Master Madame Marguerite are there." Rene, see that nobody disturbs us." *' " Well ! unbelievers ! said Rene, with Rene undertook to do as Coconnas an austere smile, " do you still doubt the asked. " " force of sympathy ? By *r Lord 1 sir," said Marguerite, La Mole had remained petrified on " you are a man of sense. I am listening " seeing the Queen. Coconnas had felt to you ; what have you to say to me ? dazzled for the moment on recognising " This, Madame, that the spirit of my Madame de Nevers. The former imagined friend — for it is a spirit, and the proof is that the enchantments of Rene had con- that it does not utter the slightest word jured up Marguerite's phantom ; the the spirit of my friend implores me to latter, seeing the door still open by which make use of the faculty of speaking these charming phantoms had entered, inteUigibly possessed by bodies, in order would readily have assigned to the to say to you : Fair spirit, the gentleman ordinary and material world the explana- who has been rendered thus incorporeal tion of this prodigy. has lost his whole body and breath While La Mole crossed himself and through the severity of your eyes. Were sighed as if his heart would burst, you yourself in bodily shape, I would ask Coconnas—who had had the whole in- Master Rene to thrust me into some terval for asking himself philosophical sulphurous hole, rather than I would use questions, and for driving away the Evil such language to the daughter of King One by the aid of that holy-water Henri IL, the sister of King Charles IX. sprinkler called incredulity—Coconnas, I and the wife of the King of Navarre say, seeing through the hole in the cur- But spirits are free from all earthly pride tain the astonishment of Madame de and are not angry at being loved. Well, Nevers and the somewhat caustic smile Madame, ask your body to bestow a of Marguerite, judged that the moment little love on the soul of poor La Mole was critical. So realising that one can a soul in torment if ever there was one, a say on behalf of a friend what one would soul persecuted, in the first place, by not venture to say on one's own behalf, friendship, which, on three occasions, has instead of approaching Madame de Nevers, driven some inches of steel into his — : : —; io6 OUEEN MARGOT body ; a soul consumed by the flame of went and took the hand of the Duchesse your eyes, a thousand times more con- de Nevers, and, falling on one knee suming than the fires of hell. Have " Fairest and most adorable of women," some pity, then, on this poor soul; bestow said he,—" I speak of living women and " a little love on what was the handsome not of shades —and he looked with a La Mole, and if you cannot speak, give a smile at Marguerite— " permit a spirit sign, a smile. My friend's is a very disembodied from its envelope of clay to intelligent soul, and it will understand atone for the absence of a body quite everything. 'Sdeath, smile, I say ; or I absorbed by a material friendship. M. will run my sword through the body of de Coconnas, you see, is but a man, a Rene, because he—by virtue of the power brave and well-built man, a piece of flesh he possesses over spirits—is compelling pleasant to look at, perhaps, but perishable— yours, which he has already conjured up like all flesh Omnis caro fenuvi * all so seasonably, to act in a way that ill flesh is grass.' Although this gentleman befits an honest spirit such as you appear utters from morning to night the most to me to be." suppliant prayers touching yourself, At this peroration of Coconnas, who although you have seen him distributing had clapped himself down in front of the the hardest blows that were ever given in Queen like ^Eneas descending to the France, yet this champion, so bold in his infernal regions, Marguerite could not eloquence when addressing a shade, dare restrain a loud peal of laughter, and, still not speak to a woman. That is the preserving the silence befitting a Royal reason why he addressed himself to the shade on such an occasion, she extended shade of the Queen, charging me to speak her hand to Coconnas. to your beautiful body, to tell you that he The latter took it gingerly in his own, lays at your feet his heart and his soul calling out at the same time to La Mole. that he asks your divine eyes to look on " Shade of my friend," cried he, " come him with pity, your warm pink fingers to here this instant." call him by a sign, your melodious voice La Mole, astonished and trembling, to utter some of those words which one obeyed. never forgets ; should you refuse, he " That's right," said Coconnas, taking asks me one thing more, namely, in case him by the back of the head, " now put the he cannot melt you, for the second time shadow of your handsome brown face to to run my sword, which is a real blade this white and shadowy hand which you swords are not shadows, save in the sun- see here." light—to run my sword, I say, through And Coconnas, uniting the gesture to his body for the second time ; since he his words, joined this delicate hand to La cannot live unless you bid him live for Mole's lips, and held them thus together you alone." for a moment, without the hand trying to The animation and buffoonery which free itself from the gentle pressure. Coconnas had put into his discourse were Marguerite had not ceased to smile, but equalled by the tenderness, the impas- there was no smile on the lips of Madame sioned force, and the coaxing humility de Nevers, who Vv'as still trembling from just displayed in the petition of La Mole. the unexpected appearance of the two Henriette's eyes now turned from La gentlemen. Her uneasiness was increased Mole, to whom she had listened all the by a sensation of rising jealousy, for she time he had been speaking, and were thought that Coconnas should not have directed towards Coconnas, to see if the forgotten his own affairs for those of expression of his face was in harmony another. with the amorous oration of his friend. La Mole observed the contraction of She appeared to be satisfied with what her brow, and the menacing flash of her she saw, for she blushed, her bosom eyes, and, in spite of the intoxicating heaved, and, as though confessing herself emotion to which his rapture urged him vanquished, she said to Coconnas, with a to abandon himself, he realised the risk smile which disclosed a double row of his friend was running, and guessed in pearls encased in coral " what way he must endeavour to extricate " Is this true ? " " him from it. 'Sdeath o' my life ! cried Coconnas, Rising, therefore, and leaving Mar- fascinated by this look, and glowing with guerite's hand in that of Coconnas, he a responsive flame. " It is true! . . . : QUEEN MARGOT 107 " No one except your Majesty and Oh ! yes, Madame, it is true, true upon " myself." life, true death ! your upon my " " " " Have you done what I bade you ? Come, then ! said Henriette, giving " " him her hand, with a surrender betrayed About the black hens ? " by the languor of her eyes. Yes." " Coconnas threw his velvet cap into the They are ready, Madame." " " ! if air, and sprang to her side, while La Ah only you were a Jew ! mur- Mole, summoned by a gesture from Mar- mured Catherine. *' " guerite, performed an amorous " set to A Jew ; Madame ; why ? partners " with his friend. " Because then you would be able to At that moment Rene appeared at the read the precious treatises on sacrifices, door. written by the Hebrews. I have had one " " Silence I he cried, in a tone which of them translated, and I see that it was extinguished all this amorous flame . . . neither in the heart nor the liver that the "Silence!" Hebrews sought for omens, as the They heard the grating of a key in the Romans did, but rather in the arrange- lock, and the sound of a door turning on ment of the brain, and in the shapes of its hinges. the letters traced thereon by the all- " But," said Marguerite haughtily, " I powerful hand of destiny." imagine no one has the right to enter "Yes, Madame, I, have heard as " when we are here ! much from an old Rabbi, a friend of "Not even the Queen-Mother?" mine." whispered Rene. " There are marks thus delineated Marguerite disappeared instantly down which disclose a whole train of prophecy ; the outer staircase, dragging La Mole only, the Chaldean wise men recom- after her ; Henriette and Coconnas, half mend . . ." ? entwined in each other's arms, followed " Recommend . . . what " asked in their steps, all four of them flying off, Rene, seeing that the Queen hesitated to just as the graceful birds that you have go on. seen billing on a flowering branch flyaway " That the experiment should be con- at the first sound of alarm. ducted with human brains, as being more highly developed and more sympathetic to the will of him who consults them." "Alas! Madame," said Rene, "your Majesty is well aware that to do that would be impossible." " It would be difficult, at least," said CHAPTER XX Catherine; "had we known this on St. Bartholomew's Day . . . eh ! Rene, THE TWO BLACK HENS what a rich collection ! . . . The first condemned criminal ... I will remem- THE two couples had vanished just ber that. Meanwhile, we must confine in time. Catherine was putting ourselves within the limits of the possible. the key into the lock of the second door . . . Is the sacrificial chamber prepared?" at the moment when Coconnas and " Yes, Madame." Madame de Nevers made their way out " Let us go in." below, and, as she entered, she could hear Rene lighted a candle composed of the steps of the fugitives hurrying down strange substances, of which the odour, the stairway. She cast an inquiring now subtle and penetrating, now nauseous glance around, and presently, fixing her and smoky, revealed the presence of suspicious eyes on Rene, who stood bow- several diff"erent ingredients ; then, show- ing before her ing the light for Catherine, he preceded " " Who was there ? she asked. her into the cell. " Some lovers who were satisfied with Catherine herself selected from among my word when I assured them that they the various sacrificial instruments a knife were really in love." of bluish steel, while Rene went to fetch " No matter for that," said Catherine, one of the two fowls which were rolling " shrugging her shoulders ; is there any- their eyes uneasily in a corner. " " one here now ? " How shall we proceed ? — io8 OUEEN MARGOT " We will examine the liver of one and perish. All these victims, before yielding the brain of the other. If the two experi- up their lives, count up to the number ments yield the same results, we shall be three. Now let us look at the signs in forced to believe, especially if those the head." results coincide with those we have Catherine next held down the fowl's obtained previously." pale comb, opened the skull carefully, " " Which shall we begin with ? and separating the parts so as to leave "With theexperiment of the liver." the lobes of the brain exposed, tried to " Very well," said Rene, fastening the trace the shape of some letter of the fowl to the altar by means of two rings, alphabet in the bleeding curves marked placed at the two ends in such a manner by the division of the cerebral pulp. " ! that, when turned upon its back, it could Still, still " she cried, beating her only struggle without being able to move hands together, " and this time the prog- from the spot. nostication is clearer than ever. Come Catherine severed its breast with one and look." stroke of the knife. The fowl uttered Rene approached. three cries, and expired after struggHng " What letter is that ? " asked for a short while. Catherine, pointing to a mark. " *' Still the three cries," murmured An H," answered Rene. '* Catherine, ''three death-signals." Next " How many times repeated ? she proceeded to open the body. Rene counted. "And the liver hanging to the left " Four times," he said. " " side," she continued, still at the left, Is it so, indeed ? I see it ; it stands " denoting a triple death, followed by an for Henri IV. Oh ! she groaned as she " " escheat. Rene, it is terrible ! threw away the knife, I am accursed in " We must see, Madame, if the presages my posterity." of the second victim agree with those of It was a terrible sight to see the frantic the first." woman, pale as a corpse in the gloom of Rene untied the body of the fowl, the dark chamber, clenching and un- her fingers. and threw it into a corner ; then he went clenching bloody " to the other fowl, which, anticipating its "He will reign, he will reign ! said fate by that of its companion, endea- she, with a sigh of despair. " voured to avoid it by rushing round the He will reign," repeated Ren^, cell, and at last, finding itself penned in^ a plunged in deep meditation. corner, flew over Rene's head, and, in its The gloomy expression on Catherine's flight, extinguished the magic candle features, however, was presently lightened which Catherine was holding in her hand. by a brighter thought, to which her brain " You see, Rene," said the Queen. seemed to give birth. "Thus will our race be extinguished. " Rene," said she, extending her hand Death will blow upon it, and it will dis- towards the Florentine, but keeping her " appear from the face of the earth. Three head buried in her breast ; Rene, is " sons, however, three sons 1 . . . she there not a terrible story of a doctor of murmured, sorrowfully. Perugia who poisoned his daughter and " Rene took the candle from her, and his daughter's lover at one stroke ? " ?" went and lighted it in the other room. And that lover was . . . continued When he came back he saw the fowl, Catherine, in a pensive tone. which had buried its head in the funnel. " It was King Ladislas, Madame." " This time," said Catherine, " we will "Ah! yes,true," she murmured. "Have " have no cries, for I will cut off" its head at you any details of the story ? one stroke." " I have an old book which gives an Catherine was as good as her word, account of it," answered Rene. " let us go into the other and when the fowl had been fastened Well, room ; down, she severed its head at a blow. you shall lend it to me." The fowl, however, in its expiring con- They both left the cell, Ren6 closing vulsion, opened its beak three times, and the door behind him. then lay still. " Has your Majesty any orders to give " " " Look ! said Catherine, in alarm, me in regard to fresh sacrifices ? asked "instead of three cries, three sighs the Florentine. " three, ever three. All my three sons will No, Rene, no ; I am sufficiently : ; ; QUEEN MARGOT 109 " convinced for the moment : we will wait Confess that you have made some until we can procure the head of some philtre for her," she said. " condemned criminal, and on the day of " For whom ? asked Rene, with a execution you shall arrange matters with start. the executioner." *• For Madame de Sauve." " " I, " Ren6 bowed in token of assent, then, Madame," said Rend ; never ! " candle in hand, approached the shelves " Never ? on which his books were ran^'ed, mounted " On my soul I swear it." a chair, and, taking down a book, handed " There is some magic in it, however, it to the Queen, who opened it. for he is madly in love, he who is not " What is this ? " she asked—" Of the renowned for his constancy." " method of rearing and feeding tiercels, " Who is he, Madame ? " falcons, and gerfalcons, so as to render He ! that accursed Henri, he who them courageous and always ready for will succeed our three sons, who will one flight." day be styled Henri IV., for all he is the " Ah 1 pardon me, Madame, I have son of Jeanne d'Albret." made a mistake. That is a treatise on Catherine accompanied these words venery, written by a learned scholar of with a sigh that made Rene shudder, for Lucca, for the famous Castruccio Cas- he recalled to mind the famous gloves tracani. It was side by side with the which, by Catherine's order, he had other, and in a similar binding. The prepared for the Queen of Navarre. " is a very rare one, I may tell you " He continues to visit her, ? book ; then there are but three copies in the world : asked Rene. one in the Library at Venice, a second " Perpetually," said Catherine. which was purchased by your grandfather " I thought, however, that the King Lorenzo, and offered by Pietro de' Medici of Navarre had now become entirely to King Charles VIIL at the time of his devoted to his wife." visit to Florence, and this is the third." " All acting, Rene, mere acting. With " I respect it," said Catherine, " for its what object I know not, but they are all rareness, but, having no need of it, I give in league to deceive me. My daughter it back to you." Marguerite herself has declared against And with her left hand she returned it me ; perhaps she, too, hopes for the death to Rene, holding out her right hand for of her brothers, hopes to be Queen of the book which she wanted. France." This time Rene made no mistake, and " Yes, perhaps," said Rend, relapsing found the right volume. He got down into meditation, and echoing Catherine's from the chair, turned over the leaves for terrible suspicion. a moment, and handed it to her open. " However, we shall see," said Cath- Catherine seated herself at a table. erine, advancing towards the door leading Rene placed the magic candle beside her, to the ground-floor, thinking it unneces- and by the light of its pale blue flame she sary, doubtless, to descend by the secret read a few lines in an undertone. staircase, since she knew that she and " Good," she said, closing the book Rene were alone. " that is all I wanted to know." Rene preceded her, and both presently She got up, leaving the book on the found themselves in the perfumer's shop. table, but carrying away with her in the " You promised me some new cosmetics depths of her mind the thought which for my hands and lips, Rene," said she had germinated there, and would ripen in " winter is close at hand, and my skin, as due time. you know, is very sensitive to cold." Rene waited respectfully, candle in " I have already prepared them, hand, until the Queen, who appeared Madame, and will bring them to you about to depart, should give him fresh to-morrow." orders or address further questions to him. " You will not find me to-morrow Catherine took a few steps in silence, evening before nine or ten o'clock. Dur- with her head bowed and her finger on ing the day I shall be at my devotions." her mouth. " Very well, Madame ; I will be at the Then, suddenly stopping before Rene, Louvre at nine." and raising to him her eyes, round and •' Madame de Sauve has beautiful fixed as those of a bird of prey hands and lips," said Catherine, in a " no QUEEN MARGOT ? " .areless tone; " what paste does she use Then, after a moment's silence : Do " " For her hands ? not take this stuff to Madame de Sauve " Yes, for her hands in the first place." for a week or so ; I should like to be the " Heliotrope paste." first to try it." " " And for her lips ? She prepared to depart. " " '* For her lips she is going to use a new Shall I escort your Majesty home ? preparation which I have invented, a box said Rene. " of which I was intending to bring to your Only to the end of the bridge," " Majesty at the same time as I brought answered Catherine ; my gentlemen are Madame de Sauve's." waiting for me there with my litter." Catherine remained for a moment in They both went out and reached the thought. corner of the Rue de la Barillerie, where * She is a beautiful creature, certainly," four gentlemen on horseback and a litter she said, still in response to her secret without armorial bearings awaited thoughts, " and there is nothing surpris- Catherine. ing in the Prince of Beam's passion for On returning to his house, Rent's first her." care was to count his bottles of opiate. " And she is especially devoted to your One of them was missing. Majesty—so I believe at least," said Rene. Catherine smiled and shrugged her shoulders. " When a woman is in love," she said, " is she ever devoted to anyone but her lover ? You have made her some philtre CHAPTER XXI or other, Rene." " I swear to you, Madame, I have not." IN MADAME DE SAUVE's APARTMENTS " Very well, no more of it. Show me the preparation of which you were speak- CATHERINE was not mistaken in ino-, which gives freshness and rosiness her suspicions. Henri had re- to the lips." sumed his former habits and repaired Rene went to a shelf and showed every evening to visit Madame de Sauve. Catherine six small round silver boxes At first he had conducted these visits ranged side by side. with the greatest secrecy, then his distrust '« That is the only philtre for which she had gradually diminished and he had " it is true, neglected to take precautions, so much so has asked me," said Rene ; as your Majesty says, that I have composed that Catherine had no trouble in assuring that the of Navarre con- it expressly for Madame de Sauve, as her herself Queen in fact lips are so delicate and tender that they tinued to be, in name Marguerite, are chapped by sun and wind alike." Madame de Sauve. Catherine opened one of the boxes, We mentioned Madame de Sauve's v/hich contained a most delicious carmine apartment at the beginning of this story; paste. but the door opened by Dariole to the "Rene," said she, "give me some of King of Navarre has always closed tight the the paste for my hands; I will take it behind him, so that this apartment, with me." scene of the mysterious amours of the Rene disappeared with the candle to Prince de Bcarn, is quite unknown to us. fetch from a special compartment what This lodging, of the nature of those the Queen desired. He did not, however, supplied by princes to their retainers in in order return so quickly but that he fancied he the palaces which they inhabit, saw that Catherine, with a hasty move- that they may be at their beck and call, ment, had just seized one of the boxes was certainly smaller and less eeoifort- lodging in the city of Paris and concealed it beneath her mantle. He able than any was too familiar with the surreptitious would have been. It was situated, as we almost acts of the Queen-Mother to be so clumsy already know, on the second floor of Henri, the door as to appear to have noticed it. So, directly over that and placing the required paste in a bag of opened on a corridor, the extremity of paper ornamented with fleurs-de-lis: which was lighted by a pointed Gothic with small leaded panes, which, " Here it is, Madame," said he. window " Thank you, Ren6," replied Catherine. even on the brightest days, admitted but QUEEN MARGOT III if his looks accorded with his ft feeble light. On winter afternoons it to see became necessary to illnniinate tins cor- words. ridor by a lamp which, containing only "Come, Henri, be frank," Madame de " night the same quantity of oil in winter as in Sauve was saying, during that summer, went out at about ten in the which you spent in the Queen's closet evening, thus affording, since the winter with M. de La Mole lying at your feet, did days had now arrived, the greatest possible you not regret that that worthy gentle- security to the two lovers. man was between yourself and the Queen's " A small ante-chamber, hung with silk bedchamber ? damask adorned with large yellow iiowers, " I did, indeed, my sweet, for I should a reception-room hung with blue velvet, have had to pass through that room in a sleeping-chamber, of which the bed, order to reach the one in which I am so with its twisted pillars and curtains of happy at this present moment." cherry-coloured satin, placed in an Madame de Sauve smiled. was " alcove adorned with a silver mirror and " And you have not been there since ? two pictures representing the loves of " Except at the times that I have told Venus and Adonis ; such was the lodging you." the nest we should say to-day—of the " You will never go there without — " charming lady of the bedchamber to telling me ? Queen Catherine de' Medici. " Never." " Opposite a dressing-table furnished " Would you swear that ? with all its proper accessories, you might, "Yes, certainly, were I still a ." after careful search, have discovered a Huguenot, but . . " small door opening upon a kind of " But what ? Oratory, in which stood a prie-Dieu " The Catholic Religion, the doctrines raised upon two steps. On the walls of which I am just learning, has taught of this Oratory were hung, as though me that we should never swear." " 1 to serve as a corrective to the two Oh I you Gascon " said Madame de mythological pictures above alluded to, Sauve, shaking her head. three or four paintings of a religious " But if I were to question you, Char- character. Between these paintings were lotte, in your turn, would you answer my " suspended from gilt nails some feminine questions ? " replied weapons of offence ; for at this period of Of course, I would," the mysterious intrigues, women as well as young woman. " I have nothing to men carried weapons, and sometimes conceal from you." employed them with equal effect. " Then tell me, Charlotte, how it is On the evening of the day succeeding that, after resisting me so determinedly the one on which the incidents mentioned before my marriage, you have now be- in the last chapter occurred at the house come less cruel to me, who am a clumsy of Rene, Madame de Sauve, seated in her Bearnais, a ridiculous provincial, a prince bedroom on a couch, was relating to too poor, in short, to keep the jewels of Henri both her fears and her love for his crown bright." him, instancing in proof of both the de- " Henri," said Charlotte, " you ask me votion which she had shown on the to solve the enigma which the philo- famous night succeeding that of St. sophers of all countries for three thousand Bartholomew, that night which Henri, years have tried to solve. Never ask a as will be recollected, had spent in his woman ivhy she loves you, but be wife's apartments. satisfied with asking her if she loves Henri, on his side, was expressing his you." gratitude to her. Madame de Sauve was " Do you love me, Charlotte ? " asked looking charming in her simple muslin Henri. dressing-gown, and Henri was very " I do," replied Madame de Sauve with appreciative. a charming smile, and letting her beauti- Presently, Henri, who was really in ful hand slip into that of her lover. P love, grew thoughtful ; while Madame de Henri retained her hand. Sauve also, who had ended by loving " But," replied he, pursuing bis with all her heart the man to whom thoughts, " suppose I guessed the key to Catherine had ordered her merely to this enigma, for which the philosophers pretend love, gazed attentively at Henri have sought in vain for three thousand ; 112 QUEEN MARGOT years—guessed it at least with regard to Sauve, " there is one of those smiles that yourself, Charlotte." exasperate me and make me long. King Madame de Sauve blushed. though you are, to tear out your eyes." " You love me," continued Henri, " and " in that case," said Henri, " I must therefore I need ask you nothing else, deny this pretended intimacy, since there and I think myself the happiest of mor- are moments when. King though I am, tals. Adam did not find himself perfectly you would like to tear my eyes out happy in the Garden of Eden, and he ate because you believe the intimacy exists." " " the wretched apple which has implanted Henri ! Henri ! said Madame de in us all that instinct of curiosity which Sauve, *' I believe that not even God makes everyone spend his life in the himself knows your thoughts." search for the unknown. Tell me, my " I fancy, my sweet," said Henri, " that love, that you may aid me in my search, Catherine told you at first to love me, then was it not Queen Catherine who, in the that your heart bade you do so, and that, " first place, bade you to love me ? when these two voices speak to you, "Henri," said Madame de Sauve, you hear only that of your heart. " speak low when you mention the Queen- Now, I also love you, and that with Mother." all my soul, but for that very reason, ** " Oh ! said Henri, with a freedom and if I had any secrets, I should not confide confidence which deceived even Madame them to you, through fear of compromis- *< de Sauve herself, there was good reason ing you, of course . . . for the Queen's to suspect her formerly, when we were friendship is changeable, it is a mother- on bad terms with one another ; but now in-law's friendship." I ." that am her daughter's husband . . Charlotte had not reckoned upon this ; " The husband of Madame Mar- it seemed to her that the veil, which guerite 1 " said Charlotte, reddening with spread thickly between herself and her jealousy. lover whenever she tried to sound the " It is your turn to speak low," said depths of his fathomless heart, was Henri. " Now that I am her daughter's assuming the consistency of a wall, and husband, we are the best friends in the separating them from one another. At world. What did they want ? That I this reply of her lover's, the tears started should turn Catholic, as it appears. to her eyes, and as at this moment the Well ! grace has touched my heart, and clock struck ten : by the intercession of St. Bartholomew I " Sire," she said, " this is my hour for have become a Catholic. We now live bed ; my duties summon me to the Queen- together as a happy family and like good Mother very early to-morrow morning." Christians." " Then you banish me this evening, my " " And Queen Marguerite ? love ? " said Henri. *_' She," said Henri, " is the bond that " Henri, I am sad, and therefore you unites us all." would find me dull company, and would " But you told longer love me you see, it is much me, Henri, that the no ; Queen of Navarre, in return for my devo- better that you should go." tion to her, had acted generously towards " Be it so," said Henri, " 1 will with- me. If you spoke truly, if this generosity, draw if you insist upon it, Charlotte for which I have vowed such gratitude to only, pardieu ! you must grant me the her, is real, it is merely a conventional privilege of assisting at your toilet." bond that can be easily broken. You *• But will you not be keeping Queen " cannot then rely on this support, for you Marguerite waiting, sire ? have not deceived anybody by this pre- '* Charlotte," replied Henri, gravely, tended intimacy." " it was arranged between us that we " I do rely on it, however, and it is the would never speak of the Queen of pillow on which I have reposed for the Navarre, and this evening we seem to last three months." have talked of nothing else." " Then you have deceived me, Henri," Madame de Sauve sighed as she sat cried Madame de Sauve, '' and Madame down at her dressing-table. Henri took Marguerite is your wife in the full sense a chair, drew it close to the one on which of the word." his mistress was sitting, and crossing his Henri smiled. knees and leaning back : *' " " Stop, Henri ! said Madame de Come, my good little Charlotte," said " QUEEN MARGOT 113 *• " does nothing he, " let me see you make yourself beau- No," said Henri, Ren6 it before- tiful, and beautiful for me, whatever you without having well considered If he comes to see you it is be- may say. Zounds ! what a host of hand. things, what jars of perfume, what bags cause he has good reasons for so doing." of powder, what phials and perfuming " Do you want to conceal yourself, " " ? pans ! then " " They seem a great many," sighed I shall take good care not to do so," Charlotte, " and yet thoy are too few, said Henri, •* for Rene knows everything, since in spite of them all I have not yet and he knows that I am here." discovered how to reign alone in your " But has not you Majesty some reason Majesty's heart." which makes his presence painful to you?" " " which, *' Come," said Henri, " don't let us I ? said Henri, with an effort relapse into argument. What is that spite of his power of self-control, he "1? fine, delicate little pencil for ? is it not for could not entirely conceal, none? painting the eyebrows of my Olympian There was a coolness between us, it is goddess ? true, but, since the eve of St. Bartholo- " Yes, sire," answered Madame de mew, we have made it up again." Sauve, with a smile, " you are right at the " Admit him," said Madame de Sauve, first guess." to Dariole. " appeared, and " And this pretty little ivory rake ? A moment later Rene the " That is for tracing the line of the threw a comprehensive glance round hair." chamber. *'And this charming little silver box Madame de Sauve was still at her " with the embossed lid ? dressing-table. " Henri had resumed his place on the Oh ! that, Sire, is sent by Ren^ ; it is the famous salve that he promised me couch. ever so long ago for making those lips Charlotte was in the light, while which your Majesty is good enough to Henri was in the shadow. " think fairly soft, even softer still." Madame," said Ren6, with respectful " Henri, as though in token of approval familiarity, I have come to make my of what had just been said by this apologies." " charming woman, whose brow cleared as " For what, Rene ? asked Madame the conversation gave her the opportunity de Sauve, with the air of condescension of displaying her coquetry, placed his always employed by pretty women to lips on those which the Baronne was that crowd of purveyors by whom they regarding attentively in the mirror. are surrounded, and who aid in making Charlotte reached out her hand to the them more beauiful. box which had just formed the subject of " Because I promised so long ago to do the above explanation, with the inten- something for those pretty lips, and tion, doubtless, of showing Henri how because ..." she employed the rosy paste, when a " You have not kept your promise " sharp knock at the door of the ante- until to-day, is that it ? said Charlotte. chamber made the two lovers start. " Until to-day !" repeated Rene. " Some one is knocking, Madame," " Yes, it is only this very evening that said Dariole, putting her head between I received this box which you sent me." " it," the curtains. Ah ! I guessed murmured Rene, " Go and see who knocks, and come looking with a strange expression at the back," said Madame de Sauve. Henri Httle box on Madame Suave's table, and Charlotte looked at another un- which exactly resembled those in his one " easily, and Henri was thinking of shop,—" and have you used it ? " retiring to the oratory in which he had No, not yet ; I was going to try it already more than once found refuge, just as you came in." when Dariole appeared again. Rene's face assumed a thoughtful ex- " Madame," said she, " it is Master pression, which was not lost upon Henri, Rend, the perfumer. whose notice, for that matter, very few At mention of this Henri frowned, things escaped. name " and involuntarily compressed his lips. " Well, Rene, what is the matter ? " Would you like me to refuse him asked the King. " " admission ? said Charlotte. The matter. Sire ! nothing," said the :; 114 OUEEN MARGOT perfumer, " I am waiting humbly till lost nothing either of Madame deSauve's your Majesty addresses me before 1 take movement or of Rene's shudder. leave of the Baronne." Charlotte's finger was close to her lips *' Come, come," said Henri, with a when Rene grasped her arm, just as Henri smile, " is it necessary for me to tell you sprang up for the same purpose. The " the that I am pleased to see you ? King sank back noiselessly upon Rene gkmced round him, made a tour couch. of the chamber, as though with eyes and " One moment, Madame," said Rene, " not ears to sound the doors and the hangings with a forced smile ; you must use then, pausing and placing himself so as that paste without special directions." embrace both Madame de Sauve and " And who will give me those direc- " Henri in the same glance : tions ? " " I do not think you are," said he. I will.' '* Henri realised, thanks to that wonder- " When ? ful instinct, which, like a sixth sense, " As soon as I have finished what I guided him during all the early part of have to say to his Majesty the King of his life amid the dangers that surrounded Navarre." him, that some strange emotion in the Charlotte opened her eyes in astonish- understanding nothing of this nature of a struggle was passing in the ment, _ mind of the perfumer, and turned towards mysterious language, and remained with him, the King still remaining in shadow, the box in her hand, looking at the tip of while the hght fell upon the Floren- her finger, reddened by the pink paste. tine. Henri rose, and moved by an idea " •' ideas, You here at this late hour, Rene ? which, like all the young King's said he. had two aspects—one which appeared on •' lay buried Am I so unfortunate as to annoy the surface and the other which " your Majesty by my presence ? replied beneath it—took Charlotte's hand and the perfumer, taking a step backwards, made a movement to press it, all red as it " was, to his lips. No ; only I want to know one thing." " " What is that, Sire ? "One moment," said Rene, eagerly; " " " Did you expect to fmd me here ? be good enough, Madame, to wash " I v/as sure of it." those fair hands with this Neapolitan " *' You were looking for me, then ? soap, which I forgot to send you with the " At any rate, I am glad to find you." paste, and which I have had the honour " " You have something to say to me ? to bring to you myself." continued Henri. And drawing from its silver covering ** Perhaps, Sire," answered Rene. a cake of soap of a greenish colour, he Charlotte blushed, for she trembled placed it in a basin, poured some water lest the communication which the per- into it, and presented it on one knee to fumer appeared anxious to make should Madame de Sauve. refer to her past conduct towards Henri " Why, really. Master Rene, I hardly " accordingly she pretended that, having recognise you," said Henri ; your gal- been absorbed in the details of her toilet, lantry leaves all the Court fops far in the she had heard nothing, and, interrupting lurch." a delicious scent!" cried the conversation : "Oh! what " Madame de Sauve, rubbing her beautiful Ah ! Rene," she exclaimed, as she opened the box of salve, " you are really hands in the lather produced by the per- tablet. a charming man ; this paste has a won- fumed derful colour, and as you are here, I shall Ren6 carried out his duties to the full, honour you by experimenting on the new and presented a towel of fine Dutch linen production in your presence." to Madame de Sauve, who wiped her And taking the box in one hand, she hands with it. dipped a finger of the other in the pink " Now," said the Florentine to Henri, paste, preparatory to putting it on her lips. *' do as you please, Monseigneur." Rene gave a start. Charlotte presented her hand to Henri, The Baronne smilingly lifted the paste who kissed it, and whiles Charlotte turned to her mouth. ! half round in her chair to hear what Ren6 Henii, still in the shadow, but with his ; was going to say, the King of Navarre eyes eagerly fixed on his companions, resumed his place, more convinced than i : QUEEN MARGOT 115 ever that somethinc^ extraordinary was The eyes of the young Prince flashed passing through the mind of the perfumer. involuntarily, but the next moment they " Well ? " asked Charlotte. displayed an expression of indifference. The Florentine appeared to summon "All Italian oracles are llattering," " up all his resolution, and turned towards said Henri ; well, they who flatter, lie. Henri. Were there not some which predicted " that I should command armies ? And he burst into a peal of laughter; but an observer less taken up with his own thoughts than Rene was, would have observed how forced this laughter CHAPTER XXn was. " Sire," said Rene, coldly, " the horo- " SIRE, VOU WILL BE KING." scope announces better things than that." " Does it predict that I shall win " " SIRE," said Rene to Henri, I am battles at the head of these armies ? going to speak to you of a matter " Better even than that, sire.", which has been occupying my mind for " Come," said Henri, " you will see some time past." that I shall be a conqueror." " " About perfumes ? said Henri, with " Sire, you shall be Kin^** a smile. "Eh! by the Lord!" said Henri, "Well, Sire, yes . . . about perfumes," stifling the violent beating of his heart, " answered Rene, with a curious gesture of " but am I not a King already ? acquiescence. " Sire, my friend knows what he is " Speak, I am listening to you, and it promising ; not only will you be King, is a subject which has at all times but you will reign." interested me greatly." " In that case," said Henri, in the same Rene looked at Henri, in order to try tone of irony, " your friend will expect and read the thoughts which lay con- ten gold crowns, will he not, Rene ; for a cealed behind his words ; but, finding the prediction of that sort is a very ambitious attempt entirely futile, he continued one, especially as things go at the present *' A friend of mine. Sire, has arrived time ? Come, Rene, as I am not rich, I from Florence who is much devoted to will give your friend five of them on the astrology." spot, and the other five when the predic- " Yes," interrupted Henri, " I know tion is fulfilled." that the Florentines have a passion for " Sire," said Madame de Sauve, " don't the pursuit." forget that you are already pledged to ** He has, in conjunction with the first Dariole, and don't overload yourself with professors of the art, drawn the horoscopes promises." (of the chief personages of Europe." " Madame," said Henri, " I hope that " Ah ! indeed," said Henri. for the future I shall be treated as a " And as the House of Bourbon stands King, and that everybody will be well ' at the head of these illustrious families, satisfied if I keep the half of my promises." descending as it does from the Comte de " Sire," resumed Rene, " I will con- Clermont, fifth son of St. Louis, your tinue." " " Majesty may suppose that your horoscope Oh ! is there more ? said Henri. has not been overlooked." " very v,'ell, if I am to be Emperor, I will Henri listened with increased attention. give double." " " And you remember this horoscope ? " My friend, sire, has come from Flor- said the King, with a smile, which he ence with this horoscope,which he repeated endeavoured to render one of indifference. in Paris always with the same result, and " " Oh ! replied Rene, with a shake of he confided a secret to me." the head, ** your horoscope is not of the "A secret which interests his Majesty?" class that is easily forgotten." asked Charlotte, eagerly. " Really?" said Henri, with an ironical " I believe so," said the Florentine. gesture. " He is trying to find words," thought »" Yes, Sire, your Majesty, according to Henri, without attempting to help him " the terms of this horoscope, is called to out ; the affair is a difficult one to speak the most brilliant of destinies." about, apparently." : Ii6 OUEEN MARGOT " " Come, speak, what is it about ? spoken of," said Henri, "but I am ij:^nor- resumed INIadame de Sauve. ant of the details which your friend, you " It concerns," said the Florentine, sajs wishes to disclose to me." weighing each of his words, " it concerns " Well, a perfumed apple was offered to all these rumours of poisoning which the Prince de Conde, but, happily, his have been going about the Court for doctor happened to be there when it was some time." brought to him. He took it from the A slight dilation of the King's nostrils messenger's hand and smelt it to test its was the only indication of his increased fragrance and virtue. Two days later, a attention at this sudden turn taken by the gangrenous swelling, an extravasation of conversation. blood, and an open wound on the face, *' And your Florentine friend," said were the price paid for his devotion, or, Henri, " possesses some information on if you prefer it, the result of his impru- " the subject of these poisonings ? dence." " Yes, sire." " Unfortunately," answered Henri, " How can you entrust to me a secret " being already half a Catholic, I have especially lost all influence with M. de which is not your own, Rene, Conde ; your " a secret of such importance ? said friend will be wrong m applying to me." Henri, in the most natural tone that he " It was not only with the Prince de could assume. Conde that your Majesty's influence " This friend desires to ask advice from might be of service to my friend, but also your Majesty." with the Prince de Porcian, the brother " " From me ? of the one who was poisoned." " «* What is there astonishing in that, Look here, Rene," said Charlotte, " sire ? Remember the old soldier of Actium, do you know that your stories are who, when engaged in a law-suit, sought rather blood-curdling. You make your advice from Augustus." request at an unseasonable time. It is I is " Augustus was a lawyer, Rend, and late, and your conversation creepy ; in am not." good sooth, sir, I would rather have your " Sire, when my friend entrusted this perfumes." secret to me, your Majesty still belonged And Charlotte extended her hand again to the Calvinistic party, of which you towards the box of salve. were the chief leader, and M. de Conde " Madame," said Rend, " instead of the second." trying that paste, as you are going to do, *' Well ? " said Henri. listen to the cruel results that wicked " This friend hoped that you would people are able to extract from it." use your all-powerful influence with the " You are certainly funereal this even- Prince de Conde to entreat the Prince not ing, Rene," said the Baronne. to be hostile to him." Henri frowned, but he perceived that ** You must explain that to me, Rene, Rene wished to reach a goal of which as if you wish me to understand it," said yet he had but got a glimpse, and he Henri, without betraying the least change determined to pursue to the end this in voice or features. conversation, which aroused in his mind " Sire, your Majesty will understand such painful memories. at the first word; this friend knows all *' And you know also," he resumed, the particulars with respect to the attempt " the details of the poisoning of the Prince " made to poison the Prince de Conde." de Porcian ? " There was an attempt to poison the " Yes," said he. " It is known that it " Prince de Conde ? asked Henri, with was his habit to leave a lamp burning by " ! every night poison well-feigned astonishment ; indeed and his bed-side ; was " when was that ? mixed with the oil, and he was sufibcated Rene fixed his glance upon the King by the fumes." and replied Henri clasped his fingers, which were " A week ago, your Majesty." moist with perspiration. " " " ** By some enemy ? asked the King. So then," he muttered, the man " Yes," answered Ren6, " by an enemy whom you call your friend knows not whom your Majesty knows, and who only all the details of this poisoning, but knows your Majesty." the author as well." * * As a matter of fact, I had heard it Yes, and that is why ho wished to : : : QUEEN MARGOT 117 " learn from you if you would exercise In God's name, answer. Sire ; were your influence with the surviving Prince you in their place, what would you do?" de Porcian to induce him to p.irdon the Henri collected himself, with a trembling murderer of his brother." hand wiping his brow, on wliich stood " Unfortunately," answered Henri, some drops of cold perspiration, and " being still half a Huguenot, I have no rising to his full height, while Rene and Charlotte influence with the Prince de Porcian : held their breath in suspense, your friend will be wrong in applying to he made answer me." " Were I in their place, and were I •' But what do you think of the dis- certain of becoming King—of represent- positions of the Prince de Cond^ and ing God, that is to say, on earth— I would " M. de Porcian ? act like God, and would forgive." " " How should I know their dispositions, Madame," cried Rene, snatching the Ren^ ? God has not given me, so far as salve from the hand of Madame de Sauve, " I know, the power of reading the heart." give me that box ; my apprentice has "Your Majesty can question yourself," made a mistake, I see, in bringing it to said the Florentine, calmly. " Is there you ; I will send you another to-morrow." not in your Majesty's life any dark passage which may serve as a test for your clemency, some passage so pamful that it may act as a touchstone for your " generosity ? These words were uttered in a tone CHAPTER XXIII that made Charlotte herself shudder : the allusion was so pointed and direct that A CONVERT the young woman turned round in order to conceal her confusion and to avoid HUNTING party was arranged Henri's glance. A for the next day in the forest of Henri made a supreme effort over Saint-Germain. himself ; his brow, on which a menacing Henri had given orders that a little cloud had gathered while the Florentine Bearnais horse, which he intended giving was speaking, cleared, and changing the to Madame de Sauve, but wished to try noble filial grief which wrung his heart beforehand, should be ready saddled and into a tone of vague meditation, he replied bridled at eight in the morning. The " Some dark passage in my life . . . horse was in readiness at a quarter to no, Rene, no ; I recall in my youth nought eight, and Henri came down as the hour but folly and carelessness, conjoined with struck. those more or less cruel acts of necessity The horse, keen and spirited, in spite which the wants of nature and the trials of its small size, was tossing its mane of God impose upon all men." and pawing the ground in the courtyard. Rene, in his turn, put a constraint upon The night had been cold, and there was a himself in directing his gaze from Henri sprinkling of hoarfrost. to Charlotte, as though to arouse the one Henri was preparing to cross the court- and to restrain the other ; for Charlolte yard, in order to reach the stables where had, in point of fact, resumed her toilet the horse and groom were awaiting him, in order to disguise the annoyance which when, on passing in front of a Swiss, who the conversation was causing her, and was on sentry-duty at the gate, the soldier had just extended her hand once more presented arms with the words : towards the box of salve. " God defend his Majesty the King of " " But, sire, supposing that you were Navarre ! the brother of the Prince de Porcian, or At this wish, and above all, at the the son of the Prince de Conde, and that tones of the voice that uttered it, the your brother had been poisoned or your Bearnais started. ." father assassinated. . . He turned round and stepped back- Charlotte uttered a slight cry, and put wards. " " the paste once more close to her lips. De Mouy ! he murmured. Rene saw the movement ; but this time " Yes, sire, De Mouy." he did not stop her, either by word or " What are you doing here ? gesture, but exclaimed " I am looking for you." : : ; ii8 QUEEN MARGOT " " " " What do you want with me ? I Pooh ! said d'Alen9on, laughing, " " " I must have a word with your poor Madame de Sauve ! " Majesty." Francois ! Francois ! it is you who " Don't you know," said the King, are imprudent." stepping closer to him, " that unfortu- " And what is the matter, then, with the " nately you are risking your head ? fair Charlotte ? " resumed the Duo " I know it." d'Alengon. " " Well ? " Why," continued Henri, putting his " Well, here I am." horse to a gentle gallop, and making him Henri paled slightly, for he realised describe a circle, " a great heaviness in that he, too, shared the danger which the the head, so Dariole tells me, and a sort zealous De Mouy was incurring. He, of numbness in her whole body, together therefore, looked round uneasily, and with a general feeling of weakness." stepped back once more, no less quickly " And will that prevent you from join- than the first time. ing us ? " asked the Duke. " " He had just caught sight of the Due Me ! why should it ? replied Henri d'Alen9on at a window. " you know that I am mad on hunting, Immediately altering his line of con- and that nothing would make me duct, Henri took the musket from the miss it." hands of De Mouy, who, as we have said, " You will miss it to-day, however, was acting as sentry, and pretending all Henri," said the Duke, after turning the timxe to be examining it round, and speaking for a moment to " De Mouy," said he, " you certainly someone at the further end of the room have not thrown yourself into the wolf's who was invisible to Henri, " for here is jaws in this way without some very his Majesty, who tells me that the hunt " powerful motive ? cannot take place to-day." " " " No, sire, and so I have been watching Deuce take it ! said Henri, in a most " " you for the last week. It was only disappointed tone ; why is that ? yesterday that I learnt that your Majesty " Very important letters from M. de was to try this horse this morning, and I Nevers, it appears. There is a consulta- took up my post at the gate of the tion between the King, the Queen- Louvre." Mother, and my brother, the Due " " But how in this costume ? d'Anjou." " " " " The captain of the company is a Pro- Ah ! said Henri to himself, can " testant, and a friend of mine." news have arrived from Poland ? Then ** Here is your musket, go back to your aloud duty. We are being watched. When I " In that case," he continued, " it is return I will try and have a word with useless to risk myself any longer on this you, but if I do not speak, do not stop slippery ground. Au revoir, brother," me. Farewell." Then, stopping his horse in front of De De Mouy resumed his measured tread, Mouy: and Henri proceeded towards the horse. " My friend," said he, " call one of your " " What pretty little animal is that ? comrades to take your place : help the asked the Due d'Alen9on from his groom to un-saddle this horse, put the window. saddle on your head and carry it to the " It is a horse that I want to try this silversmith ; he has a piece of silver em- morning," answered Henri. broidery which he had not time to put on " But that is not a man's horse." it. You will come to me and bring his " No, it is intended for a fair lady." answer." " Take care, Henri, you are going to De Mouy hastened to obey, for the Due be imprudent, for we shall see this fair d'Alen9on had disappeared from the it lady at the hunt ; and if I do not know window, and was clear that he enter- whose cavalier you are, I shall at least tained some suspicion. know whose riding-master you are." In point of fact, he had hardly passed " the appeared. No, egod ! you will not," said Henri, the wicket when Duke with his assumed good-nature, " for the A real Swiss occupied De Mouy's lady cannot come out, being seriously place. indisposed this morning." The Duke looked narrowly at the new And he sprang into the saddle. sentry, then, turning towards Henri: " " " ; QUERN MARGOT 119 saves his life," answered Henri, " That is not the mnn yon were talking when He " parrying the question as was his habit in to just now, brother, is it ? " and has clearly " No, the other man belonpjs to my similar cases, God spared me from this cruel danger." house, and I have had him put into the given him a com- ' Sire," resumed De Mouy, "confess Swiss Guard ; I have gone to execute." one thing." mission which he has " " •• as though satis- " What is tliat ? Ah ! said the Duke, " is "That your nh juration is not a matter fied with the explanation : and how Marguerite ? of conviciion, but of cal:uatijn. You al)jured in order ili.u the King • 1 am going to ask her." have "Haven't you seen her, then, since might let )Ou live, and not because God yesterday ? has spared your life." ' last night " Be the cause of my conversion what No ; I went to her rooms I the less a at about eleven, but Gillonne told me she it may, De Mouy, am none was tired, and had gone to sleep." Catholic." " You will not find her in her room, she "Yes, but will you remain so always? I has gone out." will you not resume your liberty of life ** Yes," said Henri, " it is quite possible and conscience at the first opportunity she had to go to the Convent of the which offers ? Well ! that opportunity Annunciation." presents itself at this moment. La It was impossible to continue the con- Rochelle has risen in insurrection, versation, as Henri seemed determined Rousillon and Beam await but a word to is for only to give answers. follow suit ; Guienne clamorous The brothers - in - law accordingly war. Only tell me that you are a separated, the Due d'Alen9on to go in Catholic under compulsion, and I will to you as regards the future." search of news, as he said ; the King of answer Navarre to return to his apartments. " A man of my rank is not forced, my Henri had hardly been there five dear De Mouy ; what I have done, I have minutes, when he heard a knock. done voluntarily." '• " " Who is there ? he asked. But, sire," said the young man, his " Sire," answered a voice, which he heart sinking at this unexpected resist- recognised as De Mouy's, " it is the ance, " do you not think that in acting answer from the silversmith." thus you are abandoning . . . be- " Henri, with visible emotion, admitted traying us ? the young man, and closed the door Henri remained unmoved by this appeal. behind him. " Yes," continued De Mouy, " you are ' " " You, De Mouy ! said he, I hoped betraying us, sire, for many of us have that you would reflect." come, at the peril of our lives, to save " Sire," answered De Mouy, " I have your honour and your liberty. We have been reflecting for three months, and made all arrangements for giving you a that is long enough ; now is the time for throne ; do you understand, sire ? not action." merely liberty, but power ; a throne at Henri made a gesture of uneasiness. your own choice, for within two months " Fear nothmg, sire, we are alone, and you may choose between Navarre and I am in a hurry, for time is precious France." Your Majesty can restore, by a single " De Mouy," said Henri, lowering his word, all that has been lost to the cause eyes which, at this proposal, had flashed of the Religion by the events of this involuntarily, " De Mouy, I am in safety, year. Let us be explicit, brief, and I am a Catholic, I am the husband of frank." Marguerite, I am the brother of King " I am listening, my brave De Mouy," Charles and the son-in-law of my good answered Henri, seeing that it was im- mother Catherine. In assuming these possible to avoid an explanation. various relationships, I have calculated " Is it true that your Majesty has ab- the chances, but also the obligations." " jured the Protestant religion ? " But, sire," replied De Mouy, " what " It is true," said Henri. are we to believe ? I am told that your " Yes, but with the lips, or from the marriage has not been consummated, heart ? that at the bottom of your heart you are " .*' A man is always grateful to God free, that the hatred of Catherine . . : " " 120 QUEEN MARGOT " " Lies ! lies ! interrupted Henri employed than in reddening the doorstep eagerly. " Yes, my friend, you have been of the King of Navarre." shamelessly imposed upon. Marguerite And with these words the Duke opened is in every sense my wife, Catharine my to its full extent the door which he had mother, King Charles the lord and held half closed. master of my life and my heart." This room belongs to two of my gen- De ]\Iouy shuddered, and an almost tlemen," said the Duke. " Nobody will contemptuous smile crossed his lips. " So come here to hunt us out, so we can talk then, sire," said he, letting his arms fall freely. Come in, sir." dejectedly, and trying to fathom the glance " Here I am, Monseigneur," said the of the impenetrable character confronting astonished conspirator. him, " that is the answer that I am to He entered the room, and the Duke take back to my comrades. I am to tell closed the door behind him no less them that the King of Navarre gives his quickly than the King of Navarre had hand and his heart to those who have done. butchered us, that he has become the De Mouy had entered in a state of sycophant of the Queen-Mother, and the fury and exasperation, but gradually the ." friend of De Maurevel . . cold fixed gaze of the young Due " My dear De Mouy," said Henri, " the Fran9ois produced upon the Huguenot King is about to quit the council, and I leader the effect of that enchanted mirror must go and find out from him the which banishes intoxication. reasons that have caused the postpone- " Monseigneur," said he, " if I under- ment of a thing so important as a stood rightly, your Highness wishes to " hunting-party. Farewell, my friend, speak to me ? follow my example and leave politics " Yes, Monsieur de Mouy. I thought alone ; come back to the King and take that I recognised you, spite of your dis- the Mass." guise, and when you presented arms to And Henri led, or rather pushed back my brother Henri, I was certain that I into the ante-chamber the young man, was not mistaken. Well ! De Mouy, whose astonishment began to give place you are not pleased with the King of " to rage. Navarre ? Hardly had he closed the door than, " Monseigneur ! unable to resist the desire *' to wreak his Come, talk to me frankly ; perhaps I vengeance on some thing in default of am your friend, though you do not some person, De Mouy crushed his hat suspect it." ! between his hands, threw it on the ground, " You, Monseigneur and trampling it under foot as the " Yes, I ; so speak out." bull does the cloak of the matador " I don't know what to say to your " " " Zounds ! he cried, a contemptible Highness. What I had to discuss with prince ; I should like to be killed on the the King of Navarre touches interests spot, so as to stain him for ever with my which your Highness cannot understand. blood." Besides," added De Mouy, in a tone " ! Hush I Monsieur de Mouy " said which he strove to render indifferent, the voice of some one, slipping through a " the matter was a trifling one." " " half-opened door. Hush ! for some- " Trifling ? said the Duke. body besides myself might hear you." " Yes, Monseigneur." De Mouy turned quickly, and perceived " A trifling matter for which yon the Due d'Alen9on, wrapped in a cloak, thought it your duty to risk your life by and peering with his pale face into the returning to the Louvre where, as you corridor to make certain that he and De know, your head is worth its weight in Mouy were alone. gold, for nobody is ignorant of the fact The Due d'Alen9on,'* exclaimed De that you, together with the King of Mouy, " I am lost." Navarre and the Prince de Cond6, are " On the contrary," murmured the the chief leaders of the Huguenots." Prince, " you have even perhaps dis- '* If you believe that, Monseigneur, covered what you are in search of, the deal with me as the brother of King proof of which is that I do not wish you Charles and the son of Queen Catherine to be killed here, as you were intending. should do." Believe me, your blood can be better " Why should I do that, when I have QUEEN MARGOT X2I told yov}.that I am your friend ? Tell me his chambrr and trampled your hat under e trii-ii, '''11." foot, tliat he was a cowardly prince and " •** .** Monsei^neur, I swear to you . . unworthy to remain your leader ? " Do not swear, sir, the Reformed ** It is true, Monseigneur, I said so." " Religion forbids oaths, and especially Ah ! it is true 1 You confess it, in " false oaths." short ? De Mouy frowned. ' " Yes." " " " I tell you 1 know all," continued the And that is your opinion still ? Duke. " More than ever, Monseigneur." De Mouy remained silent. " Well, Monsieur de Mouy, am /, the " " You doubt it ? resumed the Duke, third son of Henri H., I, a Son of with friendly persistence. *' Well, my France, am I a gentleman good enough dear De Mouy, I must convince you; to command your soldiers, and do you come, you shall judge if I am wrong. reckon me sufficiently trustworthy for you " Have you, or have you not, proposed to to be able to rely upon my word ? " my brother-in-law Henri, just now, in You, Monseigneur ! You, the leader " " there —the Duke pointed with his hand of the Huguenots 1 in the direction of the King's apartment " Why not ? Conversions are in the —"your aid and that of your party to fashion, you know. Henri has turned re-establish him in his kingdom of Catholic, I may well turn Protestant." " " Navarre ? Yes, Monseigneur, no doubt ; so I am ." De Mouy stared aghast at the Duke. waiting for you to explain . . " A proposal which he declined with " Nothing more simple, and I will tell horror." you in two words the political position of De Mouy remained dumbfounded. every one of them." " Did you, thereupon, appeal to your " My brother, Charles, kills the old friendship, to the memory of your Huguenots in order that his throne may common religion ? Did you even lure be more secure. My brother, of Anjou, him on with a brilliant hope, a hope so allows them to be killed because he will brilliant that he was dazzled by it, the succeed Charles, who, as you know, is hope of attaining the crown of France ? often in a weak state of health. I, how- Tell me, am I well informed, eh ? Was ever, am in quite a different position. I " that your proposal ? shall never reign, in France at least, " " " Monseigneur ! cried De Mouy, so seeing that two elder brothers stand much so was it my proposal that I am before me ; I, who am separated from asking myself at this moment whether I the throne even more effectually by the ought not to tell your Royal Highness hatred of my mother and my brothers than that you have lied I Whether I ought by the law of nature ; I, who cannot lay not to provoke in this chamber a combat claim to any family affection, to any without quarter, and thus assure by the glory, to any sovereignty ; I, who never- death of both of us the extinction of this theless possess a heart as noble as my terrible secret." elders ; well, De Mouy, I desire to carve " " Softly, my brave De Mouy, softly ! out for myself with my sword a Kingdom said the Duke, without changing coun- within this France which they are tenance or making the slightest movement deluging with blood." " in reply to this terrible threat ; the " Now listen, De Mouy, this is what I secret will perish better between us if we want." both live than if one of us were to die. " 1 want to be King of Navarre, not by Listen to me, and stop worrying the hilt birth, but by election. And observe that of your sword in that way. For the you have no objection to offer to that, third time I tell you that you are with a for I should not be a usurper, inasmuch friend ; answer, therefore, as you would as my brother Henri declines your pro- to a friend. Come, has not the King of posals and, plunged in his torpor, loftily Navarre refused all that you offered decides that this Kingdom of Navarre is him?" but an imaginary one. In Henri de " Yes, Monseigneur, and I confess it, Beam you have a man who is of no use since the avowal can compromise no one to you ; in me you have a sword and a but myself." name. Francois d'Alengon, Son of " Did you not shout out, when you left France, throws the mantle of his 123 QUEEN MARGOT protection over all his comrades, or his 3^ou will know that the leaders are in accomplices, if yon please to call them hiding in Paris." so. Well, Monsieur de Mouy, what say With these words, De Mouy, with an " you to this offer ? air of distrust, fastened his piercing gaze " I say that it dazzles me, Mon- on the false and hesitating glance of the seigneur." young Prince. •' De Mouy, we shall have many " Come, come, Monsieur de Mouy, you obstacles to overcome, so do not show are still suspicious. Still, I cannot claim yourself from the very start so unreason- your entire confidence all at once ; later able and so hard to please to a son of a on you will know me better. We are King and a brother of a King, who going to be united by a community of comes over to your side." interests, which will relieve you of all " Monseigneur, the matter would be suspicion. You say this evening then, " already settled had I only myself to Monsieur de Mouy ? " consider ; but we have a Council, and Yes, Monseigneur, for time presses. " however brilliant the offer—perhaps even This evening. But where, please? on account of its brilliancy—the Chiefs " Here, at the Louvre, in this room, if of the Party will not close with it except convenient to you." " upon conditions." " This room is occupied ? said De " That is another matter, and your Mouy, indicating by his glance the two answer is the answer of an honest heart beds which stood opposite to each other. and a prudent mind. From the way in " Yes, by two of my gentlemen." which I have just acted, you, De Mouy, " For my part, Monseigneur, it seems must have recognised my honesty. Treat imprudent for me to return to the me then on your side as a man whom Louvre." " you respect, and not as a prince whom " Why so ? you flatter. De Mouy, have I any chance " Because, if you recognised me, others " of success ? may have as sharp eyes as your Highness " Upon my word, Monseigneur, since and recognise me also~ I will return your Highness wishes for my opinion, here, however, if you will grant what I your Highness has every chance since am about to ask," " the King of Navarre has refused the offer " What is that ? " which I came to make him ; but I repeat, A safe-conduct." Monseigneur, it is indispensable that I " De Mouy, a safe-conduct from me should confer with my leaders." found upon you would ruin me and " Do so, sir, only when shall I have would not protect you. I can do nothing " your answer ? for you except on the condition that we Mouy looked at the Duke in silence are perfect strangers to one another in the De ; then, appearing to come to a determina- eyes of all. The slightest discovery of tion : my relations with you, if proved to my " Monseigneur," said he, " give me your mother or my brothers, would cost me my of a of France must life. You are safe-guarded, then, by my hand ; the hand Son touch mine to assure me that I shall not own interests, from the moment that I be betrayed." compromise myself with the others as I The Duke not only extended his hand, am compromising myself with you at this but took De Mouy's and pressed it. moment. Free in my sphere of action, " Now, Monseigneur, my mind is at powerful if I am unsuspected, so long as rest. If we are betrayed, I shall say that I myself remain unfathomable, I can you are not responsible : otherwise, Mon- protect all of you ; do not forget that. seigneur, however little you might be Make a fresh appeal then to your courage, concerned in that betrayal, you would be rely on my word as you relied on that of dishonoured." my brother, Henri, and come this evening " Why do you say this to me, De to the Louvre." Mouy, before telling me when you will " But how do you mean me to come ? " bring the answer from your leaders ? I cannot venture into the apartments in " Because, Monseigneur, by asking me this costume ; it was meant for the court- when I shall bring the answer, you ask yard and the corridors . . . My own me at the same time where the leaders costume is more dangerous still, for it are ; and if I should reply, this evening,* everybody knows me here, and " : " ; QUEEN MARGOT 133 does not disguise me in the slightest " Monseigneur ! " cried La Mole, re- " degree." treating in surprise, Oh ! pardon, *' 1 That is why I am looking, wait . . . pardon, Monseigneur " I think . . . yes . . . here." It is all right, sir; I wanted your The Duke, in point of fact, had looked room to receive a visitor in." all round him, and his eyes had fastened '* You are welcome, Monseigneur on the wardrobe of La Mole, which, but allow me, I beg you, to take my hat for the time being, was laid out upon the and cloak, which are on the bed ; for I bed—namely, on the splendid cherry- have lost both hat and cloak this even- coloured cloak embroidered with gold, ing on the Quai de La Grbve, where I which we have already mentioned, a hat was attacked by thieves." adorned with a white feather, and sur- " Indeed, sir," said the Prince, with a rounded by a string of gold and silver smile, giving La Mole with his own marguerites intermingled, and, lastly, a hands the objects he had asked for, grey satin doublet. " you appear to have been very badly ** Do you see this cloak, hat, and treated, and to have encountered some doublet," said the Duke, " they belong to desperate ruffians." M. de La Mole, one of my gentlemen, The Duke handed the hat and cloak and a fop of the first water. This cloak to La Mole, who bowed and went out to has made a sensation at the Court, and put them on in the ante-chamber, without La Mole can be recognised a hundred troubling himself in the least as to what yards off when he wears it. I will give the Duke was doing in his room, since it you the address of the tailor who supplied was a common practice at the Louvre for him with it ; by paying him double what the apartments of the gentlemen to be it is worth you will get another like it employed as reception rooms for visitors this evening. You will remember the of all kinds by the Princes in whose " name of La Mole, won't you ? service they were employed. The Duke had hardly completed his De Mouy then advanced to the Duke, instructions, when the sound of approach- and both listened for the moment when ing steps was heard in the corridor, and a La Mole should finish his toilet and go key turned in its lock. out ; however, when La Mole had " Who is there ? " cried the Duke, changed his costume, he himself relieved rushing to the door and drawing the bolt. them from their difficulty by approaching " ! Egod " replied a voice from out- the door and saying : side, " that's a strange question. Who " Pardon, Monseigneur, but your are you, yourself? That's a good joke; Highness did not meet the Comte de " when I want to enter my own room I am Coconnas on your way ? " ' ? " asked, Who is there ' No, sir, I did not ; and yet he was on " Is it you, Monsieur de La Mole ? duty this morning." " " Of course it is, but who are you ? " Then he must have been murdered," While La Mole was expressing his said La Mole to himself as he hurried astonishment at finding his chamber away. occupied, and was trying to discover who The Duke listened to the sound of his his new fellow-lodger was, the Due steps as they grew less distinct ; then, d'Alen9on turned round quickly with one opening the door, and drawing De Mouy hand on the bolt and the other on the lock. after him *' " Do you know M. de La Mole ? he " Look at him as he walks away," said asked De Mouy. he, " and try to copy his inimitable '* No, Monseigneur." swagger." '* " Does he know you ? "I will do my best," answered De " I don't think so." Mouy. " Unfortunately I am not a " It is all right, then ; besides, pretend popinjay, but a soldier." to be looking out of the window." " In any case I shall expect you in this De Mouy obeyed without replying, for corridor before midnight. If my gen- La Mole was becoming impatient, and tlemen's room is at liberty, I will receive was knocking with all his might. you there ; if not, we will find another." The Duke took a final glance at De " Yes, Monseigneur." Mouy, and seeing that his back was " This evening, then, before midnight." turned, opened the doors. " This evening, before midnight." . " 134 QUEEN MARGOT " Ah ! by the bye, De Mouy, swing litter, preceded by two pages, and your right arm well when you walk ; that escorted by an esquire. is a characteristic trick of M. de La La Mole thought that he recognised Mole's." the litter and hastened to move out of the way ; nor was he mistaken. " " Monsieur de La Mole ! cried a sweet voice from within the litter, while a white hand, soft as satin, parted the curtains. " Yes, Madame, it is I," answered La CHAPTER XXIV Mole bowing, *' Monsieur de La Mole with a feather ." THE RUE TIZON AND THE RUE CLOCHE- in his hand . . continued the lady PERCJ^E. in the litter ; " are you in love then, sir, and are you following up the lady's lost MOLE rushed out of the Louvre tracks ? LA and began to scour Paris in "Yes, Madame," answered La Mole, " search of the unhappy Coconnas. and deeply in love ; but, for the moment, His first care was to betake himself to it is my own tracks that I am following, the Rue de 1' Arbre-Sec, and visit Master though it is not for them that I am la Huriere, for La Mole remembered searching. Will your Majesty permit " having often quoted to the Piedmontese a me to ask how your health is ? " Latin maxim tending to prove that Excellent, sir ; I have never felt Amor, Bacchus, and Ceres were the better, I believe ; probably because I three divinities most necessary to man, spent the night in retirement." " and he hoped to find Coconnas, in Oh ! in retirement," said La Mole, pursuance of that Latin aphorism, regarding Marguerite curiously. " installed at the Belle-Etoile after a night Well, yes ; what is there surprising " that must have been no less busily em- in that ? ployed than his own had been. " May I, without indiscretion, ask you " La Molegainednothingat LaHuri^re's, in what convent ? except that the latter remembered the " Certainly, sir, I make no mystery of obligation which he had undertaken, and it ; at the Convent of the Annunciation. with a fairly good grace offered a meal But what are you doing here with that " which our gentleman accepted, and to scared appearance ? which, notwithstanding his anxiety, he " Madame, I also passed the night in did ample justice. retirement and in the neighbourhood of Having appeased his stomach, if not the same convent ; this morning I am his mind, La Mole resumed his quest, looking for my friend, who has dis- walking alongside the Seine, upstream. appeared, and in looking for him I have On reaching the Quai de la Greve, he found this feather." recognised the spot where, as he had told " Does it belong to him ? Truly you M. d'Alen9on, he had been stopped in the alarm me on his account ; this place has course of his nocturnal rambles three or a bad reputation." four hours earlier—a kind of incident by " Let your Majesty be reassured, the no means rare in a Paris older by a feather belongs to me ; I lost it here at hundred years than that in which Boileau about half-past five while escaping from was awakened by the sound of a bullet the hands of four bandits who were piercing his shutters. A small piece of determined, to the best of my belief at the feather of his hat had remained on the least, to murder me." field of battle. The love of possession is Marguerite repressed a hasty move- innate in man. La Mole possessed ten ment of alarm. " feathers, each finer than the other ; none Oh ! tell me about it," said she. the less did he stop to pick up this one, " Nothing easier, Madame. It was, as or, rather, the only fragment of it which I had the honour to tell your Majesty, had survived, and was examining it with about half-past five in the morning ..." a rueful countenance, when he heard the " And had you already gone out at sound of heavy steps approaching him, that early hour ? " interrupted Marguerite. and rude voices ordering him to make ** Your Majesty will pardon me, I had way. La Mole looked up and saw a not yet come in." " — " QUEEN MARGOT 125 " 1 Ah ! Monsieur de La Mole, you were the Inn of the Bclle-Etoile in the Rue de ! coming home at five in the morning I'Arbre-Sec." " said Marguerite, with a smile which to the Yes, I can see it from here . . . eyes of anyone else would have seemed So you were supping at Master La fraught with malice, but which La Mole Huri^re's with your friend Coconnas, no " was fatuous enough to think adorable, doubt ? " "coming home so late ! you deserved your Yes, Madame, with my friend Cocon- punishment." nas, when a man came in and handed " And I am not complaining, Madame," each of us a note." " " said La Mole, bowing respectfully; and " Both alike ? asked Marguerite. " even if I had been killed, I should esteem Exactly alike : each contained merely myself happier than I deserved to be. this line : But, anyhow, I was returning, late or " You are expected in the Rue Saint-Antoine, that early, as yowr Majesty pleases, from opposite the Rue de Jouy. happy house where 1 had passed the " " night in retirement, when four rap- Was there no signature attached ? scallions turned out of the Rue de la asked Marguerite. " No ; but there were three words Mortellerie and pursued me, brandishing ; prodigious great fighting irons. It is three charming words, which conveyed ridiculous, Madame, is it not, but such the same idea in different terms ; a triple happiness, that is to say." the case ; I was obliged to fly, as I was " had forgotten my sword." " And what were those three words ? " *^ Eros, CupidOy Amor.'' Oh ! I understand," said Marguerite, with an admirable air of innocence, " and "Three sweet names, indeed ; and did " you are returning to look for your sword ?" they fulfil their promise ? " La Mole looked at Marguerite as Oh ! more, Madame, a hundred-fold " though a doubt had crossed his mind. more ! cried La Mole, with enthusiasm. " I " Madame, I should certainly return Go on ; am curious to know what there very willingly, for my sword is an awaited you in the Rue Saint-Antoine, excellent blade, but I do not know where opposite the Rue de Jouy." that house is." " Two duennas awaited us, each with " " in her What, sir ! replied Marguerite, "you a handkerchief hand. We had to don't know where the house is where you let our eyes be bandaged. Your Majesty " spent the night ? will guess that we made no difficulty on " No Madame, Beelzebub have me that point. We surrendered ourselves if I have the faintest notion." bravely to the operation. My guide " turn to the left, friend's How very strange ! why, your story made me my " is quite a romance, then ? guide turned him to the right, and we "A veritable romance, Madame, as separated." " you say." " And then ? continued Marguerite, " Tell me about it." who appeared determined to pursue the " It is rather long." inquiry to the end. " " I don't know," resumed La Mole, Never mind ! I have plenty of time." "And quite incredible into the bargain." " where my friend's guide conducted hell, possibly. for myself, "Go on ; I am a most credulous person." him ; to But " " Your Majesty commands me ? all I know is that mine led me to a place " Why, yes, if I must." which I regard as Paradise." " I will obey then. Yesterday evening, " From which, doubtless, your exces- after leaving the two adorable ladies with sive curiosity caused you to be banished ? " v/hom we had spent the evening on the Exactly so, Madame ; you have the Pont Saint-Michel, we supped with gift of divination. I waited impatiently Master La Huriere." for daylight, so as to see where I was, " In the first place," asked Marguerite, when, at half-past four, the same duenna quite naturally, " who may Master La came in, bandaged my eyes afresh, made " Huriere be ? me promise not to try to remove the " Master La Huriere, Madame," said handkerchief, led me out of the house, La Mole, again looking at Marguerite accompanied me for a hundred yards or with the air of doubt which he had so, and again made me swear not to previously displayed, " is the landlord of remove the bandage until I had counted " 126 QUEEN MARGOT another fifty yards. I did so, and then *' Nescio quid.'' (I don't know what.) found myself in the Rue Saint-Antoine, " " Quocum ? (With whom ?) opposite the Rue de Jouy." " Cum ignotoy (With a stranger.) " ." And then . . *' It is very odd," said Marguerite. " I Then, Madame, came back in such " So you could not find Coconnas ? " she a state of happiness that I paid no atten- continued, evidently not thinking of what tion to the four rufhans from whom I she was saying. escaped with such damage. Well, *' And so, Madame, as I have had the iMadame, when I discovered a scrap of honour to inform your Majesty, I am my feather here, my heart leaped for joy, dying of anxiety." and I picked it up promising " " myself that Well ! said Marguerite, with a sigh, I would cherish it as a souvenir of that " I must not delay you any longer from happy night. But my happiness is dashed your task ; but I have an idea that he by one thing, namely, anxiety as to what will find his way back by himself : never can have become of my companion." mind, go on with your search." " He has not returned to the Louvre, The Queen laid a finger on her lips. ? then Now, as the fair Marguerite had neither " Alas ! no, Madame. I have searched confided any secret nor made any con- every place where he might be—at the fession to La Mole, the young man Belle-EtoiUj at the tennis-court, and a understood that this charming gesture, number of other respectable places ; not being intended to enjoin silence upon but no Hannibal, and no Coconnas him, must have some other meaning. either ..." The litter resumed its journey, and La As he said these words, accompanying Mole, still in pursuit of his investigation, them with a gesture of lamentation, La continued walking along the Quay as far Mole extended his arms, thus opening as the Rue du Long- Pont, which led into his cloak and disclosing his doublet the Rue Saint-Antoine. Opposite the pierced in several places, through which Rue de Jouy he stopped. the lining was protruding. It was there that on the previous even- " " Why, you have been riddled ! said ing the two duennas had blindfolded his Marguerite. eyes and those of Coconnas. He had " Riddled is just the word," said La turned to the left and had then counted Mole, not sorry to make a merit of the twenty paces ; he now went through the danger he had run. " Look, Madame, same performance, and found himself " look ! opposite a house, or, rather, a wall behind " How is it you didn't change your which was a house ; in the middle of this doublet at the Louvre, since you went wall was a door studded with great nails. " back there ? asked the Queen. The house was situated in the Rue " " " Ah ! said La Mole, because there Cloche-Percee, a small, narrow street was someone in my chamber." running from the Rue Saint-Antoine to " " What ! someone in your chamber ? the Rue du Roi-de-Sicile. said Marguerite, " " " whose eyes conveyed Od's truth ! said La Mole, this is " the most lively astonishment ; and who the place. . . I could swear to it. . . . " was in your chamber, then ? When I stretched out my hand as I was " His Highness." coming out, I felt the nails on the gate, " " Hush ! interrupted Marguerite. then I went down two steps. The man * ! The young man obeyed. who ran by shouting Help ' and who " " Qui ad lecticam meant stant ? was killed in the Rue du Roi-de-Sicile, (Who are standing beside my litter ?) was passing just as I set foot on the first " Duo pueri et unus eqiies." step. Let us see." (Two pages and an esquire.) La Mole went to the gate and knocked. " Optime, barbari / Die, Moles, quern The door was opened by a kind of " inveneris in cubiculo tito ? porter, who wore moustaches. (Good ! thoy are foreigners. Tell me, ''Was ist das?'' (What is it) asked La Mole, whom did you find in your the porter. room ?) "Ah!" said La Mole, "a Swiss, " Franciscnm ducem.'* (The Duke apparently." Fran9ois.) " My friend," he continued, with his air, " I *'Agentem?" (Doing?) ! most insinuating wuut my sword, QUEEN MARGOT 127 which 1 left at this house, where I passed Marguerite. Through fear, therefore, the ni^^ht." of yi(;ldin{j: to temptation, he made his '* in Icli verstche rAcht^' (I don't under- way back to tlie Louvre at about two stand) repHed the porter. the afternoon. " My sword "... resumed La Mole. He was able this time to enter his **/c/i verstche nicht," repeated the apartment, since it was not engaged. porter. This was of urgent importance to him in " his doublet, at any rate, which, Which I left. . . . My sword, which regard to ." the Queen had remarked to him, had I left. . . as '* ." considerably damaged. He accord- Jell verstche nicht. . . been " In this house, where I passed the ingly made straight for his bed, in order nii-ht." to substitute for it the handsome pearl-grey '" ." to his great astonishment, Gehe zum Teufel. . . (Go to the doublet. But Devil.) the first thing that he saw close to the And he slammed the door in his face. grey doublet was the famous sword which " " " left in the 'Sdeath ! said La Mole, if I only he had Rue Cloche-Percee. had that sword, I would gladly run it La Mole seized it, and turned it over and : it. through that rogue's body . . . But I over there was no doubt about " " " haven't got it, and I shall have to wait Hallo! said he, there must be some for another day." magic connected with this. Ah ! if only Whereupon La Mole went on as far poor Coconnas could be found, as my as the Rue du Roi-de-Sicile, turned to sword has been found." the right, took about fifty paces, turned Two or three hours after La Mole had to the right once more, and found himself ceased prowling round the little house in the Rue Tizon, a small street running with the double entrance, the door in parallel with the Rue Cloche-Percee, to the Rue Tizon opened. It was about which it bore a very strong resemblance. five in the evening, and consequently In addition to this, he had scarcely taken quite dark. A woman in a long fur- thirty paces when he came upon another trimmed mantle, accompanied by a maid, door with great nails, the two steps and issued from this door, which was held the wall. You might really have thought open by a duenna of about forty, glided that the Rue Cloche-Percee had turned swiftly as far as the Rue du Roi-de-Sicile, round upon itself to watch him go by. knocked at a small door of the Hotel La Mole hereupon reflected that he d'Argenson, which was opened to her, might have mistaken his right for his came out again by the principal door of left, and went to the door to make the the same house, which opened on to the same request that he had made at the Vieille-rue-du-Temple, reached a small other. But this time his knocking was postern-gate in the Hotel de Guise, in vain ; the door was not even opened to opened it with a key which she carried in him. her pocket, and disappeared. Half-an- La Mole went over his ground two or hour later, a young man with his eyes three times, and then arrived at the very blindfolded came out by the same door of natural conclusion that the house had two the same little house, guided by a woman, entrances ; one in the Cloche-Percee and who led him to the corner of the Rue the other in the Rue Tizon. GeofFroy-Lasnier and the Rue de la But he neither recovered his sword nor Mortellerie. Arrived there, she bade discovered the whereabouts of his friend him walk fifty paces and then remove by this conclusion, however logical. his bandage. The young man scrupulously For a moment he entertained the idea complied with his instructions, and at the of buying another sword and ripping up agreed distance took off the handkerchief the wretched porter who persisted in which covered his eyes. " speaking nothing but German ; he re- "'Sdeath ! he exclaimed, looking round flected, however, that if this porter was him, " I'll be hanged if I know where I in Marguerite's service, and if she had am. Six o'clock ! " cried he, as he heard chosen him on that account, she had her the bell of Notre-Dame strike the hour. reasons for so doing, and would, perhaps, " And what can have become of poor La be annoyed at being deprived of him, and Mole ? I must run to the Louvre, and La Mole would not, for all the world, have perhaps I shall get news of him there." wished to do anything displeasing to Saying thus, Coconnas ran down the : !;! 128 QUEEN MARGOT Rue de la Mortellerie, and reached the was disappearing like a ghost beneath the gates of the Louvre in less time than an wicket as he returned the sentry's salute. ordinary horse would have taken, husthng The famous cherry-coloured mantle had and demolishing in his passage the mov- created such a universal sensation that ing hedge of worthy citizens who were there was no possibility of mistaking peacefully strolling round the shops on him. the Place de Baudoyer, " '* " and entered the 'Slife ! cried Coconnas ; it is he palace. this time ; there he is, going in. Hi ! hi There he questioned Swiss and sentry. La Mole, hi ! my friend. Plague take it The Swiss was pretty sure that he had I thought I had a pretty loud voice ; how seen I\I. de La Mole come in during the is it that he didn't hear me ? Luckily morning, but he had not seen him go out. my legs are as strong as my voice, and I The sentry had only been on duty for an can catch him up." hour and a half, and had seen nothing of Sustained by this hope, Coconnas him. He ran to his chamber and hastily rushed forward at full speed, and in a opened the ; door but he found nothing moment reached the Louvre ; but spite there except La Mole's doublet all torn of all his haste, the cherry-coloured cloak, and slashed, which redoubled his anxiety. which appeared to be in an equal hurry, Then he thought of La Huriere and disappeared beneath the vestibule just as rushed off to the worthy host of the he entered the courtyard. " " Belle-Etoile. La Huriere had seen La Pli I La Mole ! cried Coconnas, still Mole; La Mole had dined at the inn. rushing on, " why don't you wait for me Coconnas was accordingly completely it is I, Coconnas ! What the devil makes reassured, and, being very hungry, de- you run like that ? Are you escaping " manded a meal in his turn. He was in from anyone ? two conditions requisite for supping well In point of fact, the red cloak, as though his mind was easy and his stomach possessed of wings, seemed to be flying empty ; he accordingly made such a good rather than climbing afoot to the second meal that it lasted until eight o'clock. floor. " " Then, fortified by two bottles of an Ah ! you don't want to hear me ! Anjou wine of which he was very fond, cried Coconnas. " You are angry with and which he tossed off with a gusto that me ! Well, go to the devil, then ! 'Sdeath betrayed itself in sundry winks and I am quite exhausted." smackings of the lips, he resumed his It was at the foot of the staircase that search for La Mole, accompanying this Coconnas hurled this reproach at the new progress through the crowd by kicks fugitive whom he ceased to pursue with and blows with his fist, proportioned to his legs, but whom his eyes continued to that increasing friendliness inspired by follow through the well of the staircase, the comfortable feeling which always and who had now arrived opposite the follows a good meal. apartment of Marguerite. Suddenly a For a whole hour Coconnas paced the woman came out of this apartment and streets adjoining the Quai de La Gr^ve, grasped the arm of the man whom the Port au Charbon, the Rue Saint- Coconnas had been pursuing. " " Antoine, the Rue Tizon, and the Rue Oho ! said Coconnas, "that looks to Cloche-Percee, to which last he thought me like Queen Marguerite. He was his friend might have gone back. At expected, then. That's quite another last he bethought himself that there was state of things, and I understand why he one spot which La Mole could not fail didn't answer me." to pass, namely, the wicket-gate at the And he leaned over the balustrade, Louvre, and he resolved to station himself gazing up the opening of the staircase. there and await his return. After some words had been exchanged in He was not more than a hundred yards low tones, he saw the red cloak follow from the Louvre, and was picking up a the Queen into the room. " ** woman whose husband he had already Good ! that's it," said Coconnas ; I upset, when in the distance he perceived was not misttiken : there are times when in front of him, by the dim light of a the presence of our best friend is incon- large lantern suspended near the draw- venient, and that is the case just now bridge, the cherry-coloured mantle and with La Mole." And Coconnas, quietly white plume belonging to his friend, who ascending the stairs, sat down on a " : " QUEEiN MARGOT i2g velvet-covered bench on the landing, them both to the foot of this staircase, saying to himself that your cloak, your plume, everything, down to the swinging of your arm, was " Very good ; instead of overtaking awaited here by a lady whom I strongly him I will wait . . . yes ; but, now that the of Navarre, I think of it, he is with the Queen of suspect to be Queen who Navarre, which means that I shall have draggedcloak,hat,and everything through that door, which, unless I am mistaken, to wait a long time. Zounds ! but it's cold. Come, come, I can wait just as is that of the fair Marguerite." " " 'Sdeath ! said La Mole, turning well in room ; he .. have to my w come " " ? back there, were it occupied by the devil." pale ; are we betrayed already He had hardly finished the words, and " Swear as much as you please," said was proceeding to put his resolve into Coconnas, " but don't tell me I am execution, when a light and active step mistaken." resounded above his head, tO the accom- La Mole hesitated for a moment, paniment of a little song so o.ien heard pressing his head between his hands, and on his friend's lips that Coconnas undecided between respect and jealousy ; immediately craned his neck in the his jealousy, however, carried the day, direction from which the sound came. and rushing to the door he began to beat La Mole was descending from the upper at it with might and main, producing an floor, the one on which his chamber was, uproar which befitted but little the and on seeing Coconnas he rushed down majesty of the place where he was. the stairs four at a time and threw him- " We shall get arrested," said Cocon- self into his arms. nas ; "but never mind, it is very amusing. '* " Why, egod ! it is you ! said Cocon- I say. La Mole, are there any ghosts in " nas. " How the devil did vou get out, the Louvre ? ? then " I don't know," said the young man, " " Pardieu ! by the Rue Cloche-Percee pale as the feather which shaded his *' " No, no ; I am not talking of that brow ; but I always wanted to see one, ." house. . . and as the opportunity has presented " * From where do you mean, then ? itself, I shall do my best to get face to " From the Queen." face with this one." " ." From the Queen ? . . " I have no objection," said Coconnas, *' Yes, the Queen of Navarre." " but you had better knock more gently ** I have not been with her." if you don't want to frighten it." " " Oh ! come now ! La Mole, for all his exasperation, " My dear Hannibal, you are talking grasped the truth of the remark, and nonsense ; I have come from my room, contmued to knock, but more gently. where I have been waiting for you for the last two hours." " You have come from your room ? " Yes." " Then it wasn't you v/hom I pursued " across the courtyard ? " *' When ? CHAPTER XXV " A moment ago." "No" THE RED CLOAK ** It wasn't you w-ho disappeared under " the wicket ten minutes ago ? COCONNAS had not been mistaken. "No." The lady who stopped the cavalier " Nor you who just now ran up this of the red cloak was, in fact, the Queen staircase as though you were pursued by of Navarre ; as for the knight of the red " a legion of devils ? cloak, our readers have already guessed, " No." we imagine, that he was none other than " " Egod ! cried Coconnas, " the wine the brave De Mouy. of the Belle-Etoile isn't strong enough to On recognising the Queen of Navarre, have turned my head to that extent. I the young Huguenot had understood that tell you that I just now saw your cherry- some misapprehension had occurred ; but coloured cloak and white plume at the he did not venture to say a word, through wicket of the Louvre, that I pursued fear lest Marguerite should utter some : " : 130 QUEEN MARGOT cry which would betray hun. He pre- looked upon you hitherto as one of the ferred, therefore, to let himself be led staunchest leaders of the Huguenot Party, into the apartments, since, once there, as one of the most loyal adherents of the he would be free to say to his fair King my husband ; have I, then, been " conductress mistaken ? " Silence in return for silence, Madame." " No, Madame, for even down to this In point of fact, Marguerite had gently morning I was all that you say." pressed the arm of him whom, in the " And why have you changed since semi-darkness, she had taken for La this morning ? Mole, and stooping to his ear, had said *• Madame," said De Mouy, bowing, " to him in Latin : be good enough to excuse me from Sola sum ; intvoito, carissime." answering, and do me the favour to (Come in, dearest ; I am alone.) accept my homage." De Mouy, without replying, let himself And De Mouy, with firm but respect- be led in ; but hardly had the door ful demeanour, stepped towards the door closed behind him, and he found himself by which he had entered. in the ante-chamber, which was better Marguerite stopped him. lighted than the staircase, when Mar- '^ However, Monsieur," said she, " if I guerite perceived that it was not La Mole. might venture to ask for a word of ex- The little cry of surprise which the planation you can rely upon my word, "; prudent Huguenot had expected escaped I think ? " " from Marguerite at this instant ; happily Madame," answered De Mouy, I there was no longer cause for fear. am constrained to keep silence, and from " " Monsieur de Mouy ! said she, re- the fact that I have not yet replied to treating backwards. your Majesty you may infer how binding " The same, Madame, and I beg your IS this duty." " ." Majesty to allow me to go on my way However, sir. . . without mentioning my presence at the " Your Majesty can destroy me, but Louvre to anybody." you cannot require me to betray my new " Oh ! Monsieur de Mouy, I was rpis- friends." taken, then," said Marguerite. " But your old friends, sir, have they " " Yes, I understand," said De Mouy. no claims upon you ? " Your Majesty took me for the King of " Those who have remained faithful, Navarre : I am the same height, have the yes ; not so those who have not only same white plume, and many, wishing to deserted us, but also proved unfaithful flatter me, no doubt, have said, the same to themselves." appearance." Marguerite, who became thoughtful Marguerite looked hard at De Mouy. and uneasy, was doubtless about to reply " Do you know, Latin, Monsieur de by a fresh question, when Gillonne sud- " Mouy ? she asked. denly rushed into the room. " I did once, but I have forgotten it." "The King of Navarre !" she exclaimed. " Marguerite smiled. " Which way is he coming ? " Monsieur de Mouy," said she, " you " By the secret corridor." may rely on my discretion. However, as " Show this gentleman out by the other I fancy that I know the name of the door." " person for whom you are looking at the " 1 mpossible, Madame. Do you hear ? " Louvre, I will offer you my services and " Someone is knocking ? conduct you to him." " Yes, at that very door." " " " Pardon me, Madame ; I believe you Who is it ? are mistaken, and are completely in " I don't know." ." '" ignorance. . . "Go and see, and come back and tell " " " What ! cried Marguerite, are you me." " not looking for the King of Navarre ? " Madame," said De Mouy, " might I " Alas ! Madame, I regret to have to venture to observe to your Majesty that, ask you to conceal the fact of my if the King of Navarre sees me in the presence at the Louvre from the King Louvre at this hour and in this dress, I your husband most especially." am lost." *' Listen, Monsieur de Mouy," said Marguerite seized De Mouy, and Marguerite, with surprise; "1 have dragging liim to the famous closet QUEEN MARGOT 131 " " Go in thero, sir," said she. " You What should you say, then, Madame, will be as well concealed and, what is were somebody to thwart our plans and more, as safe as in your own house, for threritrn to reduce us, you and me, to a " you are there on tiie fiiith of my word." position of mediocrity ? De Mouy rus,hed in hastily, and the I should say that I was prepared to door had hardly closed behind him when struggle with you, either secretly or Henri appeared. openly, against that somebody, whoever This time, Marguerite had no trouble he might be." *' *' it is to hide ; she was merely sad, and love Madame," continued Henri, was very far from her thoughts. possible for you, is it not, to go this very As for Henri, he entered with that moment to your brother, the Due d' suspiciousness in rej^ard to trifles which, Alen^on ? You have his confidence, and even in moments that were lessdangerous, he has a strong friendship for you. made him take notice of the smallest Might I venture to ask you to find out whether he is not at this very moment in details ; all the more, then, in the circum- " stances in which he found himself, was secret conference with someone ? he profoundly observant. Marguerite started. " Accordingly, he instantly detected the " With whom. Monsieur ? she asked. cloud on Marguerite's brow. " With De Mouy." " " " You are busy, Madame ? said he. Why should I do that," asked Mar- " 1 ? yes, Sire, I was thinking." guerite, repressing her emotion. *' " if it fare- And you are right, Madame ; think- Because, be so, Madame, all our projects to mine, at least." ing becomes you. I, too, was thinking ; well to — but unlike yourself, who seek solitude, I " Sire, speak low," said Marguerite, came down expressly to share my making signs at once with her eyes and thoughts with you." her lips, and pointing with her finger to Marguerite gave the King a gesture of the closet. " " " welcome, and motioning him to an arm- Oh 1 said Henri, someone there chair, seated herself on a chair of carved again ? Upon my word, this closet is so ebony, as finely wrought and as strong often occupied that it makes your room as steel. uninhabitable." A momentary silence ensued, which Marguerite smiled. ?" Henri was the first to break. " At least, tell me, is it still La Mole "I recollected, Madame, that my dreams asked Henri. as to the future had this in common with " No, Sire, it is M. de Mouy." " your own, that, though separated as " He ? exclaimed Henri in surprise, husband and wife, we yet both desired to mingled with joy, " then he is not with unite our fortunes." the Due d'Alenfon ? Oh ! let him ." " It is true, Sire." come here ; let ms speak to him. . . " I think I understood also that, in Marguerite ran to the closet, and any plans I might make for the elevation opened it ; then, taking De Mouy by the of us both, you told me that I should hand, brought him without further pre- find in you not merely a faithful, but amble to the King of Navarre. " also an active ally." Ah ! Madame," said the young " Yes, Sire, and all I ask is that, in setting Huguenot, in a tone of reproach rather about the work, you should soon give me than of bitterness, " you have betrayed the opportunity of co-operating with you." me in spite of your promise. What ** I am happy to find you so disposed, should you say if I avenged myself by ." Madame, and I imagine that you have telling. . not for a moment entertained the sus- " You will not avenge yourself, De " picion that I should lose sight of the plan Mouy," interrupted Henri, or, at least, which I determined to carry out on the you shall listen to me first. Madame, very day when, thanks to your courageous see, I beg you, that no one overhears us." intervention, I became reasonably certain Henri had scarcely spoken the words that my life would be saved." when Gillonne entered with a scared " Monsieur, I believe that with you in- face, and whispered some words to Mar- difference is but a mask, and I have guerite which made her spring from her faith, not only in the predictions of the chair. While she ran to the ante- astrologers, but also in your own genius." chamber with Gillonne, Henri, wittiout — 132 QUEEN MARGOT as to the cause which troubling himself recognised De Mouy at a glance ; both of took her out of the room, inspected the them remained dumbfounded. bed, the alcove, and the hangings, and ^"Now that you are reassured, as I sounded the walls with his fingers. As hope at least that you are," said Mar- for De Mouy, terrified at all these pre- guerite, " station yourself at the door of liminaries, his first care was to assure my apartment, and on your life, dear himself that his sword was loose to the La Mole, let nobody enter. If anybody scabbard. should even approach the head of the Marguerite, on leaving her bedchamber, stairs, give warning." had hurried into the ante-room and found La Mole, weak and obedient as a herself confronted with La Mole, who, child, exchanged glances with Coconnas, spite of all Gillonne's entreaties, had and both of them found themselves out- insisted on forcing his way in. side before they had recovered from their Coconnas was just behind him, ready astonishment. " " to push him forward or to support his De Mouy ! exclaimed Coconnas. " " retreat, as occasion demanded. Henri ! murmured La Mole. " *' Ah ! it is you, M. de La Mole," cried De Mouy in your hat and cloak, and " the Queen ; but what is the matter, and imitating the swing of your arm." " " why are you so pale and trembling ? Yes, but . . . since k is no ques- " Madame," said Gillonne, " M. de La tion of love, it certainly means some plot.*, " Mole knocked so persistently that I was Ah ! 'Sdeath ! so now we are involved obliged to open the door to him in spite in politics," grumbled Coconnas: "hap- of your Majesty's orders." pily, I don't see that Madame de Nevers " " What is the meaning of this ? said has any connection with this affair." the Queen severely. *' Is what I am told Marguerite returned and sat down " true, Monsieur de La Mole ? near the King and De Mouy ; her absence " Madame, I wished to warn your had lasted but a minute and she had Majesty that an unknown stranger, a employed the time well. The fact that robber possibly, had made his way into Gillonne was on guard at the secret your rooms wearing my hat and passage, while the two gentlemen were cloak." posted at the chief entrance, afforded her " You are mad, sir," said Marguerite, a sense of safety. " for I see your cloak upon your shoulders, " Madame," said Kenri, "do you think and I believe I also see your hat upon it is possible for our conversation to be " your head, though you are in the royal overheard by any means whatever ? presence." " Monsieur," said Marguerite, " the " *' Oh ! pardon, Madame, pardon ! walls of the room are padded, and a cried La Mole, hastily uncovering, " it is double panelling guarantees that no not, however, Heaven be witness, because sound can penetrate." I am lacking in respect." " I trust to you," replied Henri, with " No, but lacking in faith, are you a smile. " not ? said the Queen. Then, turning to De Mouy : " " ** " What would you have ? cried La Now, what are you doing here ? Mole, "when a man is with your Majesty, said the King, in a low tone, as if spite of when he introduces himself under cover Marguerite's assurance, his fears were of my dress, and perhaps my name, who not entirely removed. *' " knows ? . . ." Here ? said De Mouy. "A man ! " said Marguerite, gently " Yes, here, in this room," repeated pressing her unhappy lover's arm : "A Henri. " man . . . You are under the mark, He did not come for anything," said Monsieur de La Mole. Put your head Marguerite, " it was I who brought him through the opening of the curtain and in." ** you will see tivo men." " Then you had . . . ? Marguerite partially raised the velvet " I have guessed all." curtain, embroidered with gold, and La " You see, De Mouy, she can divine.** Mole recognised Henri in conversation " Monsieur De Mouy," continued Mar- with the man in the red cloak ; Coconnas, guerite, "was with Due Fran9ois this as interested as though the matter con- morning, in the chamber of two of his cerned himself, also looked and gentlemen." " QUEEN MARGOT 133 " You see, De Mouy, that everything should not then have considered that all is known," repeated lienri. was lost and our cause hopeless." " It is true," said De Mouy. •*'Sdeath!'* cried Henri, "whoever "I was sure," said Henri, "that the was listening could have seen as well, Due d'Alenfon had got hold of you." and cannot a sign compass a man's ruin " is It your own fault, sire. Why did as well as a word ! why, see here, De you so persisienlly decline the offer which Mouy," continued the King, glancing *"' I came to make to you ? round him, " though I am so close to " " You declined I cried Marguerite. you that my words do not pass beyond ** Your refusal, of which 1 had a presenti- the circle made by our three chairs, I still " ment, was an actual fact then ? fear lest I should be overheard when I " • Madame," said Henri, shaking his say : De Mouy, repeat your proposals head, " and you, my bra'/e De Mouy, you to me.' really make me laugh with your exclam- " But, Sire," cried De Mouy, in despair, " ations. What ! a man comes to see me, I am now pledged to the Due d' speaks to me of a throne, a revolt, an Alen90n." upheaval, to 7ne, to me, Henri, a prince Marguerite struck her fair hands tolerated so long as I adopt a humble together with vexation. ** " demeanour, a Huguenot whose life is Then it is too late ? she said. spared on condition that 1 play the " On the contrary," murmured Henri, CathoLc—and you expect me to accept " let us recognise even in this the protect- these proposals when they are made in a ing hand of God. Remain pledged to room that is not padded and has no him, De Mouy, for in the Due double panelling ! Zounds ! you are Franfois lies our whole safety. Do you " children or fools ! imagine that the King of Navarre could *' But, sire, could not your Majesty guarantee the safety of your heads ? on leave if me some hope, not in words, at the contrary, unhappy man ! I should be " least by a sign, a gesture ? the cause of your all being killed on the " What did my brother-in-law say to smallest suspicion. But a Son of France " you, De Mouy ? IS quite a different matter; get proofs, " Sire, that is not my own secret," De Mouy ; demand guarantees ; but, " " Zounds ! replied Henri, with a cer- simpleton that you are, you have pledged tain impatience at having to deal with a yourself merely on the strength of his man who was so slow at understanding bare word." him," I am not asking " you what proposals Oh ! Sire ! believe me, it was he made ; I am only asking you if he despair owing to your desertion of us listened and understood." that drove me into the arms of the Duke, " He listened, Sire, and jmderstood.'* as well as the fear of being betrayed, " listened, He and ur.Jerstood ! You since he possessed our secret." admit it yourself, De Mouy, poor sort of " Get possession of his secret, De a conspirator that you are! had I Mouy, in your turn; that depends on uttered but one word in reply, you were yourself. What does he desire ? To be lost. For though I was not sure, yet I King of Navarre? Promise him the suspected that he might be listening, or crown. What does he want to do ? To if not he, then some other, the Due quit the Court ? Furnish him with the d'Anjou, Charles IX., or the Queen- means of escape ; work for him, De Mother ; you do not know the walls of Mouy, as though you were working for the Louvre, De Mouy; it is for them me ; hold the shield in such a way that that the proverb, ' walls have ears,' was he may parry all the blows directed at invented ; and knowing these walls as I ourselves. When he is forced to flee, do, I ought to have spoken, forsooth ! we will both flee; when it is a question Come, come, De Mouy, you credit the of fighting and reigning, I will reign King of Navarre with but Httle sense, alone." and I am only surprised that, not ranking " Distrust the Duke," said Marguerite, him more highly in your estimation, you " his is a reserved and penetrating dispo- should have come to offer him a crown." sition, incapable of hatred as he is of "But, Sire," urged De Mouy once friendship ; ever ready to treat his friends more, '' could you not, while still refusing as foes, and his foes as friends." the crown, have* given me a sign ? I " And he is expecting you, De Mouy ?'*^ ; ; QUEEN MARGOT 134 . " Yes, Sire." I place my whole wealth at his disposal." " « Where ? " In that case," said Marguerite, witli " In the chamber belonging to his two one of those smiles characteristic only of gentlemen." the heroines of Boccaccio, " since such is '* '• At what hour ? your wish, I will do my best to further it." " " Up till midnight." Good, Madame ; and you, De Mouy, " It is not eleven yet," said Henri go back to the Duke and run your sword " come, De Mouy, no time has been lost." through him." " We have your word, sir," said i\Iarguerite. " Come, Madame," said Henri, with that confidence which he knew so well how to display towards certain persons, and in certain circumstances, " in the case of M. de Mouy such guarantees are CHAPTER XXVI not required." " You are right, Sire," answered the MARGARITA young man, '* but / require your word, since I shall have to tell the chiefs of the WHILE the above conversation Party that you have given it me. You was taking place, La Mole and " are not really a Catholic, are you ? Coconnas continued to mount guard ; La Henri shrugged his shoulders. Mole somewhat annoyed, Coconnas a " You do not renounce the sovereignty little uneasy. " of Navarre ? La Mole had had time to reflect, and " I renounce no sovereigntv, De Mouy, Coconnas had greatly assisted him in so only, I reserve to myself the choice of the doing. " higher sovereignty, the one, that is to say, " What think you of all this, my friend ? that shall be most expedient for myself La Mole had asked Coconnas. and for you." " I think," the Piedmontese had replied, " And if, meanwhile, your Majesty " that some Court intrigue is at the should be arrested, you promise to reveal bottom of it all." nothing, even in case your royal " And, such being the case, are you " Majesty should be subjected to torture?" disposed to play a part in that intrigue ? " De Mouy, I swear it by God." " My dear friend," answered Coconnas, " " One word more, Sire ; how shall I listen attentively to what I am about to " see you again ? say, and try to profit by it. In all these " You shall have a key of my chamber plots of princes, in all these machinations to-morrow you shall come in, De Mouy, of kings, we can only we must only be ; — — as often as is necessary, and at what hour considered as shadows ; where the King you please. It will be the business of the of Navarre leaves behind a bit of his Due d'Alen9on to answer for your plume, or the Due d'Alenfon a flap of presence in the Louvre. Meanwhile, go his cloak, we must leave our lives. The up by the small staircase ; I will act as Queen has a fancy for you, and you a your guide. While I am doing so, the liking for her—nothing more. Lose your Queen will admit the man with the red head in love, my dear fellow, but don't cloak, like your own, who was in the lose it by meddling with politics." ante-chamber just now. No one must It was sound advice. Accordingly, it know that there is any difference be- was listened to by La Mole with all the tween the two, and that you are two sadness of a man who feels that, placed separate persons, must they, De Mouy ? between reason and folly, he must follow " Must they, Madame ? the latter. Henri pronounced these last words " I have not a mere liking for the with a laugh and a glance at Marguerite. Queen, Hannibal ; I am in love with her " No," said she, without betraying any and, fortunately or otherwise, I love her " is folly, emotion ; for this Monsieur de La Mole with my whole soul. It you will is in the service of the Duke my brother." tell me. 1 admit it ; I am mad. But " Well, Madame, try to gain him over to you, who are a wise man, Coconnas, our side," said Henri, with well-assumed ought not to suffer through my folly and " gravity ; spare neither pold nor promises. my misfortune. Go, therefore, and find : ; : ;; QUEEN MARGOT 135 our master, and do not compromise seen and heard you might be easy on yourself." that score." " Coconnas reflected for a moment ; then, Of Da Mouy, whom I saw this raising his head, he replied : morning for the first time, and whom I " My dear fellow, all that you say is find this evening so advanced in his perfctly true you are in love, so act intimacy with you." ; " accordingly. For my own part, I am " Of M. de Mouy ? ambitious, and that being my disposition, " Yes." I reckon life of greater value than a " And what has filled you with this " woman's kisses. When I risk my life, I suspicion of M. de Mouy ? shall make my own conditions, and you, " Listen ... I recognised him by his poor lover, must try and do the same." figure, by the colour of his hair, by an Whereupon Coconnas gave La Mole instinctive feeling of dislike— it is he his hand, and went away, after exchang- who was with the Due d*Alen9on this ing a last look and a last smile with his morning." " comrade. " Well, how does that affect me ? " It was about ten minutes after he had M. de Alen9on is your brother ; he is quitted his post when the door opened, said to love you dearly must ; you and Marguerite, appearing cautiously, have hinted to him a vague desire of came and took La Mole by the hand, and your heart, and he, according to the without saying a word, drew him from custom of the Court, has favoured your the corridor into the innermost recesses desire by introducing De Mouy to your of her apartment, with her own hands presence. Now, how arose the circum- closing the door with a caution which stance, solucky forme, that the King should betokened the importance of the confer- find himself there at the same time as De ence that was about to take place. Mouy ? That is what I do not know Having reached the chamber, she but in any case, Madame, be frank with stopped, sat down on the ebony chair, me ; in default of any other sentiment, a and drawing La Mole towards her, took love like mine has every right to claim both his hands in her own and began frankness in return. See, I prostrate " Now that we are alone, my dear myself at your feet. If what you have friend, let us talk seriously." evinced for me is but a momentary " " Seriously, Madame ? caprice, I give you back your word, your " Or amorously. See, that suits you promise, your love ; I restore to M. better, does it not ? There are perhaps d'Alenfon the favour he has shown me serious things in love, especially in the and my office of gentleman, and I will love of a queen." go and get killed at the siege of La " Let us talk, then ... of serious Rochelle, unless I die of a broken heart things, but on condition that your Majesty before I arrive there." will not be angry at the foolish things I Marguerite listened with a smile to may say to you." these words so full of charm, and followed " I shall only be angry at one thing, with her eyes his gestures so full of La Mole, and that is at your calling me gracefulness ; then, resting her beautiful * Madame,' or ' your Majesty.' For you, head thoughtfully on her burning hand " dear, I am only Marguerite." " You love me ? she said. " " Yes, Marguerite — Margarita — my Oh ! Madame, more than my life ! pearl " said the young man, devouring more than my salvation ; more than the his Queen with gaze. everything ! but you .... you do love " That is better," said Marguerite me." " " so are jealous, ? " " you are you Poor infatuate fool ! she murmured. " Yes ; enough to drive me out of my "Yes, Madam," cried La Mole, still senses." kneeling at her feet, " I told you I was " ." Still ! . . that." " Enough to send me mad, Marguerite." " The chiefest thing in your life, then, " " " jealous of whom, come ? is your love, dear La Mole ? " Of everybody." " It is the one and only thing, Madame." " " " But in particular ? W^ell, be it so ; I will make all the " Of the King, in the first place." rest only an accessory to that love. You " " I thought that after what you have love me, you wish to stay near me ? r36 OUEEN MA ROOT the " My one prayer to God is that He realisation of that desire to render may never send me from your side." my whole life unhappy." " " Well, you shall not leave me; I want Well, will you help me to realise that you, La Mole." desire, which shall render you still more " * You want me ? the '"/.m n^eds the happy ? " glow-worm ? "Oh! Madame, I shall lose you!" cried " If I tell you that I love you, will you La Mole, burying his face in his hands. " " be absolutely devoted to me ? No, on the contrary ; instead of being " Why, am I not so already, Madame, the first of my servants, you shall become " entirely devoted to you ? the chief of my subjects ; that is all the " Yes, but you stiH mistrust me." difference." " " ! it is Oh ! I was wrong ; I am ungrateful, Oh not interest . . . nor ambi- or rather—as I told you, and you re- tion, Madame, ... do not degrade the peated it— I am mad. But why was De feeling which I have for you ... it is Mouy with you this evening ? Why did devotion, nothing but devotion." I see him this morning with M. d'Alen9on ? " You have a noble nature," said Mar- Why that red cloak, that white plume, guerite; " well, yes, I accept your devotion that imitation of my appearance. . , . and shall know how to repay it." Ah ! Madame, it is not you whom I And she held out both her hands, which suspect, but your brother." La Mole covered with kisses. " " " " Unhappy man ! said Marguerite, Well ! she said. ** to believe that my brother pushes his "Well, yes," answered La Mole. "Yes, compliance to the point of introducing a Marguerite, I now begin to understand lover to his sister ! Senseless man, who that vague project which was discussed says he is jealous, and yet has not guessed among us Huguenots before St. Bar- the truth ! Do you know, La Mole, that tholomew's Day, the project for the the Due d'Alen9on would slay you with execution of which I, like so many others his own sword if he knew that you were worthier than myself, had been summoned here this evening at my knees, and that, to Paris. You covet that actual sove- instead of spurning you from that posi- reignty of Navarre which is to replace tion, I am saying to you : Stay where the fictitious one ; King Henri is urging you are, La Mole, for I love you, do you you to this ; De Mouy is conspiring with hear, I love you ! Well, yes, I repeat, he you, is he not ? But the Due d'Alen9on, would kill you." what has he to do with all this ? Where is " " Great God ! is it possible ? cried there a throne for him in this enterprise ? I La Mole, falling backwards and looking cannot see any. Well, the Due d'Alen9on is at Marguerite in terror. sufficiently your . . friend to aid you in all " Everything is possible, my friend, in this, without making any claim in ex- '* our days and at this Court. Now, but change for the danger which he incurs ? " one word : it was not on account of The Duke, my friend, is conspiring on me that De Mouy, dressed in your cloak his own behalf. Letusleavehiminhiserror, and his face concealed beneath your hat, his life ensures the safety of our lives." came to the Louvre. It was for M. " But I, who am m his service, can I ' d'Alenfon. I brought him in here, betray him? thinking that he was you. He is m * Betray him ? and how shall you be possession of our secret. La Mole, we betraying him ? What has he confided must treat him gently." to you ? is it not rather he who has " I should prefer to kill him," said La betrayed you by giving De Mouy your Mole, *' it is the shortest and safest way." hat and cloak as a means of gaining " And I," said the Queen, " prefer that admission to his presence ? You belong he should live and that you should know to him, say you ! Were you not mine all, for his life is not only useful to us, before you were his ? Has he given you a but necessary. Listen, and weigh well greater proof of friendship than the proof " your words before replying : do you love of my love which 1 have afforded you ? me sufficiently, La Mole, to rejoice if 1 La Mole rose pale and as though became veritably Queen, that is to say, thunderstruck. " " " " mistress of an actual Kingdom ? Oh ! he murmured, Coconnas was " Alas ! Madame, I love you well quite right ; mtrigue is enveloping me in enough to lesire what /ou desire, were its folds—it will choke me." : ! — QUEEN MARGOT >37 " Well ? " asked Marpjuerite. to save you in the p( ril you are incurring " Well," said La Mole, " here is my for me— for my sake alone, as I know I least give to your poor soul the answer : It is asserted, and I have heard will at it said in the most remote part of France, consolation which you ask, and which where your illustrious name and your you will so richly have deserved." universal reputation for beauty had " One word more, Marguerite. I can reached me and filled my heart with a die now, since you have reasr.ured me in vague longing for the unknown— it is respect to my death ; but, on the other asserted, I say, that you have loved ere hand, I may live, we may be successful; now, and that your love has always the King of Navarre may reign, and you proved fatal to those who were the may be Queen ; then the King will carry objects of that love, so much so that you away ; the vow of separation between death, no doubt through jealousy, has you will be broken one day, and that will almost always relieved you of your lovers.' part you from me. Come, Marguerite, " " La Mole ! my dearly beloved, you have with a word " to Do not interrupt me, dearest Mar- reassured me in regard my death ; guerite, for they also add that you now reassure me with another word as preserve in gold caskets the hearts of regards my life." " your faithful friends, and sometimes Oh ! fear nothing, I am yours body bestow on these sad relics a pious glance and soul," cried Marguerite, laying her and melancholy remembrance.* You hand once more on the cross upon the " sigh, my Queen, and lower your eyes ; it little casket. If I go, you shall follow it is true, then. Well ! make of me the me ; and if the King refuses to take you, most beloved and the happiest of your then I will not go." favoured ones. Of others you have " But you will not venture to withstand pierced the hearts, and you preserve those him!" " hearts ; with me you do m.ore, you expose My dear Hyacinthe," said Marguerite, " my head . . . Well ! Marguerite, swear you do not know Henri : Henri at this to me before the image of that God who moment thinks of but one thing, namely, saved my life, swear to me that if I die of being King ; to that desire he would for you—as I have a gloomy presenti- sacrifice at this moment all that he ment that I shall—swear to me that you possesses, and, by still better reason, will keep, and sometimes press to your what he does not possess. Farewell." " lips, that head which the executioner " Do you dismiss me, Madame ? said shall sever from my body ; swear, Mar- La Mole, smiling. guerite, and the promise of such a " It is late," said Marguerite. " recompense, made by my Queen, will No doubt ; but where would you make me dumb—will make me even a have me go ? M. de Mouy is in my room traitor and a coward at need—that is to with the Due d'Alen9on." " say, absolutely devoted, as your lover and Ah I true," said Marguerite, with a your accomplice ought to be." charming smile. " Besides, I have several " Let no such gloomy folly fill your things to say to you in connection with " thoughts, my love I said Marguerite. our scheme." ." "Swear. . . From this night onwards La Mole was " " Must I do so ? no mere ordinary favourite, and could carry " Yes, swear on this silver casket sur- proudly that head of his for which, alive mounted by a cross." or dead, such a sweet future was in store. " " Well ! said Marguerite, "if your pre- At times, however, his brow was bent sentiments are realised, which God forbid, towards the ground, his cheeks grew pale, then on this cross I swear that you shall and anxious meditation traced its furrows be near me, living or dead, so long as I between the eyebrows of this young man, myself have life ; and should I be unable once so merry, now so happy • She wore an enormous farthingale, with pockets all round, in each of which she placed a CHAPTER XXVII gold box containing the heart of one of her dead THE HAND OF GOD lovers ; for, as they died, she saw to having their hearts embalmed. This farthingale was sus- leaving Madame de Sauve, Henri pended every evening from a hook, secured by a ON said her padlock, behind the head of her bed.—Tallemant had to des Reaux, Histoire de Marguerite de Valois. '• Go to bed, Charlotte, and pretend to : ; ; 138 QUEEN MARGOT be seriously ill, and on no account admit dants still remained ; Catherine, in her anyone during the whole of to-morrow." impatience, dismissed them, saying that Charlotte obeyed without making any she wished to be alone. question of the King's motive in giving When the last of the courtiers had her these directions : she was growing gone out, Catherine closed the door accustomed to his eccentricities, as we behind him, and going to a secret cup- should term them nowadays—his whims, board concealed behind one of the panels as they were then styled. of her chamber, slid back the door in a She knew, besides, that there were groove of the woodwork and took out a locked in his breast secrets which he book, the crumpled leaves of which denoted disclosed to nobody, that his thoughts the frequency of its use. She placed the were full of projects which he feared book on a table, opened it at a page in- he might reveal even in his dreams dicated by a book-marker, rested her elbow accordingly she took care to comply with on the table and her head upon her hand. all his wishes, in the certainty that even " Yes, that is it," she murmured, as she " the strangest of his ideas were directed read ; headache, general weakness, pains towards a purpose. in the eyes, swelling of the palate. Only The same evenmg, therefore, she com- the headache and the weakness have been plained to Dariole of a severe headache, mentioned as yet . . the other symptoms accompanied by giddiness; these being will not be long in showing themselves." the symptoms which Henri had told her She continued : to feign. On the following day she pre- '* Next inflammation seizes the throat, tended to want to get up ; but hardly had extends to the stomach, envelopes the she set her foot to the ground ere she heart as with a circle of flame, and splits complained of feeling weak generally, the brain like a thunderbolt." and went to bed again. She read this in a low voice ; then she went This illness, already announced by Henri on again, but in still more subdued tones : to the Due d'Alen9on, was the first piece " For the fever six hours, for the of news given to Catherine upon her ask- general inflammation twelve hours, for the ing in an easy manner why Madame de mortification twelve hours, for the death Sauve did not come as usual to dress her. agony six hours ; thirty-six hours in all." "She IS ill," answered Madame de " Now, supposing that the process of Lorraine, who was in the room. absorption takes place more slowly than " " 111 ! repeated Catherine, without a that of deglutition, and that instead of muscle of her face betraying her interest thirty-six hours we have forty, or even " in the reply. Some fit of laziness, more eight-and-forty ; yes, forty-eight hours likely." ought to be enough. But how is it that " Henri is still up and about ? Because No, Madame," replied the Princess ; " she complains of violent headache and he is a man, and of a robust constitution, or a weakness which prevents her from perhaps he drank something after embrac- walking." ing her, and wiped his lips after drinking." Catherine did not answer ; but, to hide Catherine awaited the dinner-hour with her delight, no doubt, turned towards the impatience. Henri dined every day at window, and seeing Henri crossing the the King's table. When he came, he courtyard after his conversation with De complained in his turn of spasmodic Mouy, she got up in order to observe him twitchings in the head, ate nothing, and more closely, and prompted by those retired immediately after the meal, saying stings of conscience which are ever felt, that as he had lain awake during the though invisibly, in the hearts most greater part of the night, he felt an urgent hardened to crime desire for sleep. " Does not my son Henri," she asked Catherine listened as he retreated with the captain of the guards, " look paler tottering footsteps, and had him followed. " than usual this morning ? The report was brought back that the It VJKS not so in reality ; Henri, although King of Navarre had gone in the direc- uneasy in his mind, was perfectly well in tion of Madame de Sauve's apartment. body. " Henri," she said to herself, " by going The persons who usually assisted at to her this evening will complete tha the Queen's toilet withdrew one by one work of death which an unfortunate ** three or four of her more familiar atten- accident has perhaps left unfinished QUEEN MARGOT 139 In point of fact, the King of Navarre " That the King of Navarre is here." " had {Jjone to Madame de Sauve, but only "What does he want with me ? to tell her to continue to i)lay lier part. "He has brought your Majesty a small The next day Henri did not leave his monkey, a very rare specimen." room the whole morning, nor did he put At this moment Henri entered with a in an appearance at dinner with the King. basket in his hand, caressing a little Madame de Sauve was reported to be chimpanzee monkey, which lay inside it. growing worse, and the report of Henri's Henri smiled as he entered, his atten- illness, circulated by Catherine herself, tion apparently being quite taken up with spread like one of those presentiments, the charming little creature which he was the origin of which no man can account bringing ; but for all his seeming preoc- for, but which are disseminated insensibly cupation, he was able to bestow that first through the air. scrutinising glance which sufficed for Catherine applauded herself for the him in dilhcult circumstances. As for course which she had tal^en ; she had Catherine, she was very pale, and her sent away Ambroise Pare for the whole paleness increased in proportion as she night to go and visit one of her favourite observed the healthy rosiness in the attendants at Saint-Germain. She must cheeks of the young King. have a man, therefore, whom she could The Queen-Mother was dazed by this summon to Madame de Sauve and blow. She accepted Henri's present Henri ; and this man would say only mechanically, became confused, compli- what she wished him to say. If, con- mented him on his appearance, and added: trary to all expectation, any other doctor " I am the more pleased to see you found himself mixed up in the business, looking so well, my son, because I had and if any assertion of poisoning were to heard that you were ill, and because, if i alarm that Court where so many similar recollect rightly, you complained in my assertions had already been whispered, she presence of indisposition ; but I see now," reckoned confidently upon the rumours added she, with an attempt at a smile, which were prevalent of Marguerite's " that it was merely an excuse to gain jealousy on account of her husband's your freedom." intrigues. The reader will recollect that the " As a matter of fact, Madame, I was Queen-Mother had spoken often of this very ill," answered Henri, " but a remedy jealousy, which had blazed forth on several which they use in our mountains and which occasions, amongst others during the expe- was given me by my mother, has cured me." dition of the Court to visit the miraculous " You will give me the recipe, won't " Hawthorn,where she had said to her daugh- you, Henri ? said Catherine, this time ter, in the presence of several persons . with a genuine smile, the irony of which, " Then you are very jealous, Mar- however, she could not conceal. " ? " " guerite Some antidote," she muttered ; we Accordingly, she w'aited with a com- must see about this. Or rather, no; see- posed countenance the moment when the ing Madame de Sauve ill, he has suspected. door should open and some servant Verily, it makes one believe that the should enter, with pale and scared face, protecting hand of God is extended over exclaiming : this man." '< Your Majesty, Madame de Sauve is Catherine awaited the night with im- " dead, and the King of Navarre is dying 1 patience. Madame de Sauve did not Four o'clock struck. Catherine was appear. When at cards, she inquired in the aviary crumbling biscuits for some about her and was told that she was rare birds which she fed with her own suffering increased pain. . hand. Though her face was, as usual, D uring the whole evening Catherine was calm and even gloomy, her heart beat restless, and people anxiously asked them- violently at the slightest sound. selves what troubled thoughts could be agi- Suddenly the door opened. tating that usuallyimpassive countenance. " Madame," said the captain of the Presently the company withdrew. ." guard, "the King of Navarre is . . Catherine's ladies undressed her and " " 111 ? interrupted Catherine eagerly. assisted her to bed ; but, as soon as all " No, Madame, thank God ! his Majesty was quiet in the Louvre, she got up appears extremely well." again, wrapped herself in a long black " " What were you going to say, then ? dressing-gown, took up a lamp, selected 140 OUEEN MARGOT from a number of keys the one which exactly the same, or at any rate very opened Madame de Sauve's door, and went closely resembled the one which she had upstairs to visit her maid-of-honour. sent to Charlotte. With the end of a Had Henri anticipated this visit ? was golden needle she took out of it some he occupied in his own room ? was he paste about the size of a pearl, and re- concealed anywhere ? was the young turning to her own apartments gave it to woman alone ? —such were the questions the little monkey with which Henri had which agitated her mind. presented her that very evening. The Catherine opened the door cautiously, animal, enticed by the fragrant odour, crossed the ante-chamber, entered the devoured it greedily, and curling itself drawing-room, put down her lamp, for a round in its basket, went to sleep again. light was burning near the patient, and Catherine waited for a quarter of an hour. glided like a ghost mto the bedroom. " The half of what it has just eaten," The bed was entirely closed in by said Catherine " killed my dog Brutus in curtains. Dariole was fast asleep in a one minute. I have been tricked : is it large chair near the bed. Rene ? Rene ! impossible : then it must The breathing of the patient was so be Henri 1 Oh ! fatality ! It is clear : he lie:ht that for a moment Catherine be- cannot die, since he is destined to reign. lieved that it had ceased. Perhaps, however, it is only that the poison Presently, however, she heard a faint has lost its strength. We will make trial breath, and went, with a malignant de- of the sword, and see what happens." light, to raise the curtain in order to And Catherine went to bed evolving in judge for herself of the effects of the her mind a new idea, which doubtless terrible poison, shuddering in anticipation reached maturity on the next day ; for, at the livid pallor or the ravaging purple on the following morning, she called her of deadly fever which she expected to captain of the guard and handed him a carry it to its address see ; but, instead of any such sight, the letter, bidding him young woman—her eyes gently closed and give it into no other hands than his under their white lids, her mouth rosy whose name it bore. and half opened, her moist cheek resting The letter was addressed to Sire de on one of her gracefully rounded arms, Louviers de Maurevel, Ca-ptain of the while the other, fresh and pearly, lay King's Petardiers, Rue de la Cerisaie, along the counterpane of crimson damask near the Arsenal. —was peacefully sleeping with a smile upon her lips, the product, doubtless, of some pleasant dream, while her cheeks CHAPTER XXVllI were flushed with the colour that denotes an untroubled good health. THE LETTER FROM ROME Catherine could not restrain an exclamation of surprise which partially SOME days had elapsed since the awoke Dariole. events that have just been related, The Queen-Mother drew back behind when one morning a litter escorted by the bed curtains. several gentlemen wearing the livery of Dariole opened her eyes ; but, overcome M. de Guise entered the Louvre, and a by slumber, the girl let her heavy lids message was brought to the Queen of droop and fell asleep again without even Navarre that the Duchesse de Nevers attempting to discover the cause that had requested the honour of paying her court awakened her. to her. Catherine now emerged from behind Marguerite was at this moment receiv- the curtain, and directing her glance to ing a visit from Madame de Sauve. It the other parts of the room, saw on a was the first time that the Baronne had small table a flagon of Spanish wine, been out since her pretended illness. She fruit, sugared pastry, and a couple of had heard that the Queen had expressed glasses. It was clear that Henri had to her husband great anxiety in regard to supped with the Baronne, who evidently this illness, which for a week had formed was just as well as he was. the chief topic of conversation at Court, Catherine stepped at once to the dress- and came to thank her for her inquiries. ing-table and took from it the little silver Marguerite congratulated her on her box, now one-third empty. It was convalescence, and on her good fortune ! QUEEN MARGOT 141 in having escaped from the sudden attack ceremonious greetings, which gave the of tliat stranj;e malady tlie gravity of ?;cntlcmen who had accompanied the 'Nvhich she, in her capacity as a Daughter DiK^hrss time to withdraw. of France, could not fail to appreciate. " Gillonnc," cried Marguerite, as soon *' You will come, I hope," said Mar- as the door had closed behind the last of guerite, " to that great hunt which has them, " see that no one interrupts us." already been postponed once, and which "Yes,'' said the Duchess, "for we have is definitely expected to take place to- very serious matters to discuss." morrow. The weather is mild for the And taking a chair, she sat down with- winter season ; the sun has softened the out ceremony, taking the best place near ground, and all our sportsmen declare it the fire and the sun, in the certainty that will be a most favourable day for the chase." nobody would come to disturb the rela- " But, Madame," said the Baronne, tions of intimacy agreed upon between • I hardly know whether I am sufliciently the Queen of Navarre and herself. recovered." " Well," said Marguerite with a smile, ** " Oh ! nonsense,'' replied Marguerite ; what are you doing with our famous " " you must make an effort ; besides, I swordsman ? have authorised the King, as I shall take " My dear Queen," said the Duchess, part in the chase, to dispose of a little " he is a perfect demigod, upon my soul. Bearnais horse which I was to have His wit is incomparable, and he never ridden, and which will carry you beauti- grows stale; his jokes would make a ?" fully. Haven't you heard it mentioned hermit in his cell die with laughter. All " Yes, Madame, but I was ignorant the same, he is the most atrocious heathen that this little horse had been destined to that ever was sewn up in the skin of a have the honour of being offered to your Catholic ; I simply adore the man. And Majesty, or I should not have accepted it." you, what are you doing with your Apollo ?" " " " " Through pride, Baronne ? Alas ! said Marguerite, with a sigh. " ** ' ! No, Madame, quite the contrary, Oh ! that alas ' frightens me, dear " through humility Queen ! Is the dear La Mole too respect- " " You will come, then ? ful, then, or is he too sentimental ? His " Your Majesty overwhelms me with friend Coconnas is neither of these, I am honour ; I will come, since it is your obliged to admit." command." "Why, no, he has his moments," said " * * At this moment the Duchessede Nevers Marguerite, and that alas ! applies was announced. On hearing her name to myself alone." " Marguerite showed such signs of delight " What does it mean, then ? that the Baronne gathered that the two " It means, dear Duchess, that I am ladies had something which they wished to greatly afraid of loving him for good and discuss together, and rose to take her leave. all." " *' I shall see you to-morrow, then," said " Really ? Marguerite. " On the word of Marguerite." *' " To-morrow, Madame." Oh ! so much the better ; what a " By the bye, Baronne," continued happy life we shall lead, then," cried " Marguerite, as she waved her hand in Henriette ; to be a little in love, was my " sign of dismissal, you know that in dream ; to love deeply, was yours. It is public I detest you, inasmuch as I am so sweet, dear and learned Queen, to rest horribly jealous." one's mind with a little love-making. *' " But in private ? asked Madame de Ah ! Marguerite, I have a presentiment Sauve. that we are going to spend a pleasant year." " " " " Oh ! in private, I not only forgive You think so ? said the Queen ; I, you, but am even grateful to you." on the contrary, I know not why, see ." "Then,your Majesty will allow me . . things as it were through a veil : all these Marguerite extended her hand, the questions of politics preoccupy me dread- Baronne kissed it with respect, made a fully. By the bye, find out whether your deep reverence, and retired. Hannibal is as devoted to my brother as While Madame de Sauve ascended her he appears to be. Ask about that, it is staircase, springing like a goat that has important." broken its fastening, Madame de Nevers " He, devoted to anyone or anything and the Queen exchanged some it is clear that you do not know him as I — — —— " 142 QUEEN MARGOT do. If he is ever devoted to anything, it "Well! what about the Polish bus- " is to his ambition, nothing else. Is your iness ? brother a man to make him large prom- " It is going on capitally, and in a few ises, if so, well and good ; he will be days you will probably be rid of your devoted to your brother ; but let your brother of Anjou." brother Son of France though he be " Has the Pope confirmed his election, — " take care not to fail to keep any promises then ? he may have made to him, otherwise, " Yes, dear." " " " woe betide your brother ! And you didn't tell me ! cried Mar- ! "Really?" guerite ; "come, the details, quick, quick " " It is as I tell you. In truth, Mar- Oh ! I don't know anything more, guerite, there are moments when this upon my word, than what I have told tiger that I have tamed frightens even you : but wait, I will show you my me. The other day I said to him : husband's letter ; here it is. Oh ! no, ' Hannibal, take care you don't deceive those are some verses of Hannibal's, .' me, for if you did ! . . I said it, shocking verses, my dear Marguerite ; he too, with those emerald eyes of mine of never writes any decent ones. Oh ! here which Ronsard wrote: it is —no, not yet, that is a note of my La duchesse de Nevers own which I want you to get La Mole to Aux yeux verts deliver. Ah ! this is it, at last." gui, sous leur paupiere blonde, And Madame de Nevers handed the plus d'eclairs ancent sur nous letter to the Queen. Marguerite opened Que ne font vingt Jupiters it eagerly and glanced through it, but Dans les airs, Lorsque la tempcte gronde.* practically it told her nothing more than " she had already learned from the lips of " Well ? " her friend. Well ! I thought he was going to " : And how did this letter reach you," answer — I deceive you ! never, etc., etc. " continued the Queen. . . . Do you know what he did reply ? "No." " By a messenger from my husband, " who had orders to call at the Hotel de Well ! you may judge of the man before going to the Louvre and to from this : Guise * hand this letter before he delivered * And you, too,' he answered, take care me the King's. I knew the importance which you don't deceive me ; for, princess .' you, my Queen, attached to this news, though you are . . And, as he and I had written to M, de Nevers to tell said it, he threatened me, not merely with see, obeyed his eyes, but with his pointed linger, him to do this. He, you me; which was furnished with a nail cut like he is not like that monster Coconnas, At in Paris the head of a spear, and which he almost the present moment not a soul except the King and you thrust into my nose. I confess to you knows this news followed that his face was so alarming at that and me: unless the man who ." I started, though, as you our messenger . . moment that " " ? know, I am not a coward." What man " dreadful employment! "He dared to threaten you, Henriette ? "It's a Just " fancy, this unfortunate messenger arrived Zounds ! but I threatened him well travel stained ; he has too. After all, he is right. So you see, he is exhausted and without devoted up to a certain point, or rather, up ridden day and night for a week, to a certain point he is very uncertain." a moment's rest." " then," said Marguerite " But this man of whom you were We shall see " absently, " I will speak to La Mole. speaking just now ? " " Constantly pursued JIad you anything else to tell me ? Wait a moment. " by a man of fierce appearance who had Yes ; a most interesting thing, and horses like himself and travelled which I came on purpose to tell you, but, relays of leagues as quickly as you see, you had even more interesting the four hundred this unfortunate courier things to tell me. I have had news." he himself did, " expecting a pistol-shot " From Rome ? was momentarily " Yes, a messenger has come from my in his back. Both arrived at the Barri^re husband." de Saint- Marcel at the very same moment, both galloped at full speed down the Rue ®More deadly shafts flash from her emerald eyes and across the Cite. But at '1 han twenty Joves shoot from tempestuous skies. Mouffetard QUEEN MARGOT 143 the end of the Pont Notre-Dame our The young man, for liis part, seeing the messenger turned to the right, while the King with Marguerite, stopped on the other turned to the left by the Place du threshold, dumb with surprise and pale Chatelet and darted likea bolt from a cross- with uneasiness. bow along the Quays in the direction of Marguerite stepped towards him. the Louvre." " Monsieur de La Mole," she asked, "Thanks, my good Ilenriette, thanks," " can you tell me who is on duty with " exclaimed Marguerite: "you are right, M. d'Alen9on to day ? this is most interesting news. Whom " Coconnas, Madame," said La Mole. " was the other messenger for ? Well ! 1 Try to find out from him if he has shall fmd out. Leave me now. This introduced to his master a man covered evening, in the Rue Tizon, is it not ? and with mud, with the appearance of having to-morrow at the hunt ; and above all ridden a long journey at full speed." " remember to take a very unmanageable Ah ! Madame, I fear he will not tell horse so that he may run away with you me ; he has become very taciturn these and that we may be by ourselves. I will last few days." " tell you this evening what you must try Really ! But if you give him this to find out from your Coconnas." note, I think you ought to ask for some- " You won't forget to deliver my thing in exchange." " " letter ? said the Duchesse de Nevers. From the Duchess ! . . . Oh ! well, " No, no, make your mind easy, he armed with this note, I will try." shall have it and in time too." " And add," said Marguerite, lowering Madame de Nevers went out and her voice, " that this note will serve him Marguerite immediately sent for Henri, as a safe-conduct this evening for who quickly obeyed her summons, entering the house that you know of." whereupon she handed him the letter " And what safe-conduct shall I have?" from the Due de Nevers. said La Mole, sotto voce. " " " Oh ! said he. Give your name, that will be enough." Marguerite then told him the incident "Give me the note, Madame," said La of the two couriers. Mole, trembling all over with love, " I " In fact," said Henri, " I saw him will be answerable for everything." enter the Louvre." And he went off. "Perhapshe was for the Queen-Mother?" " We shall know to-morrow if the Due " No ; I am sure of it, for I stationed d'Alen9on is posted in the Polish affair," myself in the corridor, and I didn't see said Marguerite, quietly, as she turned to anyone pass." her husband. " In that case," said Marguerite, look- "That M. de La Mole is truly an " ." ing at her husband, it must be . . excellent servant," said Henri, with his " " " For your brother, D'Alen9on ? said peculiar smile, and ... by the Mass I Henri. I will make his fortune." " " Yes, but how are we to find out ? " Could we not," asked Henri, care- lessly, " send for one of those two gentle- CHAPTER XXIX ." men, and find out through him . . " ! You are right, Sire " said Mar- HARKAWAY ! guerite, put at her ease by her husband's proposal, " I will send for M. de La next morning a glorious " WHEN Mole . . . Gillonne I Gillonne ! red sun—but, as is usual in the The girl appeared. privileged days of winter, with no halo of " I must speak to M. de La Mole dazzling rays— rose from behind the hills this instant," said the Queen. " Try and surrounding Paris, the courtyard of the find him and bring him here." Louvre had already for two hours pre- Gillonne went away. Henri seated sented a scene of animated movement. himself at a table on which lay a Ger- A magnificent barb, slim-built, yet man book, with engravings by Albert muscular, with slender legs like a stag's, Diirer, which he began to examine with on which the veins crossed and re- so great attention that, when La Mole crossed like net- work, pawing the ground, appeared, he did not appear to hear him, pricking its ears and dilating its nostrils, and did not even raise his head. was awaiting Charles IX. in the " ! 144 QUEEN MARGOT courtyard ; but the steed was even less Charles ceased to listen to his mother in impatient than its master, who was de- order to count the strokes. " " layed by Catharine, the latter having Death of my life ! seven o'clock ! stopped him just as he was starting, in he cried. " An hour to get there, that will order to speak to him on, as she declared, be eight ; an hour to reach the rendez- a matter of importance. vous, and find the quarry ; we shall not Both were in the ^lass-roofed gallery, be able to begin the hunt till nine o'clock. Cathcrme cold, pale, impassable as ever, Upon my word, mother, you are making Charles quivering with impatience, biting me lose a good deal of time. Down, his nails and whipping his two favourite Risquetout ! . . . death of mj^ life " hounds, which were clothed in cuirasses down, you rascal 1 of mail to prevent their being gored by And with a vigorous blow of his whip the boar's tusks, and that they might face across the hound's loins, he drew from the terrible animal with impunity. A the poor animal, astonished at receiving a small shield bearing the arms of France thrashing instead of a caress, a sharp was fastened to their chests, much in the howl of anguish. same fashion as on the breasts of the " Charles," resumed Catherine, " in pages, who often had occasion to envy God's name listen to me, and do not leave the privileges of these fortunate pets. thus to chance your own fortunes and " Pay attention to this, Charles," those of France. Your thoughts are " Catherine was saying. Nobody except entirely taken up with the chase . . well, you and me yet knows of the approach- well! you will have plenty of time for sport ing arrival of the Polish envoys, though when you lose your employment as King." " " the King of Navarre is certainly acting Come, come, mother ! said Charles, as if he knew of it. In spite of his ab- pale with impatience, " let us come to an juration—of which I have always been understanding quickly, for I am boiling suspicious is —he in communication with over ; upon my word, there are days when the Huguenots. Have you noticed how I don't understand you." often he has been going out lately ? And he tapped his boot with the stock Again, he has money, he who was always of his whip. short of it ; he is buying horses and Catherine deemed that the opportunity weapons, and on rainy days he exercises had arrived, and that she must not let it slip. himself at fencing from morning till " My son," said she, " we have proof night." that De Mouy has returned to Paris. M. " Good heavens ! mother," said Charles, de Maurevel, whom you know well, has impatiently, '• do you imagine that he seen him. He can only be here to see means to kill me, or my brother of the King of Navarre. That, I should Anjou? If so, he will need a good hope, is enough to make him more sus- many lessons yet, for yesterday, with my pected than ever." foil, I marked eleven button-holes on his " Come, you are after my poor Henriot doublet, it though actually has but six. again ! You want me to have him killed, " And as for my brother of Anjou, you know do you not ? that he fences even better than I do, or at "Oh! no." least as well, so he' declares at any rate." " Sent into exile, then ? But don't you " Will you listen, Charles," replied see that he becomes far mors formidable Catherine, " and not treat your mother's in exile than he will ever be here, under words so lightly. The ambassadors are our eyes, in the Louvre, where he can do " about to arrive ; well, you will see, once nothing without our knowing it at once ? they reach Paris, Henri will do his utmost i " Yes, and therefore I don't want him to engage their attention. He is cunning ! exiled." and insinuating; not to mention that his '* What do you want, then ? Speak | wife, who supports him why, I ! — know 1 quickly not—will chatter to them -n Latin, " I want you to have him kept in con- j Greek, Hungarian, and every other , finement while the Polish envoys are known or i unknown language. 1 tell you, here ; at the Bastille, for instance." Charles and you I — know that am never "Not I,pardieu ! "cried Charles. "We | I tell wrong— you something underhand I are going boar-hunting this morning, and is going on." Henri is of j one my best men ; the chase At this moment the hour sounded, and i will be a dead failure without him. : QUEEN MARCiOT 145 'Sdcath ! mother, yoii really think ot curvetting, however, the barb realised notiiing but how to thwart me." what sort of a lidcr it had to deal with, " My dear son, I do not say this very and quieted down. morninpf; the envoys will not arrive till The horns again resounded, and the to-morrow or the day after. We will not King started from the Louvre, followed arrest him until after the hunt, this by the Due d'Alen9on, the King of ." evening . . . to-night . . Navarre, Marguerite, Madame de Nevers, " That's another matter. Well, we Madame de Sauve, Tavannes, and the will discuss it again, we will see ; after chief nobles of the Court. Needless to the chase is over, perhaps. Good-bye ! say. La Mole and Coconnas were also of Hi, there, Kisquetout ! Why ! you're not the party. As for the Due d'Anjou, he " going to turn sulky too, eh ? had been for the last three months at the " Charles," said Catherine, seizing him siege of La Rochelle. by the arm, at the risk of the explosion While waiting for the King, Henri had which this fresh delay would cause, " I come up to greet his wife, who, while return- think it would be best to sign the warrant ing the compliment, whispered in his ear : of arrest at once, even though it is not ** The courier from Rome was intro- put into execution until to-night." duced by M. de Coconnas himself to the *' What ! go search for the seal for Due d'Alenyon a quarter of an hour the parchment, write the order and sign before the messenger from the Due de it, when they are waiting for me to go Nevers was admitted to the King." " a-hunting I Oh ! go to the devil ! "Then he knows every thing,"said Henri. " No, no, I am too fond of you to " Yes, he must know all," answered " delay you ; I have arranged it all before- Marguerite; besides, just look at him " hand ; come in here to my room, see ! and observe how his eyes sparkle, in spite And Catherine, as active as though she of his habitual dissimulation." " " were but twenty, pushed open a door Od's my life 1 I should think so ! " leading to her closet, and showed the King murmured Henri ; he is hunting down inkstand, pen, parchment, seal, and a three finequarries to-day—France,Poland, lighted candle. and Navarre—not to mention the boar." The King took the parchment and ran Bowing to his wife, he returned to his his e)^e over it hastily. appointed station, and summoning one of "Order, etc., to arrest our brother Henri his followers, a Bearnais by birth, whose de Navarre and take him to the Bastille." ancestors had served his own ancestors *' There,iit is done !|" said he, signing with for more than a century, and whom he " one stroke of the pen. "Good-bye, mother usually employed as his messenger in his And he rushed from the apartment, affairs of gallantry followed by his hounds, and delighted at " Orthon," he said, " take this key and having got rid of Catherine so easily. carry it to that cousin of Madame de Charles was awaited with impatience, Sauve's with whom you are acquainted, and as everyone was acquainted with his and who lives with his mistress at the punctuality in affairs connected with the corner of the Rue des Quatre-Fils ; say chase, his delay caused much astonish- that his cousin wishes to speak to him ment. Accordingly, the huntsmen greeted this evening ; that he is to come to my his appearance with huzzas, the whippers- room and to v/ait for me in case I am not in sounded a flourish on their horns, there ; if I am late, let him lie down on horses neighed and hounds barked. The my bed meanwhile." " excitement of this welcome brought the " There is no answer, sire ? colour to his pale cheeks, his heart " N®ne, except to tell me if you find him. swelled within him, and for a brief The key is for him alone, you understand?' moment Charles felt young and happy. " Yes, sire." The King hardly took time to return " Wait! don't leave me just now. Before the greeting of the brilliant assembly we get clear of Paris I will call you as collected in the courtyard ; he nodded to though to tighten my girths, you will then the Due d'Alen9on, waved his hand to drop behind quite naturally, execute your his sister Marguerite, passed in front of commission, and join us again at Bondy." Henri without appearing to see him, and The young man gave a gesture in sign sprang to his horse, which capered im- of obedience and resumed his place. patiently beneath him. After a little They began their journey by the Rue " 146 OUEEN MARGOT Saint-Honore, reached the Rue Saint- At exactly nine o'clock the King him- Denis, and then the suburbs of the town; self gave the signal by sounding the hark- on arriving at the Rue Saint-Laurent the away, and the whole company mounted girths of the King of Navarre's horse their horses and started for the rendezvous. became loose; Orthon hastened up and On the way, Henri found an oppor- everything passed as had been arranged tunity of speaking again to hib wife. between him and his master, who con- " Well," he asked, ' is there anythmg tinued to accompany the cavalcade along fresh ? the Rue des Recollets, while the trusty " No," answered Marguerite, *' except servant made for the Rue du Temple. that my brother Charles is looking at When Henri overtook the King, Charles you rather strangely." was engaged in such an interesting dis- *' Yes, I have noticed the fact," said cussion with the Due d'Alencon as to the Henri. " age of the boar which had been headed off " Have you taken any precautions ? " —one of the kind known as a " solitary or ** I have my coat of mail on, and I carry "rogue"—and as to the place where he had at my side a good Spanish hunting knife, made his lair, that he did not notice, or pre- sharp as a razor, pointed as a needle, that tended not to have done so, that Henri had I can drive through a pile of doubloons." *' " remained behind for a minute or two. God preserve you, then ! said Meanwhile, Marguerite was observing Marguerite. from a distance their different expressions The pricker who was guiding the of countenance, and thought she detected cavalcade made a sign; they h^d ai rived a certain embarrassment in her brother's at the boar's ^air, ej-es whenever he looked at Henri. Madame de Nevers was giving herself up to uncontrolled merriment, for Coconnas CHAPTER XXX pre-eminently cheerful that day, was close MAUREVEL. to her and indulging in innumerable drol- leries in order to make the ladies laugh. WIULE all this cavalcade, gay and As for La IMole, he had already found careless, to all appearance at two opportunities of kissing Marguerite's least, was sweeping like a golden whirl- white gold-fringed scarf without that wind along the road to Bondy, Catherine, action, performed with the dexterity cus- after rolling up the precious document to tomary to lovers, being observed by more which King Charles had just appended his than three or four persons. signature, was admitting to her room the Bondy was reached at a quarter past man to whom her captain of the guard had, pi'rht. The King's first care was to mquire a few days earlier, taken a letter addressed whether the boar still held his ground. to the Rue de Cerisaie, near the Arsenal* The boar was in his lair, and the A broad patch of plaster, like a mor- pricker who had marked him down tuary seal, concealed one of this man's guaranteed that he would be found there eyes, leaving only the other eye visible, when the time came. and giving a glimpse of a vulture-like A repast was ready. The King drank nose between two prominent cheek-bones, a glass of Hungarian wine. Charles while a greyish beard covered the lower invited the ladies to be seated at part of his face. He wore at his side, table, and in his impatience went off, in though it was not customary for people order to occupy his time, to visit his summoned to the Court to do so, a long kennels and perches, giving orders that sword, an old-fashioned, clumsy weapon, his horse should not be unsaddled, inas- with a basket hilt. One of his hands, much as he had never, as he said, hidden beneath his cloak, tightly grasped mounted a better or stronger animal. the handle of a long dagger. " While the King was making his Ah ! here you are, sir,'* said the rounds the Due de Guise arrived. He Queen, seating herself; "you know that I was armed rather for war than for the promised you, after St. Bartholomew's chase, and was accompanied by twenty Day, when you rendered us such signal or thirty gentlemen, all equipped like service, not to leave you without employ- himself. He at once inquired where the ment. An opportunity presents itself, or King was and went to join him, and the rather, 1 have created the opportunity, so two presently returned con versing together. you must thank me." " QUEEN MARGOT 147 " " Madame, I humbly thank your Ma- "In what part of the palace ? " jesty, "said the man willi the black bandage, In his own chamber." with a caution at once servile and insolent. Mau revel bowed. " " "A fine opportunity, sir, such as will And when, Madame ? ** not occur twice in your life, so make the This evening, or rather, to-night.'* most of it." "Very well, Madame. Now will your Ma- " jesty deign to instruct me on one point?" I am waiting, Madame ; only, I fear that after such a preamble . . ." "What is it?" '• " The commission is one of violence ? On the respect due to his rank." " ." Are not those just the commissions of Kespect 1 . . . rank ! . . said which those who desire to advance their Catherine. " Are you ignorant, then, fortunes are fond ? The one of which I sir, that the King of France owes no am speaking would be envied by the respect to any person whatsoever in his Tavannes and by the Guises themselves." kingdom, since he recognises no one " " Ah 1 IMadame, be it what it may, rest whose rank is equal to his own ? assured that I am at your Majesty's Maurevel bowed again. commands." " There is a point, however, which I '* Inthat case, read," said Catherine. And must urge, if your Majesty permits." she handed him the parchment. The man *' I permit it, sir." glanced at the document and turned pale. ** If the King should dispute the authen- " " " What ! he cried, an order to arrest ticity of the order ; it is not likely, but still." " " the King of Navarre ! On the contrary, sir, it is certain." " '* " Well ! what is there so extraordinary That he will dispute it ? in that ? " Undoubtedly so." " " " But a King, Madame ! In truth I And, consequently, refuse to obey ? fear that my position is not high enough." " I fear so." " " The confidence I repose in you makes " And make resistance ? you the highest gentleman in my Court, " It is probable." " " iSIonsieur de Maurevel," said Catherine. Oh 1 the devil I said Maurevel ; "and " I thank your Majesty," said the in that case . . ." " assassin, with such emotion that he " In what case ? said Catherine, look- appeared to hesitate. ing fixedly at him. " " You will obey then ? " In case he should resist, what must I " Is it not my duty to do so, if youi do?" " Majesty orders it ? " What do you usually do, Monsieur de ' Yes, I order it." Maurevel, when you are charged with " Then I will obey." an order from the King—when, that is to " " How shall you set about it ? say, you represent the King—and any- " " Why, Madame, 1 hardly know, and I one offers resistance ? would fain be directed by your Majesty." " Why, Madame, when I am honoured " " You dread the disturbance ? wdth such an order, and that order con- " I confess it." cerns a simple gentleman, I kill him." " Take a dozen trusty men, more if " I have told you, sir," replied Cather- necessary." ine, " and I should not have thought you ** 1 understand, of course. Your could have forgotten it already, that the Majesty allows me to take my pre- King of France recognises no rank wdthin cautions, and I am grateful ; but where his kingdom ; that is to say, that the " shall I seize the King of Navarre ? King of France alone is King, :j2d that ** In any place that you prefer." compared with him the highest in the " In a place which, by the very august- land are but simple gentlemen." ness of its character, protects me, if that Maurevel grew more pale, for he was be possible." beginning to understand. *' " " " Yes, I understand you, in one of the Oh ! said he, to kill the King of royal palaces ; what should you say to Navarre ? . . ." " the Louvre, for instance ? " But who tells you to kill him ? " Oh ! if your Majesty permits it, it Where is the order to kill him ? The would be a great favour." King wants him brought to the Bastille, " Then you shall arrest him in the that is all that the order contains. If he Louvre." allows himself to be seized, well and ; 148 QUEEN MARGOT good ; but as he will not do so, but will give your orders there. The atmosphere resist and try to kill ." you . of the place will restore your shaken Maurevel turned paler still. nerve. When my son returns from " You will defend yourself. It is not hunting, you will go into my oratory, and to be expected that a brave man like there await the time." yourself will allow himself to be killed " But how are we to enter his chamber ? without defending himself; and in doing The King has, no doubt, some suspicion, so, why, if anything happens, it must. and will lock his " door on the inside." You understand, do you not ? " I have duplicate keys of all the " Yes, Madame, but still . . ." doors," said Catherine, " and the bolts " I see ; you want that after the words : have been removed from Henri's door. — to I Order arrest, should write : dead or " Good-bye, Monsieur de Maurevel, I shall alive ? see you anon. I will tell them to conduct " I confess, Madame, that it would you to the King's Armoury. Ah ! by the remove scruples." my bye, let me remind you that a king's " Well, I suppose I must do it, since orders must be executed at all costs — that you think the commission cannot be no excuse is permissible—that a failure, executed in any other way." nay, even an incomplete success, would And Catherine, with a shrug of her compromise the King's honour. The shoulders, unrolled the parchment with affair is serious." one hand and wrote with the other the And Catherine, without leaving Maure- words : dead or alive. vel time to reply,summonedM. de Nancey, " " There," she said, do you think the captain of the guard, and bade him con- order " sufficiently in form now ? duct Maurevel to the King's Armoury. " Yes, Madame," answered Maurevel, " " Od's death ! said Maurevel, as he " but I beg your Majesty to leave to me followed his guide, " I am rising in the the entire arrangement of the enterprise." scale of assassinations — from a simple "In what way do the instructions I gentleman to a captain, from a captain to " have given you impede its execution ? an admiral, from an admiral to a King " Your Majesty told me to take twelve " without a crown. Who knows but I men ? " shall one day reach a crowned monarch ? ," "Yes; to make more certain . "Well, I ask permission tO'take only six." " CHAPTER XXXI " Why so ? THE BOAR HUNT " Because, Madame, should any acci- dent happen to the Prince, as is quite THE pricker, who had headed off the likely, six men will more easily be excused boar, and had assured the King for fearing lest the prisoner should escape that the animal had not quitted covert, was while, on the other hand, nobody would ex- not mistaken. The blood-hound was no cuse a body of twelve guards for not allow- sooner put upon the scent than he ing half of their number to be slain before plunged into the underwood, and from a laying violent hands on his Majesty." dense clump of thorns routed out the boar, " Upon my faith, a fine Majesty that which, as the huntsman had gathered from " " " does not possess a kingdom ! its tracks, was a solitary," or rogue," "Madame," said Maurevel, "itisnotthe which means that he was a beast of the kingdom that makestheking,but his birth." largest size and most formidable courage. " Well, then, do as you please," said The boar dashed away in a straight Catherine. " Only, I should tell you that line, and crossed the road at fifiy yards I do not wish you to quit the Louvre." from the King, followed only by the blood- " But,Madame, I mustcollect my men?" hound which had started him. A first re- " You, surely, have a sergeant of some lay of hounds was immediately uncoupled, sort to whom you can entrust that task ?" and some ten couples dashed off in pursuit. " I have my lackey, who not only is a Charles was passionately fond of the trusty knave, but who has sometimes chase. Scarcely had the animal crossed aided me in enterprises of this kind." the road when he made after it, sounding " Send for him, and arrange matters the view-halloa, and followed by the Due with him. You know the King's d'Alon9on and Henri, whom Marguerite Armoury, do you not ? Well, breakfast had warned by a gesture not to leave the will be served for you there, and you will King's side. QUEEN MARGOT 149 All the other sportsmen followed the " Zounds ! Henri, when you gel back to King. At the period of this story, the your Pyrenees you will have to send me a Royal forests were far from being, as waggon-load of bears, for that hand-to- they are at the present day, great parks hand struggle with an animal which may intersected by drives practicable for strangle you must be fine sport. Hark ! I wheeled vehicles. Their cultivation witli think I hear the hounds. No, I am an eye to profit was then all but un- mistaken." dreamt of. The Kings of France had The King seized his horn and sounded not as yet conceived the idea of turning a flourish. Several horns replied to him themselves into traders, and of dividing in similar strains. Suddenly a huntsrian and subdividing their woods with a view appeared, who blew a different note. " " to the felling of timber. The trees There he goes ! there he goes 1 planted, not by expert foresters, but by shouted the King. the hand of God, who scatters the seed And he dashed off at full gallop, fol- at the caprice of the wind, were not lowed by all the riders who had rallied ti arranged in quincunxes, but grew in wild his side. luxuriance, as they stitl do to-dayin thevir- The huntsman had not been mistaken. gin forests of America. In short, a forest at As the King advanced, one heard more this period was a hiirbour affording and more distinctly the music of the shelter to the boar, the stag, the wolf, pack, which consisted now of more than and the robber ; and merely some dozen sixty hounds, for all the relays placed at paths, starting from a central point, the spots where the boar had passed had radiated across the Forest of Bondy, been successively released. The King which was enclosed by a circular road saw the boar pass for the second time, just as the spokes of a wheel are sur- and, taking advantage of a stretch of rounded by the circumference. To push full-grown trees, where there was no the comparison a step further, the hub of underwood, rode off in pursuit of him, the wheel would pretty accurately repre- blowing his horn with might and main. sent the single cross-way at the centre of The Princess kept up with him for the wood, to which the scattered hunters some time, but the King was so well rallied in order to resume at a fresh point mounted, and in his excitement climbed the chase of which they had temporarily such precipitous ascents, and made his lost touch. way through such dense undergrowth, At the end of a quarter of an hour that the ladies first of all, and then the there occurred what always happens in Due de Guise and his gentlemen, such cases ; obstacles almost insurmount- together with the two Princes, were able had impeded the course of the obliged to fall behind. Tavannes kept hunters, the voices of the hounds had up with him for some time longer, but at died away in the distance, and the King last he, too, had to give way. himself had returned to the cross-ways, Accordingly, the whole company, with cursing and swearing as was his wont. the exception of Charles and a few hunts- "Well! d'Alen^on, well! Henriot," men, who, stimulated by the promise of " said he, here you are, egod ! as cool and reward, were determined to keep up with calm as nuns following their abbess. I the King, presently found themselves don't call that proper sport, look you. back again in the neighbourhood of the You, d'Alen9on, look as if you had come cross-ways. out of a band-box, and you are so per- The two princes were side by side in a fumed that if you get between the hounds long path, while the Due de Guise and and the boar you will very likely foil the his gentlemen had halted within a scent. And you, Henriot, where is your hundred yards of them. At the central " spear or your arquebus, eh ? opening were the ladies. " Sire," said Henri, " what is the good " Might not one almost suppose," said of an arquebus ? I know that your the Due d'Alen9on to Henri, indicating by Majesty likes to shoot the animal your- a glance the Due de Guise, " that that man self when the hounds bring him to bay. yonder, with his escort clad in steel, was As for the spear, I am not very skilful in the real king ? We poor princes are not the use of that weapon, which is not em- even honoured by a glance from him." ployed in our mountains, where we hunt " Why should he treat us with more ?" the bear with a dagger and nothing else." respect than our own relations treat us " ISO QUEEN MARGOT answered Henri. ** Are not you and I up in echelon with a strategic skill practically prisoners at the Court of which indicated their familiarity with " France, as hostages of our Party ? military tactics. Otherwise, to reach the Duo Fran9ois started at these words, Due d'Alen9on and the King of Navarre, and looked at Henri as though to they would have been obliged to cross in front of them, challenge him to a fuller explanation , whereas, in consequence but Henry had launched out further than of their manoeuvre, the road in front of was his wont, and relapsed into silence. the two Princes lay perfectly open as far "What do you mean, Henri ? "asked the as one could see. Duke, visibly annoyea that his brother-in- Suddenly, between the trees, at ten law, by declining to follow up his remark, paces from the King of Navarre, there left it to himself to begin the explanation. appeared another gentleman whom the " I say, brother," answered Henri, two Princes had not yet seen. Henri was " that these men so fully armed, and who trying to surmise who he might be, when appear to have been instructed not to let us the gentleman, raising his hat, introduced outof their sight, have all the appearance of himself to Henri as the Vicomte de Tur- guards who would take it upon themselves enne, one of the leaders of the Protestant to prevent two persons from escaping." Party who was thought to be in Poitou. " Escaping, how do you mean ? The Vicomte even hazarded a gesture asked d'Alen9on, with an admirably which clearly implied: " Are you coming ?" simulated air of innocent surprise. Henri, however, after an inquiring " You have a fine jennet there, glance at the impassive countenance and Fran9ois," said Henri, followmg up his expressionless eye of the Due d'Alenfon, thought, while appearing to turn the con- twisted his head about two or three times, versation. " I am certain that he could as though something inside the collar of do seven leagues an hour, and be twenty nis doublet was causing him discomfort. leagues from, here by noon. Doesn't that This betokened an answer in the nega- nice road across there tempt you, tive. The Vicomte understood the signal, Fran9ois ? For my part, I am longing rode away from the Princes, and dis- to use my spurs." appeared into the wood. Fran9ois made no reply but turned red At the same instant the hounds were approaching, the boar and pale successively : then he stretched heard was seen his ear as though listemng to the sound crossing at the end of the path ; close on of the chase. his heels flew the pack, followed by " The news from Poland has had its Charles, hatless, and blowing his horn so effect," thought Henri, " and my dear as almost to burst his lungs ; three or four of the huntsmen still kept up with brother-in-law has his plan ; he would like me to escape, but I will not escape him. Tavannes had disappeared. " by myself." "The King ! cried the Due d'Alen9on, This reflection had hardly occurred to dashing after him. him, when several new converts, who Henri, reassured by the presence of had returned to the Court in the last two his friends, motioned to them not to leave or three months, galloped up and greeted him, and advanced towards the ladies. " the two Princes with engaging smiles. " Well ? said Marguerite, riding a The Due d'Alen9on, thus challenged few steps to meet him. " " by the overtures made to him by Henri, Well ! Madame," said Henri, we had but to speak a word or make a sign, are chasing the boar." " all ? •; and it was clear that these thirty or forty Is that horsemen, who had gathered round them " Yes, the wind has changed since at this moment as though to oflfer oppo- yesterday morning; but I think 1 predicted sition to the horsemen of M. de Guise, to you that such would be the case." would have aided their escape, but the " These changes of wind are bad for thei Duke turned his head away, and putting chase, are they not, sir ?" asked Marguerite. " " his horn to his mouth, sounded the rally. Yes," said Henri ; they often upset The new-comers, however, as though all the arrangements made, and some believing that the Duke's hesitation was other plan has to be formed." due to the presence of the Guisards, had At this moment the baying of the pack gradually slipped in between the latter was heard coming rapidly nearer, and a and the two Princes, drawing themselves kind of snorting breathing warned the ; QUEEN MARGOT ?5? hunters to be on their f^uard. All raised with the chase, remained at some distance their heads and listened eap^erly. with all his attendants. Almost instantly the boar dashed out, The little band of ladies grouped and, instead of plunj^ing agaui into the together formed a sort of appendage to wood, headed straiglit along the path the company of the Due de Guise. All towards the opening in which stood the the lovers of the chase kept their eyes fixed ladies, the gentlemen who were in attend- on the boar in anxious expectation. ance on them, and the hunters who had A short distance apart stood a hunts- been thrown out in the chase. man, holding in with might and main the Close on the heels of the boar came King's two mastiffs, clad in their coats of mail, which, barking and bounding so thirty or forty of the gamest hounds ; then, about twenty yards behind them, violently that you would have thought Charles, without hat or cloak, his clothes every moment they must break their all torn by brambles, his face and hands chains, were waiting for the moment to covered with blood. Only one o» two seize the boar by the ears. huntsmen now remamfed with him. The animal displayed extraordinary The King, when he was not blowing courage ; attacked by forty hounds at the horn, was encouraging his hounds once, surrounding him like a roaring for him the rest of the world had ceased tide, covering him like a striped carpet, to exist. Had his steed failed him, he endeavouring to grasp his wrinkled skin hair, at would have cried, like Richard the Third : with its bristly each movement " A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a of his tusk he hurleO to the distance of " fell horse ! ten feet a hound, which to the ground But the horse seemed as eager as his ripped up, and immediately, with pro- master : his hoofs hardly touched the truding entrails, rushed into the fray ground, his nostrils breathed flames again, while Charles, his hair stiff and " Hallali, hallali ! " shouted the Kmg, his eyes gleaming, leaning over the neck as he passed, and pressed his horn to his of his streaming horse, sounded a fierce bleeding lips. death-halloo. In less than ten minutes A few paces behind him came the Due twenty of the hounds were disabled. 1 mastiffs I" d'Alenfon and two huntsmen ; the horses "The mastiffs the shouted of the rest had either given up or were lost. Charles. Everyone started on the track, for it At this cry, the huntsman opened the was evident that the boar would soon be swivels of the slips, and the two dogs brought to bay. Scarcely ten minutes, rushed into the midst of the fray, over- indeed, had elapsed before the boar turning all the hounds, and with their quitted the ride and plunged into the wood, coats of mail ploughing their road through on reaching a glade, however, he turned to the boar, which they seized each by his back to a rock and faced the hounds. an ear. The boar, feeUng himself held, At the shouts of Charles evervone ground his teeth with rage and pain. " hurried to the spot. Bravo I Duredent ! Bravo ! Risque- The most interesting moment of the tout ! " shouted Charles. " Hold on, *' chase had arrived The boar appeared dogs ! A spear ! a spear ! " determined to offer a resolute defence ** Won't you have my arquebus ? said the hounds, excited by a pursuit which the Due d'Alen9on. had lasted for more than three hours, " No, no," cried the King, " there is no attacked him with a fury which madg fun in that ; he won't feel the bullet, but '* the King redouble his shouts and oaths. he will the spear. A spear ! a spear ! All the sportsmen ranged themselves A boar-spear, toughened in the furnace in a circle, the King a little in front, and armed with an iron point, was handed having close behind him the Due to the King. d'Alen9on, who was armed with an " Have a care, brother I " cried Mar- arquebus, and Henri, who had merely guerite. " his hunting-knife. " Don't miss your stroke, sire ! cried " The Due d'Alen9on detached his arque- the Duchesse de Nevers ; give the brute " bus from the crook and lighted the match. a good one ! " " Henri loosened the knife in its sheath. Never fear, Duchess ! said Charles. The Due de Guise, who was somewhat And drawing back the spear, he contemptuous of everything connected launched it at the boar, which, held by " QUEEN MARGOT 152 extricating his shifting, had succeeded in could not evade the thrust. At two dogs, slowly, and, seeing the blood the gleaming steel, \e^, got up the sight, however, of turned as pale as a in- streaming over him, he sprang to one side, and the weapon, corpse. piercing his chest,grazed his shoul- stead of " still on his knees, rock. Sire," said Henri, who, and flattened its point against the der holding the boar pierced to the heart, "Ten thousand devils!" shouted the was ! guarded off his "sire, it is nothing: I " : spear 1 a spear King, I have missed a wounded. hand tusks, and your Majesty is not A'^huntsman stepped forward to the He rose from his knees, dropping another. But at that instant the boar, him boar fell to the ground, the thefatethat awaited knife, and the asthoughanticipating throat even more his blood pouring from its him and trying to avoid it, wrenched copiously than from the wound. mangled ears from the dogs' teeth, and Charles, surrounded by all this breath- eyes, bristling, hideous, with blood-shot terror might less assembly, whose cries of of forge, and , snorting like the bellows a nerves, well have shaken the strongest teeth together, lowered his grinding his j on the point of falling King's horse. for a moment was head, and charged the he recovered j beast. But a sportsman not beside the dying was too good | Charles turning to the King ot attack. He reined himself, and to have foreseen this hand with a glance but he had Navarre, grasped his his horse, which reared ; in shone the first ray of feeling sharply that the animal, in which pulled him so the pulses of -^is the bit or, that had quickened either owing to the pressure on heart for four and twenty years. perhaps, in mere terror, fell over backwards. " Thank you, Henriot,'' he said spectators, one and all, uttered a The poor brother!" cried d'Alen9on, horse had fallen and "My cry of terror ; the up to Charles. was wedged beneath it.^^ coming the King's thigh * the " d' Alen9on ! said Ah ! it is you, " Your hand, sire, give me your hand," Kino-, "Well! you famous shot, what said Henri. " of your bullet ? grasped the became , The King let go the bridle, against endeavouring " It must have flattened itself saddle with the left hand, Duke boar," said the . hunting-kmfe; the _ with the right to draw his " Henri, " Heavens ! said Why ! good knife, crushed under the weight but the admirably-feigned surprise, "see, leave the sheath. with of his body, refused to the leg " Fran9ois, your bullet has broken " ! cried Charles. The boar ! the boar strange." " of his Majesty's horse; how very « d'Alen9on, help ! Help, , . , " r " true ? said the King, himseit, Eh ! is that The horse, however, recovering Duke, con- the " It may be so," said the m gave a spring, as though he realised ** hand trembled so." had already fusion ; my peril his master was in, and marks- " The fact is that, for a clever succeeded in rising on his fore legs, when you made a very remarkable shot," Francois turn frightfully pale man, Henri saw a frown. " Thank you help, and raise said Charles, with at his brother's appeal for Gentlemen," con- the bullet, once again, Henriot. his arquebus to his shoulder ; the King, " we will return to Pans; however,insteadofstrikingtheboar, which , tinued this." King, I have had enough of was not more than six feet from the Marguerite came forward to congratu- broke the horse's leg, and it fell back, its late Henri. resting on the ground. At the same head " yes, Margot. said ! by my troth, boar ripped up the King's boot. Ah moment the " him, and sincerely " " d'Alenc^on, with Charles, compliment Oh ! murmured but for him the King of France " verily believe the Due too, for white lips, I Henri III." I am would now be styled d'Anjou is King of France, and "Alas! Madame," said the Bearnais, of Poland." King " is already hostile lacerating the Due d'Anjou, who The boar was, in deed, actually more than an to me, will bear me a grudge the King's thigh,whenCharles perceived have ? a man gleam ever. But what would you arm raised above him and saw the Due handle must do what he can; ask the of a sharp blade plunging up to the while d'Alen9on if is not so." in the hollow of the boar's shoulder, stooping down, he drew his hunt- steel-gloved hand thrust aside the steam- And a the carcase of the burying itself ing-knife from beneath ing snout on the point of times boar, and plunged it two or three thigh. in his , , it from the blood. his horse s into the ground to clean Charles, who, released by i CLOWliS AN» SONS. LIMITKD, I. on: vh INIUD bV WILLIAM A SOAP, EXPERT OPINION. Expert opinion on Vinolia Toilet Specialities confirms the view of those who use them daily. They are. skilfully blended and tastefully perfumed. The radiant morn will find you also radiant if Vinolia Soap has had a part in your early toilet. The dewy eve will leave your complexion unharmed by the exposure of the day if Vinolia Powder and Lypsil have a place on your TOILET TABLE. Vinolia Powder, la. 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