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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..83b8e7d --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #67337 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/67337) diff --git a/old/67337-0.txt b/old/67337-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 5f7350a..0000000 --- a/old/67337-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12787 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Two Dianas Volume 1 (of 03), by -Alexandre Dumas - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Two Dianas Volume 1 (of 03) - -Authors: Alexandre Dumas - Paul Meurice - -Illustrator: E. Van Meyden - -Release Date: February 6, 2022 [eBook #67337] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Laura Natal Rodrigues (Images generously made available by - Hathi Trust Digital Library.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TWO DIANAS VOLUME 1 (OF -03) *** - - -THE TWO DIANAS. - - - - -BY - -ALEXANDRE DUMAS. - - - - -IN THREE VOLUMES. - - -VOL. I. - - - - -LONDON: J. M. DENT & CO. - -BOSTON, LITTLE, BROWN, & CO. - -1894. - - - - -INTRODUCTORY NOTE - - -The claim of Alexandre Dumas to be considered first among historical -romancists, past or present, can hardly be disputed; and his magic pen -finds abundant, rich material for the historical setting of the tale -told in the following pages. The period in which the action of "The Two -Dianas" is supposed to take place, covers the later years of Henri II. -and the brief and melancholy reign of his oldest son, François II., the -ill-fated husband of Mary Stuart, whose later history has caused her -brief occupancy of the throne of France to be lost sight of. This period -saw the germination and early maturity, if not the actual sowing, of the -spirit of the Reformation in France. It was during these years that the -name of John Calvin acquired the celebrity which has never waned, and -that his devoted followers, La Renaudie, Théodore de Bèze, Ambroise -Paré, the famous surgeon, and the immortal Coligny began the crusade -for freedom of worship which was steadily maintained, unchecked by -Tumult of Amboise, or Massacre of St. Bartholomew, until Henri of -Navarre put the crown upon their heroic labors, and gave them respite -for a time with the famous "Edict of Nantes," made more famous still by -its "Revocation" a century later under the auspices of Madame de -Maintenon, at the instigation of her Jesuit allies. Those portions of -the story which introduce us to the councils of the Reformers are none -the less interesting because the characters introduced are actual -historical personages, nor can it fail to add interest to the encounter -between La Renaudie and Pardaillan to know that it really took place, -and that the two men had previously been to each other almost nearer -than brothers. It was but one of innumerable heart-rending incidents, -inseparable from all civil and religious conflicts, but in which those -presided over by the Florentine mother of three Valois kings of France -were prolific beyond belief. - -How closely the author has adhered to historical fact for the groundwork -of his tale, will appear by comparing it with one of Balzac's _Études -Philosophiques_, entitled "Sur Catherine de Médicis," the first part of -which covers the same period as "The Two Dianas," and describes many of -the same events; the variations are of the slightest. - -The patient forbearance of Catherine de Médicis, under the neglect of -her husband, and the arrogant presumption of Diane de Poitiers, abetted -by the Constable de Montmorency; her swift and speedy vengeance upon -them as soon as she was left a widow with her large brood of possible -kings; her jealous fear of the influence of the Duc de Guise and his -brother the Cardinal de Lorraine, which led her to desire the death of -her eldest son, the unfortunate François, because his queen was the -niece of the powerful and ambitious brothers, and which also led her to -oppose their influence by a combination with two such incongruous -elements as the Constable Montmorency and the Protestant Bourbon princes -of Navarre, remaining all the while the bitterest foe that the reformed -religion ever had,--all these, as described in the following pages, are -strictly in conformity with historical fact So, too, is the story of the -defence of St. Quentin in its main details, and of the siege of Calais, -where the Duc de Guise did receive the terrible wound which caused the -sobriquet of _Le Balafré_ to be applied to him, and was cured by the -skilful hand of Master Ambroise Paré. So of the Tumult of Amboise, and -the painful scenes attending the execution of the victims; and so, -finally, of the scene at the death-bed of François II., the controversy -between the shrinking conservatism of the King's regular medical -advisers, and the daring eclecticism of Paré, proposing to perform the -"new operation" of trepanning. It may, perhaps, be said that the -Chancellor de l'Hôpital is made to appear in too unfavorable a light; -he certainly was something far above the mere bond-slave of Catherine de -Médicis. - -Dumas himself tells us what basis of truth there is for the sometimes -amusing, sometimes serious, but always intensely interesting confusion -between Martin-Guerre and his unscrupulous double. - -Nowhere, it may be said, in history or romance, is there to be found so -touching a glimpse as this of poor Mary Stuart. Here we see naught save -the lovely and lovable side of the unfortunate queen, without a hint of -the fatal weakness which, as it developed in the stormy later years of -her life, made her marvellous beauty and charm the instruments of her -ruin. - -So much for those portions of "The Two Dianas" which rest upon a basis -of fact. History records further that Henri II. was accidentally killed -in friendly jousting by the Comte de Montgommery; but with that history -ends and romance begins. The personage whom Monsieur Dumas presents to -us under that title perhaps never existed; but let the reader be the -judge, after reading of the pure and sacred but unhappy love of Gabriel -de Montgommery and Diane de Castro, if a lovelier gem of fiction was -ever enclosed in an historical setting. - - - - -LIST OF CHARACTERS. - -Period, 1521-1574. - -FRANÇOIS I., King of France. - -HENRI II., his successor. - -CATHERINE DE MÉDICIS, Queen to Henri II. - -THE DAUPHIN, afterwards François II. - -HENRI, his brother, afterwards Henri III. - -MARY STUART, married to the Dauphin. - -MARY, Queen of England. - -DUC D'ORLÉANS, afterwards Charles IX. - -MARGUERITE DE FRANCE, sister of Henri II. - -MARGUERITE DE VALOIS, daughter of Henri II. - -PRINCESS ÉLISABETH. - -FRANÇOIS, Duc d'Alençon. - -DUC DE GUISE, Lieutenant-General of France. - -MONSEIGNEUR LE CARDINAL DE LORRAINE, his brother. - -DUC D'AUMALE, brother of Duc de Guise. - -MARQUIS D'ELBŒUF,} - -MARQUIS DE VAUDEMONT,} - - officers of Duc de Guise. - -MONSIEUR DE BIRON,} - -MONSIEUR DE THERMES,} - -CONSTABLE ANNE DE MONTMORENCY. - -FRANÇOIS DE MONTMORENCY, his son. - -ANTOINE DE NAVARRE. - -LOUIS DE BOURBON, Prince de Condé, his brother. - -BARON DE PARDAILLAN, an officer of the king's troops. - -DAVID, a Calvinistic minister. - -DES AVENELLES, advocate, a traitor to the Calvinists. - -BARON CASTELNAU DE CHALOSSES,} - -COMTE DE VILLEMANGIS,} - - condemned Calvinists. - -COMTE DE MAZÈRES,} - -BARON DE RAUNAY,} - -MONSIEUR DE BRAGUELONNE, Lieutenant of Police. - -MASTER ARPION, his secretary. - -LIGNIÈRES, an agent of police. - -ANTOINE DE MOUCHY, otherwise styled Démocharès, Doctor of - the Sorbonne and Canon of Noyon, Grand Inquisitor of the - Faith in France. - -JEAN PEUQUOY, syndic of the weavers of St. Quentin. - -PIERRE PEUQUOY, an armorer. - -BABETTE, Pierre Peuquoy's sister. - -LORD WENTWORTH, Governor of Calais. - -LORD GREY, his brother-in-law, commanding the English archers. - -LORD DERBY, an English officer. - -SIR EDWARD FLEMING, herald of England. - -ANSELME, a fisherman. - -ANDRÉ, a page. - -SISTER MONIQUE, Superior of the Benedictine convent at St. - Quentin. - -HEINRICH SCHARFENSTEIN,} - -PILLETROUSE,} - -FRANTZ SCHARFENSTEIN,} - -MALEMORT,} officers and soldiers in Gabriel's - service. -LACTANCE,} - -YVONNET,} - -AMBROSIO,} - -LANDRY,} - -CHESNEL,} veterans of the war in Lorraine, entering - the service of Vicomte d'Exmès. -AUBRIOT,} - -CONTAMINE,} - -BALU,} - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS - -PORTRAITS. - -Alexandre Dumas - - -ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS - -DRAWN AND ETCHED BY E. VAN MUYDEN. - -A King's Mistress - -Mary Stuart and Gabriel - - - - -CONTENTS - -Chapter - -I. A Count's Son and a King's Daughter - -II. A Bride who plays with Dolls - -III. In Camp - -IV. A King's Mistress - -V. In the Apartments of the Royal Children - -VI. Diane de Castro - -VII. How the Constable said his Pater Noster - -VIII. A Fortunate Tourney - -IX. How One may pass close by his Destiny -without Knowing it - -X. An Elegy during the Progress of a Comedy - -XI. Peace or War? - -XII. A Twofold Knave - -XIII. The Acme of Happiness - -XIV. Diane de Poitiers - -XV. Catherine de Médicis - -XVI. Lover or Brother? - -XVII. The Horoscope - -XVIII. The Last Resort of a Coquette - -XIX. How Henri II. began to enjoy his Inheritance -during his Bather's Life - -XX. Of the Usefulness of Friends - -XXI. Wherein it is shown that Jealousy sometimes -abolished titles even before -the French Revolution - -XXII. Describes the Most Convincing Proof -that a Woman can give that a Man -is not her Lover - -XXIII. Useless Devotion - -XXIV. Shows that Blood-Stains can never be -completely washed out - -XXV. An Heroic Ransom - -XXVI. Jean Peuquoy the Weaver - -XXVII. Gabriel at Work - -XXVIII. Wherein Martin-Guerre is not Clever - -XXIX. Wherein Martin-Guerre is a Bungler - -XXX. The Strategy of War - -XXXI. Arnauld du Thill's Memory - -XXXII. Theology - -XXXIII. Sister Bénie - -XXXIV. A Victorious Defeat - -XXXV. Arnauld du Thill is still up to his -Little Tricks - -XXXVI. Continuation of Master Arnauld du -Thill's Honorable Negotiations - -XXXVII. Lord Wentworth - -XXXVIII. The Amorous Jailer - -XXXIX. The Armorer's House - - - -[Illustration: Alexandre Dumas.] - - - - -THE TWO DIANAS - - - - -CHAPTER I - -A COUNT'S SON AND A KING'S DAUGHTER - - -It was the 5th of May, 1551. A young man of eighteen years, and a woman -of forty, together leaving a house of unpretentious appearance, walked -side by side through the main street of the village of Montgommery, in -the province of Auge. - -The young man was of the fine Norman type, with chestnut hair, blue -eyes, white teeth, and red lips. He had the fresh, velvety complexion -common to men of the North, which sometimes takes away a little manly -strength from their beauty, by making it almost feminine in its quality; -but his figure was superb, both in its proportions and its suppleness, -partaking at once of the character of the oak and the reed. He was -simply but handsomely dressed, in a doublet of rich purple cloth, with -light silk embroidery of the same color. His breeches were of similar -cloth, and trimmed in the same way as the doublet; long black leather -boots, such as pages and varlets wore, extended above his knees; and a -velvet cap, worn slightly on one side and adorned with a white plume, -covered a brow on which could be read indications of a tranquil and -steadfast mind. - -His horse, whose rein was passed through his arm, followed him, raising -his head from time to time, snorting and neighing with pleasure in the -fresh air that was blowing. - -The woman seemed to belong, if not to the lower orders of society, at -least to a class somewhere between them and the bourgeoisie. Her dress -was simple, but of such exquisite neatness that very quality seemed -to give it elegance. More than once the young man offered her the -support of his arm, but she persistently declined it, as if it would -have been an honor above her condition. - -As they walked through the village, and drew near the end of the street -that led to the château, whose ponderous towers were in full sight, -overlooking the humble settlement, it was very noticeable that not only -the young people and the men, but even the gray heads bowed low as the -young man passed, while he responded with a friendly nod of the head. -Each one seemed to recognize a superior and a master in this youth, who, -as we shall soon see, did not know his own identity. - -Leaving the village behind them, they followed the road, or rather the -path, which, in its winding course up the slope of the mountain, was -barely wide enough for two people to walk abreast. So, after some -objections, and upon the young man's remarking to his companion that as -he was obliged to lead his horse it would be dangerous for her to walk -behind, the good woman was induced to go in advance. - -The young man followed her without a word. One could see that his -thoughtful brow was wrinkled beneath the weight of some engrossing -preoccupation. - -A fine and lordly château it was toward which our two pilgrims, so -different in age and station, were thus wending their way. Four -centuries and ten generations had hardly sufficed for that mass of rock -to grow from foundation to battlements; and there it stood, itself a -mountain towering above the mountain on which it was built. - -Like all the structures of that age, the château of the counts of -Montgommery was absolutely irregular in its formation. Fathers had -bequeathed it to their sons, and each temporary proprietor had added to -this stone colossus according to his fancy or his need. The square -donjon, the principal fortification, had been built under the dukes of -Normandy. Then the fanciful turrets on the battlements and the -ornamented windows had been added to the frowning donjon, multiplying -the chased and sculptured stonework as time went on, as if the years had -been fruitful in this granite vegetation. At last, toward the end of the -reign of Louis XII., and in the early days of François I., a long -gallery with pointed windows had put the last touch to this secular -agglomeration. - -From this gallery, and still better from the summit of the donjon, could -be had an extended view over several leagues of the rich, blooming -plains of Normandy. For, as we have already said, the county of -Montgommery was situated in the province of Auge, and its eight or ten -baronies and its hundred and fifty fiefs were dependencies of the -bailiwicks of Argentan, Caen, and Alençon. - -At last they reached the great portal of the château. - -Think of it! For more than fifteen years this magnificent and formidable -donjon had been without a master. An old intendant still continued to -collect the rents; and there were some of the servants, too, who had -grown old in that solitude, and who continued to look after the -château, whose doors they threw open every day, as if the master was to -be expected at any moment, while they closed them again at evening, as -if his coming were simply postponed till the next day. - -The intendant received the two visitors with the same appearance of -friendliness that every one seemed to show to the woman, and the same -deference which all agreed in according to the young man. - -"Master Elyot," said the woman, who was in advance, as we have seen, "do -you mind letting us go into the château? I have something to say to -Monsieur Gabriel" (pointing to the young man), "and I can only say it in -the _salon d'honneur_." - -"Come in, Dame Aloyse," said Elyot, "and say what you have to say to -young master here, wherever you choose. You know very well that -unhappily there is no one here to interrupt you." - -They passed through the _salle des gardes_. Formerly twelve men, raised -upon the estates, used to be on guard without intermission in that -apartment. During fifteen years seven of these men had died, and their -places had not been filled. Five of them were left; and they still lived -there, doing the same duty as in the count's time, and waiting till -their turn to die should come. - -They passed through the gallery and entered the _salon d'honneur_. - -It was furnished just as it had been the day that the last count had -left it. But this salon, where in former days all the Norman nobility -had used to assemble, as in the salon of a lord paramount, not a soul -had entered for fifteen years, save the servants whose duty it was to -keep it in order, and a faithful dog, the last count's pet, who every -time that he entered the room called for his master mournfully, and at -last had refused to go out one day, and had stretched himself out at the -foot of the dais, where they found him the next morning, dead. - -It was not without emotion that Gabriel (such was the name that had been -given to the young man by his companion) entered this salon, with its -memories of other days. However, the impression made upon him by these -gloomy walls, the majestic dais, and the windows cut so deep into the -wall that although it was only ten in the morning, the daylight seemed -to have stopped at the threshold,--the impression, we repeat, was not -strong enough to divert his mind for a single moment from the purpose -which had drawn him thither; and as soon as the door was closed behind -him, he turned to his companion. - -"Come, dear Aloyse, my good nurse," said he, "really, although you seem -more moved than I, you have no longer the least excuse for refusing to -tell me what you have promised. Now, Aloyse, you must speak without -fear, and, above all, without delay. Haven't you hesitated long enough, -my dear, kind nurse; and have I not, like an obedient son, waited long -enough h When I asked you what name I had the right to bear, and to what -family I belonged, and who my father was, you replied, 'Gabriel, I will -tell you the whole story on the day that you are eighteen,--the age at -which he who has the right to wear a sword attains his majority.' Now, -to-day, this 5th of May, 1551, I have lived eighteen full years; so I -called upon you this morning to keep your promise, but you replied with -a solemn visage which almost terrified me, 'It is not here in the humble -dwelling of a poor squire's widow that I should make you known to -yourself, but in the château of the counts of Montgommery, and in the -_salon d'honneur_ in that château.' Now we have come up the mountain, -good Aloyse, have crossed the threshold of the noble counts, and here we -are in the _salon d'honneur_; so, speak!" - -"Sit down, Gabriel, for you will allow me to call you by that name once -more." - -The young man took her hands with a most affectionate movement. - -"Sit down," she repeated, "not on that chair, nor on that sofa." - -"But where do you want me to sit, then, dear nurse?" interrupted the -young man. - -"Under this dais," said Aloyse, with an accent of deep solemnity. - -The young man complied. - -Aloyse nodded her head. - -"Now, listen to me," said she. - -"But do you be seated too," said Gabriel - -"Will you permit me?" - -"Are you laughing at me, nurse?" - -The good woman took her place on the steps of the dais, at the feet of -the young man, who was all attention, and devoured her with a gaze full -of kindliness and curiosity. - -"Gabriel," said the nurse, when she had at last made up her mind to -speak, "you were scarcely six years old when you lost your father and I -lost my husband. You had been my foster-child, for your mother died in -giving birth to you. From that day, I, your mother's foster-sister, -loved you as if you were my own child. The widow devoted her life to the -orphan. As she had given you her breast, she gave you her heart too; and -you will do me this justice, will you not, Gabriel, that in your belief, -my thoughts, when you have been away from me, have never failed to be -with you and watching over you?" - -"Dear Aloyse," said the young man, "many real mothers would have done -less than you have. I swear it; and not one, I swear again, could have -done more." - -"Every one, in fact, was as eager to serve you as I, who had been the -first to show my zeal." continued the nurse. "Dom Jamet de Croisic, the -worthy chaplain of this very château, and whom the Lord called to -himself three months since, instructed you very carefully in letters and -science, and according to what he said, you had nothing to learn from -any one in the matter of reading and writing and knowledge of history, -especially of the great families of France. Enguerrand Lorien, the -intimate friend of my dead-and-gone husband, Perrot Travigny, and the -old squire of our neighbors, the counts of Vimoutiers, taught you the -science of arms, the management of the lance and sword, horsemanship, -and in fact all the knightly accomplishments; and then the fêtes and -tournaments which were held at Alençon at the time of the marriage and -coronation of our Lord King Henri II., gave you an opportunity to prove, -two years since, that you have taken advantage of Enguerrand's -instructions. I, poor know nothing, could only love you and teach you to -worship God. That is all that I have tried to do. The Holy Virgin has -been my guide, and here you are to-day, at eighteen, a pious Christian -man, a learned gentleman, and an accomplished knight; and I hope that -with God's help, you will not fail to show yourself worthy of your -ancestors, MONSIEUR GABRIEL, SEIGNEUR DE LORGES, COMTE DE MONTGOMMERY." - -Gabriel involuntarily rose to his feet, as he cried,-- - -"Comte de Montgommery! I!" Then he went on, with a proud smile on his -lips,-- - -"Oh, well, I hoped so, and I almost suspected it; in fact, Aloyse, in -the days of my boyish dreams I said as much to my little Diane. But what -are you doing to my feet, Aloyse, pray? Rise, and come to my arms, thou -saintly creature! Don't you choose to acknowledge me as your child any -more now that I am heir of the Montgommerys? Heir of the Montgommerys!" -he repeated, as if in spite of himself, trembling with pride as he -embraced the good old soul. "Heir of the Montgommerys! And I bear one of -the oldest and most honorable names of France! Yes; Dom Jamet has taught -me the history of my ancestors, reign by reign, and generation by -generation. Of my ancestors! Embrace me again, Aloyse! I wonder what -Diane will say to all this. Saint Godegrand, Bishop of Chartres, and -Sainte Opportune, his sister, who lived in Charlemagne's day, were of -our family. Roger de Montgommery commanded an army under William the -Conqueror. Guillaume de Montgommery made a crusade at his own expense. -We have been allied more than once to the royal families of Scotland and -France; and the noblest lords of London and the most illustrious -noblemen of Paris will call me cousin. My father, too--" - -The young man stopped short, as if he had been struck; but he soon -continued:-- - -"But, alas! for all this, Aloyse, I am alone in the world. This great -lord is nothing but a poor orphan, and the descendant of so many royal -ancestors has no father. My poor father! I can only weep just now, -Aloyse. And my mother, too,--both dead! Oh, do tell me of them, so that -I may know what they were like now that I know that I am their son! -Come, begin with my father. How did he die? Tell me all about it." - -Aloyse remained dumb. Gabriel looked at her in amazement. - -"I ask you to tell me, nurse," he said again, "how my father died." - -"Monseigneur, God alone can tell you!" said she. "One day Jacques de -Montgommery left the hotel where he was then living, in the Rue des -Jardins St. Paul in Paris. He never came back to it. His friends and his -cousins sought for him, but to no purpose. He had disappeared, -Monseigneur! King François I. ordered an inquiry, which came to nothing. -His enemies, if he fell a victim to treachery, were either very cunning -or very powerful. You have no father, Monseigneur; and yet the tomb of -Jacques de Montgommery is missing in the chapel of your château, for he -has never been found, living or dead!" - -"That is because it was not his son who sought him!" cried Gabriel. "Ah, -nurse, why have you kept quiet so long? Did you hide the secret of my -birth from me because it would have been my duty either to save my -father or to avenge him?" - -"No; but because it was my duty to save yourself, Monseigneur. Listen! -Do you know what the last words were that were uttered by my husband, -brave Perrot Travigny, who had a religious devotion to your family? -'Wife,' said he, a few minutes before he breathed his last, 'don't even -wait till I am buried; just close my eyes, and then leave Paris with the -child as fast as ever you can. You will go to Montgommery; not to the -château, but to the house which belongs to us, thanks to Monseigneur's -bounty! - -"'There do you bring up the descendant of our masters with no -affectation of mystery, but without display. The good people of our -country will respect him, and will not betray him. But, above all -things, hide his origin from himself, or he will show himself and be his -own destruction. Let him know only that he is of gentle birth, and that -will be enough to satisfy his dignity and your own conscience. Then, -when years shall have brought him discretion and gravity, as his blood -will make him brave and true,--when he is about eighteen, for -instance,--tell him his name and his descent, Aloyse. Then he can judge -for himself of his duty and his ability. But until then be very careful; -for formidable enmities and invincible hatred will be on his track if he -should be discovered, and those who have stricken and brought down the -eagle will not spare the eaglet.' He said those words and died, -Monseigneur; and I, in obedience to his commands, took you, poor orphan -of six years, who had hardly seen your father, and I brought you with me -to this village. The count's disappearance was already known here; and -it was suspected that implacable foes were threatening any one who bore -his name. You were seen and acknowledged without hesitation in the -village, but by tacit agreement not a soul asked me a question or -expressed any surprise at my silence. A short time after, my only son, -your foster-brother, my poor Robert, was carried off by a fever. God -seemed to will that I should have no excuse for not devoting myself -entirely to you. May God's will be done! Everybody made a pretence of -believing that it was my son that lived, and yet they all treated you -with the deepest respect and a touching obedience. That was because you -already strikingly resembled your father, both in face and in heart. The -lion-like instinct showed itself in you: and it was easy to see that you -were born to be a master and a leader of men. The children of the -neighborhood soon got into the habit of forming themselves into a little -company under your command. In all their games you marched at their -head, and not one of them would have dared to refuse you his respect. -You became a young king of the province; and it was the province which -brought you up, and which has looked on in admiration to see you daily -growing in pride and beauty. The quit-rent of the finest fruits, and the -tithe of the harvest, were brought regularly to the house without my -having to ask for anything. The finest horse in the pastures was always -kept for you. Dom Jamet, Enguerrand, and all the varlets and retainers -at the château offered you their services as naturally due to you; and -you accepted them as your right. There was nothing about you that was -not gallant and brave and large-hearted. In your slightest actions you -showed to what race you belonged. They still tell by the village -firesides in the evening how you once traded off my two cows for a -falcon with one of the pages. But all these instincts and impulses only -betrayed you to those who were to be trusted, and you remained hidden -and unknown to the evil-disposed. The great excitement aroused by the -wars in Italy, Spain, and Flanders against the Emperor Charles V. helped -not a little, thank God! to protect you; and you have at last arrived -safe and sound at that age when Perrot told me that I might trust to -your good sense and your discretion. But you, who are ordinarily so -sober and so cautious, behold! your first words are all for a rash -outburst, vengeance, and exposure." - -"Vengeance, yes; but exposure, no! Do you suppose, Aloyse, that my -father's enemies are still living?" - -"I don't know, Monseigneur; but it would be much safer to assume that -some of them are. And suppose that you make your appearance at court, -still unknown, but with your well-known name, which will attract -universal attention to you,--brave but without experience, strong in -your worthy ambition and in the justice of your case, but without -friends or allies, or even any personal repute,--and what, pray, will -happen then? Those who hate you will see you come, while you will not -see them; they will attack you, and you will not know where the blow -comes from, and not only will your father not be revenged, but you -yourself, Monseigneur, will be destroyed." - -"And that, Aloyse, is just the reason why I am so sorry that I have had -no time to make friends for myself and win a little bit of renown. Ah, -if I had been warned two years since, for instance! But never mind! It -is only a little delay, and I will soon make up for lost time. And -indeed for other reasons I am very glad that I have been at Montgommery -these last two years; but I must be off so much the quicker now. I will -go to Paris, Aloyse; and without concealing the fact that I am a -Montgommery, I need not say that I am the son of Comte Jacques. Fiefs -and titles are no less plentiful in our family than in the royal house -of France, and our branches are sufficiently numerous in England and -France for an unimportant scion to fail of recognition. I can take the -name of Comte d'Exmès, Aloyse, and that will neither conceal nor reveal -my identity. Then I shall find--whom shall I find at court? Thanks to -Enguerrand, I am equally conversant with men and affairs. Shall I pay my -addresses to the Constable de Montmorency, the hard-hearted mumbler of -pater-nosters? No; and I quite agree with the face you made, Aloyse. To -the Maréchal de Saint-André, then? He is neither young nor -enterprising enough. Would not François de Guise be preferable? Yes; he -is the man for me. Montmédy, St. Dizier, and Bologne have already shown -what stuff he is made of. It is to him that I will go; and under his -banners I will win my spurs. In the shadow of his name I will conquer a -name for myself." - -"Will Monseigneur allow me to remind him that the honest and faithful -Elyot has had time to put by a handsome sum for the heir of his former -masters. You may maintain a royal establishment, Monseigneur; and the -young men, who are your tenants, and whom you have drilled in playing at -war, are in duty bound and will be only too glad to follow you to battle -in good earnest. It is your right to call them about you, as you well -know, Monseigneur." - -"And we will use this right, never fear, Aloyse; we will use it." - -"Is Monseigneur really willing to receive all his domestics and -retainers, and the tenants of all his fiefs and baronies, who are -consumed with the desire to pay their respects to him?" - -"Not yet, please, good Aloyse; but tell Martin-Guerre to saddle a horse -and be ready to go with me. I must, first of all, take a ride about the -neighborhood." - -"Are you going in the direction of Vimoutiers?" said good Aloyse, -smiling mischievously. - -"Perhaps so. Don't I owe old Enguerrand a visit and my thanks?" - -"And with Enguerrand's congratulations, Monseigneur will not find it at -all amiss to receive those of a certain fair damsel called Diane. Am I -not right?" - -"But," said Gabriel, laughing, "that same fair damsel has been my wife -and I her husband these three years; since I was fifteen, that is to -say, and she nine." - -Aloyse lost herself in thought. - -"Monseigneur," said she, "if I did not know how sober-minded and open -you are, notwithstanding your extreme youth, and that your every emotion -is a serious and profound one, I should keep back the words which I am -going to venture to say to you. But what is a joking matter to others is -often a matter of serious importance to you. Remember, Monseigneur, that -no one knows whose daughter Diane is. One day, the wife of Enguerrand, -who had gone to Fontainebleau at that time, with his master, Comte de -Vimoutiers, found, as she was going into her house, a child in a cradle -at her door, and a heavy purse of gold on her table. In the purse was a -considerable sum of money, half of an engraved ring, and a paper on -which was this one word, 'Diane.' Berthe, Enguerrand's wife, had no -child of her own, and she welcomed joyfully these other maternal duties -which were asked at her hands. But on her return to Vimoutiers she died, -just as my husband died, to whom your father intrusted you, Monseigneur; -and as it was a woman who brought up the male orphan, so it was a man to -whose care the female child fell. But Enguerrand and I, both intrusted -with a like task, have exchanged our duties? and I have tried to make of -Diane a good, pious woman, while Enguerrand has brought you up to be -clever and wise. Naturally you have known Diane, and naturally, too, you -have become attached to her. But you are the Comte de Montgommery, as -can be proved by authentic documents and by public repute, while no one -has yet appeared to lay claim to Diane, by producing the other half of -the golden ring. Take care, Monseigneur! I know well that Diane is now a -mere child of scarcely twelve years, but she will grow, and will be -exceedingly beautiful; and with such a nature as yours, I say again, -everything is apt to be serious. Take care! It may be that she will -always remain what she is now,--a foundling; and you are too great a -nobleman to marry her, and too true a gentleman to lead her astray." - -"But, nurse, when I am going away, to leave you, and to leave Diane--" -said Gabriel, thoughtfully. - -"That is all right, then. Forgive your old Aloyse for her uneasy -foreboding; and if you choose, go and see that sweet and lovely child -whom you call your little wife. But don't forget that you are being -impatiently awaited here. You will soon be back, will you not, Monsieur -le Comte?" - -"Very soon; and kiss me again, Aloyse. Call me your child always, and -accept my thanks a thousand times, dear old nurse." - -"A thousand blessings on thee, my child and my lord!" - -Master Martin-Guerre was waiting for Gabriel at the gate, and they both -mounted, and left the château. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -A BRIDE WHO PLAYS WITH DOLLS - - -Gabriel took a by-path well-known to him, so as to go more quickly; and -yet he let his horse slacken his pace, so that it seemed almost as if he -were allowing the handsome beast to adapt his gait to his own train of -thought. Emotions of very different sorts succeeded one another in the -young man's mind, by turns passionate and gloomy, haughty and subdued. -When he remembered that he was the Comte de Montgommery, his eyes -sparkled, and he drove his spurs into his horse as if drunken with the -breeze which fanned his temples; and then he would say to himself, "My -father has been murdered, and his death is not avenged!" and his rein -would drop listlessly from his hand. But all at once he would reflect -that he was going into the world to fight, to make a name for himself, -formidable and dreaded, and to pay all his debts of honor and of blood; -and he would start off at a mad gallop as if he were really on his way -to fame at that moment, until the thought came to him that he would be -obliged to leave his little Diane, so blithe and pretty, when he would -relapse into gloom again, and would gradually slacken his pace to a -walk; as if he could thus delay the cruel moment of separation. "But," -thought he, "I will come back again, after I have found my father's -enemies and Diane's relatives;" and Gabriel, spurring his steed on -fiercely once more, flew as swiftly as his own hopes. His destination -was at hand; and surely in that young heart thirsting for happiness, joy -had driven away gloom. - -Looking over the hedge which enclosed old Enguerrand's orchard, Gabriel -spied Diane's white dress among the trees. To tie his horse to a -willow-tree and leap the hedge at a bound was the work of but a moment; -glowing with pride and triumph, he fell at the young girl's feet. - -But Diane was weeping. - -"What is it, my dear little wife," said Gabriel; "and whence this bitter -sorrow? Has Enguerrand been scolding us because of a torn dress, or -because we made a slip in saying our prayers; or has our pet bullfinch -flown away? Tell me, Diane dear. See, your faithful knight has come to -comfort you." - -"Alas! Gabriel, you cannot be my knight any more," said Diane; "and that -is just why I am sad and am crying." - -Gabriel supposed that Diane had learned from Enguerrand her -play-fellow's name, and that perhaps she wished to test him. He -replied,-- - -"What has happened, pray, Diane, lucky or unlucky, that can ever make me -give up the dear title which you have allowed me to assume, and which I -am so proud and happy to bear? See, here I am at your knees." - -But Diane did not seem to understand; and she wept more bitterly than -before, as she hid her face on Gabriel's breast, and sobbed,-- - -"Oh, Gabriel, Gabriel! We must not see each other any more." - -"And who is to prevent us?" he rejoined quickly. - -She raised her lovely fair head and her eyes swimming with tears; then -with a little pout, altogether sober and solemn, she replied, sighing -profoundly,-- - -"Duty." - -Her sweet face assumed an expression that was so despairing and so -comical at the same time that Gabriel, fascinated, and entering, as he -supposed, fully into her thoughts, could not forbear a laugh; and taking -the child's fair face in his hands, he kissed it over and over again; -but she nervously drew away from him. - -"No, my friend," said she, "no more of these little chats of ours. _Mon -Dieu! mon Dieu_! they are forbidden us now." - -"What stories has Enguerrand been telling her?" said Gabriel to himself, -persisting in his error; and he added aloud, "Don't you love me any -longer, then, dear Diane?" - -"I! not love you any longer!" cried Diane. "How can you think and say -such things, Gabriel? Are you not the friend of my childhood, and my -brother for my whole life? Have you not always been as kind and loving -as a mother to me? When I laughed, and when I wept, whom was I sure to -find at my side, to share my joy or my sorrow? You, Gabriel! Who carried -me when I was tired? Who helped me to learn my lessons? Who took the -blame for my mistakes, and insisted on sharing my punishment when he -couldn't succeed in having it all himself? You again! Who invented a -thousand games for me? Who made sweet nosegays for me in the meadows? -Who hunted out goldfinches' nests for me in the woods? You, always you! -I have found you always, in every place and at all times, so kind and -generous and devoted to me, Gabriel. I shall never forget you, Gabriel; -and while my heart lives, you will live in my heart. I should have liked -to give you my life and my soul, and I have never dreamed of happiness -except when I have dreamed of you. But all this, alas! doesn't keep us -from being obliged to part, never to see each other again, no doubt." - -"And why not? Is it to punish you for mischievously letting your dog -Phylax into the poultry-yard?" asked Gabriel. - -"Ah, no, for something very different, believe me!" - -"Well, what is it, then?" - -She rose, and as she stood with her arms hanging by her side, and her -head cast down, she said,-- - -"Because I am somebody else's wife." - -Gabriel did not joke any more, and a vague dread pierced his heart; he -replied with a trembling voice,-- - -"What do you mean by that, Diane?" - -"I am no longer Diane," was the reply, "but Madame la Duchesse de -Castro, since my husband's name is Horace Farnèse, Duc de Castro." - -And the child could not help smiling a little through her tears as she -said it. "My husband" indeed, and she a child of twelve! Oh, it was -magnificent: "Madame la Duchesse!" But she speedily became sad again -when she saw Gabriel's suffering. - -The young man was standing before her, pale, and with a frightened look -in his eyes. - -"Is this a joke? Is it a dream?" said he. - -"No, my poor friend, it is a sad truth," replied Diane. "Didn't you -meet Enguerrand on the way? He started for Montgommery half an hour -since." - -"I came by the short cut. But go on and finish your story." - -"Why is it, Gabriel, that you have been four days without coming here? -Such a thing never happened before, and it made us unhappy, don't you -see? Night before last I had very hard work to go to sleep. I hadn't -seen you for two days, and was very uneasy, and I made Enguerrand -promise that if you didn't come the next day we should go to Montgommery -the day after that. And then, as if we had had a presentiment, -Enguerrand and I fell to talking of the future, and then of the past, -and of my relatives, who seemed, alas! to have forgotten me. It is a -wretched tale that I have to tell you, and I should have been happier -perhaps if they had really forgotten me. All this serious talk had -naturally made me a little sad, and had wearied me; and I was, as I -said, a long while going to sleep, and that is why I awoke rather later -than usual yesterday morning. I dressed myself in a great hurry, told my -beads, and was just ready to go downstairs when I heard a great -commotion under my window before the house door. There were magnificent -cavaliers there, Gabriel, attended by squires, pages, and varlets, and -behind the cavalcade was a gilded carriage, quite dazzling in its -splendor. As I was looking curiously at this retinue, and marvelling -that it should have stopped at our modest dwelling, Antoine came and -knocked at my door, and gave me a message from Enguerrand that I should -come down at once. I don't know why I was afraid to go, but I had to -obey, and I obeyed. When I went into the great hall, it was filled with -these superb seigneurs whom I had seen from my window. I then fell to -blushing and trembling, more alarmed than ever; you can understand that, -Gabriel, can't you?" - -"Yes," said Gabriel, bitterly. "But go on, for the thing is becoming -decidedly interesting." - -"As I entered," continued Diane, "one of the most elaborately dressed of -the gentlemen came to me, and offering me his gloved hand, led me up to -another gentleman no less richly adorned than he, to whom he said, -bowing low,-- - -"'Monseigneur le Duc de Castro, I have the honor to present to you your -wife. 'Madame,' he added, turning to me, 'Monsieur Horace Farnèse, Duc -de Castro, your husband.' - -"The duke saluted me with a smile. But I, in my confusion and grief, -threw myself into Enguerrand's arms, as I spied him standing in a -corner. - -"'Enguerrand! Enguerrand! this is not my husband, this prince; I have no -husband but Gabriel. Enguerrand, tell these gentlemen so, I beg you.' - -"The one who had presented me to the duke knitted his brows. - -"'What is all this fol-de-rol?' he said to Enguerrand sternly. - -"'Nothing, Monseigneur; mere childishness,' said Enguerrand, pale as a -ghost. And he said to me in an undertone, 'Are you mad, Diane? What do -you mean by being so rebellious?--refusing thus to obey your relatives, -who have found you out, and come to claim you!' - -"'Where are these relatives of mine?' said I, aloud. 'It is to them that -I must speak.' - -"'We come in their name, Mademoiselle,' replied the frowning gentleman. -'I am their representative. If you don't believe what I say, here is the -order signed by Henri II., our Lord the King; read it.' - -"He handed me a parchment sealed with a red seal, and I read at the top -of the page, 'We, Henri, by the grace of God;' and at the foot the royal -signature, 'Henri.' I was blinded and stunned and overwhelmed. I was -dizzy and delirious. All that crowd of people with their eyes on me! And -even Enguerrand abandoning me! The thought of my relatives! The name of -the king! All this was too much for my poor little head. And you were -not there, Gabriel!" - -"But it seems as if my presence could have been of no use to you," was -Gabriel's reply. - -"Oh, yes, Gabriel, if you had been there, I would have continued to -resist; while, as you were not there, when the gentleman who seemed to -be managing the whole thing said to me, 'Come, there has been delay -enough. Madame de Leviston, I leave Madame de Castro in your hands; we -shall expect you presently in the chapel,' his tone was so sharp and -imperious, and seemed to allow so little remonstrance, that I let myself -be led away. Gabriel, forgive me; I was worn out and bewildered, and I -hadn't an idea in my head." - -"Go on! that is very easily understood," said Gabriel, with a bitter -smile. - -"They took me to my chamber," Diane resumed. "There, this Madame de -Leviston, with the help of two or three women, took a fine dress of -white silk from a great chest. Then, in spite of my shrinking, they -undressed me and dressed me again. I scarcely dared to take a step in -such fine clothes. Then they put pearls in my ears, and a string of -pearls about my neck; my tears fell fast upon the pearls. But these -ladies no doubt only laughed at my embarrassment, and at my grief too, -perhaps. In half an hour I was ready, and they were so kind as to say -that I was charming thus arrayed. I think it was true, Gabriel; but I -cried away all the same. I at last convinced myself that I was going -through a dazzling but dreadful dream. I stepped without any exertion of -my own, and went back and forth like a machine. Meanwhile the horses -were stamping at the door, and squires, pages, and varlets were standing -in attendance. We descended the stairs. Again the gaze of the whole -assemblage seemed to go right through me. The gentleman with the harsh -voice offered me his hand again, and led me to a litter all of satin and -gold, where I was to take my seat on cushions almost as beautiful as my -dress. The Duc de Castro rode by the side of my litter, and so the -procession slowly ascended to the chapel of the Château de Vimoutiers. -The priest was already at the altar. I don't know what words were said -over me or to me; but I felt suddenly, in the midst of this strange -dream, that the duke placed a ring on my finger. Then, after twenty -minutes or twenty years, I didn't know which, a fresher air seemed to -be blowing on my face. We were leaving the chapel; they called me -'Madame la Duchesse.' I was married! Do you hear that, Gabriel? I was -married!" - -Gabriel replied only with a wild burst of laughter. - -"Just think, Gabriel," continued Diane, "I was so entirely beside myself -that it was not until just as I was going into the house again that it -occurred to me for the first time, having recovered myself a little, to -look at the husband whom all these strangers had come to force upon me. -Until then I had not looked at him, Gabriel, although I had seen him. -Oh, my poor dear Gabriel, he isn't half as handsome as you are! He is -only moderately tall, and for all his fine clothes he looked much less -distinguished than you in your plain brown doublet. And then he had an -expression as impertinent and overbearing as yours is sweet and refined. -Add to this hair and a long beard of a bright red. I have been -sacrificed, Gabriel. After he had talked a while with the man who had -passed himself off as the king's representative, the duke approached me -and took my hand. - -"'Madame la Duchesse,' said he, with a very cunning smile, 'I beg you -will pardon the stern necessity which compels me to leave you so soon. -But you may or may not know that we are in the midst of a war with -Spain, and my men-at-arms demand my presence immediately. I hope to have -the pleasure of seeing you again soon at court, where you will go to -take up your abode near his Majesty the King, after this week. I trust -you will deign to accept some trifling presents which I will leave here -for you. _Au revoir_, Madame. Continue to be light-hearted and -fascinating, as befits your age, and amuse yourself, and play with all -your heart, while I am fighting.' - -"With these words he kissed me familiarly on the forehead, and his long -beard pricked me: it is not soft like yours, Gabriel. And then all these -fine gentlemen and ladies saluted me, and away they went, Gabriel, one -by one, leaving me at last alone with my father Enguerrand. He didn't -understand this transaction much better than I. They had given him the -parchment to read, wherein the king commanded me, so far as he could -make it out, to marry the Duc de Castro. The gentleman who represented -his Majesty was the Comte d'Humières; Enguerrand recognized him from -having seen him formerly with Monsieur de Vimoutiers. All that -Enguerrand knew more than I, was the melancholy fact that this Madame de -Leviston, who had superintended my toilette, and who lives at Caen, -would come one of these days to take me to court with her, and that I -must be always ready. There is the whole of my strange and mournful -story, Gabriel. Ah, no, I forgot. When I went back into my chamber I -found a great box, and what do you suppose was in it? You could never -guess. A superb doll, with a complete outfit of linen and three -dresses,--white silk, red damask, and green brocade,--all for the use of -the doll. I was beside myself with rage, Gabriel, to think that these -were my husband's presents! The idea of treating me like a little girl! -The red dress is most becoming, to the doll, because her complexion is -painted so naturally. The little shoes are lovely, too; but the whole -affair is shameful, for it seems to me that I am no longer a child." - -"Yes! you are a child, Diane," replied Gabriel, whose anger had -insensibly changed to sadness; "nothing but a child! I have no grudge -against you for being only twelve years old, for that would be unfair -and absurd. But I see that I have done wrong to allow myself to feel so -earnest and deep a sentiment for such a young and fickle creature; for -my grief has taught me how dearly I loved you, Diane. I repeat that I -wish you no ill, but if you had been stronger, and had mustered up -sufficient force to resist such an unjust command, if you had only known -how to obtain a little delay, Diane, we might have been very happy -together, since you have found your relatives, and they seem to be of -noble birth. I, too, Diane, have come to tell you a great secret which -was not revealed to me till this very day. But what's the use now? It is -too late. Your weakness has broken the thread of my destiny, which I -thought I held in my hand at last. Can I ever fasten the ends together -again? I foresee that my whole life will be filled with thoughts of you, -Diane, and that my youthful love will always hold the first place in my -heart. But you, Diane, in the lustre of the court, and in the continual -whirl and excitement of parties and festival-making, will soon lose -sight of him who has loved you so dearly in the time of your obscurity." - -"Never!" cried Diane. "And see, Gabriel, now that you are on the spot, -and can encourage and help me, do you want me to refuse to go when they -come after me, and to say no to all their prayers and entreaties and -commands, so that I may always stay with you?" - -"Thank you, dear Diane, but don't you see that henceforth, in the sight -of God and man, you belong to another? We must do our duty and abide our -fate. We must, as the Duc de Castro said, go each to his place,--you to -the dissipations of the court, and I to the battlefield. I only pray God -that I may see you again some day!" - -"Yes, Gabriel, I shall see you again, and I shall always love you!" -cried poor Diane, throwing herself, sobbing, into her friend's arms. - -But just at this moment Enguerrand appeared in a path close by, with -Madame de Leviston at his heels. - -"Here she is, Madame," said he, pointing to Diane. "Ah! is that you, -Gabriel?" said he, as he saw the young count. "I was just on my way to -Montgommery to see you when I met Madame de Leviston's carriage, and had -to retrace my steps." - -"Yes, Madame," said Madame de Leviston, addressing Diane, "the king has -written to my husband that he is in haste to see you, and so I have -anticipated the date of our departure. If you please, we will set out in -an hour. Your preparations will not require much time, I fancy, will -they?" - -Diane looked at Gabriel. - -"Courage!" said he, gravely. - -"I am very happy to say," resumed Madame de Leviston, "that your good -foster-father can and will go to Paris with us, and will overtake us -to-morrow at Alençon, if agreeable to you." - -"If it is agreeable to me!" cried Diane. "No one has yet named my -relatives to me, but I shall always call Enguerrand Father." - -And she held out her hand to Enguerrand, who covered it with kisses, so -that she might have an opportunity to steal another glance undercover of -her tears at Gabriel, who stood there thoughtful and sad, but none the -less resigned and determined. - -"Come, Madame," said Madame de Leviston, who was vexed a little perhaps -by these leave-takings and delays, "remember that you must be at Caen -before night." - -Diane, almost suffocated with her sobs, rushed off without more ado to -her chamber after signing to Gabriel to wait for her. Enguerrand and -Madame de Leviston followed her, and Gabriel waited. - -After an hour or so, during which the luggage that Diane was to carry -with her was stowed away in the carriage, Diane appeared, all ready for -the journey. She asked Madame de Leviston, who followed her about like a -shadow, to allow her to take one last turn around the garden, where she -had spent twelve years in careless, happy play. Gabriel and Enguerrand -walked behind her while she made this visit to her old haunts. Diane -stopped before a bush of white roses which Gabriel and she had planted -the year before. She picked two roses, one of which she fastened in her -dress, while she breathed a kiss upon the other and gave it to Gabriel. -The young man felt that she slipped a paper in his hand at the same -time, and he put it hastily into his doublet. - -When Diane had said adieu to all the paths and all the groves and all -the flowers, she had to make up her mind to take her departure. When she -reached the carriage which was to take her away, she shook hands with -each of the servants, and with the good folks from the village, who knew -and loved her every one. She had not strength to say a word, poor child; -she only gave each of them a kind nod of the head. Then she embraced -Enguerrand, and Gabriel last of all, with no signs of being embarrassed -by Madame de Leviston's presence. In her friend's embrace she found her -voice a moment, and when he said, "Adieu! adieu!" she replied, "No, _au -revoir_!" - -Then she entered the carriage that was waiting, and childhood, after -all, seemed not quite to have lost its hold on her, for Gabriel heard -her ask Madame de Leviston, with the little pout which became her so -well,-- - -"Have they put my big doll up there somewhere?" - -Away went the carriage at a gallop. - -Gabriel opened the paper Diane had handed him; in it he found a lock of -the fair yellow hair that he used to like so to kiss. - -A month later, Gabriel, having arrived in Paris, presented himself to -Duc François de Guise, at the Hôtel de Guise, under the name of -Vicomte d'Exmès. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -IN CAMP - - -"Yes, gentlemen," said the Duc de Guise, as he entered his tent, to the -noblemen who were in attendance upon him; "yes, to-day, this 24th of -April, 1557, in the evening, after having entered Neapolitan territory -on the 15th, and taken Campli in four days, we are laying siege to -Civitella. On the 1st of May, having made ourselves masters of -Civitella, we will sit down before Aquila. On the 10th of May we shall -be at Arpino, and on the 20th at Capua, where we will not be caught -napping, as Hannibal was. On the 1st of June, gentlemen, I hope to show -you Naples, please God." - -"And how about the Pope, my dear brother?" said the Duc d'Aumale. "His -Holiness, who was so very free with his promises of assisting us with -the papal troops, has abandoned us so far to our own resources, so it -seems to me; and our army is hardly strong enough to take such risks in -a hostile country." - -"Paul IV.," said François, "is too deeply interested in the success of -our forces to leave us without assistance. What a beautifully clear, -bright night it is, gentlemen! Biron, do you know whether the partisans, -of whose expected rising in the Abruzzi the Caraffas told us, have begun -to make any stir yet?" - -"They don't budge, Monseigneur; I have late news that can be depended -on." - -"Well, our musketry will wake them up," said the Duc de Guise. "Monsieur -le Marquis d'Elbœuf," he resumed, "have you heard aught from the -convoys of provisions and ammunition which we should have met at Ascoli, -and which surely ought to come up to us here, I should say?" - -"Yes, I have heard from them, Monseigneur, but at Rome; and since then, -alas--" - -"Merely a little delay," the Duc de Guise broke in,--"surely it is -nothing but a little delay; and after all, we are not altogether -unprovided. The taking of Campli helped out our commissariat somewhat; -and if I should enter the tent of any one of you gentlemen an hour from -now, I'll warrant I should find a first-rate supper on the board, and -seated at table with you some disconsolate widow or pretty orphan from -Campli, whom you make it your duty to console. Nothing could be better, -gentlemen. Besides, it is the bounden duty of the conqueror, and is what -makes victory so sweet, is it not? Well, I will keep you no longer now -from your pleasures. To-morrow, at daybreak, I will send for you to -concert the means of cutting into this sugar-loaf of Civitella; till -then, gentlemen, a good appetite, and good-night." - -The duke smilingly escorted his generals to the door of his tent; but -when the curtain which formed the door had fallen behind the last of -them, and François de Guise was left alone, his manly features at once -assumed a careworn expression, and seating himself at a table and -leaning his head on his hands, he said beneath his breath with much -anxiety,-- - -"Can it be that I should have done better to renounce all personal -ambition, to content myself with being simply Henri II.'s general, and -to limit my achievements to the recovery of Milan and the liberation of -Sienna? Here am I in this kingdom of Naples of which in my dreams I have -heard myself called the king; but I am without allies, and shall soon be -without provisions; and all my officers, with my brother at their head, -with not an energetic, capable mind among them, are already beginning to -be disheartened, and to lose their courage, I can see plainly." - -At this moment the duke heard a step behind him. He turned quickly, with -an angry greeting on his lips for the bold intruder; but when he saw who -it was, instead of reproving him, he held out his hand to him. - -"You are not the man, Vicomte d'Exmès, are you," said he, "you are not -the man, my dear Gabriel, ever to think twice about going on with an -undertaking, because bread is scarce and the enemy plenty?--you, who -were the last to go out of Metz, and the first to enter Valenza and -Campli. But have you come to tell me anything new, my friend?" - -"Yes, Monseigneur, a courier has arrived from France," Gabriel replied. -"He is, I think, the bearer of letters from your illustrious brother, -Monseigneur le Cardinal de Lorraine. Shall I have him brought before -you?" - -"No, but let him hand you the despatches that he has, Viscount, and do -you bring them to me yourself, please." - -Gabriel bowed, left the tent, and came back almost immediately, bringing -a letter sealed with the arms of the house of Lorraine. - -The six years that had passed since our story opened had scarcely -changed our old friend Gabriel, except that his features had taken on a -more manly and determined expression. He would at once have been picked -out as a man who had put his own worth to the proof and knew it well. -But he had always the same calm and serious brow, the same true and open -look, and, let us say at once, the same heart full of the hopes and -illusions of youth; and well it might be so, for he was only twenty-four -even now. - -The Duc de Guise was thirty-seven; and although his was a noble and -generous nature, his mind had already returned from many places where -Gabriel's had never yet been; and more than one disappointed ambition, -more than one burnt-out passion, more than one fruitless contest, had -sunk his eye deep in his head, and worn the hair from his temples. Yet -he none the less understood and loved the chivalrous and devoted -character of Gabriel; and an irresistible attraction drew the man of -years and experience toward the trustful youth. - -He took his brother's letter from Gabriel's hands, and said to him -before opening it,-- - -"Listen, Vicomte d'Exmès: my secretary, Hervé de Thelen, whom you -knew, died under the walls of Valenza; my brother D'Aumale is only a -soldier, gallant but without ability; I need a right arm, Gabriel, a -confidential friend and assistant. Now, since you came to me at my hotel -at Paris, some five or six years since, I should say, I have become -convinced that you have a mind above the ordinary, and better still, a -faithful heart. I know nothing of you but your name,--and there never -lived a Montgommery who wasn't brave; but you came to me without a word -of recommendation from any one, and notwithstanding, I was attracted by -you at once! I took you with me to the defence of Metz; and if that -defence is to furnish one of the fairest pages of my life's story, if -after sixty-five days of assault we succeeded in driving from before the -walls of Metz an army of a hundred thousand men and a general who was -called Charles V., I must remember that your gallantry, conspicuous at -every turn, and your keen mind, always on the watch, had no -inconsiderable share in that glorious result. The following year you -were still with me when I won the battle of Renty; and if that ass -Montmorency, well christened the--but I must not insult my foe, I must -rather praise my friend and my brave companion,--Gabriel, Vicomte -d'Exmès, the worthy relative of the worthy Montgommerys. I must say to -you, Gabriel, that on every occasion, and more than ever since we came -into Italy, I have found your assistance, your advice, and your -affection of advantage to me, and have absolutely only one fault to find -with you, and that is being too reserved and discreet with your general. -Yes, I am sure that there is, somewhere or other in your life, a -sentiment or a thought that you are hiding from me, Gabriel. But what of -that? Some day you will confide it to me, and the important thing is to -know that there is something for you to do. _Pardieu_! I also have -something to do,--I, Gabriel; and if you say the word, we will join our -fortunes, and you will help me, and I you. When I have an important and -difficult undertaking to intrust to another, I will call upon you. When -a powerful patron becomes essential to the furtherance of your plans, I -will be on hand. Is it a bargain?" - -"Oh, Monseigneur," Gabriel replied, "I am yours, body and soul! What I -desired, first of all, was to be able to trust in myself and induce -others to trust in me. Now I have succeeded in acquiring a little -self-confidence, and you condescend to have some regard for me; so I -have succeeded in my ambition up to the present time. But that a -different ambition may hereafter summon me to fresh exertions, I do not -deny; and when that time comes, Monseigneur,--since you have been kind -enough to allow me to take such a step,--I will surely have recourse to -you, just as you may count upon me in life or in death." - -"Well said, _per Bacco_! as these drunken dogs of cardinals say. And do -you be quite easy in your mind, Gabriel, for François de Lorraine, Duc -de Guise, will spare no warmth to serve you in love or in hatred; for -one or the other of these passions is at work in us, is it not, my -master?" - -"Both, perhaps, Monseigneur." - -"Ah! so? And when your heart is so full, how can you resist letting it -overflow into the heart of a friend?" - -"Alas, Monseigneur, because I scarcely know whom I love, and have no -idea at all whom I hate!" - -"Indeed! Just suppose, then, Gabriel, since your enemies are to be mine -henceforth,--just suppose that old rake Montmorency should happen -to be among them!" - -"It may very well be so, Monseigneur; and if my suspicions have any -foundation--But we must not bother about my affairs at this crisis; it -is with you and your far-reaching plans that we have to do. How can I be -of service to you, Monseigneur?" - -"In the first place, read me this letter from my brother, the Cardinal -de Lorraine, Gabriel." - -Gabriel broke the seal and unfolded the letter, and after having cast a -glance at it, handed it back to the duke, saying, as he did so,-- - -"Pardon, Monseigneur, but this letter is written in peculiar characters, -and I cannot read it." - -"Ah!" said the duke, "was it Jean Panquet's courier who brought it, -then? It must be a confidential communication, I see,--a grated letter, -so to speak. Wait a moment, Gabriel!" - -He opened a casket of chased iron and took from it a paper with pieces -cut out at regular intervals, which he laid carefully upon the -cardinal's letter. "There," said he, handing it to Gabriel, "read it -now!" - -Gabriel seemed to have some hesitation about doing as he was bid; but -François took his hand and pressed it, and said again, with a look of -perfect confidence and good faith, "Come, read it; there's a good -fellow!" - -So the Vicomte d'Exmès read as follows:-- - - -"Monsieur, my most honored and illustrious brother (ah, when shall I be -able to call you by that one little word of four letters,--_Sire_!)--" - - -Gabriel stopped again; and the duke said, smiling,-- - -"You are astonished, Gabriel, and no wonder; but I trust that you have -no suspicions of me. The Duc de Guise is not another Constable de -Bourbon, my friend; and may God keep Henri's crown on his head, and -grant him long life! But is there no other throne in the world save the -throne of France? Since chance has placed me on an absolutely -confidential footing with you, Gabriel, I do not wish to hide anything -from you; but I am anxious to make known to you all my plans, and all my -dreams, which are not, I think, such as could spring from a commonplace -soul." - -The duke rose and strode up and down the tent. - -"Our family, which is allied to so many royal houses, may well, in my -mind, Gabriel, aspire to any height of greatness. But the mere -aspiration is nothing; attainment is my ambition. Our sister is Queen of -Scotland; our niece, Mary Stuart, is betrothed to the Dauphin François; -our grand-nephew, the Duc de Lorraine, is the chosen son-in-law of the -king. And that is not all: in addition, we claim to represent the second -house of Anjou, from which we are descended in the female line. Thence -we derive our claims or rights--it's all the same thing--to Provence and -Naples. Let us be content with Naples for the moment. Would not that -crown look better on a Frenchman's head than on a Spaniard's? Now, what -was my purpose in coming to Italy? To seize that crown. We are in -alliance with the Duc de Ferrara, and closely bound to the Pope's -nephews, the Caraffas. Paul IV. is an old man, and my brother, the -Cardinal de Lorraine, will succeed him. The throne of Naples is -tottering, and I will mount it; and that is why, _mon Dieu_! I left -Sienna and the Milanais behind me to pounce upon the Abruzzi. It was a -glorious dream; but I fear greatly that it will never be more than a -dream. For just consider, Gabriel, that I had less than twelve thousand -men when I crossed the Alps! The Duc de Ferrara had promised me seven -thousand; but he kept them on his own territory. Paul and the Caraffas -had boasted how they would stir up a powerful faction in my interest in -the kingdom of Naples, and agreed to furnish me with troops and money -and supplies; but they have not sent me a man or a wagon or a sou. My -officers are beginning to draw back, and my troops are murmuring. But it -makes no difference; I will go on to the bitter end. I will not leave -this promised land which my foot is now upon except at the last gasp; -and if I do leave it, I will return! I will return!" - -The duke stamped on the ground as if to take possession of it; his eyes -shone; and he was noble and beautiful to look upon. - -"Monseigneur," cried Gabriel, "how proud am I that I may be allowed to -be your companion, to have such a trifling part as I may in such a -glorious ambition!" - -"And now," the duke said, smiling, "that I have given you the key to my -brother's letter twice over, I fancy that you will be able to read and -understand it So go on with it, while I listen." - -"'Sire!' That is where I left off," said Gabriel. - - -"I have to inform you of two items of bad tidings and one of good. The -good news is that the nuptials of our niece, Mary Stuart, are finally -fixed for the 20th of next month, and are to be celebrated in due form -at Paris on that day. One of the other pieces of news, of an evil tenor, -comes from England. Philip II. of Spain has landed there, and is urging -every day upon Queen Mary Tudor, his wife, who is passionately devoted -to him, a declaration of war against France. No one has any doubt that -he will succeed, although his wishes are directly opposed to the -interest and the desire of the English people. There is talk already of -an army to be assembled on the frontiers of the Low Countries, under the -command of Philibert Emmanuel of Savoy. In that event, my dearest -brother, we are suffering so from scarcity of troops here at home that -Henri will be forced to recall you from Italy, so that our plans in that -direction will at least have to be postponed. And consider, François, -how much better it would be to delay their execution for a while than to -compromise them; let there be no headstrong recklessness. It will be in -vain for our sister, the Queen Regent of Scotland, to threaten to break -with England, for you may believe that Mary of England, altogether -infatuated with her young husband, will pay no attention to it; so take -your measures accordingly." - - -"By Heaven!" broke in the Duc de Guise, bringing his fist down violently -on the table, "you say only too well, my brother; and it takes a sly fox -to smell the hounds. Yes, Mary the prude will surely allow herself to be -led astray by her lawful husband; and no, of course I cannot openly -disobey the king when he calls upon me to send his soldiers to him at so -serious a crisis; and I would rather hold my hand from all the kingdoms -on earth. Well, then, one obstacle the more in the way of this accursed -expedition; for I leave it to you to say if it is not accursed, Gabriel, -in spite of the Holy Father's blessing! Come, Gabriel, tell me frankly, -for my ear alone, you do look upon it as hopeless, don't you?" - -"I should not like, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, "to have you class me -with those who easily lose their courage; and yet, since you ask my -opinion in all sincerity--" - -"Enough, Gabriel! I understand you and agree with you. I foresee that it -is not at this time that we are fated to accomplish together the great -things that we were planning just now; but I swear to you that this is -only a postponement, and to strike a blow at Philip II. in any part of -his dominions will always be equivalent to attacking him here at Naples. -But go on, Gabriel, for if I remember aright we have other evil tidings -still to hear." - -Gabriel resumed his reading. - - -"The other troublesome affair that I have to tell you of will be of no -less serious moment, because it concerns our family's private matters; -but there is no doubt still time to avert it, and so I make haste to -give you notice of it. It is necessary that you should know that since -your departure Monsieur le Connétable de Montmorency has shown, and -quite naturally, the same ugly and bitter spirit toward us, and has -never ceased to be envious of us, and to fume and swear, as has always -been his custom whenever the king showed any favor to our family. The -approaching celebration of our dear niece Mary's nuptials with the -dauphin is not calculated to put him in a good humor. The balance which -it is to the king's interest to preserve between the two houses of Guise -and Montmorency is depressed considerably in our favor by this event; -and the old constable is making a terrible clamor and outcry for -something to counterbalance it. He has found this counterpoise, my dear -brother, in a match between his son François, the prisoner of -Thérouanne, and--" - - -The young count did not finish the sentence. His voice faltered, and -every drop of blood left his face. - -"Well, what's the matter, Gabriel?" asked the duke. "How pale you are -and how discomposed! Did you have a sudden attack of pain?" - -"Nothing, Monseigneur, absolutely nothing, except possibly a little -over-fatigue and a slight dizziness; but I am all right again now, and -will go on if you please. Let me see, where was I? The cardinal was -saying, I think, that there was a remedy. Oh, no, farther along. Here's -the place:--" - - -"In a match between his son François and Madame Diane de Castro, the -legitimatized daughter of the king and Madame Diane de Poitiers. You will -remember, brother, that Madame de Castro, who was left a widow at the -age of thirteen, her husband, Horace Farnèse, having been killed at the -siege of Hesdin six months after the wedding, remained for five years at -the convent of the Filles-Dieu at Paris. The king, at the constable's -solicitation, sent for her to return to court. She is a perfect pearl of -beauty, my brother, and you know that I am a competent judge. Her charms -made a conquest of all hearts at first sight, and of the father's heart -more than all the rest. The king, who had already endowed her with the -duchy of Chatellerault, has added the duchy of Angoulême to her -possessions. She has been here only two weeks, and yet her supreme -influence over the king is already an admitted fact. Her fascination and -her sweet disposition are, no doubt, the moving causes of his very great -fondness for her. At last things have got to such a point that Madame de -Valentinois, who for some unknown reason has thought fit to invent -another mother for Madame de Castro, seems to me just at present to be -very jealous of this newly risen power. So it will be a very good thing -for the constable if he succeeds in getting such a potent ally into his -household. Between ourselves, you know that Diane de Poitiers never can -refuse much of anything to the old villain; and although our brother -D'Aumale is her son-in-law, Anne de Montmorency is still more closely -connected with her. The king, moreover, is inclined to make some amends -for the preponderating force which he sees that we are beginning to -wield in his council and his armies. And this infernal marriage is very -likely to be brought about." - - -"Again your voice falters, Gabriel," the duke interposed; "rest a bit, -my boy, and let me finish the letter myself, for it interests me -exceedingly. For, to tell the truth, that will give the constable a -dangerous advantage over us. But I thought that great gaby of a -François was already married to a De Fiennes. Come, give me the letter, -Gabriel." - -"But I am all right, upon my word, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, who had -been reading a few lines ahead, "and I am perfectly well able to read -the few lines that remain." - - -"This infernal marriage is very likely to be brought about. There is -only one thing in our favor. François de Montmorency is bound by a -secret marriage to Mademoiselle de Fiennes; and so a divorce is a -necessary preliminary. But for that, the Pope's assent must be obtained; -and François is just setting out for Rome to obtain it. So make it your -business, my dear brother, to anticipate him with his Holiness, and -through our friends the Caraffas and your own influence to induce him to -reject the petition for a divorce, which will be supported, let me warn -you, by a letter from the king. But the threatened position is of -sufficient importance to call forth your best energies to defend it, as -you defended St. Dizier and Metz. I will act with you to the best of my -ability, for it will need all we both can do. And with this, my dear -brother, I pray God to grant you a long and happy life." - - -"Well, nothing is lost yet," said the Duc de Guise, when Gabriel had -finished reading the cardinal's letter; "and the Pope, who refuses to -supply me with soldiers, might at least be willing to make me a present -of a bull." - -"So, then," said Gabriel, trembling with emotion, "you have some hope -that his Holiness will refuse to ratify this divorce from Jeanne de -Fiennes, and will be opposed to this marriage of François de -Montmorency?" - -"Yes, yes! indeed, I have hopes of it. But how deeply moved you are, my -friend! Dear Gabriel! he does enter passionately into our interests! I -am quite as heartily at your service, Gabriel, be sure of that. And come -now, let us talk about your affairs a little; and since, in this -undertaking, of which I can foresee the issue only too plainly, you will -scarcely have an opportunity, I imagine, to swell the list of noteworthy -services for which I am in your debt, by any fresh exploits, suppose I -make a beginning of paying my debt to you? I don't choose to be too -heavily in arrear, my good fellow. Can I be of help or assistance to you -in any way whatever? Tell me now; come, tell me frankly." - -"Oh, Monseigneur is too kind," replied Gabriel; "and I do not see--" - -"For these last five years, when you have been continually fighting -under me," said the duke, "you have never accepted a sou from me. You -must be in need of money; why, God bless me, everybody needs money. It -is not a gift or a loan that I offer you, but payment of a debt. So -let's have no empty scruples; and although we are, as you know, rather -pressed for money, still--" - -"Yes, I do know very well, Monseigneur, that the want of a little means -sometimes causes your grandest schemes to fall through; and I am so far -from being in need myself that I was going to offer you some thousands -of crowns, which would come in very handily for the army, and are quite -useless to me, really." - -"And which I will gladly accept, for they come at a very good time, I -confess; and so one can do absolutely nothing for you, O young man -without a wish! But stay," he added in a lower tone, "that rascal -Thibault, my body-servant, you know, at the sack of Campli, day before -yesterday, put aside for me the young wife of the _procureur_ of the -town, the beauty of the neighborhood, judging from what I hear, always -excepting the governor's wife, on whom no one can lay his hand. But as -for me, upon my word, I have too many other cares in my head, and my -hair is getting grizzly. Come, Gabriel, what would you say to my prize? -_Sang-Dieu_! but you are built just right to make amends for the loss of -a _procureur_! What do you say to it?" - -"I say, Monseigneur, with regard to the governor's wife, of whom you -speak, and upon whom no hand has been laid, that it was I who fell in -with her in the confusion, and carried her away, not to abuse my rights, -as you might think. On the contrary, my object was to shield a noble and -beautiful woman from the violence of a licentious soldiery. But I have -since discovered that the fair creature would have no objection to -adopting the cause of the victors, and would be very glad to shout, like -the soldier of Gaul: 'Væ victis!' But since I am now, alas! less -inclined than ever to echo her sentiments, I can, if you desire, -Monseigneur, have her brought here to one who can appreciate better than -I, and more worthily, her charms and her rank." - -"Oh, oh!" cried the duke, laughing heartily. "Such extraordinary -morality almost savors of the Huguenot, Gabriel. Can it be that you have -a secret leaning toward those of the religion? Ah, take heed, my friend! -I am by conviction, and by policy, which is worse, an ardent Catholic, -and I will have you burned without pity. But come, joking apart, why the -deuce are you so strait-laced?" - -"Because I am in love, perhaps," said Gabriel. - -"Oh, yes, I remember, a hate and a love. Well, then, can't I show my -good-will to you by putting you in a way to meet your foes or your love? -Are you in want of a title, for example?" - -"Thanks, Monseigneur; I am no longer in need of that, and as I said to -you in the first place, my ambition is not for vague and empty honors, -but for a little personal renown. Therefore, since you conclude that -there is nothing more of importance to be done here, and I am not likely -to be of much use to you, it would be a very great gratification to me -to be commissioned by you to carry to Paris, for the marriage of your -royal niece, for instance, the flags you have won in Lombardy and in the -Abruzzi. My happiness would leave nothing to be desired if you would -deign to give me a letter to his Majesty, which should bear witness to -him and to the whole court that some of these flags have been taken by -my own hand, not altogether without danger to myself." - -"Indeed, I will! That is very easily done; and more than that, it is -quite right too," said the Duc de Guise. "I shall be very sorry to part -with you; but in all probability it will only be for a short time, if -war breaks out on the Flemish frontier, as everything seems to indicate, -and we will meet again there, will we not, Gabriel? Your place is always -where there is fighting to be done; and that is why you are so anxious -to get away from here, where there is nothing to be had now but -weariness and ennui, by Heaven! But we will have better sport in the Low -Countries, Gabriel, and I trust that we shall enjoy it together there." - -"I shall be only too glad to follow you, Monseigneur." - -"Meanwhile, how soon would you like to be off, Gabriel, to carry to the -king this wedding gift, of which your brain conceived the idea?" - -"The sooner the better, I should say, Monseigneur, if the marriage is to -take place on the 20th of May, as Monseigneur le Cardinal de Lorraine -informs you." - -"Very true. Well, then, you shall go to-morrow, Gabriel; and you will -have none too much time either. So go and get some rest, my friend, -while I write the letter which will commend you to the king's notice, as -well as the reply to my brother's, of which you will kindly take charge; -and say to him besides, that I hope for a favorable result to the matter -in which the Pope is concerned." - -"And perhaps, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, "my presence at Paris may help -along the result you desire to that matter, and so my absence may be of -some service to you." - -"Always mysterious, Vicomte d'Exmès! but I am used to it from you. -Adieu, then; and may the last night that you pass near me be a pleasant -one!" - -"I will return in the morning to get my letters and your blessing, -Monseigneur. Ah! I leave with you my retainers, who have followed me in -all my campaigns. I ask your permission to take with me only two of them -and my squire, Martin-Guerre; he will answer all my needs; he is devoted -to me, and is afraid of only two things in the whole world,—his wife -and his shadow." - -"How is that?" said the duke, laughing. - -"Monseigneur, Martin-Guerre fled from his native place, Artigues, near -Rieux, to get away from his wife Bertrande, whom he adored, but who used -to beat him. He entered my service after Metz; but either the Devil or -his wife, to torment him or punish him for his sins, kept appearing to -him from time to time in his own image. Yes, all of a sudden, he would -see by his side another Martin-Guerre, a striking likeness of himself, -as like as if it were his reflection in a mirror; and by our Lady! that -frightened him. But for all that he has an utter contempt for bullets, -and would carry a redoubt single-handed. At Renty and at Valenza he -twice saved my life." - -"Take this valiant coward with you by all means, Gabriel. Give me your -hand again, my dear friend, and be ready in the morning. My letters will -be waiting for you." - -Gabriel was ready to start bright and early the next day; he passed the -night dreaming without closing his eyes. He waited on the Duc de Guise -to receive his last instructions, and pay his parting respects, and on -the 26th of April, at six in the morning, he set out for Rome, and -thence for Paris, attended by Martin-Guerre and two of his followers. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -A KING'S MISTRESS - - -It is the 20th of May, and we ask our readers to go with us to the -Louvre at Paris, and to the apartments of the wife of the Great -Seneschal, Madame de Brézé, Duchesse de Valentinois, commonly called -Diane de Poitiers. Nine o'clock in the morning has just struck on the -great clock of the château. Madame Diane, all in white, in a decidedly -coquettish _negligé_, is leaning or half reclining on a bed covered -with black velvet. King Henri, already dressed in a magnificent costume, -is sitting on a chair at her side. - -Let us glance a moment at the scene and the _dramatis personæ_. - -The apartment of Diane de Poitiers was resplendent with all the -magnificence and taste which that fair dawning of art called the -Renaissance had had the skill to lavish upon a king's chamber. Paintings -signed "Le Primatice" represented various incidents of the hunting -field, wherein the Huntress Diane, goddess of woods and forests, -naturally figured as the principal heroine. The gilded and colored -medallions and panels repeated on all sides the intertwined armorial -bearings of François I. and Henri II. In like manner were memories of -father and son intertwined in the heart of the fair Diane. The emblems -were no less historical and full of meaning, and in twenty places was -to be seen the crescent of Phœbus-Diane, between the Salamander of the -conqueror of Marignan, and Bellerophon overthrowing the Chimæra, a -device adopted by Henri II. after the taking of Boulogne from the -English. This fickle crescent appeared in a thousand different forms and -combinations which did great credit to the decorators of the time: here -the royal crown was placed above it, and there four H's, four _fleurs de -lis_, and four crowns together made a superb setting for it; again it -was threefold, and then shaped like a star. The mottoes were no less -varied, and most of them were written in Latin. "Diana regum venatrix" -(Diana, huntress of kings),--was that a piece of impertinence or of -flattery? "Donec totum impleat orbem" can be translated in two -ways,--"The crescent is to become a full moon," or "The king's glory -will fill the whole world." "Cum plena est, fit æmula solis," can be -freely translated, "Beauty and royalty are sisters." And the lovely -arabesques which enclosed devices and mottoes, and the superb -furnishings on which they were reproduced,--all these, if we should -attempt to describe them, would not only put our magnificence of the -present day to the blush, but would lose too much in the description. - -Now let us cast our eyes upon the king. - -History tells us that he was tall, supple, and strong. He had to resort -to regular diet and daily exercise to combat a certain tendency to -stoutness; and yet in the chase he left the swiftest far behind, and -carried away the palm from the strongest at the jousts and tourneys. His -hair and beard were black, and his complexion very dark, which gave him -so much more animation, if we may believe contemporary memoirs. He wore, -at the time we make his acquaintance, as indeed he always did, the -colors of the Duchesse de Valentinois,--a coat of green satin slashed -with white, glistening with pearls and diamonds; a double chain of gold, -to which was suspended the medal of the order of Saint Michael; a sword -chased by Benvenuto; a collar of white point de Venise; a velvet cloak -dotted with golden lilies hung gracefully from his shoulders. It was a -costume of singular richness, and suitable to a cavalier of exquisite -elegance. - -We have said in brief that Diane was clad in a simple white peignoir of -a singularly thin and transparent stuff. To paint her divine loveliness -would not be so easy a matter; and it would be hard to say whether the -black velvet cushion on which her head lay, or the dress, startling in -its purity, by which her form was enveloped, served best to set off the -snows and lilies of her complexion. And surely it was such a perfect -combination of delicate outlines as to drive Jean Goujon himself to -despair. There is no more perfect piece of antique statuary; and this -statue was alive, and very much alive too, if common report is to be -believed. As for the graceful motion with which these lovely limbs were -instinct, we must not attempt to describe it. It can no more be -reproduced than can a ray of sunlight. As for age, she had none. In this -point, as in so many others, she was like the immortals; but by her side -the youngest and most blooming seemed old and wrinkled. The Protestants -babbled about philters and potions, to which they said that she had -recourse to enable her to remain always sixteen. The Catholics replied -that all she did was to take a cold bath every day, and wash her face in -ice water even in winter. Her prescription has been preserved; but if it -be true that Jean Goujon's "Diane au Cerf" was carved from this royal -model, that prescription has no longer the same effect. - - -[Illustration: A King's Mistress.] - - -Thus was she a worthy object of the affection of the two kings whom one -after the other her beauty had dazzled. For if the story of the favor -obtained by Monsieur Saint-Vallier, thanks to his fine brown eyes, seems -apocryphal, it is almost conclusively proved that Diane was François's -mistress before she became Henri's. - -"It is said," chronicles Le Laboureur, "that King François, who was the -first lover of Diane de Poitiers, having expressed to her one day, after -the death of François the dauphin, some dissatisfaction at the lack of -animation exhibited by Prince Henri, she told him that he needed to have -a love affair, and that she would make him fall in love with her." - -What woman wills, God wills; and Diane was for twenty years the dearly -and only beloved of Henri. - -But now that we have examined the king and the favorite, is it not time -to hear what they are saying? - -Henri, holding a parchment in his hand, was reading aloud the following -verses, not without some interruptions and by-play which we cannot set -down here, because they were part of the setting of the piece. - - - Douce et belle bouchelette, - Plus fraîche, et plus vermeillette - Que le bouton églantine, - Au matin! - Plus suave et mieux fleurante - Que l'immortelle amarante, - Et plus mignarde cent fois - Que n'est la douce rosée - Dont la terre est arrosée - Goutte à goutte au plus doux mois! - Baise-moi, ma douce amie, - Baise-moi, chère vie, - Baise-moi, mignonnement, - Serrement, - Jusques à tant que je die: - Las! je n'en puis plus, ma mie; - Las! mon Dieu, je n'en puis plus. - Lors ta bouchette retire, - Afin que mort, je soupire, - Puis, me donne le surplus. - Ainsi ma douce guerrière, - Mon cœur, mon tout, ma lumière, - Vivons ensemble, vivons, - Et suivons - Les doux soutiens de jeunesse, - Aussi bien une vieillesse - Nous menace sur le port, - Qui, toute courbe et tremblante, - Nous attraîne, chancelante, - La maladie et la mort.[1] - - -"And what might be the name of this polite versifier who tells us so -well what we are doing?" asked Henri when he had finished his reading. - -"He is called Remy Belleau, Sire, and promises to rival Ronsard, it -seems to me. Oh, well!" continued the duchess, "do you put the value of -this lover's poem at five hundred crowns, as I do?" - -"He shall have them, this protégé of yours, my beautiful Diane." - -"But we must not allow this to make us forget the earlier ones, Sire. -Have you signed the warrant for the pension that I promised in your name -to Ronsard, the prince of poets? You have, haven't you? Well, then, I -have only one favor more to ask at your hands, and that is the vacant -abbey of Recouls for your librarian, Mellin de Saint-Gelais, our French -Ovid." - -"Ovid shall have his abbey, never fear, my fair Maecenas," said the -king. - -"Ah, how fortunate are you, Sire, to have the power of disposing of so -many benefices and offices at your pleasure! If I could only have your -power just for one short hour!" - -"Haven't you it always, ingrate?" - -"Really, have I, my Lord? But you haven't given me a kiss for two whole -minutes! That's right, dear. So you say that your power is always at my -command? Don't tempt me, Sire! I warn you that I shall avail myself of -it to pay the enormous claim which Philibert Delorme has presented to -me, on the ground that my Château d'Anet is finished. It will be the -glory of your reign; but how dear it is! Just one kiss, my Henri!" - -"And for this kiss, Diane, take for your Delorme the sum produced by the -sale of the governorship of Picardy." - -"Sire, do you think that I sell my kisses? I give them to you, Henri. -This Picardy governorship is worth two hundred thousand livres, I should -think, is it not? And then I can take the pearl necklace which has been -offered me, and which I was very anxious to wear to-day at the wedding -of your dear son François. A hundred thousand livres to Philibert, and -a hundred thousand for the necklace; this Picardy matter will do very -well." - -"Especially as you estimate it at quite double its real worth, Diane." - -"What! is it worth only one hundred thousand livres? Well, then, it's a -very simple matter for me to let the necklace go." - -"Nonsense!" said the king, laughing; "there are three or four vacant -companies somewhere which will pay for the necklace, Diane." - -"Oh, Sire, you are the most generous of kings, as you are the best -beloved of lovers." - -"Yes, you do really love me as I love you, do you not, Diane?" - -"He really has the face to ask such a question!" - -"But I, you see, dear, I adore you more and more every day, because you -are every day more beautiful. Ah, what a lovely smile you have, -sweetheart, and what a sweet expression! Let me kneel here at your feet. -Put your fair hands on my shoulders. Oh, Diane, how lovely you are, and -how dearly I love you! I could stay here and just gaze at you for hours, -nay, for years. I would forget France, I would forget the whole world." - -"And even this formal celebration of Monseigneur the Dauphin's -marriage?" said Diane, smiling; "and yet it is to be solemnized this -very day and in two hours' time. And even if you are all ready in your -magnificence, Sire, I am not ready at all, you see. So go, my dear Lord, -for it is time for me to call my women. Ten o'clock will strike in a -moment." - -"Ten o'clock," said Henri; "and upon my word, I have an appointment at -that hour." - -"An appointment, Sire? With a lady, perhaps?" - -"With a lady." - -"Pretty, no doubt?" - -"Yes, Diane, very pretty." - -"Then it can't be the queen." - -"Oh, you wretch! Catherine de Médicis has a certain sort of beauty of -her own, a stern and cold style of beauty, but undeniable. However, it -is not the queen whom I expect. Can you guess who it is?" - -"No, I really cannot, Sire." - -"It is another Diane, dear,--the living memento of our young affections, -our daughter, our darling daughter." - -"You said that too loud and too often, Sire," said Diane, frowning, and -in a somewhat embarrassed tone. "It was agreed that Madame de Castro -should pass for the child of another than myself. I was born to have -legitimate children by you. I have been your mistress because I loved -you; but I will not put up with your openly declaring me your -concubine." - -"That shall be as your pride dictates, Diane," was the king's reply; -"but you love our child dearly, do you not?" - -"I like to have you love her." - -"Oh, yes! I love her very much. She is so fascinating, so clever, so -sweet! And then, Diane, she reminds me so of my younger days and of the -time when I loved you--ah! no more passionately than to-day, God knows, -but when I loved you so that I was willing to commit a crime." - -The king, who had suddenly fallen into gloomy reflection, raised his -head. - -"This Montgommery! You didn't care for him, did you, Diane? You didn't -care for him?" - -"What a foolish question!" said the favorite, with a disdainful smile. -"Still so jealous after twenty years!" - -"Yes, I am jealous; I am, and shall always be jealous of you, Diane. -Surely you didn't love him; but he loved you, the villain,--he dared to -love you!" - -"_Mon Dieu_! Sire, you have always lent too willing an ear to the -slanders with which these Protestants are always pursuing me. That is -not the part of a Catholic king. In any event, whether the man loved me -or not, what does it matter, if my heart never for an instant ceased to -be wholly yours, for the Comte de Montgommery has been dead many years?" - -"Yes, dead!" said the king, in a hollow voice. - -"Come, let us not grow mournful over these reminiscences on a day which -ought to be a day of rejoicing," said Diane. "Have you seen François -and Marie yet? Are they always so lovelorn, these children? Well their -terrible impatience will soon be at an end. Think, in two hours they -will be made one, and so glad and happy, but still not so delighted as -the Guises, whose wishes are fully satisfied by this marriage." - -"Yes, but who is in a fury about it?" said the king. "My old -Montmorency; and the constable has so much the more reason to lose his -head, because I greatly fear that our Diane is not destined for his -son." - -"But, Sire, didn't you promise him this marriage by way of amends?" - -"Certainly I did; but it seems that Madame de Castro has objections--" - -"A child of eighteen just out of a convent! What objections can she -possibly have?" - -"It is to confide them to me that she is probably waiting in my -apartments at this very moment." - -"Go to her, then, Sire, while I proceed to beautify myself to please -you." - -"And after the ceremony I shall see you again at the tilting match. I am -going to break a lance in your honor once more to-day, and I propose to -make you queen of the lists." - -"The queen? And who is the other?" - -"There is only one, Diane, and you know it very well. _Au revoir_." - -"_Au revoir_, Sire, and pray don't be rash and careless in this tilting; -you make me shudder sometimes." - -"There is no danger there, I'm sorry to say; for I could wish that there -might be, so that I might seem a little more deserving in your eyes. But -time is passing, and my two Dianes are both impatient. Tell me just once -more that you love me." - -"Sire, I love you as I always have loved you, and as I shall love you -forever." - -The king, before letting the curtain fall behind him, threw her a last -kiss with his hand. "Adieu, my dearly loving and dearly loved Diane," -said he. And he left her. - -Then a panel hidden by hangings in the opposite wall opened. - -"For the love of heaven, have you done enough chattering for to-day?" -said the Constable de Montmorency, roughly, as he came into the room. - -"My friend," said Diane, rising, "you must have seen that even before -ten o'clock, which was the hour of my appointment with you, I did -everything I could to send him away. I was quite as uncomfortable as you -were, believe me." - -"As uncomfortable as I! _Pasques-Dieu_! no, my dear; and if you flatter -yourself that your discourse was either instructive or entertaining--In -the first place, what is this new crotchet, of refusing your daughter -Diane's hand to my son François, after having solemnly promised it? By -the crown of thorns! would one not say that the bastard was conferring a -great honor on the Montmorency family by condescending to enter it? The -marriage must take place; do you understand, Diane? And you must take -measures to see that it does. It is the only means left of restoring the -balance between us and the Guises, whom the deuce take! So, Diane, in -spite of the king, in spite of the Pope, in spite of everything, I wish -that this should come to pass." - -"But, my friend--" - -"Ah!" cried the constable, "and when I tell you that I wish it so, -_Pater noster_!" - -"It shall be as you say, my friend," Diane in her fear of him made haste -to say. - - -[Footnote 1: Sweet and lovely little mouth, -Fresher and ruddier than bud of eglantine - At morn! -Sweeter and more fragrant than the immortal amaranth, -And a hundred times dearer -Than the gentle dew which waters the earth, -Drop by drop, in the sweetest month! -Kiss me, sweet friend; kiss me, dear life. -Kiss me lovingly, closely, until I say: -Alas, my love, I can bear no more! -Alas, my God, I can bear no more! -Then take away thy little mouth, till dead I sigh; -Then bestow on me the rest. -Thus, sweet warrior, my heart, my light, my all, -Let us live together; let us live -And follow the sweet delights of youth, -Since near the haven old age threatens us, -Which, bowed and trembling, tottering, brings us - Sickness and death.] - - - - -CHAPTER V - -IN THE APARTMENTS OF THE ROYAL CHILDREN - - -The king, on returning to his own apartments, did not find his daughter -there; but the usher who was in attendance told him that after waiting -for him a long while Madame Diane had gone to the rooms set apart for -the king's children, leaving word that she should be informed as soon as -his Majesty returned. - -"Very well," said Henri, "I will join her there. Leave me, for I will go -alone." - -He passed through a large hall, then a long corridor, at the end of -which he softly opened a door, and stood looking behind a long -half-drawn curtain. The children's cries and shouts of laughter had -drowned the noise of his steps; and he was able, himself unseen, to -watch a most delightful and graceful picture. - -Standing at the window, Mary Stuart, the beautiful young bride, had -gathered around her Diane de Castro, and Elisabeth and Marguerite de -France, all three very assiduous to help her, and chattering away for -dear life, smoothing out a fold in her dress or fixing a lock of hair -that had escaped from its fastening,--in short, giving that finishing -touch to her lovely toilette which only women know how to give. At the -other end of the room, the brothers, Charles, Henri, and François, the -youngest of all, laughing and shouting at the top of their voices, were -pushing with all their strength against a door which François the -dauphin, the young bridegroom, was trying in vain to open, while the -little rogues were determined to prevent him from having a sight of his -wife till the last moment. - -Jacques Amyot, the preceptor of the princes, was talking seriously in a -corner with Madame de Coni and Lady Lennox, the governesses of the -princesses. - -There in one apartment, within a space that could be covered by one -glance, was assembled a large part of the history of the future, its -woes, its passions, and its glory. There were the dauphin, who became -François II.; Élisabeth, who married Philip II., and became Queen of -Spain; Charles, who was Charles IX.; Henri, who was Henri III.; -Marguerite de Valois, who married Henri IV., and was Queen of Navarre; -François, who was successively Duc d'Alençon, d'Anjou, and de Brabant; -and Mary Stuart, who was twice a queen, and a martyr too. - -The illustrious translator of Plutarch watched with a gaze at once sad -and absorbed the sports of these children and the future destinies of -France. - -"No, no, François, you shall not come in!" cried rather harshly the -brutal Charles Maximilien, who was in after years to give the word for -the fearful slaughter of Saint Bartholomew. - -And with his brothers' help he succeeded in pushing the bolt, and thus -made an entrance out of the question for poor François, who was too -frail in any event to have made his way in, even against these children, -and who could only stamp in his vexation, and beg from the other side of -the door. - -"Dear François, how they do torment him!" said Mary Stuart to his -sisters. - -"Keep quiet, do, Madame la Dauphine, at least until I put in this pin," -laughed little Marguerite. "What a fine invention these pins are, and -what a great man the one who thought of them last year ought to become!" -said she. - -"And now that the pin is in place," said gentle Élisabeth, "I am going -to open the door for poor François, in spite of these young fiends; for -it makes me sad to see him so sad." - -"Oh, yes, you know all about that, you do, Élisabeth," said Mary -Stuart, sighing; "and you are thinking of your courtly Spaniard, Don -Carlos, son of the King of Spain, who fêted us and amused us so at St. -Germain." - -"See how Elisabeth is blushing," cried little Marguerite, clapping her -hands mischievously. "The fact is that he was very fine and gallant, -this Castilian of hers." - -"Come, come," said Diane de Castro, the eldest of the sisters, in a -motherly sort of way, "it isn't right to jest so among sisters, -Marguerite." - -Nothing could have been more fascinating than the sight of these four -lovely maidens, each so different from the others, and each so perfect -in herself. Beautiful flowers just opening their buds: Diane, all purity -and sweetness; Élisabeth, serious and affectionate; Mary Stuart, all -captivating languor; and Marguerite a sparkling madcap. Henri, moved and -fascinated, could not feast his eyes enough with the charming picture. - -However, he had to make up his mind to go in. "The king!" they cried -with one breath; and all, boys and girls together, rushed to meet their -king and father. Only Mary Stuart held back a little, and went softly -and drew the bolt which was keeping François prisoner. The dauphin lost -no time in coming in, and the young family was complete. - -"Good-morning, my dears," said the king. "I am very glad to find you all -so well and happy. Were they keeping you out, François, my poor boy? -But you are going to have time enough now to see your betrothed -sweetheart often and always. Are you very fond of one another, my -children?" - -"Oh, yes, Sire, I do love Mary!" and the passionate boy pressed a -burning kiss on the hand of her who was to be his wife. - -"Monseigneur," said Lady Lennox, sharply and rather sternly, "one does -not kiss a lady's hand in public in that way, especially in his -Majesty's presence. What will he think of Madame Mary and her -governess?" - -"But isn't this hand mine?" said the dauphin. - -"Not yet, Monseigneur," said the duenna; "and I propose to fulfil my -duty till the last minute." - -"Don't be afraid," said Mary, in an undertone to her young husband, who -was beginning to sulk; "when she isn't looking, I will give it you -again." - -The king laughed beneath his beard. - -"You are very strict, my Lady; but then you are quite right," he added, -checking himself. "And you, Messire Amyot, you are not dissatisfied with -your pupils, I trust. Pay great regard to the words of your learned -preceptor, young gentlemen, for he is on intimate terms with the great -heroes of antiquity. Messire Amyot, is it long since you have heard from -Pierre Danot, who was our old master, and from Henri Étienne, our -fellow-pupil?" - -"The old man and the young one are both well, Sire, and will be very -proud and happy to know that your Majesty has deigned to remember them." - -"Well, children," said the king, "I wanted to see you before the -ceremony, and am very glad that I have seen you. Now, Diane, I am at -your service, my dear, so come with me." - -Diane bowed low and followed the king from the room. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -DIANE DE CASTRO - - -Diane de Castro, whose acquaintance we made when she was yet a mere -child, was now almost eighteen years old. Her beauty had fulfilled all -its promise, and had developed in regularity and charm at the same time; -the predominant expression of her sweet and lovely face was one of -childlike openness and honesty. Diane de Castro in character and in mind -was still the child whom we first knew. She was not yet thirteen when -the Duc de Castro, whom she had never seen since the day she was married -to him, had been killed at the siege of Hesdin. The king had sent the -child-widow to pass her mourning period at the convent of the -Filles-Dieu at Paris; and Diane had found such warm affection and such -pleasant customs there that she had asked her father's permission to -remain with the kind sisters and her companions until he should be ready -to make some other disposition of her. One could but respect such a -devout request; and Henri had not taken Diane from the convent until -about a month before, when the Constable de Montmorency, jealous of the -preponderance acquired by the Guises in the government, had solicited -and obtained for his son the hand of the daughter of the king and his -favorite. - -During the mouth she had passed at court, Diane had not failed at once -to attract universal respect and admiration. "For," says Brantôme, in -his work on famous women, "she was very kind, and did nothing to offend -anybody; and yet her spirit was very noble and high, and she was very -obliging and discreet, and most virtuous." But her virtue, which shone -forth so pure and lovely amid the general wickedness of the time, was -entirely free from any touch of austerity or harshness. One day some man -remarked in her hearing that a daughter of France ought to be valiant -and strong, and that her shyness smacked somewhat of the cloister, -whereupon she learned to ride in a very few days, and there was no -cavalier who was so fearless and dashing a rider as she. After that she -always went with the king to the chase; and Henri yielded more and more -to her charming way of seeking, without the least pretence for any -occasion, however trifling, of anticipating his wishes and making -herself agreeable to him. So Diane was granted the privilege of entering -her father's apartments whenever she chose, and she was always sure of a -welcome. Her touching grace, her modest ways, and the odor of sweet -maidenliness and innocence which one seemed to breathe when she was -near, even to her smile, which was the least bit sad, combined to make -her perhaps the most exquisite and ravishing figure of that whole court, -which could boast of so many dazzling beauties. - -"Well, my darling," said Henri, "now I am ready to hear what you have to -tell me. There's eleven o'clock striking. The marriage ceremony at St. -Germain l'Auxerrois is not to be performed till noon, so that I have -half an hour to give you, and no more. These are the pleasant moments of -my life that I pass with you." - -"Sire, what a kind and indulgent father you are!" - -"Oh, no, but I love you dearly, my precious child; and I desire with all -my heart to do something that will gratify you, so long as I do not -thereby prove false to the grave interests of state which a king must -always consider before any natural ties. And now, Diane, to prove it to -you, I will first of all give you my answer to the two requests you made -of me. Good Sister Monique, who loved you and watched over you at your -convent of the Filles-Dieu, has been appointed at your recommendation -Lady Abbess of the convent of Origny at St. Quentin." - -"Oh, how grateful I am, Sire!" - -"As for brave Antoine, your favorite servant at Vimoutiers, he will draw -a handsome pension from our treasury for life. I am very sorry, Diane, -that Enguerrand is no longer alive. We should have liked to show our -gratitude in kingly style to the worthy squire who brought up our dear -daughter Diane so happily; but you lost him last year, I think, and he -has not even left an heir." - -"Sire, you are too generous and kind really." - -"And more than that, Diane, here are the letters-patent which make you -Duchesse d'Angoulême. And this is not a fourth part of what I should -like to do for you; for I see that you are sometimes thoughtful and sad, -and that is why I was in haste to talk with you, because I longed to -comfort you, or to cure your sorrow. What is it, my dear? Aren't you -happy?" - -"Ah, Sire," replied Diane, "how can I help being happy, being thus -surrounded by your love and your continual kindness? I only long for one -thing, and that is that the present, so full of happiness, may continue. -The future, fine and glorious as it may be, will never equal it." - -"Diane," said Henri, in a grave voice, "you know that I took you from -the convent to give your hand to François de Montmorency. It would be a -grand match, Diane; and yet this alliance, which, I don't conceal from -you, would have been of great advantage to the interests of my crown, -seems to be very distasteful to you. You owe me at least your reasons -for this refusal, which troubles me so, Diane." - -"Surely I will not hide them from you, my Father. And in the first -place," said Diane, with some embarrassment, "I have been told that -François de Montmorency has already been secretly married to -Mademoiselle de Fiennes, one of the queen's ladies." - -"It is true," replied the king; "but this marriage, contracted -clandestinely, without the constable's consent and mine, is rightfully -void; and if the Pope decrees a divorce, you certainly, Diane, will not -show yourself more exacting than his Holiness. So if this is your only -reason--" - -"But there is another, dear Father." - -"And what is it, pray? How can an alliance which would be esteemed an -honor by the highest-born and wealthiest heiresses in France work ill to -you?" - -"Why, Father, because--because I love some one else," cried Diane, -throwing herself, confused and weeping, into her father's arms. - -"You love some one, Diane?" repeated Henri, amazed; "and what might be -the name of this favored individual?" - -"Gabriel, Sire." - -"Gabriel what?" asked the king, smiling at her. - -"I have no idea, Father." - -"How can that be, Diane? In Heaven's name, explain yourself!" - -"I will tell you everything, Sire. It is an attachment of my childhood's -days. I used to see Gabriel every day He was so courteous and obliging -and gallant and handsome and clever and affectionate! He used to call me -his little wife. Ah, Sire, do not laugh; it was a very serious and holy -sentiment, and the first that ever made its impression on my heart. -Other attachments may take their places beside it, but can never destroy -it. And yet I allowed myself to be married to the Duc Farnèse, Sire, -but it was because I knew not what I did; because I was forced into it, -and obeyed blindly like the little girl that I was. Since then I have -lived and learned, and have come to understand of what treachery I was -guilty to Gabriel. Poor Gabriel! when he left me he didn't shed a tear, -but what unutterable sadness there was in the look he gave me! All this -has come back to me with the happy memories of my childhood during the -lonely years that I passed at the convent. And thus I have lived each of -the years that I was with Gabriel twice over,--in fact and in fancy, in -reality and in my dreams. And since I have returned to court here, Sire, -I have seen among the accomplished gentlemen who surround you like -another crown not one who can compare with Gabriel; and François, the -obsequious son of the haughty constable, will never make me forget the -proud and gentle companion of my young days. And so, dear Father, now -that I realize what I did and its effect, I shall remain true to Gabriel -so long as you leave me free." - -"Have you ever seen him since you left Vimoutiers, Diane?" - -"Alas, no, Father!" - -"But you must have heard from him at least?" - -"Not a word. I simply know from Enguerrand that he left the province -after my departure; he told Aloyse, his nurse, that he would never come -back until he had made himself an honorable and dreaded name, and that -she need not be anxious about him. And with that he left her, Sire." - -"And have his family never heard aught of him?" asked the king. - -"His family?" repeated Diane. "I never knew of his having any other -family than Aloyse, Father; and I never saw any relatives of his when I -went with Enguerrand to pay a visit at Montgommery." - -"At Montgommery!" cried Henri, while the color fled from his face. -"Diane, Diane, I trust he is not a Montgommery! Tell me, for Heaven's -sake, that he is not a Montgommery!" - -"Oh, no, indeed, Sire for if he had been, he surely would have lived at -the château, whereas he lived with Aloyse, his nurse, in her modest -dwelling. But what have the counts of Montgommery ever done to you, -Sire, to move you to such an extent? Are they enemies of yours? In their -province they are mentioned only with the deepest respect." - -"Of course, that is true!" said the king, with a nervous, disdainful -laugh; "and they have done nothing to me, nothing at all, Diane! What -could a Montgommery do to a Valois, pray? But to return to this Gabriel -of yours. Was it not Gabriel that you called him?" - -"Yes." - -"And he had no other name?" - -"No other that I know of, Sire; he was an orphan like me, and no one -ever mentioned his father in my presence." - -"And you have no other objection to make, Diane, to this projected -alliance with Montmorency, except your former affection for this young -man? No other at all, have you?" - -"That one is enough; so my heart tells me, Sire." - -"Very true, Diane; and perhaps I should not undertake to overcome your -scruples if your friend were on the spot, where we could know and -appreciate him, and although he may be, I can guess, of uncertain -parentage--" - -"But is there not a bar on my escutcheon too, your Majesty?" - -"Yes, but at least you have an escutcheon, Madame; and you will be good -enough to bear in mind that the Montmorencys no less than the Castros -consider it an honor to receive into their family a legitimatized -daughter of mine. Your Gabriel, on the other hand--but then, that is not -the question now. The important fact in my mind is that he has not -turned up in six years, and that he has probably forgotten you, Diane, -and has, it is more than likely, given his heart to another." - -"Sire, you do not know Gabriel: his is an untutored and faithful heart, -which will burn itself out in love for me." - -"Very well, Diane. To you no doubt it seems improbable that he would be -unfaithful to you; and you are quite right to deny it. But everything -leads you to suppose that this young man went to the wars. And if so, is -it not probable that he has died there? I afflict you, my dear child, -for your fair brow has grown pale, and your eyes are swimming in tears. -Yes, I can see that your feeling for him is a very deeply rooted one; -and although it has seldom been my lot to meet with such, and I have got -into the habit of being incredulous about these great passions, I have -no inclination to laugh at this of yours, but I respect it. But just -see, my darling, in what an embarrassing position you place me by your -refusal, and all on account of a childish attachment whose object is -nothing more than a mere memory and a shadow. The constable, if I insult -him by withdrawing my pledged word, will be angry, and not unjustly, my -child, and will very probably leave my service; and then it will be no -longer I, but the Duc de Guise, who will be king. Think for a moment, -Diane, of the six brothers of that family: the Duc de Guise has at his -command the whole military power of France; the cardinal all the -finances; a third controls my Marseilles fleet; a fourth commands in -Scotland; and a fifth is about to take Brissac's place in Piedmont. So -that from one extremity of my realm to the other, I, the king, cannot -dispose of a soldier or a crown without their assent. I speak gently to -you, Diane, and explain these matters to you; I stoop to implore where I -might command. But I think it much better to let you judge for yourself, -and that it should be the father and not the king who obtains his -daughter's consent to his plans. And I shall obtain it, for you are a -good and obedient child. This marriage will be my salvation, my dear -child; it will give to the Montmorencys that measure of influence which -it will withdraw from the Guises. It will equalize the two arms of the -balance of which my royal power is the beam. Guise will become less -overbearing, and Montmorency more at my devotion. What! you do not -answer, dear. Do you remain deaf to the prayer of your father, who does -not storm at you or use harsh words, but who, on the contrary, enters -into all your thoughts, and asks of you only that you will not deny him -the first service which you can do him in return for what he has done, -and all that he wishes still to do for your happiness and honor? Come, -Diane, my dear daughter, you will consent, won't you?" - -"Sire," replied Diane, "you are a thousand times more powerful when your -voice sues for something that it might command. I am ready to sacrifice -myself to your interests, but only on one condition, Sire." - -"And what is that, you spoiled child?" - -"That this marriage shall not take place for three months, and meanwhile -I will send to Aloyse for news of Gabriel, and will resort to every -other possible source of information, so that if he is no more, I may -know it; and if he is still living, I may at least ask him to return me -my plighted word." - -"Granted with all my heart," said Henri, overjoyed beyond measure; "and -I will say in addition that wiser words never fell from a child's lips. -So you shall search for your Gabriel, and I will help you as you have -need of me; and in three months you shall marry François, whatever be -the result of our investigations, and whether your young friend be -living or dead." - -"And now," said Diane, sadly shaking her head, "I don't know whether I -ought to pray most earnestly for his death or his life." - -The king opened his lips, and was on the point of giving utterance to a -suggestion not very paternal in character, and of rather doubtful -consoling power. But he had only to look at Diane's frank expression and -lovely face, to stop the words before they came; and he betrayed his -thought only by a smile. - -"For good or for ill, she will conform to the customs of the court," he -said to himself. - -And then aloud,-- - -"The time has come to go to the Church, Diane; allow me to escort you to -the great gallery, Madame, and then I will see you again at the tilting, -and at the games in the afternoon. And if you are not too much incensed -with me for my tyrannical conduct, perhaps you will condescend to -applaud my strokes with the lance, and my passades, my fair umpire." - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -HOW THE CONSTABLE SAID HIS PATER NOSTER - - -That same day, in the afternoon, while the jousting and holiday-making -was in progress at Tournelles, the Constable de Montmorency was -completing his examination, in Diane de Poitiers's closet at the Louvre, -of one of his secret agents. - -The spy was of medium height and swarthy complexion; he had black hair -and eyes, an aquiline nose, a forked chin, and projecting lower lip, and -his back was slightly crooked. He bore a most striking resemblance to -Martin-Guerre, Gabriel's faithful squire. Any one seeing them separately -might well have mistaken either for the other; and he who saw them -standing side by side would have taken them for twin brothers, so -exactly alike were they in every respect. They had the same features and -the same figure, and were apparently of the same age. - -"And the courier, what did you do with him, Master Arnauld?" asked the -constable. - -"Monseigneur, I put him out of the way. It had to be done; but it was in -the night and in the forest of Fontainebleau. The murder was laid at the -door of robbers. I am very careful." - -"Never mind, Master Arnauld; it is a very serious matter, and I blame -you for being so ready to play with your knife." - -"I shrink at nothing when Monseigneur's service is at stake." - -"That's all very well; but once for all, Master Arnauld, remember that -if you allow yourself to steal, I will allow you to hang," said the -constable, dryly and rather contemptuously. - -"Never fear, Monseigneur; I am a man of discretion and foresight." - -"Now let's see the letter." - -"Here it is, Monseigneur." - -"Very well! unseal it without breaking the seal, and read it. For -Heaven's sake, do you suppose for a moment that I am going to read it?" - -Master Arnauld du Thill took from his pocket a sharp little chisel, and -cut carefully around the seal, and unfolded the letter. He turned at -once to the signature. - -"Monseigneur sees that I was not mistaken. The letter addressed to the -Cardinal de Guise is from Cardinal de Caraffa, as that wretched courier -was simpleton enough to tell me." - -"Read it, then, by the crown of thorns!" cried Anne de Montmorency. - -Master Arnauld read as follows,-- - - -"MONSEIGNEUR AND DEAR FRIEND,--Just three words of importance. In the -first place, in accordance with your request, the Pope will let the -affair of the divorce drag slowly along, and will put François de -Montmorency off from consistory to consistory (he arrived at Rome -yesterday) before finally refusing the dispensation that he solicits." - - -"_Pater noster_!" growled the constable. "May the Devil take them, all -these red hats!" - -Arnauld continued his reading:-- - - -"In the second place, Monsieur de Guise, your illustrious brother, after -having taken Campli, is holding Civitella in check. But before we -resolve to send him the men and supplies that he asks, and which we can -only give him at a great sacrifice, we must at least be assured that you -will not call him away to serve in Flanders, as the report goes is -likely to be the case. Just see that he remains with us, and his -Holiness will make up his mind to an extensive issue of indulgences, -hard though the times may be, to assist Monsieur François de Guise in -soundly whipping the Duke of Alva and his haughty master." - - -"_Adveniat tuum regnum_," growled Montmorency. "We will remember that, -body and blood! We will remember that, even if we have to call the -English into France. Go on, Arnauld, go on, by the Mass!" - -The spy resumed:-- - - -"In the third place, I have to announce to you, Monseigneur, to -encourage you and support you in your endeavors, the speedy arrival at -Paris of a messenger from your brother, Vicomte d'Exmès, who is -bringing to Henri the flags conquered in this Italian campaign. He is -about to set out, and will arrive no doubt at the same time that my -letter does, which, however, I have chosen to intrust to our regular -courier; his presence, and the glorious trophies which he will offer to -the king, will assuredly be of great service to you in conducting your -negotiations in every direction." - - -"_Fiat voluntas tua_," cried the constable, in a perfect fury of rage. -"We will give this ambassador from hell a fine reception. I commend him -to you, Arnauld. Is that the end of that cursed letter?" - -"Yes, Monseigneur, all but the usual complimentary words, and the -signature." - -"Good! you see that there is some work cut out for you, my fine fellow." - -"I ask for nothing better, Monseigneur, with a little money thrown in to -assist in obtaining good results." - -"Here are a hundred ducats, knave. You must always feel the money in -your hand." - -"But I spend so much in Monseigneur's service." - -"Your vices cost you more than my service does, you scoundrel." - -"Oh, how mistaken Monseigneur is in me! I dream only of leading a quiet -life, in happiness and affluence, somewhere in the country, with my wife -and children about me, and passing the rest of my days in peace, like an -honest father and husband." - -"A most charmingly virtuous and bucolic picture, to be sure! Oh, well, -then, mend your ways, put by a few doubloons, and marry, and you will be -in a fair way to realize these dreams of domestic felicity. What -prevents you?" - -"Ah, Monseigneur, my fiery spirit! And then what woman would ever have -me?" - -"Meanwhile, and pending your hymeneal plans, suppose you seal that -letter again very carefully, and carry it to the cardinal. You must -disguise yourself, you understand, and say that your dying comrade -enjoined upon you--" - -"You may trust me, Monseigneur. The resealed letter and the substituted -courier will seem more authentic than the real articles." - -"The deuce take it!" said Montmorency; "we forgot to take down the name -of this plenipotentiary whose coming is announced. What is he called?" - -"Vicomte d'Exmès, Monseigneur." - -"Ah, yes, that was it, villain. Now see that you remember the name. -Well! who dares to interrupt me again?" - -"Pardon, Monseigneur," said the constable's fourrier, entering. "A -gentleman arrived from Italy is asking to see the king on behalf of the -Duc de Guise; and I thought I ought to advise you of it, especially -since he was very anxious to speak with the Cardinal de Lorraine. He -calls himself Vicomte d'Exmès." - -"That was very proper of you, Guillaume," said the constable. "Show the -gentleman in here. And do you, Master Arnauld, take your place there -behind that hanging, and don't let slip this opportunity of having a -good look at the man with whom no doubt you will have some business to -transact. It is for your benefit that I receive him, so keep your eyes -and ears open." - -"I am quite sure, Monseigneur," replied Arnauld, "that I have already -come across him in my travels. But no matter! It is just as well to be -certain of it. Vicomte d'Exmès, is it?" - -The spy slipped behind the hangings, as Guillaume appeared, ushering -Gabriel into the room. - -"Pardon me," said the young man, politely saluting the old constable; -"but to whom have I the honor of addressing myself?" - -"I am the Constable de Montmorency, Monsieur; what is your will?" - -"Pardon me again," said Gabriel; "but what I have to say I must say to -the king." - -"But you know that his Majesty is not at the Louvre, do you not? and in -his absence--" - -"I will follow his Majesty or await his return," Gabriel interposed. - -"His Majesty is at the fêtes at the Tournelles, and will not return -before evening. Don't you know that the marriage of Monseigneur le -Dauphin is being celebrated to-day?" - -"No, Monseigneur; I only learned of it on my way hither. But I came by -way of the Rue de l'Université and the Pont au Change, and did not pass -through the Rue St. Antoine." - -"Then you ought to have followed the crowd. That would have shown you -the way to the king." - -"But I have not yet had the honor of being presented to his Majesty. I -am an entire stranger at court. I hoped to find Monseigneur le Cardinal -de Lorraine at the Louvre. It was his Eminence for whom I inquired, and -I can't imagine why I have been conducted to you, Monseigneur." - -"Monsieur de Lorraine," said the constable, "loves these sham fights, -being a churchman; but I, who am a man of the sword,--I care only for -real fighting, and that is why I am at the Louvre, while Monsieur de -Lorraine is at the Tournelles." - -"If you please, Monseigneur, I will go and seek him there, then." - -"But, _mon Dieu_, stay and rest a bit, Monsieur; for you seem to have -arrived from a distance,--from Italy, no doubt, since you entered the -city by the Rue de l'Université." - -"From Italy, in truth, Monseigneur. I have no reason to conceal the -fact." - -"You come from the Duc de Guise, perhaps? Well, what is he about down -there?" - -"Permit me, Monseigneur, to inform his Majesty in the first instance, -and to take my leave to the end that I may fulfil that duty." - -"So be it, Monsieur, since you are in such haste. No doubt," he added -with an assumed air of pleasantry, "you are in a hurry to renew your -acquaintance with some fair lady or other. I'll warrant that you are in -haste and fear at the same time. Come, now, isn't that so, my young -sir?" - -But Gabriel put on his coldest and most serious expression, and replied -only with a low bow, as he left the apartment. - -"_Pater noster qui es in cœlis_" snarled the constable, when the door -had closed behind Gabriel. "Does this cursed fop imagine that I wanted -to make advances to him, to win him over to my side, perchance, or to -corrupt him possibly? As if I didn't know perfectly well what he is -going to say to the king! No matter! if I fall in with him again, he -shall pay me dear for his unsociable airs and his defiant insolence! Ho, -there, Master Arnauld! Come, come! Where is the blackguard? Vanished -too, by the cross! Everybody seems to have taken on a fit of stupidity -to-day. The Devil seize them! _Pater noster_!" - -While the constable was thus venting his ill-humor in curses and _Pater -nosters_, as his wont was, Gabriel, on his way out of the Louvre, was -passing through a rather dark gallery, when to his great amazement he -saw his squire, Martin-Guerre, standing near the door, although he had -ordered him to await him in the courtyard. - -"Is it you, Master Martin?" said he. "So you have come to meet me! Very -well! Go you ahead with Jérôme, and wait for me with the flags well -wrapped up at the corner of the Rue St. Catherine on the Rue St. -Antoine. Perhaps Monseigneur le Cardinal would prefer that we should -present the flags to the king on the spot, and in the presence of the -whole court assembled at the jousting. Christopher will hold my horse -and bear me company. Go on! you understand me, don't you?" - -"Yes, Monseigneur, I know what I wanted to know," replied Martin-Guerre. - -And he started down the staircase ahead of Gabriel with an alacrity -which augured well for the speedy execution of his commission. Imagine -Gabriel's extreme surprise, when he came out more slowly and like one -who dreamed, to find his squire still in the court, and now apparently -terrified and pale as a ghost. - -"Well, Martin, what is it, and what is the matter with you?" he asked -him. - -"Ah, Monseigneur, I have just seen him; he passed right near me this -very moment, and spoke to me." - -"Who, pray?" - -"Who? Why, who but the devil, the ghost, the phantom, the monster, the -other Martin-Guerre?" - -"Still this madness. Martin! Are you dreaming as you stand there?" - -"No, no, indeed I was not dreaming. He spoke to me, Monseigneur, I tell -you; he stopped in front of me, turned me to stone with his wizard's -look, and said to me, laughing his infernal laugh, 'So we are still in -Vicomte d'Exmès's service, are we?' Note the plural, 'we are,' -Monseigneur; 'and we have brought from Italy the flags taken in the -field by Monsieur de Guise?' I said yes, in spite of myself, for he -fascinated me. How does he know all this, Monseigneur? And he went on: -'Let us not be afraid, for are we not friends and brothers?' And then he -heard your footsteps approaching, Monseigneur, and he added, with a -diabolical irony which made my hair stand on end, just these words: 'We -shall meet again, Martin-Guerre; we shall meet again.' And he -disappeared through that little wicket, perhaps, or more likely into the -wall." - -"You poor fool!" said Gabriel. "How could he have had the necessary time -to say and do all this since you left me up there in the gallery?" - -"I, Monseigneur! I haven't stirred from this spot, where you ordered me -to await you." - -"It must have been another, then; and if not to you to whom have I just -been speaking?" - -"Most certainly to the other. Monseigneur; to my double, my ghost." - -"Poor Martin!" said Gabriel, compassionately, "are you in pain? Doesn't -your head ache? Perhaps we have walked too far in the hot sun." - -"Oh, yes!" said Martin-Guerre, "I see that you fancy that I am -wandering, do you not? But a sure proof that I am not mistaken, -Monseigneur, is that I don't know a single word of the orders that you -think you gave me." - -"You must have forgotten them, Martin," said Gabriel, gently. "Well, -then, I will repeat them, my good fellow. I told you to go and wait for -me with the flags in the Rue St. Antoine at the corner of the Rue St. -Catherine. Jérôme will accompany you, and I will keep Christopher with -me; don't you remember now?" - -"Pardon, Monseigneur; but how can you expect me to remember what I never -knew?" - -"At all events, you know it now, Martin," said Gabriel. "Come, let us -take our horses again at the gates, where our people ought to be waiting -with them, and then be off at once. To the Tournelles!" - -"I obey, Monseigneur. The amount of it is that you have two squires; but -I am very glad at least that I have not two masters." - -The lists for the formal celebration had been laid out across the Rue -St. Antoine from the Tournelles to the royal stables. They were in the -form of a large square, bordered on each side by scaffolding filled with -spectators. At one end were the queen and the court; at the other end -was the entrance to the lists where the participants in the games were -waiting; the general public filled the two remaining galleries. - -When, after the marriage ceremony and the banquet which immediately -succeeded it were at an end, the queen and court, about three in the -afternoon, took their places on the seats reserved for them, vivas and -shouts of joy resounded on all sides. - -But this noisy jubilation caused the fête to be marred by an accident -at its very beginning. The horse of Monsieur d'Avallon, one of the -captains of the Guards, terrified by the uproar, reared and leaped into -the arena, and his rider, unhorsed by the shock, hit his head a terrible -blow against one of the wooden barriers which made the enclosure, and he -was taken up half dead, and given over to the care of the surgeons in an -almost hopeless condition. - -The king was much moved by this sad casualty; but his passion for games -and jousting soon got the better of his sorrow. - -"Poor Monsieur d'Avallon," said he, "and such a devoted subject! Let us -hope at least that he will be well looked after." - -And then he added,-- - -"Come! the races for the ring can begin at any time." - -The game of the ring of that epoch was much more complicated and -difficult than the one that we know. The crutch from which the ring was -suspended was placed almost two thirds of the way down the lists. It was -necessary to ride at a hand gallop the first third, and at a full gallop -the second third, and while going at this high rate of speed to carry -off the ring on the end of the lance. But the lance must not be allowed -to touch the body anywhere; it must be held horizontally with the elbow, -high above the head. The game was ended by riding around the arena at a -trot. The prize was a diamond ring offered by the queen. - -Henri II., on his white steed, magnificently caparisoned in gold and -velvet, was the most superb and most graceful cavalier of all. He -carried and handled his lance with admirable grace and precision, and -hardly ever missed the ring. But Monsieur de Vieilleville pressed him -close; and there was a moment when it seemed as if the prize would go to -him. He had two rings more than the king, and but three remained to be -taken; but Monsieur de Vieilleville, like an accomplished courtier, -missed them all three by extraordinary ill luck, and the prize was -awarded to the king. - -As he received the ring, he hesitated a moment, and his look turned -regretfully toward Diane de Poitiers; but the gift was offered by the -queen, and it was his bounden duty to present it to the new dauphine, -Mary Stuart, the bride of the day. - -"Well!" he asked, in the interval which followed this first contest, -"are there any hopes of saving Monsieur d'Avallon's life?" - -"He still breathes, Sire," was the reply; "but there is almost no chance -that he will ever regain consciousness." - -"Alas!" said the king, "let us have the gladiators' contest now." - -This gladiators' contest was a mock combat with passades and -manœuvring, quite new, and a great curiosity in those days; but which -would have no special interest, probably, for the imagination of the -spectator of our time, or of the readers of this book. We beg to refer -to the pages of Brantôme those who are curious to read about the -marches and counter-marches of these twelve gladiators, "of whom six -were clad in white satin, and six in crimson satin, made up according to -the style in vogue in ancient Rome." All of which should be of great -historical interest in an age when local coloring had not been invented. - -This fine contest came to an end amid general applause, and the -necessary preparations were made for beginning the stake-race. - -At the court end of the lists several stakes five or six feet long were -stuck into the earth at regular intervals. The rules required that the -contestants should ride at a hand-gallop in and out among these -improvised trees in every direction, without missing or omitting a -single one. The prize was a bracelet of marvellous workmanship. - -Out of eight courses that were run, the honors remained with the king in -three and with Monsieur le Colonel-Général de Bonnivet in a like -number. The ninth and last was to be the decisive one; but Monsieur de -Bonnivet was no less respectful than Monsieur de Vieilleville had been; -and notwithstanding the very willing disposition of his horse, he came -in third, and again Henri won the prize. - -This time the king sat down beside Diane de Poitiers, and put upon her -arm without concealment the bracelet he had received. - -The queen turned pale with rage. - -Gaspard de Tavannes, who was just behind her, leaned forward and -whispered in Catherine de Médicis's ear,-- - -"Madame, follow me with your eyes, and see what I am going to do." - -"And what is it that you are going to do, my good Gaspard?" said the -queen. - -"To cut off Madame de Valentinois's nose," replied Tavannes, with the -utmost gravity and seriousness. - -He was just about to leave her, when Catherine, half terrified and half -delighted, held him back. - -"But, Gaspard, do you realize that it will be your destruction?" - -"I do, Madame; but I will save the king and France!" - -"Thanks, Gaspard," replied Catherine; "you are a valiant friend no less -than a rough soldier. But I command you to be still, Gaspard, and have -patience." - -"Patience." In truth, that was the watchword by which Catherine de -Médicis seemed to have ordered her life up to that time. She, who -subsequently was so forward to take her place in the very first rank, -had not yet appeared to have any ambition to emerge from the obscurity -of the second. She bided her time. And yet she was at this time in the -full bloom of a beauty of which Sieur de Bourdeille has left us most -minute details; but she sedulously avoided all parade, and it is -probably to this modesty that she owed the utter absence of slander in -relation to her during her husband's lifetime. There was no one but the -brute of a constable who would have dared to call the king's attention -to the fact that the ten children that Catherine de Médicis had -bestowed on France after ten years of sterility were very little like -their father. No other person would have been bold enough to breathe a -word against the queen. - -It was always Catherine's custom to appear, as she did on this day, not -even to notice the attentions which the king lavished on Diane de -Poitiers in the sight and bearing of the whole court. After she had -soothed the fiery indignation of the marshal she went on talking with -her ladies of the races that had taken place, and of the address -displayed by Henri. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -A FORTUNATE TOURNEY - - -The tournaments proper were not to take place until the next and -following days; but several gentlemen attached to the court asked the -king's leave, as it was still quite early, to break a lance or two in -honor of the ladies and for their entertainment. - -"So be it, gentlemen," the king replied as a matter of course. "I give -you leave with all my heart, especially as it is likely to bother -Monsieur le Cardinal de Lorraine, who has never had to deal with so -numerous a correspondence, I fancy, as during the two hours that we have -been here. There are two messages that he has received one right after -the other, and he seems much preoccupied with them. But never mind! we -shall know by and by what the matter is, and meanwhile you may break a -lance or two. And here is a prize for the victor," added Henri, taking -from his neck the gold necklace that he wore. "Do your best, gentlemen, -and remember that if the contest grows warm, I shall be very likely to -take a hand in it, and try to win back what I am offering you, -especially as I owe something to Madame de Castro. Take notice, too, -that at precisely six o'clock the contest will be declared at an end, -and the victor, whoever he may be, will receive his crown. Come, you -have an hour in which to show off your fine strokes. Be always careful -that no harm comes to any one. And, apropos, how does Monsieur -d'Avallon?" - -"Alas, Sire, he is just at the point of death." - -"God rest his soul!" said Henri. "Of all the captains of my Guards he -was the most devoted to my service and the bravest. Who is there to take -his place? But the ladies are waiting, gentlemen; and the lists are -open. How, who shall receive the necklace from the hands of the queen?" - -The Comte de Pommerive was the first challenger, and he had to yield to -Monsieur de Burie, from whom Monsieur le Maréchal d'Amville soon -wrested the field; but the marshal, who was very strong and skilful as -well, held his ground against five challengers one after the other. - -The king could not contain himself. - -"I propose to find out, Monsieur d'Amville, if you are riveted there for -all time," he said to the marshal. - -He put on his armor, and at the very first onset Monsieur d'Amville lost -his stirrups. It was Monsieur d'Aussun's turn next; but after him no -other combatant appeared. - -"How's this, gentlemen?" said Henri. "What! No one else wishes to tilt -against me. Can it possibly be that you are humoring me?" he continued, -with a gathering frown. "Ah, _mordieu_! if I thought so! There is no -king here but the victor, and no privileges save those of knightly -skill. Come, attack me, gentlemen, boldly." - -But no one ventured to try a pass with the king; for they dreaded -equally to vanquish him and to be vanquished. - -But the king was much annoyed. He began to suspect that perhaps in -former tourneys his opponents had not put forth all their science -against him; and this thought, which made his prowess seem small in his -own eyes, filled him with anger. - -At last a new champion passed the barrier. Henri, without a single -glance to see who it was, set his horse in motion and rushed at him. The -two lances were shattered; but the king, throwing away the fragment, -reeled in his saddle, and was forced to cling to the saddlebow to save -himself. At that instant six o'clock struck. Henri was beaten. - -He leaped quickly and joyously to the ground, threw his reins to a -squire, and rushed to seize the hand of his vanquisher to escort him to -the queen himself. To his vast surprise he saw a face which was -absolutely unfamiliar to him. Moreover, he was a cavalier of fine -presence and noble bearing; and the queen, as she passed the necklace -around the young man's neck, while he knelt before her, could not -forbear remarking it, and smiling upon him. - -But he, after bowing to the ground, rose, took a few steps toward the -platform appropriated to the court, stopped before Madame de Castro, and -offered her the necklace, the prize of victory. - -The trumpets were still sounding, so that no one heard the two cries -which issued at the same moment from two mouths. - -"Gabriel!" - -"Diane!" - -Diane, pale, and trembling with joy and wonder, took the necklace with a -shaking hand. Every one supposed that the unknown knight had heard the -king promise the necklace to Madame de Castro; and that he did not wish -to disappoint so fair a damsel. It was agreed that his proceeding was -very courteous, and bore the stamp of a true gentleman. The king himself -put no other construction on the incident. - -"I am touched by such extreme gallantry," said he; "but I, who am -supposed to be able to call all my nobles by name, I confess that I -cannot recall, Monsieur, where or when I have seen you before, and I -shall be more than delighted to know to whom I am indebted for the -sturdy blow just now which would have unsaddled me, I believe, if, thank -God! I had not had such strong legs." - -"Sire," replied Gabriel, "this is the first time that I have had the -honor of appearing before your Majesty. I have been hitherto with the -army, and have only just arrived from Italy. I am called Vicomte -d'Exmès." - -"Vicomte d'Exmès!" echoed the king. "I shall remember the name of my -vanquisher, never fear." - -"Sire," said Gabriel, "there can be no vanquisher where you are -concerned, and I bring a glorious proof of it to your Majesty." - -He made a sign; and Martin-Guerre and the two men-at-arms entered the -lists with the Italian flags, which they laid at the king's feet. - -"Sire," Gabriel continued, "these are the flags conquered in Italy by -your army, and sent to your Majesty by Monseigneur le Duc de Guise. His -Eminence, Monseigneur le Cardinal de Lorraine, assures me that your -Majesty will not take it ill of me to deliver these trophies to you thus -unexpectedly, and in the presence of your court and the French people, -who are the deeply interested witnesses of your greatness and glory. -Sire, I have also the honor to hand you these letters from Monsieur le -Duc de Guise." - -"Thanks, Monsieur d'Exmès," said the king. "So this is the secret of -all Monsieur le Cardinal's correspondence. These letters are your -credentials to our favor, Viscount. But you have a very striking and -triumphant way of presenting yourself. But what do I read here? That you -have yourself taken four of these flags? Our cousin Guise rates you as -one of his most gallant captains. Monsieur d'Exmès, ask of me what you -choose; and I swear by all that is holy that you shall have it on the -spot!" - -"Sire, you overwhelm me; and I put myself entirely at the disposition of -your Majesty's favor." - -"You were a captain under Monsieur de Guise, Monsieur," said the king. -"Would it suit you to hold the same rank in our Guards? I was perplexed -as to how I should fill the place of Monsieur d'Avallon, who met such a -sad fate here to-day; but I see that in you he will have a worthy -successor." - -"Your Majesty--" - -"Do you accept? Then it's done. You will begin your duties to-morrow. -Now we are about to return to the Louvre. You will tell me more at -length of the particulars of this Italian war at some future time." - -Gabriel saluted him. - -Henri gave the word for departure. The crowd dispersed amid shouts of -_Vive le roi_! Diane, as if by magic, found herself at Gabriel's side -for an instant. - -"To-morrow at the queen's levee," said she in a low voice. - -She disappeared under her escort's wing, but leaving hope divine to -blossom in the heart of her old-time friend. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -HOW ONE MAY PASS CLOSE BY HIS DESTINY WITHOUT -KNOWING IT - - -When the queen held a levee, it was generally in the evening after -supper; so much Gabriel learned, and was told also that his new post of -captain of the Guards not only allowed but required him to show himself -there. He had no desire to shirk that duty, and his only regret was that -he had to wait twenty-four hours before fulfilling it. We can see that -in zeal and gallantry Monsieur d'Avallon's place was likely to be -worthily filled. - -But he had to think about killing those twenty-four hours, one after the -other,--those everlasting hours which separated him from the eagerly -desired moment. This young man, whose joy made him forget his weariness, -and who had as yet hardly seen Paris except on his way from one camp to -another, started to scour the city with Martin-Guerre in search of a -suitable lodging. He had the good luck, for he was in luck that day, to -find vacant the very apartments which had formerly been occupied by his -father, the Comte de Montgommery. He hired them, although they were -somewhat over-fine for a mere captain of the Guards; but he could make -himself easy in that regard by simply writing to his faithful Elyot to -send him some money from Montgommery. He also wrote to his good nurse -Aloyse to come and join him there. - -Gabriel's first purpose was thus attained. He was a child no longer now, -but a man who had already proved his manhood, and with whom there must -be a reckoning; to the honorable qualities which he had inherited from -his ancestors he had been able to add some personal renown. Alone and -with no other support than his sword, and no recommendation but his -gallant behavior, he had reached high rank at twenty-four. At last he -might proudly show himself to her whom he loved, as well as to those -whom it was his duty to hate. The latter Aloyse could help him to find; -the former had found him. - -Gabriel went to sleep with his heart at rest, and slept long and well. - -The next day he had to present himself to Monsieur de Boissy, Grand -Equerry of France, to furnish his proofs of nobility. Monsieur de -Boissy, a man of honor, had been the Comte de Montgommery's friend. He -understood Gabriel's motives for concealing his true title, and gave him -his word that he would keep his secret. In the next place, Monsieur le -Maréchal d'Amville presented Gabriel to his company. Then Gabriel at -once began his duties by visiting and inspecting the State prisons in -Paris,--a painful necessity which it was a part of his functions to -yield to once a month. - -He began with the Bastille, and ended with the Châtelet. - -The governor handed him his list of prisoners, told him which ones had -died or been transferred or set free, and which were sick, and finally -made them pass in review before him,--a sad review, a mournful -spectacle. He thought his duties were done, when the governor of the -Châtelet called his attention to a page in his register which was -almost blank, and bore only this extraordinary memorandum, which -impressed Gabriel more than all the rest:-- - - -"_No. 21, X.--Secret prisoner. If during the visit of the governor or -the captain of the Guards he makes the least attempt to speak, have him -removed to a deeper and harsher dungeon._" - - -"Who is this prisoner of such importance? May I know?" Gabriel asked -Monsieur de Salvoison, governor of the Châtelet. - -"No one knows who he is," was the reply. "I received him from my -predecessor as he had received him from his. You notice that the date of -his imprisonment is left blank. It must have been during the reign of -François I. that he was brought here. He has undertaken to speak two or -three times, so I am told; but at his first word the governor is bound, -under the severest penalties, to close the door of his cell, and to -remove him at once to a more rigorous dungeon; and this has always been -done. There is now only one dungeon left more severe than that he -occupies, and confinement in that means death. No doubt they desire that -he should finally come to that; but just now the prisoner makes no -attempt to speak. He must be some very dangerous criminal. He is always -in shackles; and his jailer, to guard against any possibility of an -escape, is in and out of his cell every minute." - -"But suppose he speaks to the jailer?" said Gabriel. - -"Oh, he is a deaf mute, born in the Châtelet, who has never been -outside the walls." - -Gabriel shuddered. This man, so completely isolated from the world of -the living, and who yet lived and thought, inspired in his breast a -feeling of compassion mingled with an undefinable dread. What resolution -or compunction, what fear of hell or trust in heaven, could prevent so -wretched a being from dashing out his brain against the walls of his -dungeon? Could it be the thirst for revenge, or some hope of deliverance -that enabled him to retain his hold on life! - -Gabriel felt a sort of anxious eagerness to see this man; his heart beat -faster than it had ever done before except when he was on his way to see -Diane. He had visited a hundred other prisoners with no other emotion -than a sort of general compassion for their lot; but the thought of this -poor wretch appealed to him and moved him more than all the others, and -his heart was filled with sorrow when he thought of his tomb-like -existence. - -"Let us go to Number 21," he said to the governor with a choking voice. - -They went down several damp, black stairways, passed under several -arches which resembled the horrible spirals of Dante's Inferno; at last -the governor said, stopping before an iron door,-- - -"This is the place. I am not his jailer; he is in the cell, no doubt. -But I have duplicate keys; let us go in." - -He opened the door, and they went in, with no light but a lantern, held -by a turnkey. Then Gabriel saw before him a mute and frightful picture, -such as one hardly sees except in the nightmare of delirium. - -For walls, nothing but solid rock, black, moss-grown, and noisome; for -this gloomy hole was excavated below the bed of the Seine, and the -water, in times of freshet, filled it half full. On these loathsome -walls were crawling slimy things; and the icy air was broken by no sound -except that made by the regular, dull falling of a drop of water from -the hideous arch. A little less alive than the drop of water, a little -more alive than the almost motionless slugs, two beings that had been -human were dragging out their existence there, one guarding the other, -both dumb and awe-inspiring. - -The jailer, a sort of idiot, a dull-eyed giant, with a face of deathlike -pallor, was standing in the shadow, gazing stupidly at the prisoner, who -was lying in the corner on a pallet of straw, shackled hand and foot to -a chain riveted to the wall. He was an old man, with a long white beard -and white hair. When they entered he seemed to be sleeping, and did not -stir; he might have been taken for a corpse or a statue. - -But suddenly he sat up and opened his eyes, and his gaze met Gabriel's. - -He was forbidden to speak; but this terrible and piercing gaze spoke for -him. Gabriel was fascinated by it, and could not remove his eyes. The -governor and turnkey overhauled all the corners of the dungeon. He, -Gabriel, rooted to the spot, neither moved forward nor back, but stood -there transfixed by those blazing eyes; he could not get away from them, -and at the same time a thousand confused and unutterable thoughts were -whirling through his brain. - -The prisoner seemed no longer to view his visitor with mere -indifference, and there was a moment when he made a motion and opened -his lips as if to speak; but the governor having turned back toward -them, he remembered in time the rule laid down for him, and his lips -spoke only by a bitter smile. He closed his eyes once more, and relapsed -into his corpse-like immobility. - -"Oh, let us go out!" said Gabriel to the governor. "For God's sake, let -us go out! I must have fresh air and see the sunlight again." - -He did not recover his tranquillity and his life, so to speak, until he -found himself once more in the throng and tumult of the street. And even -then the gloomy vision he had seen remained in his mind and pursued him -the livelong day, as he walked thoughtfully hither and thither through -the streets. - -Something seemed to tell him that the fate of this wretched captive was -connected with his own, and that a great crisis in his life was -impending. Worn out at last by these mysteriously recurring -presentiments, he directed his steps as the day drew to its close toward -the lists of the Tournelles. The day's jousting, in which Gabriel had -not cared to take part, was just coming to an end. Gabriel could see -Diane, and she saw him; and this interchange of glances at once put his -gloomy thoughts to flight as the rays of the sun disperse the clouds. -Gabriel forgot the unfortunate prisoner whom he had seen that day, to -give himself up entirely to thoughts of the lovely maiden he was to see -again in the evening. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY - - -If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least -three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the -court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments. There they -would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and -sometimes with a good deal of license. Private tête-à-têtes would -often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as -a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and -gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best." Frequently there was -dancing too, or a play. - -It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend -on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and -perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not -appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to -quote Brantôme once more. - -But Gabriel's delight was not altogether unalloyed by a feeling of -uneasiness; and certain vague and offensive words which had been -whispered in his hearing concerning Diane's approaching marriage had not -failed to cause him some inward anxiety. Thanks to the joy he had felt -in seeing Diane again, and in believing that he could distinguish in her -expression signs of her former affection for him, he had almost -forgotten that letter from the Cardinal de Lorraine which had been the -cause of his taking his departure so hurriedly; but the rumors which -were flying around, and the continual coupling of the names of Diane de -Castro and François de Montmorency, which came to his ears only too -plainly, brought back memory to his passionate heart. Was Diane -reconciled, then, to that hateful marriage? Did she love this François? -Distracting doubts which the evening's interview might not avail to -solve satisfactorily. - -Gabriel resolved therefore to question Martin-Guerre on the subject, for -he had already made more than one acquaintance, and like most squires, -was likely to have a much more extended knowledge in such matters than -his master; for it is a fact of common observation in acoustics that -reports of all sorts sound much louder on low ground, and that echoes -are seldom heard except in valleys. This resolution came at a so much -more fortunate time, because Martin-Guerre had also made up his mind to -question his master, whose preoccupation had not escaped his notice, but -who had not, in all conscience, any right to conceal his actions or his -thoughts from a faithful retainer of five years' standing, and even more -than that,--one who had saved his life. - -From this mutual determination, and the conversation which ensued, -Gabriel came to the conclusion that Diane de Castro did not love -François de Montmorency, and Martin-Guerre that Gabriel did love Diane -de Castro. - -This twofold conclusion was so satisfactory to both parties that Gabriel -arrived at the Louvre fully an hour before the gates were opened; and -Martin-Guerre, as a mark of respect to the viscount's royal sweetheart, -went off to the court tailor to buy a brown cloth jerkin and -small-clothes of yellow tricot. He paid cash for the whole costume, and -immediately arrayed himself in it so as to exhibit it in the evening in -the antechambers of the Louvre, where he was to go in attendance on his -master. - -Imagine the tailor's amazement half an hour later to see Martin-Guerre -appear again in other clothes. He commented on the fact. Martin-Guerre -replied that the evening had seemed a bit cool to him, and that he had -thought best to clothe himself a little more warmly. However, he was so -very well pleased with the jerkin and the small-clothes that he had come -to beg the tailor to sell him or make him another jerkin of the same -material and like cut. To no purpose did the man of the yardstick remind -Martin-Guerre that he would seem to have only one suit of clothes, and -that he would do much better to order a different costume; for instance, -a yellow jerkin and brown small-clothes, since he seemed to have a -weakness for those particular colors. Martin-Guerre would not recede -from his idea, and the tailor had to agree not to make a shade of -difference in the garments, which he was to make for him at once, since -he had none ready-made; but on this second order Martin-Guerre asked for -some credit. He had paid cash handsomely for the first; he was the -squire of Vicomte d'Exmès, captain of the king's Guards. The tailor had -that monumental trust in human nature which has been from time -immemorial the traditional propensity of his craft; so he consented, and -promised to deliver the second costume complete the next day. - -Meanwhile the hour during which Gabriel had had to gnash his teeth -outside the gates of his paradise had passed away, and with a number of -others, gentlemen and ladies, he had succeeded in making his way to the -queen's apartments. - -At the first glance Gabriel saw Diane; she was seated beside the -Queen-Dauphine, as Mary Stuart was henceforth called. - -To approach her at once would have been very presumptuous for a -new-comer, and very imprudent too, no doubt. Gabriel resigned himself to -await a favorable opportunity when the conversation should become -animated and the attention of those who were near be called to other -objects. Meanwhile he entered into conversation with a young nobleman of -unhealthy pallor and delicate appearance, near whom he chanced to be -standing. But after some little talk on matters as insignificant as his -person seemed to be, the young cavalier asked of Gabriel,-- - -"To whom have I the honor of speaking, Monsieur?" - -Gabriel replied, "I am Vicomte d'Exmès. And may I venture to ask you -the same question, Monsieur?" he added. - -The young man looked at him in amazement as he replied,-- - -"I am François de Montmorency." - -He might as well have said, "I am the Devil!" and Gabriel would have -shown less alarmed haste in leaving him. François, whose mind did not -work very quickly, was entirely dumfounded; but as he was not fond of -using his brain, he soon gave up the riddle, and sought elsewhere for -auditors who should be somewhat less unceremonious. - -Gabriel had taken care to direct his flight toward Diane de Castro; but -his progress was arrested by a great commotion about the king. Henri was -just announcing that as he desired to close the day by treating the -ladies to a surprise, he had caused a stage to be arranged in the -gallery, and that a five-act comedy in verse by Monsieur Jean Antoine de -Baïf, entitled "Le Brave," would be performed there. This intelligence -was naturally greeted with general gratitude and applause. The gentlemen -gave their hands to the ladies to escort them into the neighboring -_salle_, where the stage had been erected; but Gabriel was too late to -escort Diane, and could do no better than take his place at a short -distance from her behind the queen. - -Catherine de Médicis perceived him and called him, and he had no choice -but to present himself before her. - -"Monsieur d'Exmès," said she, "how is it that we didn't see you at the -tournament to-day?" - -"Madame," replied Gabriel, "the duties of the office which his Majesty -has done me the honor to bestow upon me, prevented." - -"So much the worse," said Catherine, with a sweet smile, "for you are -surely one of our most daring and skilful cavaliers. You made the king -reel yesterday, and that is a very rare thing. I should have been glad -to be a witness again of your prowess." - -Gabriel bowed, feeling decidedly ill at ease under this shower of -compliments, to which he knew not how to reply. - -"Do you know the play that they are going to give us?" pursued -Catherine, evidently very favorably inclined toward the handsome and -modest youth. - -"I know it only in Latin," was his reply; "for I am told that it is -nothing more than an imitation of one of Terence's plays." - -"I see that you are as learned as you are valiant," said the queen, "as -well versed in literary matters as you are skilful with thrusts of the -lance." - -All this was said in an undertone, and accompanied by glances which were -not exactly cruel. To be sure, Catherine's heart was empty for the -moment. But Gabriel, uncouth as Euripides' Hippolyte, received the -Italian's advances with an air of constraint and a frowning brow. -Ungrateful wretch! when he was to owe to this kindly disposition, at -which he turned up his nose, not only the place which he had so longed -for at Diane's side, but the most fascinating pouting by which the love -of a jealous sweetheart can betray itself. - -In fact, when the prologue began, according to custom, to appeal to the -indulgence of the spectators, Catherine said to Gabriel,-- - -"Go and sit there behind me among these ladies, my literary friend, so -that I may at need resort to your fund of information." - -Madame de Castro had selected her seat at the end of a row, so that -there was only the passage-way beyond her. Gabriel, having paid his -respects to the queen, took a stool and modestly seated himself in the -passage-way by Diane's side, so as to discommode no one. - -The play began. - -It was, as Gabriel had told the queen, an imitation of the "Eunuchus" of -Terence, written in lines of eight syllables, and translated with all -the pedantic simplicity of the time. We will abstain from criticising -the play. It would be, moreover, an anachronism, for criticism had not -yet been invented at that barbarous epoch. It will suffice for us to -remind our readers that the principal character is a braggart, a -swaggering soldier who allows himself to be duped and bullied by a -sycophant. - -Now, from the very beginning of the play, the many partisans of the -Guises who were in the hall could see in the absurd old bully only the -Constable de Montmorency, while the Montmorency faction chose to -recognize the ambitious views of the Duc de Guise in the bluster of the -swaggering soldier. And so every scene was a piece of satire, and every -sally a pointed hit. The two factions laughed uproariously, and pointed -at one another with their fingers; and, truth to tell, this comedy which -was being enacted in the hall was no less entertaining than that which -the actors were performing on the platform. - -Our lovers took advantage of the interest which the two rival camps took -in the performance to speak quietly and calmly of their love amid the -shouts and laughter. In the first place, each pronounced the other's -name in a low voice. It was the sacred invocation. - -"Diane!" - -"Gabriel!" - -"Are you really going to marry François de Montmorency?" - -"You have made rapid strides in the queen's good graces, haven't you?" - -"But you heard her call me." - -"And you know that the king wishes this marriage." - -"But have you not consented to it, Diane?" - -"But haven't you listened to Catherine, Gabriel?" - -"One word, just one!" replied Gabriel. "But you still feel some -interest, do you, in the feeling which may be aroused in me by another -than yourself? Then you must care something for what is passing in my -heart." - -"I care as much for it," said Madame de Castro, "as you do for what is -passing in mine." - -"Oh! then let me tell you, Diane, that if you are like me, you are -jealous; if you are like me, you love me to distraction." - -"Monsieur d'Exmès," said Diane, who tried for an instant to be severe, -poor child!--"Monsieur d'Exmès, I am called Madame de Castro." - -"But are you not a widow, Madame? Are you not free?" - -"Free, alas!" - -"Oh, Diane, you sigh. Tell me, Diane, that your childish affection, -which made our early years so sweet, has left some trace in the maiden's -heart. Oh, tell me, Diane, that you still love me a little! Don't fear -that any one will hear you, for everybody near us is taken up with the -jokes of that sycophant; they have no tender words to listen to, so they -are laughing. Oh, Diane, smile upon me and answer me; do you love me, -Diane?" - -"Hush! Don't you see that the act is coming to an end?" said the roguish -damsel. "Wait at least till the play begins again." - -The _entr'acte_ lasted ten minutes,--ten centuries, rather! Fortunately, -Catherine, talking busily with Mary Stuart, did not call Gabriel to her -side. He would have been quite capable of declining to go, even if it -had been his everlasting ruin. - -When the comedy began again amid shouts of laughter and noisy -applause,-- - -"Well?" Gabriel inquired. - -"Well, what?" replied Diane, feigning an indifference that she was very -far from feeling. "Oh, yes, you were asking me, I believe, if I love -you. Well, then! Didn't I answer you just now, thus: 'I love you as -much as you love me'?" - -"Ah!" cried Gabriel, "do you realize what you are saying, Diane? Do you -know the extent of this love of mine to which you say that yours is -equal?" - -"But," said the little dissembler, "if you want me to know about it, the -least you can do is to tell me." - -"Listen to me, then, Diane, and you will see that since I left you six -years ago every action of every hour of my life has tended to bring me -nearer to you. It was only on my arrival at Paris a month after your -departure from Vimoutiers, that I learned who you were: the daughter of -the king and Madame de Valentinois. But it was not your title as a -daughter of France that terrified me; it was your title as wife of the -Duc de Castro, and yet something said to me: 'No matter! raise yourself -to her level; win some renown for yourself, so that some day she may -hear your name at least, and may admire you as others fear you.' Such -were my thoughts, Diane; and I entered the service of the Duc de Guise, -as the one who seemed most likely to put me in a way to win the -honorable name at which my ambition pointed, speedily and well. In -brief, I was shut up with him within the walls of Metz in the following -year, and did my best to bring about the almost-despaired-of result, the -raising of the siege. It was at Metz, where I remained to restore the -fortification and repair all the damage inflicted in sixty-five days of -assault, that I heard of the taking of Hesdin by the imperial troops and -the death of the Duc de Castro, your husband. He had never even seen you -again, Diane! Oh, I pitied him, but how I did fight at Renty! Ask -Monsieur de Guise about it. I was also at Abbeville, Dinant, Bavay, and -Cateau-Cambrésis. I was everywhere where the fire of musketry was to be -heard; and I can fairly say that there has been no glorious action -during this reign in which I have not had some little share. - -"After the truce of Vaucelles," said Gabriel, continuing his narrative, -"I came to Paris, but you were still at the convent, Diane; and my -enforced repose was becoming very wearisome when, by good luck, the -truce was broken. The Duc de Guise, who was anxious to give me some -token of his good-will, asked me if I would follow him to Italy. If I -would! Crossing the Alps in the depths of winter, we made our way -through the Milanais, carried Valenza by storm, were allowed free -passage through the duchies of Parma and Plaisance, and after a -triumphal progress through Tuscany and the States of the Church, we -arrived at the Abruzzi. Meanwhile Monsieur de Guise lacked money and -troops; yet he took Campli, and laid siege to Civitella; but the army -was demoralized, and the success of the expedition compromised. It was -at Civitella, Diane, that I learned from a letter from his Eminence, the -Cardinal de Lorraine, to his brother of your approaching marriage to -François de Montmorency. - -"There was nothing more for me to do on that side of the Alps. Monsieur -de Guise himself agreed to that, and I obtained from his kindness -permission to return to France, fortified with his weighty -recommendation, and to bring to the king the flags we had conquered. But -my only ambition and desire was to see you, Diane, to speak with you, -and to learn from your own lips if you were entering into this new -contract of your own free will; and finally, after having told you, as I -have just done, of all my struggles and endeavors for these six years, -to ask you what I now ask you once more: 'Tell me, Diane, do you love me -as I love you?" - -"Dear friend," said Madame de Castro, softly, "I will now respond by -telling you of my life in return for yours. When I came to court, a mere -child of twelve, after the first moments of wonder and childish -curiosity, I grew weary of it all; the gilded chains of my life here -weighed heavily upon me, and I bitterly regretted our dear woods and -fields at Vimoutiers and Montgommery, Gabriel! Every night I cried -myself to sleep. But the king my father was very kind to me, and I tried -to give him my love in return for his tenderness. But where was my -freedom? Where was Aloyse? And, oh, where were you, Gabriel? I didn't -see the king every day. Madame de Valentinois was very cold and -constrained with me, and seemed almost to avoid me; and I, Gabriel, I -had always need of being loved, as you must remember. Oh, I suffered -bitterly that first year, dear." - -"Poor dear Diane!" said Gabriel, much moved. - -"And so," Diane resumed, "while you were fighting, I was pining away. -Man acts, and woman waits,--such is destiny. But it is sometimes much -harder to wait than to act. After the first year of my loneliness, the -death of the Duc de Castro left me a widow, and the king sent me to pass -my period of mourning at the convent of the Filles-Dieu. But the -tranquil and peaceful life which we led at the convent suited my nature -much better than the everlasting intriguing and excitement of the court; -so when my mourning was at an end, I sought and obtained the king's -leave to remain at the convent. At least, they loved me there,--good -Sister Monique above all, who reminded me of Aloyse. I tell you her -name, Gabriel, so that you may love her too. And then, not only did all -the sisters love me, but I could still dream, Gabriel; I had the time to -do it and the right. I was free; and who was the central figure of all -my dreams, of the past as well as of the future? Dear friend, you can -guess, can you not?" - -Gabriel, reassured and enraptured, answered only by a look of passionate -affection. Luckily the comedy had become very engrossing. The braggart -was being well scoffed at; and the Guise and Montmorency factions were -howling themselves hoarse with delight. The lovers might as well have -been alone in a desert. - -"Five tranquil and hopeful years passed away," continued Diane. "I had -had only one misfortune, in the death of Enguerrand, my foster-father. -But a second one was not long in coming. The king recalled me to court, -and informed me that I was the destined bride of François de -Montmorency. I resisted this time, Gabriel, for I was no longer a child, -who did not know what she was doing. I resisted. Then my father went on -his knees to me, and pointed out to me how deeply this marriage -concerned the well-being of the realm. You had forgotten me, no doubt. -It was the king who said that, Gabriel. And then where were you, and who -were you? In short, the king persisted so, and begged me so -appealingly--it was yesterday, yes, only yesterday--that I promised what -he wished, Gabriel, but only on condition that, in the first place, my -sacrifice should be delayed for three months; and in the second place, I -should find out what had become of you." - -"But you did promise?" said Gabriel, turning pale. - -"I did, but I had not then seen you, dear; and I had no idea that the -very same day your unlooked-for appearance was to stir again in my heart -both joyful and sad emotions as soon as I recognized you. Ah, Gabriel, -handsomer and prouder than of old, but still the same! I knew all at -once that my promise to the king was of no effect, and this marriage -impossible; that my life belongs to you, and that, if you still loved -me, I would love you forever. Well, now, don't you agree that I am no -longer in debt to you, and that your life has no reproach to make to -mine?" - -"Oh, you are an angel, Diane! And all that I have done to deserve your -love is nothing." - -"And now, Gabriel, since fate has brought us together for a little, let -us consider the obstacles which still keep us asunder. The king is -ambitious for his daughters; and the Castros and the Montmorencys -between them have made him hard to manage, alas!" - -"Make your mind easy on that score, Diane, for the family to which I -belong has nothing to ask from either of them, and it will not be the -first time either that it has been allied with the royal family of -France." - -"Really, Gabriel! you fill my cup of joy to the full, in telling me -that. I am, as you know, very ignorant in heraldic matters; I do not -know the Exmès. Down at Vimoutiers I called you Gabriel; and my heart -had no need of a sweeter name than that. That is the name that I love; -and if you think that your other name will satisfy the king, why, all is -well, and I am happy indeed. Whether you are Exmès or Guise or -Montmorency, as long as you are not called Montgommery, all is well." - -"And why, then, must I not be a Montgommery?" asked Gabriel, beginning -to be alarmed. - -"Oh, the Montgommerys, our neighbors down yonder, have apparently done -the king some injury, for he hates them bitterly." - -"Indeed!" said Gabriel, who began to feel a choking sensation in his -throat; "but is it the Montgommerys who have injured the king, or is it -rather the king who has injured the Montgommerys?" - -"My father is too kind-hearted to have ever been unjust, Gabriel." - -"Kind to his daughter, yes," said Gabriel; "but where his enemies are -concerned--" - -"He may be terrible," replied Diane, "as you are against the enemies of -France and the king. But what does it matter, and what have the -Montgommerys to do with us, Gabriel?" - -"But if I were a Montgommery, Diane?" - -"Oh, do not say that, dear." - -"But if it should be so?" - -"In that case," said Diane, "if I found myself thus obliged to choose -between my father and you, I would throw myself at the feet of the -injured party, whichever it might be, and I would beg my father to -forgive you for my sake, or I would beg you to forgive my father for my -sake." - -"And your voice is so powerful, dear Diane, that the injured one would -surely yield to your prayers, if there had never been blood shed; for -blood can only be washed out by blood." - -"Oh, you frighten me, Gabriel! Come, this is far enough to carry this -test of my love; for it was nothing but a test, was it?" - -"No, Diane, nothing but a test. God grant that it may prove to be -nothing more!" he murmured under his breath. - -"And there is not, there cannot be any bad blood between my father and -you?" - -"I hope not, Diane, I hope not; I should suffer too bitterly in making -you suffer." - -"That's right, Gabriel. And if you hope not, Gabriel," she added with -her lovely smile, "I hope, for my part, to induce my father to give up -this marriage which would be my death-warrant. Such a mighty king as he -ought to have enough ways of making it up to the Montmorencys." - -"No, Diane; and all his treasures and all his power could not make up to -them for losing you." - -"Ah, that's your way of looking at it. But you did frighten me, Gabriel. -But never fear, dear; François de Montmorency doesn't think as you do -on this subject, thank God! and he would much prefer the bâton which -will make a marshal of him, to your poor Diane. But I, having accepted -this happy exchange, will prepare the king for it very gently. I will -remind him of the royal alliances of the D'Exmès family, and of your -own personal exploits, Gabriel." - -She interrupted herself. - -"Ah, _mon Dieu_! see, the play seems to be finished." - -"Five acts, how short it has been!" said Gabriel. "But you are right, -Diane; and the epilogue is just pointing the moral of the piece." - -"Luckily," said Diane, "we have said almost all that we had to say to -each other." - -"I haven't said one thousandth part of it," said Gabriel. - -"No, nor I really," said Diane; "and the queen's advances to you." - -"Oh, you wretch!" said Gabriel. - -"Oh, no, the wretch is she who smiles at you, and not I who grumble at -you, do you hear? Don't speak to her again this evening, will you, dear, -just to please me?" - -"Just to please you! How good you are! No, I will not speak to her -again. But, see, the epilogue is also finished, alas! Adieu! but only -for a little while, is it, Diane? Say one last word to me to sustain and -comfort me, dear Diane." - -"To meet soon again, and forever, Gabriel, my little _husband_," -whispered the beaming maiden in the ear of the delighted Gabriel. - -And she disappeared in the pushing, noisy crowd. Gabriel slunk away so -as to fulfil his promise of avoiding a meeting with the queen. Such -touching fidelity to his oath! And he left the Louvre, convinced that -Antoine de Baïf was a very great man, and that he had never been -present at a performance which had given him so much pleasure. - -As he passed into the vestibule, he picked up Martin-Guerre, who was -awaiting him, all radiant in his new clothes. - -"Well, Monseigneur, did you see Madame d'Angoulême?" the squire asked -his master when they were in the street. - -"I did see her," replied Gabriel, dreamily. - -"And does Madame d'Angoulême still love Monsieur le Vicomte?" continued -Martin-Guerre, who saw that Gabriel was in a good humor. - -"Rascal!" cried Gabriel, "who told you that? Where did you learn that -Madame de Castro loved me, or that I loved Madame de Castro alone? Be -good enough to hold your tongue, villain!" - -"Oh, well," muttered Master Martin, "Monseigneur must be beloved, else -he would have sighed and would not have insulted me; and Monseigneur -must be in love or he would have noticed my new cape and breeches." - -"Why do you prate to me of breeches and cape? But really, you didn't -have that doublet a short time ago, did you?" - -"No, Monseigneur, I bought it this very evening to do honor to my master -and his mistress, and I paid cash for it too,--for my wife Bertrande did -teach me order and economy, as she taught me temperance and chastity and -all the virtues. I must do her that much justice; and if I had only been -able to instil a little mildness of temper into her, we should have made -the happiest couple in the world." - -"It was well done of you, chatterbox, and I will repay your outlay, -since it was for me that you incurred it." - -"Oh, how generous, Monseigneur! But if Monseigneur wishes me to hold my -peace about his secret, he should not give me this new proof that he is -loved as dearly as he loves. One never empties one's purse so readily, -when the heart is not overflowing. Besides, Monsieur le Vicomte knows -Martin-Guerre, and that he is to be trusted. Faithful and dumb as the -sword that he wears!" - -"Very true; but no more of this, Master Martin." - -"I leave Monseigneur to his dreams." - -Gabriel was dreaming to such an extent that when he reached his chambers -he felt an absolute need of pouring his dreams into a sympathetic ear: -and he wrote that same night to Aloyse,-- - - -MY DEAR ALOYSE,--Diane loves me! But no, that is not what I ought to say -to you first of all. My dear Aloyse, come and join me here; after six -years of separation, I must embrace you once more. The main points of my -life are now fixed. I am captain of the king's Guards,--one of the most -eagerly sought of all ranks in the army; and the name I have made for -myself will help me to reinstate in honor and renown that which I -inherit from my ancestors. And I have need of you for this latter task -too, Aloyse. And then I need you because I am so happy, because, I -repeat it, Diane loves me,--yes, the Diane of former days, my child -sister, who has never forgotten her good Aloyse, although she calls the -king her father. And then, Aloyse, this daughter of the king and Madame -de Valentinois, this widow of the Duc de Castro, has never forgotten, -and still loves with her whole dear soul her obscure Vimoutiers -playmate. She has told me so within the hour, and her sweet voice still -echoes in my heart. - -So come, Aloyse, for I really am too happy to be alone in my happiness. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -PEACE OR WAR? - - -On the 7th of June there was a sitting of the king's council, and there -was a very full attendance of members of the council of state. About -Henri II. and the princes of the blood were this day assembled Anne de -Montmorency, the Cardinal de Lorraine and his brother Charles de Guise, -Archbishop of Reims, the chancellor Olivier de Lenville, President -Bertrand, Comte d'Aumale, Sedan, Humières, and Saint-André and his -son. - -Vicomte d'Exmès, in his capacity of captain of the Guards, stood near -the door, with bared sword. - -All the interest of the session was, as usual, centred in the -contentions between the rival ambitions of the houses of Montmorency and -Lorraine, represented on this occasion in the council by the constable -himself and the cardinal. - -"Sire," said the Cardinal de Lorraine, "the danger is imminent, and the -enemy at our gates. A formidable army is being assembled in Flanders; -and Philip II. may invade our territory to-morrow, and Mary of England -declare war against you. Sire, you have a crying need for the presence -of a gallant leader, young and vigorous, who is not afraid to act -boldly, and whose very name would incite terror in the Spaniard by -reminding him of recent defeats." - -"Like the name of your brother, Monsieur de Guise, for example," said De -Montmorency, sarcastically. - -"Like the name of my brother, to be sure," replied the cardinal, -valiantly; "like the name of the victor of Metz, of Renty, and of -Valenza. Yes, Sire, the Duc de Guise is the man whom you should summon -home at once from Italy, where men and supplies are lacking, where he is -like to be compelled to raise the siege of Civitella, and where his -presence and that of his army, which might be so useful against the -threatened invasion here, can be of no further use." - -The king turned carelessly toward Monsieur de Montmorency, as if to say, -"Now it is your turn." - -"Sire," the constable replied to his glance, "recall the army, by all -means; and this absurd conquest of Italy, about which there has been so -much braggadocio, will end, as I have always said, in ridicule. But what -need have you of the general? Look at the latest intelligence from the -North: the Flemish frontier is quiet; Philip II. is quaking in his -shoes; and Mary of England hasn't a word to say. You may still renew -the truce, Sire, or dictate terms of peace, as you choose. It is no -adventurous captain of whom you now have need, but a shrewd and -experienced minister, who is not blinded by the rash impetuosity of -youth, and in whose eyes war is not the mere plaything of an insatiable -ambition, but who can lay the foundations of an honorable peace on terms -consistent with the glory and dignity of France--" - -"Like yourself, for instance, Monsieur le Connétable," interrupted the -Cardinal de Lorraine, bitterly. - -"Like myself," was Anne de Montmorency's proud reply; "and I frankly -advise the king not to trouble himself further about the chances of a -war which can take place only if he chooses, and when he chooses. -Interior affairs, the condition of the treasury, and religious interests -have a much stronger claim upon our attention; and a prudent -administrator to-day will be worth a thousand times more than the most -enterprising general." - -"And will have a thousand times greater claim upon his Majesty's favor, -eh?" was the cardinal's sharp retort. - -"His Eminence has rounded out my reflection for me," continued -Montmorency, coolly; "and since he has put the question on that ground, -I will venture to ask his Majesty for a proof that my services in behalf -of peaceful measures are gratifying to him." - -"What proof is that?" said the king, sighing. - -"Sire, I beg your Majesty to make a public declaration of the honor -which you condescend to do my house by bestowing upon my son the hand of -Madame d'Angoulême. I must have this official demonstration and solemn -promise, so that I may steadfastly pursue my present course, without -having to combat the suspicions of my friends and the clamor of my -enemies." - -This bold request was received, despite the king's presence, with signs -of applause or displeasure, according as the councillors belonged to one -or the other faction. - -Gabriel turned pale and shuddered; but he recovered his courage somewhat -when he heard the Cardinal de Lorraine reply with spirit,-- - -"The Holy Father's bull, annulling the marriage of François de -Montmorency and Jeanne de Fiennes, has not yet arrived, so far as I -know, and may not arrive at all." - -"Then we must get along without it," said the constable; "secret -marriages may be annulled by royal decree." - -"But a decree cannot be made retroactive," was the cardinal's retort. - -"But such an effect may be given to it, may it not, Sire? Say it aloud, -I conjure you, that those who attack me, as well as I myself, may have a -certain demonstration of your approbation of my views! Tell them that -your royal favor will go so far as to give a retroactive effect to this -just decree!" - -"No doubt I can do it," said the king, whose feeble indecision seemed to -be yielding to this firm and steady language. - -Gabriel had to lean heavily upon his sword to save himself from falling. - -The constable's eyes shone with delight. The peace party seemed to be on -the verge of a decided triumph, thanks to his daring. - -But at this moment the sound of trumpets was heard in the courtyard. The -air they were playing was an unfamiliar one, and the members of the -council looked wonderingly at one another. The usher came in almost -immediately, and bowing to the ground, announced,-- - -"Sir Edward Fleming, herald of England, begs the honor of being admitted -to your Majesty's presence." - -"Let the herald of England enter," said the king, marvelling, but -outwardly calm. - -He made a sign, and the dauphin and the princes came and stood about -him, while the other members of the council took their places outside -the royal circle. The herald, accompanied only by two armed attendants, -was ushered in. He saluted the king, who nodded his head slightly from -the sofa on which he remained seated. - -Then said the herald,-- - -"Mary, Queen of England and France, to Henri, King of France: For having -maintained friendly relations with the English Protestants, enemies of -our religion and our State, and for having tendered and promised them -aid and protection against the just and deserved penalties incurred by -them, we, Mary of England, do declare war by land and by sea against -Henri of France. And as a gage of this defiance, I, Edward Fleming, -herald of England, do here fling down my gauntlet of battle." - -At a sign from the king the Vicomte d'Exmès stepped forward and picked -up Sir Edward's glove. Then Henri said coolly to the herald the one -word,-- - -"Thanks!" - -Thereupon he took off the magnificent necklace which he wore, and gave -it to Gabriel to hand to the herald, and said, inclining his head once -more,-- - -"You may now withdraw." - -The herald bowed low and left the hall. A moment later the blare of the -English trumpets was heard once more, whereupon the king broke the -silence. - -"Well, my Cousin de Montmorency," said he to the constable, "you seem to -have been a little too hasty in promising peace, and in answering for -the good intentions of Queen Mary. This alleged patronage of the English -Protestants is a mere pious pretext to conceal the love of our sister of -England for her young husband Philip II. War with the husband and wife -both! Well, so be it! A king of France need not fear all Europe; and if -the Flemish frontier will only give us a little time to look around-- -Well, Florimond, again? What is it now?" - -"Sire," said the usher, re-entering, "a special courier with important -despatches from Monsieur le Gouverneur de Picardie." - -"Go and see what it is, I beg, Monsieur le Cardinal de Lorraine," said -the king, graciously. - -The cardinal returned with the despatches, which he handed to the king. - -"Ah, ah, gentlemen," said the king, casting his eye upon them, "a -different sort of news this. The forces of Philip II. are assembling at -Givet, and Monsieur Gaspard de Coligny advises us that the Duke of Savoy -is at their head. A worthy foe! Your nephew, Monsieur le Connétable, -thinks that the Spanish troops are about to attack Mezières and Rocroy, -so as to cut off Marienbourg. He asks for speedy reinforcements, to -enable him to strengthen these places, and hold his own in case he is -attacked." - -The whole assemblage was in a state of great emotion and excitement. - -"Monsieur de Montmorency," said Henri, smiling calmly, "you are not -happy in your predictions to-day. 'Mary of England,' said you, 'has not -a word to say;' and we have only just been hearing her trumpets -sounding. 'Philip II. is afraid, and the Low Country quiet,' you added. -Now, the King of Spain seems to be no more afraid than ourselves, while -the Flemish are very far from quiet. I must say that I am convinced that -the prudent administrator will have to make way for the gallant -soldier." - -"Sire," said Anne de Montmorency, "I am Constable of France, and war -knows even more of me than peace." - -"Very true, my good cousin, and I am glad to see that you remember -Bicocque and Marignan, and that warlike impulses are coming back to you -again. Draw your sword from the scabbard, then, and I shall rejoice. All -that I wish to say is that we must think now of nothing but war, and of -honorable and glorious war. Monsieur le Cardinal de Lorraine, be good -enough to write to your brother, Monsieur de Guise, to return -immediately. As for internal affairs and family matters, they must be -postponed; and I think we shall have to wait for the Pope's -dispensation, Monsieur de Montmorency, before considering farther the -proposed marriage of Madame d'Angoulême." - -The constable made a wry face, while the cardinal smiled, and Gabriel -breathed again. - -"Come, gentlemen," added the king, who seemed to have shaken off his -indifference all at once, "come, we must collect our thoughts now with -so many serious matters to consider. The session is at an end for this -morning, but the council will meet again this evening. Till evening, -then, and God protect France!" - -"_Vive le roi_!" cried the members of the council with one voice. - -And the assemblage dispersed. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -A TWOFOLD KNAVE - - -The constable left the king's presence buried in thought. Master Arnauld -du Thill put himself in his way, and accosted him in a low voice. - -This took place in the grand gallery of the Louvre, - -"Monseigneur, one word--" - -"Who is it?" said the constable. "Ah, you, Arnauld? What do you want -with me? I am hardly in trim to listen to you to-day." - -"Yes, I imagined," said Arnauld, "that Monseigneur was vexed by the turn -which the marriage project concerning Madame Diane and Monseigneur -François has taken." - -"How did you know that, you rascal? But after all, what does it matter -who knows it? The wind is from a stormy quarter, and favors the Guises, -that is sure." - -"But to-morrow it may be a fair wind for the Montmorencys," said the -spy; "and if there is none but the king against this marriage to-day, -why, he will be for it to-morrow. No, the fresh obstacle which bars our -way, Monseigneur, is a more serious one, and comes from another -quarter." - -"And whence can come a more serious obstacle than the disapprobation or -even lukewarmness of the king?" - -"From Madame d'Angoulême herself, for instance," replied Arnauld. - -"You have scented something in that quarter, have you, my keen hound?" -said the constable, drawing nearer to him, and evidently becoming -interested. - -"And how did Monseigneur suppose that I had passed the fortnight that -has elapsed?" - -"True, it is a long while since I have heard a word of you." - -"Neither directly nor indirectly, Monseigneur," replied Arnauld, -proudly; "and you, who used to reproach me for being mentioned rather -too often in the police-patrol reports, must confess, I think, that for -two weeks I have worked shrewdly and quietly." - -"True again," said the constable; "and I have been surprised that I -haven't had to intervene to get you out of trouble, you varlet, who are -always drinking when you're not gambling, and rioting when you're not -fighting." - -"And the troublesome hero of the last fifteen days has been not I, -Monseigneur, but a certain squire of the new captain of the Guards, -Vicomte d'Exmès, one Martin-Guerre." - -"Yes, I remember now that Martin-Guerre's name has taken Arnauld du -Thill's place in the report that I have to examine every evening." - -"For instance, who was picked up drunk by the watch the other night?" -asked Arnauld. - -"Martin-Guerre." - -"And who, after a quarrel at the gaming-table on account of dice found -to be cogged, struck with his sword the finest of the king's gendarmes?" - -"Martin-Guerre again." - -"And who only yesterday was taken in the act of trying to carry off the -wife of Master Gorju, the ironmonger?" - -"Always this same Martin-Guerre," said the constable. "An abominable -rascal, to be sure. And his master, this Vicomte d'Exmès, whom I -instructed you to keep a sharp watch on, is not likely to be of much -more worth than he; for he upholds and defends him, and vows that his -squire is the mildest and most sedate of men." - -"That is what you used to have the goodness to say of me, Monseigneur. -Martin-Guerre believes that he is possessed by the Devil, whereas in -truth it is I who possess him." - -"What! What do you mean? You are not Satan, are you?" cried the -constable, crossing himself in his terror, for he was as ignorant as a -fool, and as superstitious as a monk. - -Master Arnauld replied only with an infernal leer; but when he thought -he had alarmed Montmorency sufficiently, he said,-- - -"Oh, no, I am not the Devil, Monseigneur. To prove it to you and to -reassure you, I ask you to give me fifty pistoles. Now, if I were the -Devil, should I have any need of money, and couldn't I draw myself out -of all my scrapes with my tail?" - -"That's true," said the constable; "and here are your fifty pistoles." - -"Which I have well earned, Monseigneur, by gaining the confidence of -Vicomte d'Exmès; for although I am not the Devil, I am a bit of a -sorcerer, and have only to don a certain brown doublet, and draw on -certain yellow breeches, to make Vicomte d'Exmès speak to me as if I -were an old friend and a tried confidant." - -"Hm! all this has a smack of the gallows," said the constable. - -"Master Nostradamus, just from seeing me pass in the street, predicted -for me, after one glance at my face, that I should die between heaven -and earth. So I resign myself to my destiny, and devote it to your -interests, Monseigneur. To know that one is to be hung is a priceless -advantage. A man who is sure of meeting his end on the gallows, fears -nothing, not even the gallows themselves. To begin with, I have made -myself the double of Vicomte d'Exmès's squire. I told you that I would -accomplish miracles! Now, do you know, or can you guess, who this -viscount is?" - -"_Parbleu_! a lawless partisan of the Guises." - -"Better than that. The accepted lover of Madame de Castro." - -"What's that you say, villain? How do you know that?" - -"I am the viscount's confidant, as I told you. It is I who generally -carry his notes to the fair one, and bring back the reply. I am on the -best of terms with the lady's maid, who is astonished only to have so -changeable a lover,--bold as a page one day, and the next day as shy as -a nun. The viscount and Madame de Castro meet at the queen's levees -three times a week, and write every day. However, you may believe me or -not, their affection is absolutely pure. Upon my word, I should be -interested for them, if I were not interested for myself. They love each -other like cherubs, and have from childhood, so far as I can make out. I -have opened their letters now and then, and they have really moved me. -Madame Diane is jealous; and of whom, do you suppose, Monseigneur? Of -the queen! But she is altogether wrong, poor child. It may be that the -queen thinks about Monsieur d'Exmès--" - -"Arnauld," the constable interposed, "you are a slanderer!" - -"And that smile of yours is quite as slanderous as my words," replied -the blackguard. "I was saying that while it might well be that the queen -was thinking about the viscount, it is perfectly certain that the -viscount is not thinking about the queen. Their young loves are Arcadian -in their simplicity and perfectly irreproachable, and move me like a -gentle pastoral of ancient Rome or of the days of chivalry; and yet it -doesn't prevent me, God help me, from betraying them for fifty -pistoles, the poor little turtle-doves! But confess, Monseigneur, that -I was right in saying, as I did at first, that I have well earned those -same fifty pistoles." - -"Indeed you have," said the constable; "but once more I ask you how you -have come to be so well informed?" - -"Ah, Monseigneur, pardon me; that is my secret, which you may try to -guess if you choose, but which I certainly shall not disclose. Besides, -my means of information are of little consequence to you (for I alone am -responsible for them, after all) provided you attain your end. Now, your -end is to be informed as to all proceedings and plans which may tend to -injure you; and it seems to me that my revelation of to-day is not -unimportant, and may be of great use to you, Monseigneur." - -"You are quite right, you rascal; but you must continue to play the spy -on this damned viscount." - -"I will, Monseigneur; I am as devoted to you as I am to vice. You will -give me pistoles, and I will give you words, and we shall both be -content. Ah, there's some one coming into the gallery. A woman! The -devil! I must bid you adieu, Monseigneur." - -"Who is it, pray?" asked the constable, whose sight was beginning to -fail. - -"Good Lord! it's Madame de Castro herself, who is going to the king, no -doubt; and it is very important that she should not see me with you, -Monseigneur, although she wouldn't know me in this dress. She is coming -this way, and I must avoid her." - -And he made his escape in the opposite direction from that in which -Diane was coming. - -The constable hesitated a moment; then, making up his mind to satisfy -himself of the accuracy of Arnauld's report, he advanced boldly to meet -Madame d'Angoulême. - -"Were you going to the king's closet, Madame?" said he. - -"I was, Monsieur le Connétable." - -"I am much afraid that you will not find his Majesty disposed to listen -to you, Madame," replied Montmorency, naturally alarmed at this step; -"and the serious news he has received--" - -"Make this just the very most opportune moment for me, Monsieur." - -"And against me, Madame, am I not right? For you have bitter enmity for -us." - -"Alas, Monsieur le Connétable, I have no enmity against anybody in the -world." - -"Have you really nothing in your heart but love?" asked De Montmorency, -in so meaning a tone that Diane Mushed and lowered her eyes. "And it is -on account of that love, no doubt, that you oppose the king's wishes and -the hopes of my son?" - -Diane in her embarrassment held her peace. - -"Arnauld has told me the truth," thought the constable; "and she does -love this handsome triumphal messenger of Monsieur de Guise." - -"Monsieur le Connétable," Diane found strength to say at last, "my duty -calls upon me to yield obedience to the king, but I have the right to -implore my father." - -"And so," said the constable, "you persist in going to find the king." - -"Indeed I do." - -"Oh, well! then I shall go and see Madame de Valentinois, Madame." - -"As you please, Monsieur." - -They bowed, and left the gallery by opposite doors; and as Diane entered -the king's closet, old Montmorency was ushered into the favorite's -apartments. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -THE ACME OF HAPPINESS - - -"Here, Master Martin," said Gabriel to his squire on the same day and -almost at the same hour, "I must go and make my rounds, and shall not -return to the house within two hours. Do you, Martin, in one hour go to -the usual place and wait there for a letter, an important letter, which -Jacinthe will hand you as usual. Don't lose a moment, but make haste to -bring it to me. If I have finished my rounds, I shall be before you, -otherwise await me here. Do you understand?" - -"I understand, Monseigneur, but I have a favor to ask of you." - -"What is it?" - -"Let me have one of the Guards to keep me company, Monseigneur, I -implore you." - -"A guard to keep you company. What is this new madness? What are you -afraid of?" - -"I am afraid of myself," replied Martin, piteously. "It seems, -Monseigneur, that I outdid myself last night! Up to then I had exhibited -myself only as a drunkard and a gambler and a bully; but now I have -become a rake! I whom all Artigues respected for the purity of my morals -and my ingenuous mind! Would you believe, Monseigneur, that I have sunk -so low as to have made an attempt at abduction last night? Yes, at -abduction! I tried by main force to carry off the wife of Gorju, the -iron-monger,--a very lovely woman, so they say. Unfortunately, or -fortunately rather, I was arrested; and if I had not been still in your -employ, and recommended by you, I should have passed the night in -prison. It's infamous!" - -"Well, Martin, were you dreaming when you committed this last prank?" - -"Dreaming! Monseigneur, here is the report. When I read it, I blushed up -to my ears. Yes, there was a time when I believed that all these -infernal performances were frightful nightmares, or that the Devil -amused himself by taking on my form for the purposes of his horrible -nightly deeds. But you undeceived me; and besides, I never see now the -one that I used to take for my shadow. The holy priest in whose hands I -have placed the guidance of my conscience has also undeceived me; and he -who so persistently violates all divine and human laws, the guilty one, -the wretch, the villain, is no doubt myself, judging from what is told -me. So that is what I shall believe henceforth. Like a hen who hatches -out ducklings, my soul has given birth to honest thoughts, which have -resulted in wicked deeds. I should not dare to say except to you that I -am possessed, Monseigneur, because if I did I should be burned alive at -short notice; but it must be, as you can see, that at certain times I -really do have, as they say, the Devil in me." - -"No, no, my poor Martin," said Gabriel, laughing; "but you have been -indulging rather too freely in strong drink for some time, I fancy, and -when you are drunk, why, deuce take it! you see double." - -"But I never drink anything but water, Monseigneur, nothing but water! -Surely this water from the Seine doesn't go to the head--" - -"But, Martin, how about the evening when you were laid under the porch -dead-drunk?" - -"Well, Monseigneur, that evening I went to bed and to sleep, commending -my soul to God; I rose also as virtuous as when I went to bed; and it -was from you and you only that I learned what I had been doing. It was -the same way the night when I wounded that magnificent gendarme, and the -other night of this most shameful assault. And yet I get Jérôme to -shut my door and lock me into my room, and I close the shutters and -fasten them with triple chains; but, _basta_! nothing is of any use. I -must believe that I get up, and that my vicious night-walking existence -begins. In the morning when I wake I ask myself. 'What have I been -doing, I wonder, during my absence last night?' I go down to find out -from you, Monseigneur, or from the district reports, and at once go to -relieve my conscience of these new crimes at the confessional, where I -can no longer obtain absolution, which is rendered impossible by my -everlasting backsliding. My only consolation is to fast and mortify the -flesh part of every day by severe scourging. But I shall die, I foresee -it, in final impenitence." - -"Rather believe, Martin, that this evil spirit will be appeased, and -that you will become once more the discreet and sober Martin of other -days. Meanwhile, obey your master, and faithfully discharge the -commission with which he intrusts you. But how can you ask me to allow -you to have any one with you? You know very well that all this business -must be kept secret, and that you alone are in my confidence." - -"Be sure, Monseigneur, that I will do my utmost to satisfy you. But I -cannot answer for myself, I warn you beforehand." - -"Oh, this is too much, Martin! Why do you say so?" - -"Don't be impatient on account of my absence, Monseigneur. I think that -I am there, and I am here; that I will do this, and I do that. The other -day, having thirty _Paters_ and thirty _Aves_ to say for penance, I -determined to triple the dose so as to mortify my spirit by tiring -myself beyond endurance; and I remained or thought that I remained in -the church of St. Gervais telling my beads for two hours and more. Oh, -well! when I got back here I learned that you had sent me to carry a -letter, and that in proof of it I had brought back a reply; and the next -day Dame Jacinthe--another fine woman, alas!--complained of me for -having been rather free with her the day before. And that has happened -three times, Monseigneur; and you wish me to be sure of myself after my -imagination has played me such tricks as that? No, no, I am not -sufficiently master of myself for that; and although the blessed water -does not burn my fingers, still there are times when there is somebody -else than Master Martin in my skin." - -"Well, I will run the risk," said Gabriel, losing his patience; "and -since you have, at all events up to now, whether you have been at church -or in the Rue Froid-Manteau, skilfully and faithfully acquitted yourself -of the trust I have imposed upon you, you will do the same to-day; and -let me tell you, if you need such a stimulus to your zeal, that in this -letter you will bring me my happiness or my despair." - -"Oh, Monseigneur, my devotion to you doesn't need to be worked upon, I -assure you; and if it wasn't for these devilish substitutions--" - -"What! are you going to begin again?" Gabriel interrupted. "I must go; -and do you start too in about an hour, and don't forget a single point -of my instructions. One word more: you know that for several days past I -have been anxiously expecting my nurse Aloyse out of Normandy; and you -understand that if she comes while I am away, you must give her the room -adjoining mine, and make her as welcome as if she were in her own house. -You will remember?" - -"Yes, Monseigneur." - -"Come, then, Martin, we must be prompt to act, and discreet, and, above -all, not lose our presence of mind." - -Martin replied only with a repressed sigh; and Gabriel left his house in -the Rue des Jardins. - -He came back two hours later, as he had said, absorbed and preoccupied. -As he entered, he saw only Martin, rushed up to him, seized the letter -which he had expected with so much impatience, made a gesture of -dismissal, and read:-- - - -"Let us thank God, Gabriel," said this letter; "the king has yielded, -and our happiness is assured. You must have learned of the arrival of -the herald from England, bearing a declaration of war in the name of -Queen Mary, and of the great preparations in Flanders. These events, -threatening for France, perhaps, are favorable to our love, Gabriel, -since they add to the influence of the young Duc de Guise, and tend to -lower that of old Montmorency. The king, however, still hesitated; but I -implored him, Gabriel: I said that I had found you again, and that you -were noble and valiant; and I told him your name--so much the worse! The -king, without promising anything, said that he would reflect; that after -all, when the affairs of State became less urgent, it would be cruel in -him to compromise my happiness; and that he could make some amends to -François de Montmorency with which he would have to be content. He has -promised nothing, but he will do everything, Gabriel. Oh, you will learn -to love him, as I do, this kind father of mine, who is going to bring to -pass all the dreams we have dreamed these last six years! I have so much -to say to you, and these written words are so cold! Listen, my friend, -come to-night at six o'clock during the council. Jacinthe will bring you -to me, and we will have a good long hour to talk of the bright future -which is opening before us. But I can foresee that this Flanders -campaign will claim you, and that you must make it, alas! to serve the -king and to deserve my hand,--mine, who love you so dearly. For I do -love you, _mon Dieu_, I do! Why should I try now to conceal it from you? -Come to me, then, so that I may see if you are as happy as your Diane." - - -"Oh, yes, indeed I am happy!" cried Gabriel, aloud, when he had finished -the letter; "and what is lacking to my happiness now?" - -"The presence of your old nurse, no doubt," unexpectedly replied Aloyse, -who had been sitting motionless and silent in the shadow. - -"Aloyse!" cried Gabriel, rushing to her and embracing her: "oh, Aloyse, -my dear old nurse, if you only knew how I wanted you! How are you? You -have not changed a bit. Kiss me again. I have not changed any more than -you, in heart at least,--the heart that loves you so. I was worried to -death at your delay: ask Martin. And why have you kept me waiting so -long?" - -"The recent storms, Monseigneur, have washed away the roads; and if I -had not been in so great a state of excitement over your letter that it -made me brave enough to venture in spite of obstacles of every sort, I -should not have been here yet." - -"Oh, you did very well to make such haste, Aloyse, you did very well; -for really what good is it to be so happy all by one's self? Do you see -this letter I have just received? It is from Diane, your other child, -and she tells me--do you know what she tells me?--that the obstacles -which stood in the way of our love may be removed; that the king will no -longer require her to marry François de Montmorency; and last and best -of all, that Diane loves me,--yes, that she loves me! And you are at -hand to hear all this, Aloyse; so tell me, am I not really at the very -acme of happiness?" - -"But suppose, Monseigneur," said Aloyse, maintaining the grave and -melancholy tone she had assumed at first, "suppose that you had to give -up Madame de Castro?" - -"Impossible, Aloyse! and just when these difficulties have smoothed -themselves all out!" - -"Difficulties created by man may always be overcome," said the nurse; -"but not so with those which God interposes, Monseigneur. You know -whether I love you, and whether I would not give my life to spare yours -the mere shadow of trouble; well, then, suppose I say to you: 'Without -asking for the reason, Monseigneur, give up all thoughts of Madame de -Castro, cease to see her, and crush out this passion for her by every -means in your power. A fearful secret, which in your own interest I -implore you not to ask me to disclose, lies between you two, to keep you -apart.' Suppose I should say this to you, begging you on my knees to do -as I asked, what would your reply be, Monseigneur?" - -"If it were my life which you asked me to destroy, Aloyse, without -asking for the reason, I would gratify you. But my love is a matter -outside my own will, nurse, for it also comes from God." - -"Oh, good Lord!" cried the nurse, joining her hands, "he blasphemes. -But you see that he knows not what he does, so pardon him, good Lord!" - -"But you terrify me; don't keep me so long in this deathly anguish, -Aloyse, but whatever you would or ought to tell me, speak, speak, I -implore you!" - -"Do you wish it, Monseigneur? Must I really reveal to you the secret -which I have sworn before God to keep, but which God Himself to-day bids -me keep no longer? Well, then, Monseigneur, you are deceived; you must -be, do you hear, it is absolutely necessary that you should be deceived -as to the nature of the sentiment which Diane inspires in you. It is not -desire and passion (oh, no! be sure that it is not), but it is a serious -and devoted affection, due to her need of the protecting hand of a -friend and brother,--nothing more tender or more absorbing than that, -Monseigneur." - -"But you are wrong, Aloyse; the fascinating beauty of Diane--" - -"I am not wrong," Aloyse made haste to say, "and you will soon agree -with me; for the proof of what I say will soon be as clear to you as to -myself. Know, then, that in all human probability Madame de -Castro--courage, my dear boy!--Madame de Castro is your sister!" - -"My sister!" cried Gabriel, leaping from his chair as if he were on -springs. "My sister!" he repeated, almost beside himself. "How can it be -that the daughter of the king and Madame de Valentinois should be my -sister?" - -"Monseigneur, Diane de Castro was born in May, 1539, was she not? Comte -Jacques de Montgommery, your father, disappeared in January of the same -year; and do you know of what he was suspected? Do you know what the -accusation was against him, your father? That he was the favored lover -of Madame Diane de Poitiers, and the successful rival of the dauphin, -who is to-day King of France. Now, compare the dates, Monseigneur." - -"Heavens and earth!" cried Gabriel. "But let us see, let us see," he -went on, making a supreme effort to collect his senses; "my father was -accused, but who proved that the accusation had any basis in fact? Diane -was born five months after my fathers death; but how does that prove -that she is not the daughter of the king, who loves her as his own -child?" - -"The king may be mistaken, just as I too may be mistaken, Monseigneur; -remember that I didn't say, 'Diane is your sister!' But it is probable -that she is; or if you choose, it is possible that she may be. Is it any -less my duty, my horribly painful duty, to give you this information, -Gabriel? I am right to do it, am I not? for you wouldn't give her up -without it. Now let your conscience decide as to your love; and may God -guide your conscience!" - -"Oh, but this uncertainty is a million times more horrible than the -calamity itself," said Gabriel. "_Mon Dieu_! who can solve this doubt -for me?" - -"The secret has been known to only two persons on earth, Monseigneur," -said Aloyse; "and there have been but two human beings who could have -answered you: your father, who is buried in an unknown tomb, and Madame -de Valentinois, who will not be likely to confess, I imagine, that she -has deceived the king, and that her daughter is not his." - -"Yes; and in any event, if I do not love my own father's daughter," said -Gabriel, "I love the daughter of my father's murderer! For it is the -king, it is Henri II., on whom I must wreak vengeance for the death of -my father, is it not, Aloyse?" - -"Who knows but God?" replied the nurse. - -"Confusion and darkness, doubt and terror everywhere!" cried Gabriel. -"Oh, I shall go mad, nurse! But no," continued the brave youth, "I must -not go mad yet; I must not! I will in the first place exhaust every -possible means of learning the truth. I will go to Madame de -Valentinois, and will demand from her the secret, which I will sacredly -keep. She is a good and devout Catholic, and I will obtain from her an -oath which will make me sure of her sincerity. I will go to Catherine de -Médicis, who may perhaps know something. I will go to Diane, too, and -with my hand on my heart will ask the question of my heart-beats. I -would go to my father's tomb, if I but knew where it lies, Aloyse, and I -would call upon him with a voice so potent that he would rise from the -dead to reply to me." - -"Poor dear child!" whispered Aloyse, "so brave and strong, even after -this fearful blow; and showing such a bold front to such a cruel fate!" - -"And I will not lose a moment about going to work," said Gabriel, rising -with a sort of feverish animation. "It is now four o'clock; in half an -hour I shall be with Madame la Sénéchale; an hour later with the -queen; and at six at the rendezvous where Diane awaits me; and when I -see you again this evening, Aloyse, I may perhaps have lifted a corner -of this gloomy veil in which my destiny is now shrouded. Farewell till -evening." - -"And I, Monseigneur, can I do nothing to help you in this formidable -undertaking?" - -"You can pray to God for me, Aloyse." - -"For you and Diane, yes, Monseigneur." - -"Pray for the king, too, Aloyse," said Gabriel, darkly, and he left the -room precipitately. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -DIANE DE POITIERS - - -The Constable de Montmorency was still with Diane de Poitiers, and was -addressing her in a loud voice, as rough and imperious with her as she -had shown herself sweet and gentle with him. - -"Well, after all, she is your daughter, isn't she?" he was saying; "and -you have the same rights and the same authority over her as the king -has. Demand that this marriage take place!" - -"But you must remember, my good friend, that having hitherto shown her -very little of a mother's affection I can hardly hope to exert a -mother's authority over her, and to chastise where I have never -caressed. We are, as you know, Madame d'Angoulême and myself, on very -cool terms with each other; and in spite of her advances at first, we -have only met at very long intervals. Besides, she has succeeded in -gaining a very great personal influence over the king's mind; and in -truth, I should find it hard to say which of us two is the more powerful -at this moment. What you ask me to do, my friend, is very difficult, not -to say impossible. Lay aside all thought of this marriage, and let us -replace it by a still more brilliant alliance. The king has betrothed -his little Jeanne to Charles de Mayenne; we will induce him to bestow -little Marguerite's hand on your son." - -"My son sleeps in a bed and not in a cradle," replied the constable; -"and how, I should like to know, could a young girl, just learning to -talk, add to the fortunes of my family? Madame de Castro, on the other -hand, has, as you have just reminded me most opportunely, a vast -personal influence over the king; and that is why I wish her for my -daughter-in-law. _Mon Dieu_! it is a most extraordinary thing that when -a gentleman who bears the name of the foremost noble in Christendom -stoops to wed a bastard, he should meet with so many obstructions in -carrying out the _mésalliance_. Madame, you are no more the king's -favorite for nothing than I am your lover for nothing. In spite of -Madame de Castro, in spite of this fop who adores her, in spite of the -king himself, I insist that this marriage shall take place,--I insist -upon it." - -"Oh, very well, my friend," replied Diane de Poitiers, meekly, "I agree -to do the possible and impossible to help you to attain your ends. What -more do you want me to say? But at least tell me that you will be kinder -to me, and will not rage and storm at me so, cruel one!" - -And with her lovely red lips the beautiful duchess lightly touched old -Anne's rough grizzled beard, while he grumblingly submitted to the -caress. - -For such was this singular passion, inexplicable except on the theory of -extraordinary depravity, which was nourished by the idolized favorite of -a handsome young monarch for an old graybeard who abused her. -Montmorency's rough brutality made amends to her for Henri's -love-making; and she took more delight in being ill-treated by the one -than in being petted and caressed by the other. Prodigious caprice of -the feminine heart! Anne de Montmorency was neither clever nor -brilliant; and he was, on very good grounds, reputed to be covetous and -stingy. The inhuman punishments he had inflicted upon the rebellious -population of Bordeaux had of themselves attached a sort of hateful -notoriety to his name. He was brave, it is true; but that quality is -common in France, and he had up to this time hardly ever been fortunate -in the battles in which he had taken part. At the victories of Ravenna -and Marignan, where he had held no command, he had not made himself -conspicuous above the common herd; at Bicocque, where he was colonel of -the Swiss Guards, he had let his regiment be almost cut to pieces; and -at Pavia he was taken prisoner. His military celebrity had not since -been increased, and St. Laurent had made a pitiable ending to it. -Without the favor of Henri II., inspired, no doubt, by Diane de -Poitiers, he would not have risen above the second place in the king's -council any more than in the army; and yet Diane loved him, coddled him, -and obeyed him in everything, being at once the favorite of a manly, -handsome young monarch and the slave of a ridiculous old veteran. - -Just at this moment there was a discreet knock at the door; and a page, -entering at Madame de Valentinois's summons, announced that Vicomte -d'Exmès earnestly begged to be allowed a very brief audience of the -duchess on a most serious matter. - -"The lover himself!" cried the constable. "What can he want of you, -Diane? Can he possibly have come to ask you for your daughter's hand?" - -"Shall I allow him to come in?" meekly asked the favorite. - -"Of course, of course; this incident may help us. But let him wait a -moment. Just one word more between ourselves." - -Diane de Poitiers gave orders accordingly to the page, who left the -room. - -"If Vicomte d'Exmès comes to you, Diane," the constable went on, "it -must be because some unexpected difficulties have arisen; and it must be -a very desperate emergency to drive him to resort to so desperate a -remedy. Now, listen carefully to what I say; and if you follow my -instructions to the letter, I will answer for it that your hazardous -interference with the king in this matter will be quite unnecessary. -Diane, whatever the viscount asks at your hands, refuse it. If he asks -what path he shall take, send him in the opposite direction to that in -which he wishes to go. If he wants you to say 'yes,' say 'no;' but say -'yes' if he hopes for a negative answer. Be contemptuous with him, and -haughty and ill-tempered, the worthy daughter of the fairy Mélusine, -from whom you of the family of Poitiers are said to have descended. Do -you understand me, Diane, and will you do as I say?" - -"In every respect, my dear Constable." - -"Then my fine fellow's threads will be considerably tangled, I fancy. -The poor fool, thus to walk right into the jaws of the--" he started to -say "she-wolf," but caught himself--"into the jaws of the waives. I -leave him to you, Diane; and you must give me a good account of this -handsome claimant. Till this evening!" - -He condescended to kiss Diane's brow, and went out. Vicomte d'Exmès was -ushered in by another door. - -Gabriel saluted Diane most respectfully, while she responded with an -impertinent nod. But Gabriel, buckling on his armor for this unequal -combat of burning passion against frigid vanity, began calmly enough:-- - -"Madame," said he, "the step which I have ventured to take with -reference to you is a bold one, no doubt, and may seem mad. But -sometimes in one's life circumstances come to light of such serious -moment as to lift us above the ordinary conventions and every day -scruples. Now, I am involved in one of these terrible crises of my -destiny, Madame. I, who speak to you, have come to put my life in your -hands; and if you let it fall, it will be broken forever." - -Madame de Valentinois made not the least sign of encouragement. With her -body bent forward, resting her chin on her hand, and her elbow on her -knee, she gazed at Gabriel with a look of wonder mingled with weariness. - -"Madame," he resumed, trying to shake off the gloomy effect of this -feigned indifference, "you either know or do not know that I love Madame -de Castro. I love her, Madame, with a deep, ardent, overpowering love." - -"What is that to me?" seemed to say Diane de Poitiers's careless smile. - -"I speak to you of this love which fills my whole soul, Madame, to -explain my saying that I ought to understand and excuse, yes, even -admire, the blind fatalities and insatiable demands of an engrossing -passion. So far from blaming it, as the common people do, or of pulling -it to pieces like the philosophers, or of condemning it like the -priests, I kneel before it and adore it as a blessing from the Most -High. It makes the heart into which it enters purer and more noble and -divine; and did not Jesus Himself consecrate it when He said to Mary -Magdalene that she was blessed above all other women for having loved so -well?" - -Diane de Poitiers changed her position, and with eyes half closed -stretched herself out carelessly on her couch. - -"I wonder how much longer his sermon is going to last," she was -thinking. - -"Thus you see, Madame," continued Gabriel, "that love is in my eyes a -holy thing, and more than that, it is omnipotent. If the husband of -Madame de Castro were living still, I should love her just the same, and -should not even try to overcome the irresistible impulse. It is only a -false love which can be subdued; and true love no more flees from itself -than it commands its own beginning. So, Madame, you yourself, chosen and -beloved by the greatest king in the world,--you ought not to be, on that -account, out of all danger of contracting a sincere passion; and if you -had been unable to resist it, I should pity you and envy you, but I -would not condemn you." - -Still unbroken silence on the part of the Duchesse de Valentinois. -Amused astonishment was the only emotion expressed upon her face. -Gabriel went on with still more warmth, as if to melt this brazen heart -with the flames that were seething in his own. - -"A king falls in love with your adorable beauty, as may well be -imagined. You are touched by his affection; but may it not be that your -heart does not respond to it, much as it would like to do so? Alas! yes. -But standing near the king, a handsome gentleman, gallant and devoted, -sees you and loves you; and this more obscure but not less powerful -passion meets a response in your heart, which has not opened to admit -the thought of a king. But are you not a queen too, a queen of beauty, -just as the king who loves you is king in power? Are you not as -independent and free as he? Is it titles which win hearts? Who could -prevent you from having for one day, for one hour even, in your kind and -loving heart, preferred the subject to the master? It is not I, at all -events, who would have so little sympathy with lofty sentiments as to -esteem it a crime in Diane de Poitiers that being beloved of Henri II., -she had loved the Comte de Montgommery." - -Diane, at this home-thrust, made a sudden movement and half rose from -her seat, opening her great bright eyes to their fullest extent. Too few -persons at court knew her secret for her not to have felt a shock at -these words of Gabriel. - -"Have you any substantial proof of this love that you prate of?" she -asked, not without a shade of anxiety in her tone. - -"I have nothing but moral certainty of it, Madame," replied Gabriel; -"but I have that." - -"Ah!" said she, resuming her insolent pouting. "Well, then, it is all -the same to me if I confess the truth to you. Yes, I did love the Comte -de Montgommery. And what next?" - -But next, Gabriel had no more positive knowledge, and could only stumble -about in the darkness of conjecture. However, he continued:-- - -"You loved Jacques de Montgommery, Madame, and I venture to say that you -still love his memory; for if he disappeared from the face of the earth, -it was on your account and for your sake. Very well! it is in his name -that I come to beg your indulgence, and to ask you a question which will -seem to you, I say again, very presumptuous; but I also repeat that your -reply, if you are good enough to reply, will arouse only gratitude and -worship in my heart, for upon your reply my life hangs. Again I repeat -that if you do not refuse to answer me, I will be henceforward at your -service, body and soul; and the most firmly established power in the -world may sometime be in need of a devoted heart and hand, Madame." - -"Go on, Monsieur," said the duchess, "and let us get at this terrible -question." - -"I ought to ask it of you on my knees, Madame," said Gabriel, suiting -the action to the word. - -And then he resumed with beating heart and faltering voice,-- - -"Madame, it was in the course of the year 1538 that you loved the Comte -de Montgommery, was it not?" - -"Possibly," said Diane; "and then?" - -"It was in January, 1539, that the Comte de Montgommery disappeared, and -in May, 1539, that Madame Diane de Castro was born?" - -"Well?" asked Diane. - -"Well, Madame!" said Gabriel, so low that she could hardly hear him, -"there lies the secret which at your feet I implore you to divulge to -me,--the secret on which my fate depends, and which shall die with me, -believe me, if you will deign to reveal it to me. On the crucifix which -hangs above your head, I swear it, Madame; I will yield up my life -rather than your confidence. And besides, you will always be able to -prove me a liar, for your word would be believed before mine; and I ask -you for no proof, but for your word alone. Madame, Madame, was Jacques -de Montgommery the father of Diane de Castro?" - -"Oho!" said Diane, with a contemptuous laugh, "that is rather a bold -question; and you were quite right to precede it with such a lengthy -preamble. But never fear, Monsieur, I bear you no ill-will for it. You -have interested me like a riddle, and now you interest me still more; -for what is it to you, pray, Monsieur d'Exmès, whether Madame -d'Angoulême be the child of the king or the count? The king is supposed -to be her father, and that should satisfy your ambition, if you are -ambitious. Why do you draw me into it; and what claim have you to thus -question me about the past to no purpose? You have a reason, no doubt; -but what is the reason?" - -"I have a reason indeed, Madame," said Gabriel; "but I conjure you not -to ask it of me for mercy's sake!" - -"Oh, yes," said Diane, "you want to know my secrets and to keep yours to -yourself. That would be a very advantageous thing for you, no doubt!" - -Gabriel detached the ivory crucifix which surmounted the carved oak -_prie-Dieu_ behind Diane's couch. - -"By your everlasting salvation, Madame," said he, "swear to keep silent -as to what I tell you, and to make no use of it to my disadvantage!" - -"Such an oath as that!" said Diane. - -"Yes, Madame, for I know you to be a zealous and devout Catholic: and if -you swear by your everlasting salvation, I will believe you." - -"And suppose I decline to swear?" - -"I shall hold my peace, Madame, and you will have refused to save my -life." - -"Do you know, Monsieur," replied Diane, "that you have strangely aroused -my woman's curiosity'? Yes, the mystery with which you so tragically -surround yourself attracts me and tempts me, I confess. You have -triumphed over my imagination to that extent, I tell you frankly; and I -did not suppose that any one could so pique my curiosity. If I swear, it -is, I give you fair warning, so that I may learn more about you. From -curiosity, pure and simple, I agree to do it." - -"And I too, Madame," said Gabriel, "I implore you thus, so that I may -learn more; but my curiosity is that of the criminal awaiting his -death-sentence. Bitter and fearful curiosity, as you see! Will you take -this oath, Madame?" - -"Say you the words, and I will say them after you, Monsieur." - -And Diane said, after Gabriel, the following words: - -"By my salvation, in this life and the next, I swear to reveal to no one -on earth the secret which you are about to impart to me, and never to -make any use of it to injure you, and to act in all ways just as if I -had never known it, and never should know it." - -"Very well," said Gabriel, "and I thank you for this first proof of your -condescension. Now, in two words, you shall know all: my name is Gabriel -de Montgommery, and Jacques de Montgommery was my father!" - -"Your father!" cried Diane, springing to her feet in a state of -stupefied excitement. - -"So that if Diane de Castro is the count's daughter," said Gabriel, -"Diane de Castro, whom I love, or whom I thought that I loved to -distraction, is my sister!" - -"Ah, I see," replied Diane de Poitiers, recovering herself a bit.--"This -will be the constable's salvation," she thought to herself. - -"Now, Madame," continued Gabriel, pale but firm, "are you willing to do -me the further favor of swearing, as before, upon this crucifix, that -Madame de Castro is King Henri II.'s daughter? You do not reply? Oh, why -do you not reply. Madame?" - -"Because I cannot take that oath, Monsieur." - -"Ah, _mon Dieu, mon Dieu_! Diane is my father's child, then?" cried -Gabriel, tottering. - -"I did not say that! I will never assent to that!" cried Madame de -Valentinois; "Diane de Castro is the king's daughter." - -"Oh, really, Madame? Oh, how kind you are!" said Gabriel. "But, pardon -me! Your own interest may induce you to say so. So swear it, Madame, -swear it! In the name of your child, who will bless you for it, oh, -swear it!" - -"I will not swear," said the duchess. "Why should I?" - -"But, Madame," said Gabriel, "this very moment you took the same oath -simply to gratify your vulgar curiosity, as you told me yourself; and -now, when a man's very life is at stake, when by saying these few words, -you might rescue two souls from the bottomless pit, you ask, 'Why should -I say these words?'" - -"But I will not swear, Monsieur," said Diane, coldly and decidedly. - -"And if I should marry Madame de Castro notwithstanding, Madame, and if -Madame de Castro is my sister, don't you think that the crime will -rebound upon you?" - -"No," replied Diane, "not when I have not taken my oath to it." - -"Oh, horrible! horrible!" cried Gabriel. "But consider, Madame, that I -can tell everywhere that you loved the Comte de Montgommery, and were -false to the king, and that I, the count's son, am certain of it." - -"Mere moral certainty, without proofs," said Diane, with a wicked smile, -having resumed her air of impertinent and haughty indifference. "I will -say that you lie, Monsieur; and you told me yourself that when you -affirm and I deny, you will not be the one to be believed. Consider, -too, that I can say to the king that you have presumed to make love to -me, threatening to circulate slanders about me if I didn't yield to -you. And then you will be lost, Monsieur Gabriel de Montgommery. But -pardon me," said she, rising; "I must leave you, Monsieur. You have -really entertained me exceedingly, and your story is a very singular -one." - -She struck a bell, to summon a servant. - -"Oh, this is infamous!" cried Gabriel, beating his brow with his -clinched fists. "Oh, why are you a woman, or why am I a man? But, -nevertheless, take care, Madame! for you shall not play with my heart -and my life with impunity; and God will punish you, and avenge me for -what you have done,--for this infamy, I say it again!" - -"Do you think so?" said Diane. And she accompanied her words with a dry, -mocking little laugh which was peculiar to her. - -At this moment, the page whom she had called raised the tapestry -curtain. She gave Gabriel a mocking salute and left the room. - -"Well, well!" said she to herself, "my good constable is decidedly in -luck. Dame Fortune is like me,--she loves him. Why the devil do we love -him?" - -Gabriel followed her out, mad with rage and grief. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -CATHERINE DE MÉDICIS - - -But Gabriel was strong and brave of heart, and filled with steadfast -resolution. After the consternation of the first moments had abated, he -shook off his despondency, held his head aloft once more, and requested -an audience of the queen. - -Catherine de Médicis had no doubt heard of this mysterious tragedy of -her husband and the Comte de Montgommery; in fact, who knows that she -did not herself play a part in it. At that time she was hardly more than -twenty years old. Was it not likely that the jealousy of a beautiful but -abandoned young wife would cause her to keep her eyes constantly open to -every act and every misstep of her rival? Gabriel relied upon her memory -to throw light upon the darkness of the path along which he was groping -his way, but where he was so much interested in having his course made -clear to him both as lover and as son, for his happiness' sake or for -his revenge. - -Catherine received Vicomte d'Exmès with that marked kindness which she -had not failed to show him on every occasion. - -"Is it you, my handsome king of the lists?" said she. "To what happy -chance do I owe this welcome visit? You very seldom honor us, Monsieur -d'Exmès; and I think this is the very first time that you have sought -an audience of us in our apartments. But you are and always will be a -welcome guest, remember that." - -"Madame," said Gabriel. "I do not know how to thank you for such -kindness; rest assured that my devotion--" - -"Oh, never mind your devotion!" interposed the queen; "but let us come -to the object which brings you here. Can I serve you in any way?" - -"Yes, Madame, I think that you can." - -"So much the better, Monsieur d'Exmès," replied Catherine, with a most -engaging smile; "and if what you ask of me lies in my power, I promise -beforehand to grant it. That may be rather a compromising agreement, -perhaps, but I know you will not make an unfair use of it, my good -friend." - -"God forbid, Madame! I have no such intention." - -"Go on, then, and tell me," said the queen, sighing. - -"It is information, Madame, that I have ventured to seek from -you,--nothing more. But to me this nothing is everything; so you will -excuse me, I know, for recalling memories which may be painful to your -Majesty. They relate to something which happened as long ago as the year -1539." - -"Oh, dear, I was very young then,--almost a child," said the queen. - -"But already very lovely, and most surely worthy of being loved," -replied Gabriel. - -"Some people used to say so," said the queen, delighted at the turn the -conversation was taking. - -"And yet," Gabriel went on, "another woman dared to encroach upon the -right which was yours by the gift of God, and by your birth and beauty; -and not content with drawing away from you, by witchery and enchantment, -no doubt, the eyes and the heart of a husband who was too young to see -clearly, this woman betrayed him who had betrayed you, and loved the -Comte de Montgommery. But in your righteous contempt you may have -forgotten all this, Madame?" - -"By no means," said the queen; "and this incident, with all the -intrigues dating from it, is very clear still in my mind. Yes, she loved -the Comte de Montgommery; and then, seeing that her passion was -discovered, she basely pretended that it was a mere feint to put the -dauphin's affection for her to the proof; and when Montgommery -disappeared, poor fellow,--made away with, perhaps, by her own -order,--she never shed a tear for him, but appeared at a ball the next -day, laughing and gay. Oh, yes, I shall always remember the first -schemes by means of which this woman undermined my new-born power; for I -was annoyed by them then, and I passed my days and my nights weeping. -But since then my pride has come to my aid. I have always fulfilled my -duty, and more too: I have compelled, by my dignified conduct, -consistent and constant respect for myself as wife, as mother, and as -queen. I have given seven children to the King of France; but now I love -my husband only with a tranquil sort of affection, as a friend and the -father of my sons, and I no longer recognize in him any right to demand -any tenderer emotion. My life has been devoted to the public good long -enough; and may I not now live a little for myself? Have I not bought my -happiness sufficiently dear? If the devotion of some young and -passionate heart should be laid at my feet, would it be a crime in me if -I did not spurn it, Gabriel?" - -Catherine's glances were quite in keeping with her words; but Gabriel's -thoughts were elsewhere. As soon as the queen had ceased to speak of his -father, he had ceased to listen, and had lost himself in thought. This -revery, which Catherine interpreted as being in accord with her own -wishes, by no means displeased her. But Gabriel soon broke the silence. - -"One last explanation, and the most serious of all," said he. "You are -so kind to me! I was sure that in coming to you I should be entirely -satisfied. You have spoken of devotion; you may count absolutely on -mine, Madame. But complete your work, for Heaven's sake! Since you knew -the details of this tragic incident in the life of the Comte de -Montgommery, do you know whether there was any doubt at the time that -Madame de Castro, who was born some months after the count's -disappearance, was really the king's daughter? Did not the tongue of -scandal, of calumny, I may say, set afloat suspicion in that direction -and ascribe to Monsieur de Montgommery the paternity of Diane?" - -Catherine de Médicis looked at Gabriel for some time without a word, as -if to satisfy herself of the feeling which had dictated his words. She -thought she had discovered it, and began to smile. - -"I have noticed," she said, "that you have been attracted by Madame de -Castro, and have been assiduously paying court to her. Now I see your -motive. Only, before you commit yourself, you wish to be sure, do you -not, that you are following no false scent, and that it is really a -daughter of the king to whom you are offering your homage? You don't -wish, after you have married the legitimatized daughter of Henri II., to -discover some fine day unexpectedly that your wife is the Comte de -Montgommery's illegitimate child? In a word, you are ambitious, Monsieur -d'Exmès. Don't protest, for it only makes me esteem you the more; and -more than that, it may be of advantage to my plans for you, rather than -detrimental to them. You are ambitious, are you not?" - -"But, Madame," replied Gabriel, in great embarrassment, "perhaps it -amounts to that--" - -"Very good; I see that I have guessed your secret, young gentleman," -said the queen. "Well, then! Are you willing to believe a friend? In the -interest of these plans of yours, lay aside your views touching this -Diane. Give up this doll-faced chit. I don't know, to tell the truth, -whose daughter she is, whether king's or count's, and the last -supposition may very well be the true one; but if she were born of the -king, she is not the woman or the support that you stand in need of. -Madame d'Angoulême's is a weak and yielding nature, all feeling and -grace, if you please, but without force or energy or courage. She has -succeeded in winning the king's good graces, I agree; but she hasn't the -tact to take advantage of them. What you need, Gabriel, to help you to -the fulfilment of your noble dreams, is a virile and courageous heart, -which will assist you as it loves you, which will serve you and be -served by you, and which will fill both your heart and your life. Such -a heart you have found without being aware of it. Vicomte d'Exmès." - -He looked at her in utter amazement; but she continued, warming to her -subject:-- - -"Listen: our lofty destiny makes us queens free from the observance of -the proprieties enjoined upon the common herd; and from our supreme -height if we wish to be the object of the affection of a subject, we -must take some steps forward ourselves, and extend a welcoming hand. -Gabriel, you are handsome, brave, ardent, and proud! Since the first -moment that I saw you I have felt for you a strange sentiment, and--I am -not in error, am I?--your words and your looks, and even this very -proceeding to-day, which is perhaps only a well-planned -détour,--everything combines to make me believe that I have not to do -with an ingrate." - -"Madame!" said Gabriel, whose surprise had changed to alarm. - -"Oh, yes, you are touched and surprised, I see," continued Catherine, -with her sweetest smile. "But you do not judge me harshly, do you, for -my necessary frankness? I say again, the queen must make excuses for the -woman. You are shy, with all your ambition, Monsieur d'Exmès; and if I -had been withheld by scruples which would be beneath me, I might have -been deprived of a devotion which is very precious to me. I much -preferred to be the first to speak. Come, then! collect yourself once -more. Am I such a very terrible object?" - -"Oh, yes!" muttered Gabriel, pale and trembling. - -But the queen entirely misinterpreted the meaning of his exclamation. - -"Come, come!" said she, with a playful pretence of misgiving. "I have -not deprived you of your good sense yet, so far as to make you lose -sight of your own interests, as you proved by the questions you put to -me on the subject of Madame d'Angoulême. But set your mind at ease, for -I do not desire your abasement, I say again, but your elevation. -Gabriel, up to this time I have kept myself out of sight in the second -rank; but do you know, I shall soon shine in the first. Madame Diane de -Poitiers is no longer young enough to preserve her beauty and her -supremacy. On the day when that creature's prestige begins to wane, my -reign will begin; and mark well that I shall know how to reign, Gabriel. -The instincts of domination which I feel at work in me assure me of it; -and then, too, it is in the very Médicis blood. The king will learn -some day that he has no more clever adviser, none more skilful and more -experienced, than myself. And then, Gabriel, when that time comes, to -what heights may not that man aspire who linked his fortune with mine -when mine was still in the shadow; who loved in me the woman, not the -queen? Will not the mistress of the whole realm be able to recompense -worthily the man who devoted himself to Catherine? Will not this man be -her second self, her right arm, the real king, with a mere phantom of a -king above him? Will he not hold in his hand all the dignity and all the -might of France? A fair dream, is it not, Gabriel? Well, Gabriel, do you -choose to be that man?" - -She valiantly held out her hand to him. - -Gabriel kneeled at her feet and kissed that lovely white hand; but his -nature was too frank and loyal to allow him to involve himself in the -tricks and falsehoods of a simulated passion. Between deceit and danger -he was too honest and too bold to hesitate a moment, so raising his -noble head, he said,-- - -"Madame, the humble gentleman who is at your feet begs you to look upon -him as your most obedient servant and your most devoted subject; but--" - -"But," said Catherine, smiling, "these are not the worshipful terms -which I require of you, my noble cavalier." - -"And yet, Madame," continued Gabriel, "I cannot make use of any more -tender and affectionate words in addressing you, for--pardon me, I -beg--she whom I loved dearly before I ever saw you is Madame Diane de -Castro; and no love, even though it be the love of a queen, can ever -find a resting-place in this heart, which is always filled with the -image of another." - -"Ah!" exclaimed Catherine, with colorless cheeks and tightly closed -lips. - -Gabriel, with head cast down, waited manfully for the storm of -indignation and scorn which was impending over him. Scorn and -indignation are not apt to be long in coming, and after a few moments of -silence,-- - -"Do you know, Monsieur d'Exmès," said Catherine, struggling to keep -down her voice and her anger,--"do you know that I consider you very -bold, not to say impudent! Who spoke to you of love, Monsieur? Where did -you get the idea that I wished to tempt your bashful virtue? You must -have a most exalted and presumptuous opinion of your own deserts to dare -to think of such things, and to put such a hasty construction upon a -kindness of heart whose only mistake was in bestowing itself in an -undeserving quarter. You have very deeply injured a woman and a queen, -Monsieur!" - -"Oh, Madame," replied Gabriel, "pray believe that my religious -veneration--" - -"Enough!" Catherine interposed; "I know that you have insulted me, and -that you came here to insult me! Why are you here? What purpose directed -your steps? Of what importance to me are your love and Madame de Castro, -or any of your concerns? You came to seek information from me! Absurd -pretext! You desired to make a queen of France the confidante of your -passion! It is senseless, I tell you! worse than that, it is an -outrage!" - -"No, Madame," replied Gabriel, standing proudly erect, "it is no outrage -to have met an honest man who chose to wound you rather than deceive -you." - -"Hold your peace, Monsieur!" replied Catherine; "I command you to hold -your peace and to leave me. Consider yourself lucky if I do not yet -think best to divulge to the king your audacious offence. But never let -me see you again, and henceforth consider Catherine de Médicis your -bitter enemy. Yes, I shall come across you again, be sure, Monsieur -d'Exmès! And now leave me." - -Gabriel saluted the queen, and withdrew without a word. - -"Well," he reflected when he was alone again, "one hatred more! But what -difference would that make to me if I had only learned something about -my father and Diane? The king's favorite and the king's wife for -enemies! Fate may be preparing perhaps to make the king himself my -enemy. And now for Diane, for the hour has arrived; and God grant that I -may not be more sad and despairing when I part from her who loves me -than I have been on leaving those who hate me!" - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -LOVER OR BROTHER? - - -When Jacinthe ushered Gabriel into the apartment in the Louvre occupied -by Diane de Castro as the king's legitimatized daughter, she, in the -pure and honest outpouring of her heart, rushed to meet her well-beloved -without undertaking to dissemble her joy. She would not have refused to -offer her brow to be kissed; but he contented himself with pressing her -hand. - -"Here you are at last, Gabriel!" said she. "How impatiently I have been -awaiting you, dear! Lately I have not seemed to know whither to turn the -full stream of happiness that I feel within me. I talk and laugh when I -am all alone, and I am crazy with joy! But here you are, Gabriel, and we -may at least have a happy hour together! But what is the matter, my -love? You seem cold and serious and almost sad. Is it with such a solemn -face and such cool reserve that you show your love for me, and your -gratitude to God and my father?" - -"To your father? Yes, let us speak of your father, Diane. As for this -seriousness at which you wonder, it is my way to receive good fortune -with a grave face; for I distrust her gifts, in the first place, having -been unused to them heretofore, and my experience has been that she only -too often hides a sorrow under the mask of a favor. - -"I didn't know that you were such a philosopher, nor so unlucky, -Gabriel!" replied the maiden, half in fun and half in anger. "But, come! -you were saying that you wished to talk about the king; and I am very -glad. How kind and generous he is, Gabriel!" - -"Yes, Diane; and he loves you dearly, doesn't he?" - -"With an infinite tenderness and gentleness, Gabriel." - -"No doubt," muttered Vicomte d'Exmès, "for he may very well believe, -poor dupe, that she is his child! Only one thing surprises me," he -continued aloud; "and that is, how the king, who must have felt in his -heart that he should love you thus dearly, could have allowed twelve -years to elapse without ever seeing you or knowing you, and have left -you at Vimoutiers, lost, to all intents and purposes. Have you never -asked him, Diane, for an explanation of such strange indifference? Such -utter forgetfulness, do you know, seems hardly consistent with the kind -feeling that he seems to have for you now." - -"Oh," said Diane, "it was not he who forgot me,--poor Papa!" - -"But who was it, then?" - -"Who? Why, Madame Diane de Poitiers, to be sure! I don't know if I ought -to say my mother." - -"And why did she make up her mind to abandon you thus, Diane? Ought she -not to have been glad and proud, and to have glorified herself in the -king's sight for having given birth to you, and having thus acquired one -claim the more to his affection? What had she to fear? Her husband was -dead; and her father--" - -"All that is very true, Gabriel," said Diane; "and it would be very -hard, not to say impossible, for me to justify in your eyes this -extraordinary feeling--is it of pride?--which has made Madame de -Valentinois refuse to acknowledge me formally as her child. Don't you -know, dear, that in the first place she induced the king to conceal the -fact of my birth; that she consented to my being recalled to court only -at his urgent request, which was almost a command; and that she didn't -choose even to be mentioned in the decree by which I was legitimatized? -I have no inclination to complain of her for it, Gabriel, because if it -had not been for this inexplicable pride of hers, I should never have -known you, and you would not have loved me. But, nevertheless, I have -sometimes been pained to think of the sort of repugnance which my mother -seems to feel for everything that relates to me." - -"A repugnance which may be remorse only," thought Gabriel, with terror; -"she was able to deceive the king, and it was not without hesitation and -dread--" - -"But what are you thinking about, dear Gabriel?" said Diane. "And why do -you ask me all these questions?" - -"Oh, for no reason at all! A misgiving of my anxious heart,--that's all; -don't worry about it, Diane. But, at all events, if your mother does -seem to feel only aversion and almost hatred for you, your father, -Diane,--your father makes up for her coldness by his affection, doesn't -he? And you, if you do feel shy and constrained with Madame de -Valentinois, your heart expands in the king's presence, does it not, and -recognizes in him a true parent?" - -"Oh, yes, indeed!" said Diane; "and the very first day that I saw him, -when he spoke to me so tenderly, I felt drawn to him at once. It is not -from policy that I am affectionate and obliging with him, but from -instinct. It was not the king, not my benefactor and my patron, that I -loved so dearly,--it was my father!" - -"One can never be mistaken about such matters!" cried Gabriel, beside -himself with joy. "Dear, dear Diane, my dearest love, I am glad that you -love your father so, and that in his presence you feel the tender -emotions of gratitude and love! This lovely filial devotion does you -honor, Diane!" - -"And I am glad, too, that you understand it and approve of it," said -Diane. "But now that we have spoken of my father, and of his love for me -and mine for him, and of our obligation to him, Gabriel, suppose we talk -a little about ourselves and our own love; why not? Come, what do you -say? We are selfish creatures," added she, with the lovely ingenousness -which was hers alone. "Besides, if the king were here, he would reprove -me for not thinking at all of myself,--of ourselves; and do you know, -Gabriel, what he keeps saying to me every minute? 'My dear child, be -happy! Be happy; do you understand? And in that way you will make me -happy.' And so, Monsieur, now that our debt of gratitude is paid, let us -not be too forgetful of ourselves." - -"Very true," said Gabriel, thoughtfully,--"very true. Let us now give -ourselves up to this attachment which binds us to each other for life. -Let us look into our hearts, and see what is going on there. Let us lay -bare our very souls to each other." - -"Well, we will," said Diane; "that will be delightful!" - -"Yes, delightful!" responded Gabriel, in a melancholy tone. "And do you, -first, Diane, tell me what you feel for me. Don't you love me less than -your father?" - -"Oh, you jealous boy!" said Diane. "Be sure that my love for you is very -different, and it is not by any means easy to explain. When I am with -the king, I am calm, and my heart beats no more quickly than usual; but -when I see you, oh, then I feel a curious agitation, which pains and -delights me at the same time, and spreads over my whole being. To my -father I can say, even before the whole world, the sweet and loving -words which come to my lips; but to you, it seems to me that I should -never dare to say even the one word 'Gabriel' before another soul, not -even when I am your wife. In a word, the happiness which your presence -brings me is as restless and unquiet--I had almost said painful--as the -joy which I feel with my father is calm and peaceful; but the pain of -the one is more ecstatic than the tranquillity of the other." - -"Say no more! oh, say no more!" cried Gabriel, in despair. "Yes, you do -love me, indeed; and it terrifies me! And yet it encourages me, too, I -must say; for surely God would not have implanted such a passion in your -heart, if it had been wrong for you to love me!" - -"What do you mean, Gabriel?" asked Diane, in amazement. "Why should my -confession, which I have the best right in the world to make to you, -since you are going to be my husband,--why should it put you thus beside -yourself? What danger can be hidden in my love?" - -"None, Diane, none. Pay no attention to me. It is joy which intoxicates -me thus,--pure joy! Such supreme happiness makes me dizzy with delight. -But you didn't always love me so restlessly and with such painful -sensations. When we used to walk together under the trees at Vimoutiers, -you had only friendship for me,--fraternal friendship." - -"I was only a child then," said Diane. "I had not then been dreaming of -you for six solitary homesick years; my love had not then grown as my -body grew; I had not lived two months in the midst of a court where -licentious language and corrupt morals had made me cherish more fondly -still the thought of our pure and holy affection." - -"True, true, Diane!" said Gabriel. - -"And now, do you, dear Gabriel, in your turn tell me of your devotion -and passionate love for me. Open your heart to me, as I have laid mine -bare to your gaze. If my words have sounded pleasantly in your ears, do -you let me hear your voice telling me how much you love me, and how -dearly you love me." - -"Oh, as for me, I don't know," said Gabriel. "I cannot tell you that! -Don't ask me about it, don't press me to ask myself, for it is too -terrible!" - -"But, Gabriel," cried Diane, in deadly terror, "it is your words that -are terrible; don't you see that they are? What! You don't choose even -to tell me that you love me?" - -"If I love you, Diane! She asks me if I love her! Truly, then, yes, I do -love you, like a madman, perhaps like a criminal!" - -"Like a criminal!" cried Madame de Castro, beside herself with terror -and amazement. "What crime can there be in our love? Are we not both -free? Will not my father consent to our union? God and the angels must -delight in such a love." - -"Grant, oh, Lord, that she blaspheme not," cried Gabriel, in his heart, -"even as I perhaps blasphemed myself, in speaking to Aloyse!" - -"What can be the matter?" repeated Diane. "My dear, you are not sick, -are you? And you, generally so strong, whence come these fanciful fears? -For I have no fear when near you. I know that with you I am as safe as -with my father. See, to recall you to yourself, to life and happiness, I -press close to your breast without fear, my dearly beloved husband! I -press my brow against your lips without hesitation." - -Smiling bewitchingly, she approached him, her glorious face turned up to -his, and her angelic glance soliciting his pure embrace. - -But Gabriel pushed her away in terror. "Away!" he cried; "no, no! leave -me, flee from me!" - -"Oh, _mon Dieu_!" moaned Diane, letting her arms fall by her side. "_Mon -Dieu_! he repels me; he loves me not!" - -"I love you too well!" said Gabriel. - -"If you love me, why should my proffered caresses be so terrible to -you?" - -"Are they really terrible to me, then?" said Gabriel to himself. "Is it -my instinct which repels them, and not my reason? Oh, come, Diane, let -me see you and know you, and feel your presence! Come, and let me press -my lips on your brow with a brother's kiss, in which a betrothed lover -may indulge himself." - -He strained Diane to his heart, and pressed a long burning kiss on her -hair. - -"Ah, I deceived myself!" cried he, in rapture at her very touch. "It is -not the voice of blood which is crying to you from my heart; it is the -voice of love! I know it! Oh, what bliss!" - -"What did you say, dear?" replied Diane. "If you say that you love me, -you say all that I care to hear or to know." - -"Oh, indeed I love you, blessed angel; I love you passionately, madly! -Yes, I love you, and to feel your heart beating against mine, like this, -is very heaven to me; or is it hell?" cried he, suddenly, releasing -himself from her embrace. "Away, away! let me fly, for I am accursed!" - -And he fled wildly from the room, leaving Diane dumb with terror, and as -if turned to stone by despair. - - -[Illustration: Mary Stuart and Gabriel.] - - -And he, poor fellow, no longer knew where he was going or what he was -doing. He descended the stairs mechanically, reeling like a drunken man. -These three fearful experiences were too much for his reason. When he -reached the grand gallery of the Louvre, his eyes closed in spite of -him, his legs gave way, and he sank on his knees against the wall, -murmuring,-- - -"I foresaw that the angel would cause me more bitter agony than the two -devils." - -He had fainted. Night had come on; and no one was passing through the -gallery. - -He was recalled to his senses by feeling a soft hand smoothing his -forehead, and hearing a sweet voice speaking to his very soul. He opened -his eyes. The little queen-dauphine, Mary Stuart, stood before him, with -a lighted taper in her hand. - -"Ah, how fortunate! Another angel!" said Gabriel. - -"Is it you, Monsieur d'Exmès?" said Mary. "Oh, how you frightened me! I -thought you were dead. What is the matter? How pale you are! Do you feel -any better? I will call for help, if you wish." - -"Useless, Madame," said Gabriel, trying to rise. "Your voice has -restored me to life." - -"Let me help you," said Mary. "Poor fellow! Are you ill? You had -fainted, hadn't you? As I was passing, I spied you lying here, and I -hadn't strength enough to cry out. And then reflection gave me courage, -and I came nearer to you; and I was pretty brave, I think. I laid my -hand on your forehead, which was like ice. I called you, and you came to -yourself. Do you still feel better?" - -"Yes, Madame; and may God bless you for your goodness! I remember now, I -had a fearful pain in my temples as if they were being pressed by an -iron vice; my knees shook under me; and I fell here by this drapery. But -how did the pain come on? Ah, yes, I remember now, I remember it all. -Alas, _mon Dieu_! _mon Dieu_! Too well I remember." - -"It is some terrible sorrow that oppresses you so, is it not?" asked -Mary. "It must be so, for, see, you are paler than ever again at the -mere remembrance of it. Lean on my arm, for I am willing and strong; and -I will call help, and find somebody to go home with you." - -"Thanks, Madame," said Gabriel, struggling to recover his strength and -his resolution. "I find I still have strength enough to go home alone. -See, I can walk without help, and with a firm step. I am no less -grateful to you; and while I live I shall never forget your simple and -touching kindness, Madame. You came to me like an angel of comfort at a -painful crisis in my life. Nothing but death, Madame, can ever efface it -from my heart." - -"Oh, _mon Dieu_! what I did was the most natural thing in the world to -do, Monsieur d'Exmès; I would have done as much for any suffering -creature, and so much the more gladly for you whom I know to be the -devoted friend of my Uncle de Guise. Pray don't thank me for such a -small matter." - -"This small matter was everything, Madame, in the state of despair to -which I was reduced. You don't wish that I should thank you; but I, -Madame, wish to remember it. Adieu; I shall remember." - -"Adieu, Monsieur d'Exmès; pray take care of yourself, and try to find -comfort somewhere." - -She gave him her hand, which Gabriel kissed with deep respect. Then she -left the gallery by one door, and he by another. - -When he was outside of the walls of the Louvre, he walked along the -river-bank, and arrived at the Rue des Jardins in about half an hour. He -had but one thought in his brain, and was suffering terribly. - -Aloyse was anxiously awaiting him. - -"Well?" said she. - -Gabriel struggled manfully to overcome a feeling of faintness which -dimmed his sight anew. He would have liked well to weep, but he could -not. He replied in a faltering voice,-- - -"I know nothing, Aloyse! Everything has been dumb and speechless,--these -women and my heart as well. I know nothing except that my brow is as -cold as ice, and yet I am burning up. _Mon Dieu_! _mon Dieu_!" - -"Courage, Monseigneur!" said Aloyse. - -"I have had courage," said Gabriel; "but God be merciful to me, I am -dying!" - -And once more he fell backward on the floor, but this time he did not -come to himself again. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -THE HOROSCOPE - - -"The sick man will live, Dame Aloyse! The danger has been very great, -and his convalescence will be very slow. All this blood-letting has -weakened the poor fellow terribly; but he will live, never fear! And -thank God that the extreme debilitation of the body has lessened the -blow that his mind has received, for we cannot cure those wounds; and -this one of his might have been fatal,--indeed, it may yet be!" - -The physician who spoke thus was a man of great height, with a great -bulging forehead and deep-set and piercing eyes. The common people -called him Master Nostredame; but he signed his own name Nostradamus. He -seemed to be not more than fifty years old. - -"But, holy Jesus, look at him, Messire!" replied Dame Aloyse. "He has -been lying there since the evening of June 7; and it is now the 2d of -July, and during that whole time he has not spoken one word,--has not -even seemed to see me or to know me, and has been like one dead, alas! -Look, if you touch his hand, he doesn't appear to notice it!" - -"So much the better, I tell you, Dame Aloyse! I pray that he may be as -long as possible in awaking to the remembrance of his sorrows. If he can -continue, as I trust he will, another month in this weak state, without -knowing or thinking about anything, he will recover, beyond a doubt." - -"He will recover!" said Aloyse, raising her eyes to heaven as if -offering thanks to God. - -"Yes, he will recover if there is no relapse. And you may say so to that -pretty maid who comes twice a day to get news of him; for there is an -affair with some great lady hidden under all this, is there not? -Sometimes that sort of thing is very delightful, and sometimes fatal." - -"Yes, indeed, it is fatal; you are quite right, Master Nostredame," said -Aloyse; with a sigh. - -"God grant that he recover from his passion as well as from his illness, -Dame Aloyse! if indeed illness and passion haven't always the same -cause and the same effect. But I will answer for the one, and not for -the other." - -Nostradamus opened the soft and apparently lifeless hand that he held in -his, and looked very carefully and attentively at the palm; he even -lifted the skin from the fore and middle fingers. He seemed to be -racking his brain to remember something. - -"It is strange!" he said in an undertone, as if he were talking to -himself. "Several times I have examined this hand, and every time it has -seemed to me as if I had already examined it long ago. But what are the -marks which have struck me so? The mensal line is of favorable length; -the medial is a little doubtful; but the line of life is perfect. There -is nothing extraordinary about it. The predominating characteristic of -this youth should be a steadfast will, firm and unswerving as the arrow -aimed by a sure hand. That is not what has aroused my wonder heretofore. -And then my memories are too confused not to refer to some long ago -time; and your master is not more than twenty-five, is he, Dame Aloyse?" - -"He is only twenty-four, Messire." - -"He was born in 1533, then. Do you know the day?" - -"It was the 6th of May." - -"But you don't know whether it was in the morning or the evening?" - -"Pardon me! I was with his mother when he was born. It was just on the -stroke of half after six in the morning." - -Nostradamus made a note of these facts. - -"I will see what was the condition of the heavens on that day at that -hour," said he. "But if Vicomte d'Exmès were twenty years older, I -would swear that I had already held his hand in mine; but that's of -little consequence, after all. It is not the sorcerer, as the people -sometimes call me, but the physician, who has work to do here; and I -tell you again, Dame Aloyse, the physician will answer now for the -invalid's welfare." - -"Pardon, Master!" said Aloyse, sadly; "you say that you will answer for -the disease, but that you will not answer for the passion." - -"The passion! Oh! But," Nostradamus replied, smiling significantly, "I -should say that the attendance of the little maid twice a day tends to -show that the passion is not altogether a hopeless one." - -"Quite the contrary, Master,--quite the contrary!" cried Aloyse, in an -accent of horror. - -"Come, come, Dame Aloyse! wealthy, gallant, young, and handsome as -Vicomte d'Exmès is, a man is in no danger of being held off for long by -the ladies in a time like ours. A brief postponement is the utmost he -has to fear." - -"But suppose that this is not the case, Master. Suppose that when -Monseigneur is restored to life and reason, the first and only thought -which his restored reason will entertain should be this: 'The woman whom -I love is irrevocably lost to me,' then what will happen to him?" - -"Oh, we must hope that this supposition of yours has no foundation in -fact, for that would be terrible! Such an overwhelming grief as that -would be a terrible strain for his enfeebled brain. So far as one can -judge of a man by his features and the look of his eyes, your master, -Aloyse, is no mere superficial creature; and in such a case as you -suppose, his energetic and forceful will would be only one danger more, -and being shattered by trying to do what is impossible, might shatter -his life with it." - -"Holy Jesus! my boy will die!" cried Aloyse. - -"He will at least be in danger of inflammation of the brain," said -Nostradamus. "But why need it be so? There must be some way of showing -him a mere glimmer of hope. The most remote or most elusive chance it -may be, yet he will grasp it, and it will save him." - -"He shall be saved, then," said Aloyse, gloomily. "I will perjure my -soul, but he shall be saved. Messire Nostredame, I thank you." - -A week passed, and Gabriel seemed to be trying to think, even though he -did not succeed. His eyes, still wandering and expressionless, seemed to -be asking questions, nevertheless, of the faces and objects about him. -Then he began to assist himself in the changes which they had to make in -his position, to raise himself in bed alone, and to take of his own -volition the potions that Nostradamus handed him. - -Aloyse, standing unwearied at his pillow, waited. - -At the end of another week, Gabriel could speak. Light had not yet fully -evolved order out of the chaos of his mind. He could only say a few -words, incoherent and unconnected, but which had reference to the events -of his past. Aloyse fairly quaked with terror when the physician was -there, lest he should reveal some of his secrets. - -Her apprehensions were justified by the event; and one day, Gabriel, in -a feverish sleep, cried aloud before Nostradamus,-- - -"They think that my true name is Vicomte d'Exmès. No, no, don't think -it! I am the Comte de Montgommery." - -"The Comte de Montgommery!" said Nostradamus, in whose brain the name -had awakened some memory. - -"Silence!" said Aloyse, her finger on her lip. - -However, Nostradamus went away without Gabriel's having said anything -further; and as he did not mention the words that had fallen from the -invalid on the next or any following day, Aloyse, thinking it over, -feared to attract his attention to something which it might be her -master's interest to conceal. So the incident appeared to have been -forgotten by both of them. - -Gabriel continued to improve. He recognized Aloyse and Martin-Guerre; he -asked for whatever he needed; and he spoke with a gentle sadness which -made it possible to hope that his reason had returned. - -One morning, it was the first day that he had left his bed, he said to -Aloyse,-- - -"Well, nurse, and the war?" - -"What war, Monseigneur?" - -"Why, the war against Spain and England." - -"Oh, Monseigneur, I hear sad news of that. The Spaniards, reinforced by -twelve thousand English, have entered Picardy, they say, and there is -fighting going on all along the frontier." - -"So much the better," said Gabriel. - -Aloyse attributed this reply to the remains of his delirium. But the -next morning, with perfect coolness, Gabriel said to her,-- - -"I did not ask you yesterday if Monsieur de Guise had returned from -Italy." - -"He is on the way, Monseigneur," said Aloyse, in amazement. - -"That is well! What day of the month is it, nurse?" - -"Tuesday, August 4, Monseigneur." - -"It will be two months on the 7th since I have been lying on this bed of -anguish," was Gabriel's comment. - -"Oh," cried Aloyse, trembling, "how well Monseigneur remembers!" - -"Yes, I remember, Aloyse,--I remember; but," he added sadly, "though I -have not forgotten, it seems that I have been forgotten. Has no one been -to inquire for me, Aloyse?" - -"Yes, indeed!" said Aloyse, in an uncertain voice, and anxiously -watching the effect of her words on the young man's face,--"yes, indeed, -Monseigneur! a maid named Jacinthe came twice a day to learn how you -were. But for the last fortnight, since you have been perceptibly and -surely improving, she has come no more." - -"She comes no more! And do you know why, nurse?" - -"Yes, Monseigneur. Because her mistress, according to what Jacinthe said -the last time she came, has obtained the king's leave to withdraw to a -convent till the end of the war at least." - -"Really!" said Gabriel, with a sweet and melancholy smile. - -And as a tear, the first he had shed for two months, rolled slowly down -his cheek, he added,-- - -"Dear Diane!" - -"Oh, Monseigneur," cried Aloyse, beside herself with delight, -"Monseigneur has uttered that name! and without a shock, and without -swooning. Master Nostredame was mistaken. Monseigneur is saved! -Monseigneur will live, and I shall not need to be false to my oath." - -We can see that the poor nurse's delight had almost made her mad; but -Gabriel, luckily, did not notice her last words. He replied simply, with -a smile full of bitterness,-- - -"Yes, I am saved; but still, dear Aloyse, I shall not live." - -"How so, Monseigneur?" said Aloyse, trembling again in every limb. - -"My body has held out manfully," Gabriel replied; "but my soul, Aloyse, -my soul, do you think that it has not been stricken to death? I am going -to recover from this long sickness, it is true; and I am allowing myself -to be cured, as you see. But, luckily, there is fighting on the -frontier; and I am captain of the Guards, and my place is where they are -fighting. As soon as I am strong enough to mount my horse, I shall go -where my place is. And at the very first battle in which I have a hand, -Aloyse, I shall take good care so to arrange matters that I shall never -have to return." - -"You will kill yourself! Holy Virgin! And why, Monseigneur,--why, I pray -you?" - -"Why? Because Madame de Poitiers refused to speak, Aloyse; because Diane -may be my sister; and because I love Diane; because it may be that the -king was responsible for my father's murder; and because I cannot wreak -my vengeance on him unless I am sure of it. And so, since I can neither -avenge my father nor marry my sister, I don't see what more there is for -me to do in this world. That is why I choose to leave it." - -"No, Monseigneur, you shall not leave it," said Aloyse, gloomy and cast -down, and in a spiritless voice. "You shall not leave it, because you -have much to do, and a terrible task, I promise you. But I shall not -speak to you of it until the day when you are entirely well again; and -Master Nostredame tells me that you may hear what I have to say, and -that you have sufficient strength to bear it." - -That day arrived on the Tuesday of the week following. Gabriel had been -out for the three days preceding, getting ready his equipments, and -preparing for his departure; and Nostradamus had said he would come once -more during the day to see his convalescent, but that it would be for -the last time. - -When Aloyse was alone with Gabriel, she said to him,-- - -"Monseigneur, have you considered well the extreme resolution you have -taken, and do you persist in it?" - -"I do indeed," said Gabriel. - -"And you mean to kill yourself?" - -"I mean to kill myself." - -"And is it because you have no means of ascertaining whether Madame de -Castro is or is not your sister that you mean to die?" - -"For that very reason." - -"What did I say to you, Monseigneur, to put you on the track of this -fearful secret? Do you remember what I said!" - -"To be sure! That God in the other world and two persons only in this -had ever known this secret. The two human beings were Diane de Poitiers -and the Comte de Montgommery, my father. I have begged and implored and -threatened Madame de Valentinois; but when I left her, I was more -uncertain and despairing than ever." - -"But when I told you, Monseigneur," said Aloyse, "you declared that if -it were necessary for you to descend into your father's tomb to wrest -this secret from him, you would not shrink from the task." - -"But," said Gabriel, "I have no idea where that tomb is situated." - -"Nor I, but you must seek for it, Monseigneur." - -"And even if I should find it," cried Gabriel, "God would have to work a -miracle for me. The dead do not speak, Aloyse." - -"No, the dead do not; but the living do." - -"Great God! what do you mean?" said Gabriel, pale as a ghost. - -"That you are not, as you kept calling yourself in your delirium, the -Comte de Montgommery, Monseigneur, but only Vicomte de Montgommery, -because your father, the Comte de Montgommery, is still living." - -"Heaven and earth! Do you know that he is alive, my dear father?" - -"I don't know it, Monseigneur, but I believe and hope so; for his was a -strong and sturdy nature like yours, and should have resisted suffering -and misfortune as valiantly. Now, if he is alive, he is not the one to -refuse, as Madame Diane did, to reveal the secret on which your -happiness depends!" - -"But where shall we find him; of whom demand him? In Heaven's name, -Aloyse, tell me!" - -"It is a terrible story, Monseigneur! And I swore to my husband, by your -father's command, never to reveal it to you; for as soon as you know it, -you will plunge into the midst of fearful dangers, Monseigneur, and will -declare war against foes a hundred times stronger than yourself. But the -most desperate peril is preferable to certain death. You had made up -your mind to die; and I knew that you would not grow weak in that -determination. After all, I prefer to expose you to the doubtful chances -of the bitter conflict which your hither dreaded in your behalf. At all -events, your death will be less certain, and will be delayed a little. -So I am going to tell you everything, Monseigneur; and it may be that -God will pardon me for proving false to my oath." - -"Yes, of course, dear Aloyse. My father! my father living! Oh, quickly! -speak!" - -But at this moment there was a soft knock at the door, and Nostradamus -appeared. - -"Aha, Monsieur d'Exmès," said he, "how bright and lively you are! I'm -glad to see it! You were not like this a month ago. You seem to be all -ready to take the field." - -"Yes, indeed,--to take the field," said Gabriel, with sparkling eye, -looking meaningly at Aloyse. - -"So I see that the physician has no further business here," said -Nostradamus. - -"Nothing, save to receive my grateful thanks, Master, and I dare not say -the value of your services, for under certain circumstances one's life -is not valuable." - -And Gabriel, pressing the doctor's hand, left in it a roll of -gold-pieces. - -"Thanks, Monsieur Vicomte d'Exmès," said Nostradamus. "But give me -leave to make you a present which I think will prove of value to you." - -"What is it, pray, Master?" - -"You know, Monseigneur," Nostradamus began, "that I do not occupy myself -entirely with men's illnesses. I have presumed to look farther and -higher. I have tried to read their destinies,--a task full of -uncertainty and obscurity; but in default of light, I have sometimes, I -think, caught glimpses of the truth. God, I am convinced, has written -twice over, in advance of his birth, the vast and mighty scheme of each -man's destiny; in the stars of heaven, his native land, to which he -raises his eyes so often, and in the lines of his hand,--an intricate -conjuring book which he carries always with him, but which he cannot -even begin to spell except at the cost of unwearying study. During many -days and nights, Monseigneur, I have dug and delved away at these two -sciences, as fathomless as the cask of the Danaïdes,--chiromancy and -astrology. I have summoned before me all future ages; and a thousand -years from now, those who are then alive may be sometimes amazed at my -prophecies. But I know that the truth only shines in streaks, for -although I sometimes see clearly, often, alas! I am in doubt. -Nevertheless I am certain that I have now and then hours of clairvoyance -which almost frighten me, Monseigneur. In one of these infrequent hours, -I saw, twenty-five years ago, the destiny of a gentleman attached to the -court of King François clearly written in the stars which watched over -his birth and in the complicated lines of his hand. This extraordinary, -curious, and perilous destiny made a strong impression on me. Fancy my -astonishment, then, when in your hand and in the stars which presided -over your birth, I seemed to read a horoscope like that which had so -surprised me long ago; but I could not distinguish it so clearly as -before and the lapse of twenty-five years had confused my memory. Last -of all, Monseigneur, last month, in the height of your fever, you -pronounced a name; I heard only the name, but it caught my attention at -once. It was the name of the Comte de Montgommery." - -"Of the Comte de Montgommery?" Gabriel cried in alarm. - -"I tell you again, Monseigneur, that I heard nothing but the name; and -the rest is of little importance, for that name was the name of the man -whose destiny had been made as clear to me as the noonday sun. I -hastened home and hunted among my old papers until I found the Comte de -Montgommery's horoscope. But a most singular circumstance, Monseigneur, -and one which I have never met with before in more than thirty years of -study, is that there must be some mysterious connection, some strange -affinity, between you and the Comte de Montgommery; and God, who never -ordained the same destiny for two men, must have reserved both of you -for the same fate. For I was not mistaken; the lines of the hand and the -constellations had the same aspect for both. I should not dare to say -that there was to be no difference in the details of your two lives; but -the predominating feature of both horoscopes is the same. I long ago -lost sight of the Comte de Montgommery; but I ascertained that one of my -predictions in his regard was fulfilled. He wounded François I. in the -face with a red-hot brand. Has the remainder of his destiny been -fulfilled? That is what I cannot say. I can only be sure that the same -misfortune and the same violent death which threatened him are impending -over you." - -"Can it be?" said Gabriel. - -"Here, Monseigneur," said Nostradamus, handing to Vicomte d'Exmès a -roll of parchment, "here is the horoscope which I drew off at the time -for the Comte de Montgommery. I should make no changes in it were I to -write yours to-day." - -"Give it me, Master, give it me!" said Gabriel. "This is indeed an -inestimable gift; and you cannot imagine how precious it is to me." - -"One word more, Monsieur d'Exmès," said Nostradamus; "one last word to -put you on your guard, though God be supreme, and one can hardly turn -aside His plans. The nativity of Henri II. presaged that he would die in -a duel or in single combat." - -"But," asked Gabriel, "what connection?" - -"When you read this scroll, you will understand me, Monseigneur. -Meanwhile it remains only for me to take my leave of you, and to hope -that the catastrophe with which God menaces your life may at least be -not sought by you." - -And having saluted Gabriel, who pressed his hand warmly and escorted him -to the door, he took his leave. - -As soon as he was with Aloyse once more, Gabriel unrolled the parchment; -and having made sure that no one could interrupt him or spy upon him, he -read aloud the following lines:-- - - - "En joûte, en amour, cettuy touchera - Le front du roy, - Et cornes ou bien trou sanglant mettra - Au front du roy. - Mais le veuille ou non, toujours blessera - Le front du roy. - Enfin, l'aimera, puis, las! le tuera - Dame du roy."[2] - - -"It is well!" cried Gabriel, with beaming eye and a look of triumph. -"Now, dear Aloyse, you may tell me how my father, the Comte de -Montgommery, was entombed alive by King Henri II." - -"By King Henri II.!" cried Aloyse; "how do you know, Monseigneur?" - -"I guess it! But you can tell me of the crime, since God has pointed out -to me my revenge." - - -[Footnote 2: "In tilting and in love-making this youth shall ever - Be matched against the king, -And shall in winning hearts and breaking heads - E'en triumph o'er the king. -Yea, though he wish it not, still shall his brand - Wound in the face the king. -And then, alas! shall love him and destroy him - The lady of the king."] - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -THE LAST RESORT OF A COQUETTE - - -Elaborated and perfected by the aid of contemporary memoirs and -chronicles, the narrative of Aloyse, who had been informed by her -husband, Perrot Travigny, squire and confidential servant of the Comte -de Montgommery, of all the incidents of his master's life, so far as he -knew them,--the narrative of Aloyse, we say, thus perfected, gave the -following sad story of Jacques de Montgommery, Gabriel's father. His son -knew the leading details of it; but the sinister _dénouement_, which -brought it to a close, was a sealed book to him, as to everybody else. - -Jacques de Montgommery, Seigneur de Lorges, was, as all his ancestors -had been, daring and brave; and during the stormy reign of François I. -he was always to be found in the front rank when fighting was going on. -And so he became a colonel in the French infantry very early in life. - -But among his many brilliant exploits there was one untoward incident to -which Nostradamus had had reference. - -It was in 1521, when the Comte de Montgommery was barely twenty years -old, and only a captain. It was a severe winter; and the young men, -young King François at their head, were indulging in a snowball -fight,--a sport not unattended with danger, and much in vogue at the -time. They were divided into two parties, one defending a certain house -which the other assaulted with bullets of snow, Comte d'Enghien, -Seigneur de Cérisoles, was killed in just such a game. Jacques de -Montgommery was very near killing the king on this occasion. The battle -over, they set about warming themselves; the fire had been allowed to go -out, and the whole crowd of young madcaps rushed about to rekindle it. -Jacques came running in, first of all, with a blazing stick in a pair of -tongs; but on the war he encountered François, who had no chance to -protect himself, and received a violent blow on the face from the -red-hot brand. Fortunately nothing came of it but a wound, although a -very severe one; and the ugly scar left by it was the cause of the -fashion of wearing the beard long and the hair short, which was ordained -by François at that time. - -As the Comte de Montgommery atoned for this unfortunate casualty by a -thousand brilliant exploits, the king bore him no ill-will for it, and -interposed no obstacle to his rising to the first rank at court and in -the army. In 1530 Jacques married Claudine de Boissière. It was a mere -marriage de convenance; but he long mourned for his wife, who died in -1533, when Gabriel was born. Melancholy, moreover, was the most marked -trait of his character, as is the case with all those who are -predestined to some fatality. When he was left a widower and alone, he -found relief only on the battlefield, and was driven into danger by -sheer ennui. But in 1538, after the truce of Nice, when this man of war -and of action had to conform to the etiquette of the court, and to walk -up and down in the galleries of the Tournelles or the Louvre, with his -parade-sword at his side, he was near dying of disgust. - -A mad passion saved him, and was his ruin. - -The regal Circe involved this overgrown boy, sturdy and ingenuous, in -her toils. He fell in love with Diane de Poitiers. - -Three months he revolved about her, gloomy and lowering, without ever -addressing a single word to her; nor was there any need of a word for -the grande sénéchale to understand that his heart belonged to her. She -made a note of that passion in a corner of her memory as something that -might possibly be of use to her on occasion. - -The occasion came. François I. began to neglect his beautiful mistress -for Madame d'Étampes, who was less beautiful in face, but had the great -advantage of being attractive in other respects. - -When the signs that she was being superseded were unmistakable, Diane, -for the first time in her life, spoke to Jacques de Montgommery. - -This took place at the Tournelles, at a fête given by the king to the -new favorite. - -"Monsieur de Montgommery," said Diane, calling him by name. - -He drew near her, with heaving chest, and made an awkward salutation. - -"How very sad you are, Monsieur de Montgommery!" she said. - -"To the point of death, Madame." - -"And why, in Heaven's name!" - -"Madame, because I should like to kill myself." - -"For some one, no doubt?" - -"To kill myself for some one would be very sweet; but, _ma foi_, to do -it for nothing would be sweeter yet." - -"What a fearful state of melancholy!" said Diane; "and whence comes this -black despair, pray?" - -"Ah! can I say, Madame?" - -"Well, then, I know, Monsieur de Montgommery. You are in love with me." - -Jacques turned white as a sheet; and then, with a more tremendous -struggle than it would have cost him to cast himself headlong and alone -into the midst of a whole battalion of the enemy, he replied in a harsh -and uncertain voice,-- - -"Well, then, Madame, you are right. I do love you. So much the worse for -me!" - -"So much the better, rather," replied Diane, laughing. - -"What did you say, Madame?" Montgommery cried, with his heart thumping -against his ribs. "Ah, Madame, take heed! this is no joke, but a deep -and sincere passion, whether it be a possible or an impossible one to -gratify." - -"And why should it be impossible?" asked Diane. - -"Madame," was Jacques's reply, "pardon my frankness, but I never learned -to envelop facts with many words. Does not the king love you, Madame?" - -"Yes," sighed Diane; "he loves me." - -"And don't you see, then, that it is not for me to declare my unworthy -love, though I cannot help loving you?" - -"Unworthy of you, it is true," said the duchess. - -"Oh, no, not of me!" cried the count; "and if the day should ever -come--" - -But Diane interrupted him with an air of grave melancholy and well -assumed dignity,-- - -"Enough, Monsieur de Montgommery; let us put an end to this interview, I -beg." - -She bowed coldly, and turned away, leaving the poor count a prey to a -whirl of conflicting emotions,--jealousy, love, hatred, grief, and joy. -So Diane saw the adoration which made him bow down before her. But -perhaps he had wounded her! He must have seemed unjust, ungrateful, -cruel to her! He repeated to himself over and over again all the sublime -nonsense of love. - -The next day Diane de Poitiers said to François I., "You didn't know, -did you, Sire, that Monsieur de Montgommery was in love with me?" - -"What's that?" said François, laughing. "The Montgommerys are of an -ancient family, and almost as nobly born, upon my word, as I; and what's -more they are almost as brave, and now it seems that they are almost as -good at love-making." - -"And is that all the reply that your Majesty has to make to me?" Diane -asked him. - -"And what do you want me to say, my dear?" replied the king. "Do you -really think that I ought to take it ill of the Comte de Montgommery -that he has as good taste and as good eyes as I have?" - -"If Madame d'Étampes were in question," muttered Diane, wounded to the -quick, "you would not say so." - -She pursued the conversation no further, but resolved to go on with the -experiment. When she next saw Jacques some days later, she began to -question him again,-- - -"How is this, Monsieur de Montgommery? Still more melancholy than -usual?" - -"I am indeed, Madame," said the count, humbly; "for I shudder to think -that I have offended you." - -"Not offended, Monsieur," said the duchess, "but grieved sorely." - -"Oh, Madame," cried Montgomery, "I, who would give all my blood to spare -you a tear,--how can it be that I have caused you the least grief?" - -"Did you not tell me that because I was the king's favorite I had no -right to aspire to the affection of a simple gentleman?" - -"Ah, I had no such idea as that, Madame," said the count; "indeed, I -could have no such idea, for I, a simple gentleman, love you with a -passion as sincere as it is profound. I only meant to say to you that -you could not love me, since the king loves you and you love him." - -"The king does not love me, nor do I love the king," replied Diane. - -"God in heaven! Then you may come to love me!" cried Montgommery. - -"I may love you," replied Diane, calmly; "but I can never tell you that -I love you." - -"And why not, Madame?" - -"To save my father's life," said Diane, "I consented to become the -mistress of the King of France; but the way to restore my honor is not -to become the mistress of the Comte de Montgommery." - -She accompanied this half-refusal with so passionate and so languishing -a glance that the count could not restrain himself. - -"Ah, Madame," said he to the coquettish duchess, "if you love me as I -love you--" - -"Well, what then?" - -"What then! Why, what matters the world, or the prejudices of family or -of honor? For me you are the universe. For three months I have seen -nothing but your face. I love you with all the blind devotion and all -the ardor of a first passion. Your sovereign beauty intoxicates me and -distracts me. If you love me as I love you, be Comtesse de -Montgommery,--be my wife." - -"Thanks, Count," said Diane, triumphantly. "I will remember these noble -and generous words. Meanwhile you know that green and white are my -colors." - -Jacques in a transport of delight kissed Diane's hand, prouder and -happier than if the crown of the whole world had been on his head. - -And when François I., the following day, called Diane's attention to -the fact that her new adorer had begun to wear her colors in public,-- - -"Has he not a right to, Sire?" said she, fixing her keen glance upon -the king. "And may I not allow him to wear my colors when he offers to -let me wear his name?" - -"Is it possible?" the king asked. - -"There is no doubt about it, Sire," the duchess replied, with -confidence, thinking for a moment that her plan had succeeded, and that -the jealousy of her unfaithful lord would reawaken his love. - -But after a moment of silence, the king, rising to put an end to the -interview, said to Diane, gayly,-- - -"If that is so, Madame, we will give the office of grand -sénéchal--which has been vacant since the death of Monsieur de -Brézé, your first husband--to Monsieur de Montgommery as a wedding -present." - -"And Monsieur de Montgommery will accept it," was Diane's proud reply; -"for I will be a faithful and loyal wife to him, and I would not be -false to my troth to him for all the kings in Christendom." - -The king bowed and smiled, without making any reply, and left the room. - -Unquestionably Madame d'Étampes's star was in the ascendant. - -The same day Diane the ambitious, with bitter anger at her heart, said -to the enraptured Jacques,-- - -"My gallant Count, my noble Montgommery, I love you with all my heart." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -HOW HENRI II. BEGAN TO ENJOY HIS INHERITANCE -DURING HIS FATHER'S LIFE - - -The marriage of Diane and the Comte de Montgommery was appointed to take -place in three months; and it was currently rumored in that -scandal-mongering and licentious court that Diane de Poitiers, in her -eager desire for revenge, had given earnest-money to her future husband. - -The three months passed. The Comte de Montgommery was more infatuated -than ever; but Diane postponed the performance of her promise from day -to day, on one pretext or another. - -A very short time after she had given this promise, she had noticed that -the young Dauphin Henri was in the habit of feasting his eyes upon her -when no one was by. Thereupon a new ambition awoke in the heart of the -imperious Diane. The title of Comtesse de Montgommery was only of use to -conceal a defeat, while the title of favorite of the dauphin would be -almost a triumph. What! Madame d'Étampes, who was always prating -contemptuously about Diane's age, was loved by the father only; that was -nothing. She, Diane, would be loved by the son! For her a youthful -passion; for her hope; for her the future! Madame d'Étampes had -succeeded her; but she would succeed Madame d'Étampes. She would keep -always before her, waiting patiently and calmly for her time to come, a -constant, living menace. For Henri would some day be king; and Diane, -always beautiful, would be queen once more. It would be in truth a -notable triumph. - -Henri's character made her still more certain of her game. He was only -nineteen at this time, but had taken part in more than one war; for four -years he had been married to Catherine de Médicis, but remained none -the less an uncouth and muddle-headed boy. He was as awkward and -embarrassed at the fêtes at the Louvre, and in the presence of the -other sex, as he was accomplished and daring in horsemanship, in feats -of arms, or at tilting,--in all directions, in short, where skill and -address were requisite. Being dull intellectually, and slow-witted, he -was an easy prey to anybody who cared to take him up. Anne de -Montmorency, who was not on good terms with the king, devoted his -attention to the dauphin, and had no difficulty in enforcing his views -upon him, and bringing his tastes to conform to his own, which were -those of a man of mature years. He led him hither and thither according -to his will and caprice. Ultimately he succeeded in planting in that -weak and yielding mind the wide-spreading roots of an all-powerful -influence, and obtained such control over Henri that thenceforth -seemingly nothing but the ascendency of some woman could disturb his -power. - -But he was horrified before long to see that his pupil was on the verge -of falling in love. Henri abandoned the friends with whom the constable -had shrewdly surrounded him. Henri became melancholy and dreamy where he -had been shy before. Montmorency looked around, and thought that he -could see that it was Diane de Poitiers who was enthroned in his fancy. -This rough gendarme preferred that it should be Diane rather than -another, for in his vulgar fashion he estimated the royal courtesan much -more nearly at her true worth than did the chivalrous Montgommery. He -based his plans upon the low motives which he attributed to her, judging -her by himself; and with his mind once more at ease, he left the dauphin -to hover sighing about the grande sénéchale. - -It was indeed her beauty which aroused Henri's sluggish heart. She was -roguish and provoking and lively; her finely-shaped head moved very -prettily and quickly hither and thither; her glance shone with promise; -and her whole person had a sort of magnetic attraction (they called it -magic in those days) which easily led poor Henri astray. It seemed to -him that this fair creature would unveil to him the secret of a new -life. The siren was to him, strange and innocent savage that he was, as -fascinating and dangerous as the hidden mysteries of a cavern. - -Diane saw all this; but she still hesitated to incur the risk of this -new future, through fear of the past in the shape of François I., and -of Comte de Montgommery in the present. - -But one day when the king, always courteous and attentive to the other -sex, even to those with whom he was not in love, and to those whom he -had ceased to love, was talking with Diane de Poitiers in the embrasure -of a window, he noticed the dauphin watching them with a sly and jealous -look. - -François called him. - -"Aha, Monsieur my son, what are you doing there? Come this way," he -said. - -But Henri, pale and ashamed, after hesitating a moment between his duty -and his fear, instead of replying to his father's invitation, adopted -the expedient of running away as if he had not heard him. - -"Well, well, what a boorish, shy dog!" said the king. "Can you -understand such bashfulness, Madame Diane? Have you, goddess of the -forests, ever seen a fallow deer more terrified? Ah, what a wretched -failing?" - -"Is it your Majesty's pleasure that I should undertake to amend -Monseigneur le Dauphin's ways?" asked Diane, smiling. - -"Surely," said the king, "it would be hard to imagine a prettier teacher -or a more delightful apprenticeship." - -"Consider his education completed, then, Sire," replied Diane; "I will -take charge of it." - -She soon hunted up the fugitive. - -The Comte de Montgommery, being on duty that day, was not at the Louvre. - -"I frighten you terribly, Monseigneur, do I not?" - -Diane began the conversation thus; and the conversation thus begun was -continued. - -How she concluded it; how she seemed not to notice the prince's -blunders, but hung upon his lightest word; how he left her with the -conviction that he should soon be clever and fascinating; and how he did -gradually become clever and fascinating with her; how, in short, she -became his mistress in every sense of the word, ordering him about, -giving him lessons, and humoring him all at the same time,--it was the -same old, untranslatable comedy over again, which will always be played, -but never has been and never will be written. - -And Montgommery? Oh, Montgommery loved Diane too well to suspect her, -and had devoted himself to her too blindly to have any clearness of -vision left. Everybody at court was already gossiping about Madame de -Poitiers's latest love-affair, as to which the noble count was in a -state of blissful ignorance which Diane took good care not to dispel. -The structure she was building was too fragile as yet for her not to -dread the least shock, or any outburst; so while her ambition led her to -maintain her hold on the dauphin, prudence kept her from breaking with -the count. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -OF THE USEFULNESS OF FRIENDS - - -Now let us allow Aloyse to go on and finish her tale, having narrated -these preliminary facts by way of explanation of what is to come. - -"My husband, brave Perrot," she said to Gabriel, who was all rapt -attention, "had not failed to hear the reports which were on everybody's -lips about Madame Diane, and all the sport that was made of Monsieur de -Montgommery; but he did not know whether it was his duty to warn his -master, who he saw continued trustful and happy, or whether he should -hold his peace about the shameful plot in which this ambitious woman had -involved him. He told me of his hesitation, for I used to give him very -good advice, and he had put my discretion and my loyalty to the proof; -but in this matter I was as undecided as he as to what course we should -take. - -"One evening we were sitting in this very room, Monseigneur and Perrot -and I; for the count never treated us as servants, but as friends, and -had chosen to retain, even here in Paris, the patriarchal custom of -passing winter evenings current in Normandy, where the master and his -retainers used to warm themselves at the same fire after working -together through the day. The count, buried in thought, his head resting -on his hand, was sitting before the fire. He used commonly to pass the -evening with Madame de Poitiers; but for some time she had very -frequently sent word to him that she was ill and could not receive him. -He was thinking about her, no doubt, while Perrot was fitting the straps -of a cuirass, and I was spinning. - -"It was the 7th of January, 1539, a cold and rainy evening, and the day -after the Epiphany. Remember that ill-omened date, Monseigneur." - -Gabriel nodded to show that no word escaped him, and Aloyse continued,-- - -"All at once Monsieur de Langeais, Monsieur de Boutières, and the Comte -de Sancerre were announced,--three gentlemen of the court, friends of -Monseigneur, but much closer friends of Madame d'Étampes. All three -were wrapped in great dark cloaks; and although they came in laughing, I -seemed to feel that they brought disaster with them; and my instinct, -alas! was not far out of the way. - -"The Comte de Montgommery rose and advanced to greet the new-comers with -the hospitable and courtly manner which became him so well. - -"'Welcome, my friends!' said he to the three, as he shook hands with -them. - -"At a sign from him I came forward to take their cloaks, and all of them -sat down. - -"'What good fortune brings you to my poor quarters?' the count asked. - -"'A threefold bet,' replied Monsieur de Boutières; 'and your presence -here, my dear Count, wins mine for me on the spot.' - -"'As for mine,' said Monsieur de Langeais, 'it was won before we came -here.' - -"'And mine,' said the Comte de Sancerre, 'I shall win in a moment, as -you will see.' - -"'What were your bets, pray, gentlemen?' said Montgommery. - -"'Well,' said Monsieur de Boutières, 'Langeais here made a bet with -D'Enghien that the Dauphin would not be at the Louvre this evening. We -have been there, and have duly decided that D'Enghien has lost.' - -"'As for De Boutières,' said the Comte de Sancerre, 'he bet with -Monsieur de Montejan that you would be at home this evening, my dear -Count; and you see that he has won.' - -"'And you have won, too, Sancerre, I'll warrant,' said Monsieur de -Langeais; 'for in fact the three bets were really but one, and we must -win or lose together. Sancerre, Monsieur de Montgommery, bet one hundred -pistoles with D'Aussun that Madame de Poitiers was ill this evening.' - -"Your father, Gabriel, turned fearfully pale. - -"'You have won, too, Monsieur de Sancerre,' said he, with a trembling -voice; 'for Madame la Grande Sénéchale just now sent word to me that -she could receive no one this evening on account of a sudden -indisposition.' - -"'There,' cried Monsieur de Sancerre, 'just as I said! You will bear -witness for me to D'Aussun, gentlemen, that he owes me a hundred -pistoles.' - -"Then they all fell to laughing like madmen; but the Comte de -Montgommery remained very grave. - -"'Now, my good friends,' said he, with an accent not free from -bitterness, 'will you kindly explain this riddle for me?' - -"'With all my heart, upon my word!' said Monsieur de Boutières; 'but -first send these good people away.' - -"We were already at the door, Perrot and I; but Monseigneur motioned for -us to remain. - -"'These are devoted friends of mine,' he said to the young gentlemen; -'and as I have nothing to blush for, I have nothing to conceal.' - -"'As you choose!' said Monsieur de Langeais; 'it seems rather -provincial, but the matter concerns you more than us, Count. And I am -sure, too, that they must know the great secret, for it has made the -circuit of the whole town; and you will be the last one to hear it, as -is generally the case.' - -"'Tell me, I beg you!' exclaimed Monsieur de Montgommery. - -"'My dear Count,' resumed Monsieur de Langeais, 'we are going to tell -you, because it pains us deeply to see a brave and courteous gentleman -like yourself so deceived; but if we do tell you, it is only on -condition that you accept the revelation philosophically,--that is to -say, with a laugh,--for the whole matter is not worth your anger, I -assure you; and then, too, any outburst of wrath would be disarmed -beforehand.' - -"'We shall see! I am waiting,' replied Monseigneur, coldly. - -"'Dear Count,'--Monsieur de Boutières it was who spoke now, the -youngest and most heedless of the three,--'you are acquainted with -mythology, are you not? No doubt you know the story of Endymion? But -what do you think was Endymion's age at the time of his liaison with -Diane Phœbé? If you imagine that he was in the neighborhood of forty, -you are mistaken, my dear fellow, for he was less than twenty, and hadn't -a sign of a beard even. I know that from my governor, who has the -whole story at his tongue's end. And that is how it happens that -Endymion on this particular evening is not at the Louvre; and that Dame -Luna is in bed and not to be seen, probably on account of the storm; and -lastly, that you are at home, Monsieur de Montgommery,--whence it -follows that my governor is a great man, and that we have won our three -bets. _Vive la joie_!' - -"'Your proofs?' asked the count, coldly. - -"'Proofs!' replied Monsieur de Langeais, 'why, you can go and seek those -for yourself. Don't you live within two steps of La Luna?' - -"'Very true. Thanks!' was the count's only reply. - -"He rose from his chair; and the three friends had to rise too, chilled -and rather alarmed by Monsieur de Montgommery's stern and forbidding -demeanor. - -"'Come, come, Count,' said Monsieur de Sancerre, 'don't go and do -anything foolish or imprudent! And remember that it is as dangerous to -rub against the lion's whelp as against the lion himself.' - -"'Don't be alarmed,' replied the count. - -"'At least you don't intend to do yourself any harm?' - -"'That's as it may be,' said he. - -"He showed them to the door, or rather almost pushed them out, and then, -coming back, said to Perrot,-- - -"'My cloak and my sword.' - -"Perrot brought them to him. - -"'Is it true that you knew this thing, you two?' asked the count, -adjusting his sword. - -"'Yes, Monseigneur,' replied Perrot, looking at the floor. - -"'Why didn't you give me some warning of it, Perrot?' - -"'But, Monseigneur--' my husband began falteringly. - -"'Oh, it's all right; you are not my friends, you two, but just good -people, that's all.' - -"He tapped his squire on the shoulder good-naturedly. He was very pale, -but spoke with a sort of solemn calmness. Again he said to Perrot,-- - -"'Is it a long while that these reports have been circulating?' - -"'Monseigneur,' said Perrot, 'it is five months that you have been in -love with Madame de Poitiers; and your marriage was arranged to take -place in November. I am assured that Monseigneur le Dauphin has been in -love with Madame Diane since about a month after she welcomed your -addresses. However, it is hardly more than two months since it has been -talked about, and personally I have known of it for only a fortnight. -The rumors did not take definite shape until the postponement of the -wedding, and the talk has been mostly under the rose, for fear of -Monseigneur le Dauphin. Only yesterday I whipped one of Monsieur de la -Garde's people for having the face to laugh about it in my hearing; and -Monsieur de la Garde didn't dare to say a word.' - -"'They shall not laugh any more about it,' said Monseigneur, in a tone -that made me fairly shudder. - -"When he was ready to depart, he passed his hand across his forehead, -and said,-- - -"'Aloyse, bring Gabriel to me; I want to kiss him.' - -"You were sleeping, Monseigneur Gabriel,--sleeping calmly like a little -cherub; and you began to cry when I woke you and took you from your bed. -I wrapped you in a blanket, and thus carried you to your father. He took -you in his arms, gazed at you for some time without a word, as if to -take his fill of the sight of you, then pressed a kiss upon your -half-closed eyes. At the same time a tear fell on your rosy cheek,--the -first tear which he, the strong proud man, had ever shed before me. He -gave you back to my arms, saying,-- - -"'I commend my child to you, Aloyse.' - -"Alas! they were the last words he ever said to me. They have remained -where they fell, and I seem to hear them always. - -"'I am going with you, Monseigneur,' said my good Perrot then. - -"'No, Perrot. I must go alone. Do you stay here.' - -"'But, Monseigneur--' - -"'I wish it so,' said he. - -"It was useless to protest further, when he spoke thus, and Perrot -therefore remained silent. The count took our hands. - -"'Adieu, my dear friends,' said he; 'no, not adieu! _au revoir_' - -"And then he went away, calmly and with a firm step, as if he were going -to return in a quarter of an hour. - -"Perrot said not a word; but as soon as his master was out of the house, -he too took down his cloak and his sword. We didn't exchange a word, -and I made no attempt to prevent his going; he did but his duty in -following the count, though it were to his death. He held out his arms -to me, and I threw myself weeping into them; then having kissed me most -tenderly, he followed Monsieur de Montgommery's footsteps. All this had -not taken a minute, and we had not exchanged one word. - -"Left alone, I fell upon a chair, sobbing and praying. The rain outside -was falling with redoubled violence, and the wind was howling dismally. -But you, Monseigneur Gabriel, you had fallen off again into a peaceful -sleep, from which you were to awake an orphan." - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -WHEREIN IT IS SHOWN THAT JEALOUSY SOMETIMES ABOLISHED -TITLES EVEN BEFORE THE FRENCH REVOLUTION - - -"As Monsieur de Langeais had said, the Hôtel de Brézé, where Madame -Diane then lived, was in the Rue du Figuier St. Paul, only two steps -from us, and there it still stands,--this abode of disaster. - -"Perrot followed his master at a distance, saw him stop at Madame -Diane's door, knock, and then go in. He drew near to the house. Monsieur -de Montgommery was speaking haughtily and with much confidence to the -valets, who were trying to prevent his entrance, declaring that their -mistress was ill in her chamber; but the count forced his way in, and -Perrot took advantage of the confusion to creep softly in behind him, as -the door remained half open. He knew his way about the house very well, -having carried more than one message to Madame Diane. He went upstairs -in the darkness behind Monsieur de Montgommery, unopposed, either -because nobody saw him, or because the squire's presence was of trifling -consequence when the master had broken through all rules. - -"At the top of the staircase the count found two of the duchess's women, -terrified and weeping, who asked him what he wanted at such an -unseasonable hour. Ten o'clock was just striking on all the clocks in -the neighborhood. Monsieur de Montgommery replied firmly that he must -see Madame Diane at once; that he had something of importance to tell -her without delay, and that if she could not receive him, he would wait. - -"He spoke loud enough to be heard in the duchess's bedroom, which was -close at hand. One of the women went in, and came back at once to say -that Madame de Poitiers had retired; but that she would come and speak -with the count, who was to wait for her in the oratory. - -"The dauphin was not there then, or else he was acting very timorously -for a son of France. Monsieur de Montgommery followed the two women -without objection as they lighted him into the oratory. - -"Perrot then who had been crouching in the darkness of the stairway, -went on to the floor above, and hid behind a high curtain in a corridor -which separated Madame de Poitiers's bedroom from the oratory where -Monsieur de Montgommery was awaiting her. At the ends of this wide -passage-way were two disused doors, one of which had formerly led into -the oratory, and the other into the bedroom. Perrot found to his great -delight that by slipping behind the hangings of one or the other of -these doors, which had been allowed to remain for symmetry's sake, -though no longer in use, and by listening attentively, he could hear -almost every word that was said in either apartment. Not that my brave -husband was influenced by mere idle curiosity, Monseigneur; but the -count's last words as he parted from us, and an undefinable instinct, -warned him that his master was running some risk, and that at this very -moment they were setting a trap for him perhaps; so he determined to -remain at hand to assist him in case of need. - -"Unfortunately, as you will see, Monseigneur, not one of the words that -he heard and afterward repeated to me threw the least ray of light upon -the obscure and fatal question which is in our minds to-day. - -"Monsieur de Montgommery had not waited two minutes when Madame de -Poitiers entered the oratory rather hurriedly. - -"'What is the trouble, Monsieur?' said she; 'and why this nocturnal -invasion after my request that you would not come to-day?' - -"'I will tell you frankly in a word, Madame; but send these women away -first. Now listen to me. I will be very brief. I have been told that I -have a rival in your affection; that my rival is the dauphin, and that -he is with you here this very evening.' - -"'And you must have believed it, since you came running here to make -sure?' said Madame Diane, haughtily. - -"'I was in agony, Diane, and I came here hoping to find a cure for my -suffering.' - -"'Very well; and now you have seen me,' replied Madame de Poitiers, 'you -know that your informants lied to you; so leave me to get some rest. In -Heaven's name, go, Jacques!' - -"'No, Diane,' said the count made suspicious, no doubt, by her haste to -get rid of him; 'for if they did lie in claiming that the dauphin was -here now, they may not have lied in assuring me that he will be here -before the evening is over; and I shall be very glad to prove them -slanderers at every point.' - -"'And so you will remain, Monsieur?' - -"'I will remain, Madame. Do you go and lie down if you are ill, Diane. I -will keep watch over your slumber, if you are willing.' - -"'But by what right will you do this, Monsieur?' cried Madame de -Poitiers. 'What title have you? Am I not free still?' - -"'No, Madame,' replied the count, steadily, 'you are no longer free to -make a loyal gentleman whose attentions you have accepted the -laughing-stock of the whole court.' - -"'At all events, I will not accept this last attention,' said Madame -Diane. 'You have no more right to remain here than other people have to -laugh at you. You are not my husband, are you? And I don't bear your -name, so far as I am aware.' - -"'Oh, Madame,' cried the count, in despair, 'what does it matter to me -how much they laugh at me? That is not the question? _Mon Dieu_, no! and -you know it, Diane; and it is not my honor that lies bleeding and crying -to you for pity, but my love. If I had been offended by the gibes of -those three idiots, I would have drawn my sword on them, and that would -have been the end of it. But my heart was torn, Diane, and I came flying -to you. My dignity! my reputation! it is not about those that I am -troubled, not in the least; it is because I love you, and am raving mad -with jealousy; because you have told me and proved to me that you love -me; and because I will kill any one who dares to interfere with this -love which is my all, whether he be dauphin or the king himself, Madame! -I don't worry about the shape my vengeance shall take, I assure you. But -as God lives, I will be revenged!' - -"'And revenged for what, pray? and why?' demanded an imperious voice -behind Monsieur de Montgommery. - -"Perrot shivered with fear of what was to come; for across the dimly -lighted corridor he saw Monsieur le Dauphin, who is to-day king, and in -his wake the harsh and mocking features of Monsieur de Montmorency. - -"'Heaven help me!' cried Madame Diane, falling upon a couch and wringing -her hands; 'this is just what I feared.' - -"Monsieur de Montgommery at first gave only a short sharp cry of dismay. -Then Perrot heard him say with a marvellously calm voice,-- - -"'Monseigneur le Dauphin, just one word, by your leave! Tell me that you -have not come here because you love Madame de Poitiers, and because -Madame de Poitiers loves you.' - -"'Monsieur de Montgommery,' replied the dauphin, restraining his rising -anger, 'just one word, by my command! Tell me that I do not find you -here because Madame Diane loves you, and because you love Madame Diane.' - -"Matters having reached this stage, the actors were no longer the heir -of the mightiest throne in the world and a simple gentleman, his -subject, but two men, angered and jealous rivals, two suffering hearts, -two distraught minds. - -"'I was Madame Diane's chosen and accepted husband, as everybody knew, -and as you knew,' replied Monsieur de Montgommery, altogether omitting -the title by which the prince had a claim to be addressed. - -"'A mere promise in the air, a forgotten promise,' cried Henri; 'and -although perhaps of more recent date than yours, the rights of my love -are no less sure, and I will maintain them.' - -"'Ah, the villain! he speaks of his rights!' cried the count, already -drunk with rage and jealousy. 'Do you dare to say, then, that this woman -belongs to you?' - -"I say that she doesn't belong to you, at all events,' replied Henri; 'I -say that I am at Madame's house with Madame's approbation, and I fancy -that you can hardly say the same. So I am impatiently awaiting your -departure, Monsieur.' - -"'If you are so impatient, well and good! let us go together; that's -very simple.' - -"'A challenge!' cried Montmorency, coming forward at this. 'Do you dare, -Monsieur, to offer a challenge to the Dauphin of France?' - -"'There is no Dauphin of France in the case at all,' replied the count; -'there is only a man who claims to be beloved by the woman whom I love, -that's all.' - -"He must have made a pass at Henri at this juncture, for Perrot heard -Diane cry out,-- - -"'He means to insult the prince! he will murder the prince! Help!' - -"Embarrassed, no doubt, by the strange part she was playing, she rushed -out of the room, notwithstanding Monsieur de Montmorency's efforts to -detain her by assuring her that she need not be afraid, for they were -two against one, and had a strong escort below. Perrot saw Madame Diane -cross the corridor and burst into her own room, weeping violently and -calling aloud for her women and the dauphin's people. - -"But her flight had no tendency to allay the heat of the two -adversaries, far from it; and Monsieur de Montgommery repeated with -bitter meaning the word 'escort' which had just been uttered. - -"'It is with the swords of his retainers, doubtless,' said he, 'that -Monseigneur le Dauphin intends to avenge these insults?' - -"'No, Monsieur,' replied Henri, proudly, 'my sword alone will suffice to -punish an insolent villain.' - -"Each already had his hand upon his sword-hilt, when Monsieur de -Montmorency interposed. - -"'Pardon, Monseigneur,' said he; 'but he who may be king to-morrow has -no right to put his life in jeopardy to-day. You are not a man, -Monseigneur; you are a whole nation. A dauphin of France draws his sword -only for France herself.' - -"'But in that case,' cried Monsieur de Montgommery, 'a dauphin of -France, who has everything at command, should not filch from me the one -on whom my whole life depends, who is in my eyes dearer than my honor, -than my native country, than my child in its cradle, even than my -immortal soul itself; for she had made me forget all these,--this woman -who has perhaps been false to me. But no, she is not false to me; it -cannot be, for I love her too dearly! Monseigneur, pardon my violence -and my madness, I beg, and condescend to tell me that you do not love -Diane. Of course you would not come to the house of one you loved -accompanied by Monsieur de Montmorency and a mounted escort of eight or -ten! I ought to have thought of that.' - -"'I chose,' said Monsieur de Montmorency, 'to attend Monseigneur with an -escort this evening, despite his objections, because I had been secretly -warned that a trap would be laid for him to-day. However, I meant to go -no farther than the door of the house; but your loud voice, Monsieur, -reached my ears, and was the cause of my coming farther than I intended, -and thus becoming convinced of the accuracy of the intelligence afforded -by the unknown friends who put me upon my guard so opportunely.' - -"'Ah, I know who they are, these unknown friends!' said the count, -laughing bitterly. 'They are the same ones, no doubt, who notified me -also that the dauphin would be here this evening; and their plans have -succeeded to admiration, to their delight no doubt, and to hers who set -them about it. For Madame d'Étampes, I presume, had no object except to -compromise Madame de Poitiers by a public scandal. So Monsieur le -Dauphin, in coming to pay his visit with an army in attendance, has -marvellously helped on this marvellous scheme! Aha! so you have no -longer to show the least discretion, Henri de Valois, in your relations -with Madame de Brézé? So you label her publicly as your declared -favorite, do you? She is really yours by a certified and authenticated -title; and I can no longer doubt or hope? You have surely stolen her -from me beyond recall, and with her my happiness and my life? Well, -then, by heaven and earth! I have no more occasion to be discreet -either'. Because you are the son of France, Henri de Valois, is no -reason why I should cease to be a gentleman; and you shall give me -satisfaction for this insult, or you are nothing but a coward!" - -"'Scoundrel!' cried the dauphin, drawing his sword and springing at the -count. - -"But Monsieur de Montmorency again threw himself between them. - -"'Monseigneur, once more I say that in my presence the heir to the -throne shall not cross swords about a woman with a --' - -"'With a gentleman of more ancient race than you, foremost baron in -Christendom though you be!' the count burst in, fairly beside himself. -'Besides, every noble is as good as the king; and kings have not always -been so discreet, as you undertake to claim, and for very good reasons. -Charles of Naples challenged Alphonse of Arragon, and François I., not -so very long ago, challenged Charles V. "That was king against king," -you say. 'Very well! Monsieur de Nemours, the king's nephew, called out -an humble Spanish captain. The Montgommerys are every whit as good as -the Valois; and as they have many times intermarried with the royal -children of France and England, there is no reason why they should not -fight with them. The Montgommerys of old bore the arms of France pure in -the second and third quarterings. After their return from England, -whither they followed William the Conqueror, their arms were azure, a -lion, or, armed, and _lampassé_ argent, with the motto _Garde lieu_! -and three _fleurs-de-lis_ on a field gules. Come, then, Monseigneur, our -arms are like our swords, a fitting guarantee of our knightly prowess. -Ah, if you loved this woman as I do, and if you hated me as I hate you! -But no, you are a mere timid boy, happy in being able to hide behind -your preceptor.' - -"'Monsieur de Montmorency, let me go!' cried the dauphin, struggling -fiercely with Montmorency, who was holding him back. - -"'No, by Heaven!' said Montmorency, 'I will not let you fight with this -madman! Below there! Help! help!' he shouted at the top of his voice. - -"And Diane, too, leaning over the stairway, could be distinctly heard -crying with all her might,-- - -"'Help! Come up, you fellows! Are you going to let your masters be -murdered?' - -"This Delilah-like perfidy--for, after all, they were two to one against -Monsieur de Montgommery--undoubtedly excited the count's blind fury to -the highest pitch. Perrot, paralyzed with terror, heard him say,-- - -"'Does it need, then, the last insult of all to convince you,--you and -your go-between,--Henri de Valois, that you _must_ give me -satisfaction?' - -"Perrot supposed that he then approached the dauphin and threatened to -strike him with his hand, for Henri roared like a tiger. But Monsieur de -Montmorency had evidently caught the count's arm, for while he was -shrieking louder than ever, 'Help! help!' Perrot, who could see nothing, -heard the prince cry out,-- - -"'His glove touched my face! He must die by no other hand than mine, -now, Montmorency!' - -"All this took place with the rapidity of lightning. Just at that moment -the escort came in; then ensued a savage combat, and a tremendous noise -of trampling, and clashing steel. Monsieur de Montmorency cried, 'Bind -the madman!' And the dauphin, 'Don't kill him! In Heaven's name, don't -kill him!' - -"This one-sided battle didn't last a moment. Perrot hadn't time even -to rush to his master's assistance. He got as far as the threshold; and -there he saw one of the escort lying on the floor, and two or three -others covered with blood. But the count was disarmed, and already bound -and tightly held by five or six armed men who had attacked him at once. -Perrot, who was not noticed in the confusion, thought he could be of -more use to Monsieur de Montgommery by remaining free, and in condition -to let his friends know, or to rescue him on some more favorable -occasion. So he returned noiselessly to his post, and there, on the -alert and with his hand on his sword, he waited--since his master was -not killed, or even wounded--until it was time to show himself, and -perhaps save him; for you will soon see, Monseigneur, that neither -resolution nor daring was lacking in my good husband; But he was as -prudent as he was valiant, and knew how to make skilful use of his -opportunities. For the moment his cue was to watch; and that is what he -did, carefully and with perfect self-possession. - -"Meanwhile Monsieur de Montgommery, tightly pinioned, was still crying -out,-- - -"'Didn't I tell you, Henri de Valois, that you would have to fight with -ten swords against my one, and meet my insult with the obedient courage -of your soldiers?' - -"'You hear, Monsieur de Montmorency!' said the trembling dauphin. - -"'Let him be gagged!' was Monsieur de Montmorency's only reply. 'I will -soon give you your instructions,' said he to the men, 'as to what is to -be done with him. Meanwhile keep careful watch on him; you shall answer -for him to me with your heads.' - -"And he left the oratory, taking the dauphin with him. They passed -through the corridor, where Perrot was hiding behind the hangings, and -went into Madame Diane's apartment. - -"Perrot thereupon went over to the other wall, and applied his ear to -the other disused door. - -"The scene of which he had already been an auditor was on the whole less -terrible than that to which he was now to listen." - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -DESCRIBES THE MOST CONVINCING PROOF THAT A WOMAN -CAN GIVE THAT A MAN IS NOT HER LOVER - - -"'MONSIEUR de MONTMORENCY,' said the dauphin, as he entered the room, -angry and cast down, 'if you had not held me back, I should be better -content with myself and you than I am at present.' - -"'Permit me to say, Monseigneur,' Montmorency replied, 'that you talk -like a hot-headed youth, and not like the king's son. Your days do not -belong to you; they belong to your people, Monseigneur, and crowned -heads have different duties from other men.' - -"'Why, then, should I be so angry with myself, and so ashamed?' said the -prince. 'Ah! there you are, Madame,' he added, addressing Diane, whom he -had just espied. - -"And for the moment his wounded self-esteem got the better of his -jealous passion. - -"'It is at your house and through your connivance,' said he, 'that I -have been insulted for the first time in my life.' - -"'Alas! at my house, yes; but do not say through my connivance, -Monseigneur,' replied Diane. 'Haven't I suffered quite as much as -you,--yes, more than you? Am I not innocent of all this? Do you suppose -that I care for that man, pray? Or that I have ever cared for him?' - -"Having betrayed him, she now disowned him; it was very simple. - -"'I love you and only you, Monseigneur, she went on; 'my heart and soul -are yours only and absolutely; and my existence dates only from the day -when you accepted this heart which is devoted to you. But before that it -may be--yes, I remember vaguely that I did allow this Montgommery to -entertain some hope. Never anything positive, and no definite -engagement. But you came; and all else was forgotten. Since that time I -swear to you--and you may believe my words rather than the jealous -slanders of Madame d'Étampes and her friends--since that blessed time I -have not had a single thought or a single heart-beat that has not been -for you, Monseigneur. That man lies; that man is acting in concert with -my enemies; that man has no right over her who belongs so completely to -you, Henri. I hardly know the man; and not only do I not love him, but, -Great Heaven, I hate and despise him! See, I don't even ask you if he be -dead or alive. I think only of you. And as for him, I hate him!' - -"'Is this true, Madame?' said the dauphin, still with something of -gloomy distrust in his tone. - -"'It will be very easy and a very short matter to prove it,' replied -Monsieur de Montmorency. 'Monsieur de Montgommery is living, Madame; but -he is securely bound and in no condition to do any harm. He has put a -shameful outrage upon the prince. But to accuse him before the ordinary -tribunals is not to be thought of; to punish him for such a crime would -be more dangerous than the crime itself. On the other hand, it is still -more utterly out of the question that Monseigneur le Dauphin should -engage in single combat with this insolent scoundrel. Now what do you -suggest, Madame? What shall we do with this man?' - -"There was a moment of painful silence. Perrot held his breath so that -he might not lose a syllable of the words which were so slow in coming. -But it was evident that Madame Diane was in fear for herself as well as -for what she was going to say. She hesitated about uttering her own -sentence. - -"But at last she had to speak; and with a voice that was still -reasonably firm, she said,-- - -"'Monsieur de Montgommery has been guilty of the crime of -_lèse-majesté_. Monsieur de Montmorency, to what penalty are they -liable who commit that crime?' - -"'Death,' the constable replied. - -"'Then,' said Madame Diane, coldly, 'my opinion is that this man should -die.' - -"Both the others stood aghast at these words; and there was another -pause before Monsieur de Montmorency replied,-- - -"'You mean by that, Madame, that you do not love Monsieur de -Montgommery, and never have loved him.' - -"'For my part,' said the dauphin, 'I am less desirous than ever now that -he should die.' - -"'I hold the same views,' said Montmorency, 'but on different grounds -from yours, I take it, Monseigneur. The opinion which generosity moves -you to express, I hold for prudential reasons. Monsieur de Montgommery -has many friends and powerful allies in France and England; it is known -at court that he was likely to meet us here to-night. If they come to us -and ask us boldly and clamorously for news of him to-morrow, it must not -be that we are able to produce only a dead body. Nobles cannot be -treated like serfs and put to death without ceremony. We must be able to -reply,--"Monsieur de Montgommery has absconded;" or, "Monsieur de -Montgommery is wounded and ill;" but in any event, "Monsieur de -Montgommery is alive!" 'And if we are pushed to the last extremity, and -if they persist in clamoring for him to the end, well, then we must be -in a position where if worst comes to worst, we can take him from his -prison or his bed and produce him to the slanderers. But I hope that -this precaution, necessary though it be, will nevertheless be useless. -Monsieur de Montgommery will be sought for and inquired for to-morrow -and the day after; but in a week's time the matter will begin to die -out, and in a month he will not be mentioned at all. Nothing is -forgotten so speedily as a friend; and we must help to change the -subject of common gossip. My conclusion is, then, that the culprit must -neither die nor live; he must disappear.' - -"'So be it!' said the dauphin. 'Let him go; let him leave France! He -has property and connections in England; let him take refuge there.' - -"'Not by any means, Monseigneur,' Montmorency replied. 'Death is too -much; but banishment is not enough. Would you like,' he added in a lower -tone, 'to have this fellow tell in England rather than in France how he -threatened you with an insulting gesture?' - -"'Oh, don't remind me of that!' cried the dauphin, grinding his teeth. - -"'Yet I must remind you of it, Monseigneur, to fortify you against a -perilous decision. It is essential, I say again, that the count should -tell no tales, living or dead. The men of our escort can be depended -upon; and, besides, they have no idea with whom they are dealing. The -governor of the Châtelet is a friend of mine; more than that, he is as -deaf and dumb as his prison, and devoted to his Majesty's service. Let -Monsieur de Montgommery be carried to the Châtelet this very night. A -good strong dungeon will keep him for us, or give him back to us, as we -choose. To-morrow he will have disappeared; and we will take pains to -spread most contradictory and inconsistent reports as to his -disappearance. If these rumors do not die out of themselves, and if the -count's friends are too persistent in making search for him, which is -hardly probable; and if they institute a rigorous and thorough inquiry, -which would greatly surprise me,--why, then we can justify ourselves in -one word by producing the register of the Châtelet, which will prove -that Monsieur de Montgommery, accused of the crime of _lèse-majesté_, -is held in prison pending the regular decree of the courts. Then, when -this fact is once established, will it be our fault if the prison is -unhealthy; and if grief and remorse have taken too strong a hold on -Monsieur de Montgommery, and if he dies before he has had time to appear -to answer to the charge?' - -"'Oh, Monsieur!' cried the dauphin, in horror. - -"'Never fear, Monseigneur,' replied the prince's adviser; 'we shall have -no need to go to such lengths. The rumors caused by the count's -disappearance will die away. His friends will be consoled, and will soon -forget; and Monsieur de Montgommery will live, if he chooses, the life -of a prisoner from the moment that he dies to the world.' - -"'But has he not a son?' asked Madame Diane. - -"'Yes, a very young boy, who will be told that no one knows what has -become of his father, and who will, when he has grown up, if he lives to -grow up, poor little orphan, have interests and passions of his own, and -will not trouble himself to unearth a story fifteen or twenty years -old.' - -"'That is all very true, and well thought of,' said Madame de Poitiers. -'Come, I am inclined to accept it; nay, more, I approve of it, and -marvel at it.' - -"'You are really too kind, Madame,' replied Montmorency, much flattered, -'and I am very glad to see that we are suited to appreciate each other.' - -"'But I neither approve of it nor marvel at it, for my part,' cried the -dauphin; 'on the contrary, I oppose it and disclaim it.' - -"'Disclaim it, Monseigneur, and you will do quite right,' said Monsieur -de Montmorency. 'Disclaim it; but do not oppose it. Find fault with it; -but let it go on. All this doesn't concern you at all; and I take the -whole responsibility of the affair upon my shoulders, before God and -man.' - -"'But henceforth we shall be bound together by fellowship in crime, -shall we not,' said the dauphin, 'and you will no longer be my friend -simply, but my accomplice?' - -"'Oh, Monseigneur, perish the thought!' cried the crafty minister. 'You -ought not to compromise yourself by punishing the culprit any more than -by fighting him. Is it your pleasure that we refer the whole matter to -the king your father?' - -"'No, no; let my father know nothing of all this,' said the dauphin, -quickly.' - -"'But my duty,' said Monsieur de Montmorency, 'will compel me to inform -him, nevertheless, Monseigneur, if you persist in thinking that the time -for chivalrous deeds is to last forever. Come, let us not hasten the -affair, if you prefer not, and let us wait for time to ripen our -judgment. Only let us make sure of the count's person, as an essential -part of our final plans, whatever they may be; and then we will postpone -for a time any final conclusion on the subject.' - -"'Very well,' said the dauphin, whose feeble will was quick to grasp at -this pretended adjournment of the painful subject. 'Monsieur de -Montgommery will thus have time to reconsider his first unreflecting -impulse, and I also may reflect at my leisure on what my conscience and -my dignity demand that I should do.' - -"'Let us go back to the Louvre, then, Monseigneur,' said Monsieur de -Montmorency, 'and leave no doubt of our presence there. I will send him -back to you to-morrow, Madame,' he continued, turning to Madame de -Poitiers with a smile; 'for I can see that you love him with a real, -heartfelt passion.' - -"'But is Monseigneur le Dauphin convinced of it?' said Diane; 'and have -I his forgiveness for this unfortunate meeting, so entirely unforeseen -by me?' - -"'Yes, indeed you must love me,--in truth, with a mighty love, Diane,' -replied the dauphin, thoughtfully; 'and I am in too great need of -believing it to doubt it. And as the count very truly said, I felt too -keenly the pang which cut my heart when I fancied I had lost you, so -that your love is henceforth necessary to my existence; and when I loved -you once, it was for life.' - -"'Ah, God grant that you speak the truth!' cried Diane, passionately, -covering with kisses the hand that the dauphin held out to her in token -of forgiveness. - -"'And now let us be off without more delay,' said Monsieur de -Montmorency. - -"'_Au revoir_, Diane.' - -"'_Au revoir_, my dear Lord,' said the duchess, with a most captivating -accent upon the last words. - -"She went with him to the door of the room. While the dauphin was -descending the stairs, Monsieur de Montmorency opened the door of the -oratory where Monsieur de Montgommery was still lying, guarded and -bound, and said to the leader of the men-at-arms,-- - -"'I will send hither at once one of my people, who will instruct you -what to do with your prisoner. Until then watch his every movement, and -don't lose sight of him for one moment. You shall answer to me, all of -you, with your lives.' - -"'Very well, Monseigneur,' replied the soldier. - -"'Besides, I shall be on the watch too,' said Madame de Poitiers, from -the door where she was still standing. - -"They all disappeared, and Perrot from his hiding-place could hear -nothing but the regular tread of the sentinel stationed just within the -oratory to guard the door, while his comrades guarded the prisoner." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -USELESS DEVOTION - - -Aloyse, having rested a few moments, for she could hardly breathe as she -recalled this mournful story, collected herself once more, and at -Gabriel's earnest entreaty finished her narrative in these words:-- - -"One o'clock in the morning was striking when the dauphin and his -unscrupulous mentor took their leave. Perrot saw that his master was -lost beyond all hope of rescue if he gave Monsieur de Montmorency's -messenger time to arrive. The moment for him to act was at hand. He had -noticed that Monsieur de Montmorency had not mentioned any countersign -or any signal by which his envoy could be recognized; so after waiting -about half an hour, to give Monsieur time to have given him his -instructions, Perrot crept carefully out of his hiding-place, went down -a few stairs on his toes, and then ascended them again, making his tread -distinctly audible, and knocked at the door of the oratory. - -"The scheme that he had formed on the spur of the moment was an -audacious one; but its very audacity gave it some chance of success. - -"'Who's there?' asked the sentinel. - -"'A messenger from Monseigneur le Baron de Montmorency.' - -"'Open,' said the leader of the party to the sentinel. - -"The door opened, and Perrot entered boldly and confidently. - -"'I am,' said he, 'the squire of Monsieur Charles de Manffol, who is -attached to Monsieur de Montmorency's service, as you know. We were just -going off guard at the Louvre, my master and I, when we met on the -Grève Monsieur de Montmorency with a tall young man wrapped in a cloak. -Monsieur de Montmorency recognized Monsieur de Manffol, and called him. -After talking together a few moments, they both ordered me to come here -to Madame Diane de Poitiers's house, Rue du Figuier. I should find here, -they said, a prisoner, as to whom Monsieur de Montmorency has given me -certain directions which I am about to carry out. I asked him for a -small escort; but he told me that there was already a sufficient force -here, and I see that there are more of you than I need to assist me in -executing the conciliatory mission with which I am intrusted. Where is -the prisoner? Ah, there he is! Remove the gag, for it is necessary that -I should speak to him, and that he should be able to reply to me.' - -"The conscientious leader of the men-at-arms still hesitated, despite -Perrot's deliberate speech. - -"'Have you no written order to give me?' he asked. - -"'Does one write orders on the Place de Grève at two in the morning?' -replied Perrot, shrugging his shoulders. 'Monsieur de Montmorency told -me that you would expect me.' - -"'Very true.' - -"'Well, then, what game are you trying to play on me, my good fellow? -Come, leave the room, you and your people; for what I have to say to -this gentleman must be kept secret between ourselves. What! don't you -hear me? Leave us, I say!' - -"They did finally leave; and Perrot walked coolly up to Monsieur de -Montgommery, who had been relieved of his gag. - -"'My brave Perrot!' said the count, who had recognized his squire at -once, 'how do you happen to be here?' - -"'You shall know, Monseigneur; but we have not a moment to lose now. -Listen.' - -"In a few words he told him of the scene which had transpired in Madame -Diane's apartment, and of the determination which Monsieur de -Montmorency seemed to have taken of burying forever the terrible secret -of the insult with the insulter. Thus it was necessary to escape this -fatal captivity by a bold and desperate stroke. - -"'And what do you mean to do, Perrot?' asked Monsieur de Montgommery. -'See, there are eight of them against us two, and here we are not in the -house of our friends,' he added bitterly. - -"'Never mind that!' said Perrot; 'do you just let me do all the acting -and the talking, and you are saved, you are free.' - -"'What's the use, Perrot?' said the count, gloomily. 'What more have I -to do with life or liberty? Diane does not love me! Diane hates me and -betrays me!' - -"'Put by all remembrance of that woman, and think of your child, -Monseigneur.' - -"'You are right, Perrot; I have already neglected him too much, poor -little Gabriel, and God is just to punish me for it. For his sake, then, -I ought and I will try to avail myself of this last chance of safety -which you hold out to me, my friend. But, in the first place, listen to -me: if this chance fails me, if this undertaking, audacious to the point -of madness, which you are about to venture on, fails, I do not wish to -bequeath to the orphan for his inheritance, Perrot, the results of my -unhappy fate; I do not wish to subject him after my disappearance from -among the living to the powerful hatred to which I have been forced to -yield. Swear to me, then, that if the prison or the tomb opens its doors -to me, and you survive me, Gabriel shall never know from you the -circumstances of his father's disappearance from the world. If he should -come to know this terrible secret, he would try some day either to -avenge me or to rescue me, and would ruin himself. I shall have a bitter -enough reckoning to settle with his mother, without adding that burden -to it. Let my son live in happiness, free from anxiety about his -father's past! Swear this for me, Perrot, and do not consider yourself -relieved from the obligation of this oath unless the three actors in the -scene you have described to me die before I do, and the dauphin (who -will be king then, no doubt), Madame Diane, and Monsieur de Montmorency -carry their potent hatred with them to the grave, and can no longer harm -my child. Then, in that very improbable concurrence of events, let him -try, if he will, to learn of my whereabouts and to find me. But until -then, let him know as little as everybody else--yes, less than anybody -else--of his father's end. Do you promise me this, Perrot! Do you swear -it? I will not give myself up to your rash and, I greatly fear, -fruitless devotion, except on that one condition, Perrot.' - -"'Do you wish it so, Monseigneur? Then I swear it.' - -"'Upon the cross of your sword-hilt, Perrot, Gabriel shall never know -from you of this perilous mystery?' - -"'Upon the cross of my sword-hilt, Monseigneur!' said Perrot, his right -hand held aloft. - -"'Thanks, my dear friend. Now do with me as you will, my faithful -servant. I place my reliance on your courage and the favor of God.' - -"'Be self-possessed and confident, Monseigneur,' replied Perrot. 'You -will soon see.' - -"Recalling the leader of the men-at-arms, he said,-- - -"'What the prisoner has said to me is satisfactory, and you may unbind -him and let him go.' - -"'Unbind him! Let him go!' rejoined the astounded leader. - -"'To be sure! Such are Monsieur de Montmorency's orders.' - -"'Monsieur de Montmorency,' replied the man-at-arms, shaking his head, -'ordered us to keep this prisoner in sight, and said as he went away -that we should answer for it with our lives. How can it be that Monsieur -de Montmorency now wishes us to set the gentleman at liberty?' - -"'So that you refuse to obey me, who speak in his name, do you?' said -Perrot, abating nothing of his assurance. - -"'I hesitate. See here, if you were to order me to kill the man, or to -throw him into the river, or to take him to the Bastille, we would obey, -but to let him go!--that, you see, is not the sort of thing we're -accustomed to.' - -"'So be it!' replied Perrot, in no whit disconcerted. 'I have given you -the orders that I received, and I wash my hands of the rest of it. You -will answer to Monsieur de Montmorency for the consequences of your -disobedience. As for me, there's nothing more for me to do here. -Good-evening!' - -"And he opened the door, as if to take his leave. - -"'Ho, there, one moment!' said the leader; 'how quick you are! So you -mean to declare that it is Monsieur de Montmorency's will that we should -let this prisoner go? You are quite sure that it was Monsieur de -Montmorency who sent you?' - -"'You idiot!' replied Perrot; 'how else should I know that he had a -prisoner under guard here? Has any other person gone out to tell of it, -if it was not Monsieur de Montmorency himself?' - -"'Well, your man shall be unbound!' said the soldier, as surly as a -tiger whose prey has been torn from his grasp. 'How changeable these -great lords are, _corps Dieu_!' - -"'Good! I will await you,' said Perrot. - -"He remained outside, nevertheless, on the topmost step of the -staircase, with his face turned toward the stairs, and his drawn sword -in his hand. If he saw the real messenger from Montmorency coming up, he -must see to it that he came no farther. - -"But he neither saw nor heard behind him Madame de Poitiers, who, -aroused by the sound of voices, had come out of her chamber, and gone -along to the open door of the oratory. She saw that they were releasing -Monsieur de Montgommery, who was transfixed with horror as he saw her -there. - -"'Wretches!' she cried, 'what are you doing there?' - -"'We are obeying the orders of Monsieur de Montmorency, Madame,' said -the leader, 'and releasing the prisoner.' - -"'It cannot be possible!' replied Madame de Poitiers. 'Monsieur de -Montmorency can never have given such orders. Who brought you this -order?' - -"The men pointed out Perrot, who had turned about, stupefied with -terror, on hearing Madame Diane's voice. A ray of light from the lamp -fell full upon poor Perrot's pale face, and Madame Diane recognized him -at once. - -"'That man?' said she; 'that man is the prisoner's squire! Just see what -you were about to do!' - -"'That's a lie!' replied Perrot, still trying to deny his identity. 'I -am Monsieur de Manffol's squire, and am sent here by Monsieur de -Montmorency.' - -"'Who says that he was sent by Monsieur de Montmorency?' chimed in the -voice of a new arrival, who was the real envoy himself. 'My good -fellows, this man lies! Here are the Montmorency ring and seal; and you -ought to know me too. I am the Comte de Montausier.[3] What! you dared -to take away the prisoner's gag, and were in the very act of releasing -him? Wretches! Gag him again, and bind him tighter still!' - -"'As you please!' said the chief of the guards; 'but the orders he gave -us sounded all right, and were easy to understand.' - -"'Poor Perrot!' was all the count said. - -"He did not stoop to utter a word of reproach to Madame de Poitiers, -though he would have had time enough before the handkerchief they put -between his teeth was in place. It may be, too, that he feared to -compromise his true-hearted squire any further; but Perrot, unluckily, -wasn't as discreet as he, and said to Madame Diane indignantly,-- - -"'Well, Madame, you don't stop halfway in a felony, at least! Saint -Peter denied his Lord three times, but Judas only betrayed him once. You -have betrayed your lover three times within an hour. To be sure, Judas -was only a man, while you are a woman and a duchess.' - -"'Seize that man!' cried Madame Diane, in a perfect fury of rage. - -"'Seize that man!' the Comte de Montausier echoed. - -"'Ah, but I am not taken yet!' cried Perrot. - -"And in so desperate a plight he took a desperate step; with one leap he -was at Monsieur de Montgommery's side, and began to cut his bonds with -his poniard, crying,-- - -"'Help yourself, Monseigneur, and let us sell our lives as dearly as we -can!' - -"But he had only time to free his left arm; for he could defend himself -only partially while trying to cut the count's cords at the same time. -Ten swords clashed with his. Surrounded, and struck at on all sides at -once, a powerful blow that he received between the shoulders laid him at -his master's feet, and he fell unconscious, and like a dead man." - - -[Footnote 3: This exploit of the young Comte de Montausier, the -apprehension of Montgommery, was a fitting prelude to the assassination -of Lignerolles. It is well-known that Monsieur de Lignerolles having -informed Charles IX. that the Duc d'Anjou, his master, had confided to -him his secret scheme for getting rid of the leading Huguenots, the king -induced his brother (D'Anjou) to have Lignerolles put out of the way as -a precaution against any possible indiscretion on his part. The Comte de -Montausier took charge of the execution, with four or five other -gentlemen-executioners, all of whom eventually came to a wretched end. -"Wherefore," says Brantôme, "we ought to take great care that we slay -no man unjustly; for one scarcely ever hears of such a murder which has -not been avenged with the sanction of God, who has put a sword at our -side for use, and not to be abused."] - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV - -SHOWS THAT BLOOD-STAINS CAN NEVER BE COMPLETELY -WASHED OUT - - -"Perrot knew nothing of what happened after that. - -"When he came to himself, his first sensation was of bitter cold. Then -he collected his thoughts, opened his eyes, and looked about him; it was -still profoundly dark. He was lying on the moist earth, and a dead body -lay beside him. By the light of the little lamp which is always burning -in the recess of the image of the Virgin, he saw that he was in the -Cemetery of the Innocents. The body that had been thrown down by his -side was that of the guard who had been killed by Monsieur de -Montgommery. They had undoubtedly supposed that my husband was dead. - -"He tried to rise, but the terrible pain from his wounds prevented him. -However, putting all his strength into an almost superhuman effort, he -succeeded in standing up and taking a few steps. Just then the black -darkness was relieved by the light of a lantern; and Perrot saw two -evil-looking men approaching with spades and mattocks. - -"'They told us we should find them at the foot of the image of the -Virgin,' said one of them. - -"'Here are the sparks,' said the other, spying the soldier. 'But, no, -there's only one.' - -"'Well, we must find the other, then.' - -"The two grave-diggers turned the light of their lantern upon the ground -near them; but Perrot had made shift to drag himself behind a tomb at -some distance from the place where they were looking for him. - -"'The Devil must have carried one man off,' remarked one of the men, who -seemed to be in a joking mood. - -"'In God's name, don't say such things,' cried the other, shuddering, -'at such an hour, and in such a place!' - -"And he crossed himself, with every indication of terror. - -"'Well, at all events, there's only one here,' said the first who had -spoken. 'What's the odds? Bah! we will bury the one that is here, and -then say that his friend had escaped; or it may be that they didn't -count right.' - -"They set about digging a grave; and Perrot, who was tottering away -little by little, was glad to hear the jovial digger say to his -companion,-- - -"'It has just occurred to me that if we admit that we found only one -body, and dig only one grave, the man will give us only five pistoles, -perhaps, instead of ten. Wouldn't it be better for our pockets to say -nothing about this extraordinary escape of the second corpse?' - -"'Yes, faith!' replied his devout companion. 'Let us content ourselves -with saying that we have accomplished our task; and then we shall have -told no lie.' - -"Meanwhile, Perrot, faint as death, had got as far as Rue -Aubry-le-Boucher. There he hailed a market gardener's wagon, returning -from market, and asked the driver where he was going. - -"'To Montreuil,' was the reply. - -"'Then will you be kind enough to give me a lift as far as the corner of -Rue Geoffroy L'Asnier and Rue St. Antoine, where I live?' - -"'Get in,' said the gardener. - -"In this way Perrot made the greater part of the journey to our lodgings -without much fatigue; and yet ten times on the way he thought that he -was dying. At last the wagon stopped at Rue Geoffroy L'Asnier. - -"'Well, here you are at home, my friend,' said the gardener. - -"'Thank you, my kind fellow!' said Perrot. - -"He got down with much stumbling, and was obliged to lean against the -first wall that he came to. - -"'My comrade has had a little too much to drink,' remarked the peasant, -starting up his horse. - -"And away he went, singing the new _chanson_ just written by Master -François Rabelais, the jolly curé of Meudon:-- - - - "'O Dieu, père Paterne, - Qui muas l'eau en vin, - Fais de mon cul lanterne - Pour luire à mon voisin!'[4] - - -"It took Perrot an hour to get from Rue St. Antoine to Rue des Jardins. -Luckily the January nights are long. He didn't meet a soul, and arrived -home about six o'clock. - -"My anxiety had kept me all night at the open window, Monseigneur, -notwithstanding the cold. At Perrot's first call I rushed to the door -and opened it. - -"'Not a sound, on your life!' were his first words to me. 'Help me up -to my room, but not a cry, not a word!' - -"He went upstairs, leaning on my arm; while I, seeing that he was -wounded and bleeding, didn't dare to speak, because he had forbidden -me, but wept silently. When we finally got to our room, and I had taken -off his coat and relieved him of his weapons, the poor soul's blood -covered my hands, and I saw the great gaping wounds. He forbade my cry -of horror by a stern gesture, and assumed the easiest position possible -on the bed. - -"'At least, let me call a surgeon, for God's sake!' I sobbed. - -"'Useless!' was his answer. 'You know that I have a little skill in -surgery. One of my wounds at least--the one just below the neck--is -mortal; and I should not be alive now, I think, if something stronger -than pain had not sustained me, and if God, who punishes assassins and -traitors, had not prolonged my life for a few hours to serve His future -plans. Soon the fever will seize me, and all will be over. No physician -in the world can prevent that.' - -"He spoke with such painful effort that I begged him to rest a little. - -"'I must do so,' said he, 'and carefully husband what strength I have. -But give me writing materials.' - -"I brought what he asked for; but he had not then discovered that a -sword-cut had mangled his right hand. At his best it was a hard matter -for him to write, so he threw pen and paper aside. - -"'Well, then, I must speak,' said he; 'and God will let me live long -enough to finish what I have to say. For if it should ever come to pass -that He, the just and merciful God, should aim a blow at my master's -three enemies, in their omnipotence or in their life, which are the -perishable goods of the wicked, then Monsieur de Montgommery may be -saved by his son.' - -"Then, Monseigneur," continued Aloyse, "Perrot began and told me the -whole mournful story which I have fully detailed to you. There were long -and frequent interruptions; and when he felt too exhausted to continue, -he told me to leave him, and go down and show myself to the people in -the house. I pretended, and without much pretence either, to be very -anxious about the count and my husband. I sent everybody to make -inquiries at the Louvre, and among Monsieur le Comte de Montgommery's -friends one by one, and then among his acquaintances. Madame de Poitiers -sent word that she had not seen him, and Monsieur de Montmorency that he -didn't understand why they came to bother him. - -"So all suspicion was diverted from me, as Perrot wished; and his -murderers might well believe that their secret was hidden in the -master's dungeon and the squire's grave. - -"When I had thus put the servants off the scent for some time, and had -intrusted you to one of them, Monseigneur Gabriel, I went back to my -poor Perrot, who bravely resumed his narrative. - -"About midday the fearful agony which had racked him up to that time -seemed to abate somewhat. He spoke with less difficulty and with some -animation. But as I was taking heart over this improvement, he said to -me, smiling mournfully,-- - -"'This apparent change for the better means simply that the fever is -coming on, as I told you it would. But, God be praised! I have finished -describing this frightful plot. Now you know what no other but God and -these three assassins know; and your loyal heart, always steadfast and -strong, will enable you, I am sure, to keep this secret of death and -blood until the day when, as I hope and pray, you may reveal it to him -who has the right to know it. You have heard the oath that Monsieur de -Montgommery required of me; and you must repeat the same oath to me, -Aloyse. - -"'So long as it is dangerous for Gabriel to know that his father is -living,--so long as the three all-powerful enemies who have slain my -master shall be left in this world by God's wrath,--do you keep silent, -Aloyse. Swear it to your dying husband.' - -"Weeping, I swore it; and it is that sacred oath which I am now proving -false to, Monseigneur, for your three foes, more powerful and more to be -dreaded than ever, are still living. But you were about to die yourself; -and if you make a wise and discreet use of my revelation, that which -threatens to destroy you may be your father's salvation and yours. But -tell me again, Monseigneur, that I have not committed an unpardonable -sin, and that because of my good intentions, God and my dear Perrot will -forgive my perjury." - -"There is no perjury in all this, blessed creature," replied Gabriel; -"and there has been throughout your conduct naught but heroic devotion. -But tell me the rest! tell me the rest!" - -"Perrot," continued Aloyse, "went on to say,-- - -"'When I shall be no more, dear wife, you will do wisely to close this -house, dismiss the servants, and betake yourself to Montgommery with -Gabriel and our child. And even at Montgommery don't live in the -château, but in our little house; and bring up the heir of the noble -counts, if not in absolute secrecy, still without any luxury or display, -so that his friends may know him, and his enemies forget him. All our -good people down yonder, both the intendant and the chaplain, will -assist you in fulfilling the important duty which the Lord has put upon -you. It would be much better that Gabriel himself until he is eighteen -at least should be ignorant of the name he bears, but should know only -that he is of gentle birth. You will see. Our worthy chaplain and -Monsieur de Vimoutiers, the child's guardian, will assist you with their -advice; but even from these loyal friends you must conceal the tale that -I have told you. Confine yourself to saying that you fear that Gabriel -may be in danger from his father's powerful enemies.' - -"Perrot also gave me all manner of cautions, which he repeated in a -thousand different forms until his suffering began again, accompanied by -weakness which was no less grievous to look upon; and yet he employed -every moment of comparative ease to cheer me up and comfort me. - -"He also mentioned to me and made me promise one thing which required by -no means the least display of energy on my part, I confess, and was not -the least potent cause of suffering to me. - -"'In Monsieur de Montmorency's mind,' said he, 'I am buried in the -Cemetery of the Innocents; so I must have disappeared with the count. If -any sign of my return here should be discovered, you would be lost, -Aloyse, and Gabriel too, perhaps! But your arm is strong and your heart -is brave. When you have closed my eyes, collect all the strength of your -soul and body, wait till the middle of the night when everybody here is -sound asleep after the labors of the day, and then take my body down -into the old burial-vault of the lords of Brissac, to whom this hotel -formerly belonged. No one ever enters that abandoned tomb; and you will -find the key to it, all rusty, in the great clothes-press in the count's -room. Thus I shall have consecrated burial; and although a simple squire -may be unworthy to lie among so many great nobles, still after death we -are all nothing but Christians, are we?' - -"As my poor Perrot seemed to be growing weaken and insisted on having my -word, I promised all that he asked. Toward evening he became delirious, -and to that, frightful agony succeeded. I beat my breast in despair at -my inability to relieve him; but he made a motion that it was of no -avail. - -"At last, burning up with fever, and racked by terrible agony, he -said,-- - -"'Aloyse, give me some water,--just a drop.' - -"I had already offered, in my ignorance, to give him something to quench -the burning thirst from which he said he was suffering, but he had -persistently declined it; so I hastened to find a glass, which I handed -to him. - -"Before he took it, he said,-- - -"'Aloyse, one last kiss and one last adieu! and remember; remember!' - -"I covered his face with kisses and tears. Then he asked me for the -crucifix, and placed his dying lips upon the nails of the cross of -Jesus, saying only, 'Oh, _mon Dieu_! oh, _mon Dieu_!' He pressed my hand -with a last trembling grasp, and took the glass which I offered him. He -took but one swallow, trembled violently all over, and fell back upon -the pillow. - -"He was dead. - -"I passed the rest of the evening praying and weeping. However, I went, -as I usually did, to superintend your retiring, Monseigneur. You can -well believe that no one wondered at my grief. Terror reigned in the -house; and all the faithful servants were grieving over the probable -fate of their master and their good comrade Perrot. - -"However, about two in the morning, everything was quiet, and I alone -was awake. I washed away the blood with which my husband's body was -covered, wrapped it in a cloth, and putting myself in God's hands, I set -about taking down the dear burden, which weighed still heavier at my -heart than in my arms. When my strength gave out, I knelt by the body -and prayed. - -"At last, after what seemed an interminable half-hour, I reached the -door of the vault. When I opened it, not without considerable -difficulty, an icy blast came rushing out and extinguished the lamp -which I carried, and almost suffocated me. But I revived speedily, and -laid my husband's body in a tomb which was open and empty, and which -seemed as if it were waiting to receive him; then having kissed his cold -lips once more and for the last time, I let down the heavy marble slab, -which separated me forever from the beloved husband of my bosom. The -noise of the stone falling upon stone frightened me so that, scarcely -taking time to close the door of the vault, I fled like a mad woman, and -never stopped until I reached my own room, where I fell upon a chair, -completely exhausted. However, it was necessary that I should burn up -the bloody cloths and bandages before daybreak, so that they might not -betray me. When the first ray of light appeared, my weary task was done, -and not a single trace remained of the events of the preceding day and -night. I had put everything out of sight with the great care displayed -by a criminal who means to leave nothing to bear witness to or to recall -his crime. - -"But such long and wearisome toil prostrated me completely, and I fell -ill. However, it was my duty to live for the sake of the two orphans -whom Providence had intrusted to my sole protection; and I did live, -Monseigneur." - -"Poor woman! poor martyr!" said Gabriel, taking her hand in his. - -"A month later," continued the nurse, "I carried you to Montgommery, in -obedience to my husband's dying instructions. - -"In the sequel it turned out as Monsieur de Montmorency had predicted. -The inexplicable disappearance of the Comte de Montgommery and his -squire made a noise at court for about a week; then the talk began to -die out; and finally, the expected arrival of the Emperor Charles V., -who was on his way through France to chastise the people of Ghent, -became the universal subject of conversation. - -"It was in May of the same year, five months after your father's -disappearance, that Diane de Castro was born." - -"Yes," rejoined Gabriel, thoughtfully; "and did Madame de Poitiers -belong to my father? Did she love the dauphin after him or -simultaneously?--sombre questions these, which cannot be answered -satisfactorily by the slanderous gossip of an idle court. But my father -is alive! He must be alive! And Aloyse, I will find him. There are two -men living in me now,--a son and a lover, who will find a way to -discover his living tomb." - -"God grant it!" said Aloyse. - -"And have you learned nothing since, nurse," said Gabriel, "as to the -prison where these wretches may have buried my father?" - -"Nothing, Monseigneur; and the only clew that we have on that point is -the remark of Monsieur de Montmorency as reported by Perrot,--that the -governor of the Châtelet was a devoted friend of his, and could be -depended upon." - -"The Châtelet!" cried Gabriel; "the Châtelet!" - -For like a flash of lightning his memory brought before him all at once -the gloomy, desolate old man, who might never utter a word, and whom he -had seen with such a strange agitation of the heart, in one of the -deepest dungeons of the royal prison. - -Bursting into tears, Gabriel threw himself into the arms of his faithful -and true-hearted nurse. - - -[Footnote 4: "Oh, God, our Heavenly Father, -Who changedst water to wine, -Make of my breech a lantern -To light this friend of mine!"] - - - - -CHAPTER XXV - -AN HEROIC RANSOM - - -The next day, August 12, it was with an unfaltering step and a tranquil -face that Gabriel de Montgommery took his way to the Louvre to ask -audience of the king. - -He had debated long and earnestly in his own mind, and with Aloyse, as -to what he should do and say. Convinced that a violent course would have -no other result with an adversary who wore a crown than to subject him -to his father's fate, Gabriel had resolved to speak plainly and with -dignity, but in a tone of moderation and with due respect. He would ask, -not demand. Would there not still be time for him to adopt a more lofty -demeanor, and ought he not in the first place to ascertain if the lapse -of eighteen years had not softened Henri's bitter enmity? - -Gabriel, in forming this resolution, showed as much discretion and -shrewdness as were consistent with the bold step he had determined on. - -Circumstances moreover lent him aid from an unexpected quarter. - -As he entered the courtyard of the Louvre, attended by -Martin-Guerre,--the real Martin-Guerre on this occasion,--Gabriel -noticed an extraordinary commotion; but his mind was too deeply absorbed -in his own affairs to pay much attention to the busily talking groups -and sad faces which he passed at every step. - -Nevertheless, he could but recognize on his way a litter with the Guise -arms, and salute the cardinal, who was just leaving it in a state of -great excitement. - -"Ah! is it you, Monsieur Vicomte d'Exmès," said Charles de Lorraine, -"and are you quite yourself again? So much the better! so much the -better! Monsieur my brother was asking for news of you in his last -letter with much interest." - -"Monseigneur is so very kind!" responded Gabriel. - -"You have well earned it by your gallantry," said the cardinal. "But -where are you going so fast?" - -"To seek the king, Monseigneur." - -"Hm! The king has other business on hand than receiving you, my young -friend. But wait a moment! I am going to his Majesty also, for he just -sent for me. Let us go up together; I will be your sponsor, and you -shall lend me the support of your strong arm. One good turn for another. -In fact, that is just what I was going to say to his Majesty; for you -have heard the sad news, I suppose?" - -"No, indeed," Gabriel replied; "for I have just come from home; and I -only noticed that there seemed to be something exciting in the air." - -"I should say as much!" said the cardinal. "Monsieur de Montmorency has -been up to his old tricks down yonder with the army. He undertook to fly -to the relief of St. Quentin, which was in a state of siege, did the -gallant constable! Don't go so fast, I beg you, Monsieur d'Exmès, for I -no longer have the sprightly legs of twenty years. I was saying that he -offered battle to the enemy, the intrepid general! It was day before -yesterday, August 10, St. Laurent's Day. He had almost as many troops as -the Spaniards, a superb body of cavalry,--the very pick and flower of -the French nobility. Oh, well! he had so skilfully arranged matters, -experienced commander that he is, that he sustained a most overwhelming -defeat in the plains of Gibercourt and Lizerolles; that he was himself -wounded and made prisoner, and with him all the leading officers and -generals who did not remain on the field. Monsieur d'Enghien is among -the latter; and of the whole infantry not a hundred men have come back. -And that explains why everybody is so absorbed, Monsieur d'Exmès, and -why his Majesty needs me, no doubt." - -"Great God!" cried Gabriel, appalled, even in the depths of his own -sorrow, by this great public calamity; "Great God! are the days of -Poitiers and Agincourt returning upon poor France? But St. Quentin, -Monseigneur?" - -"St. Quentin," the cardinal replied, "was still holding out when the -courier left; and the constable's nephew, Monsieur l'Amiral Gaspard de -Coligny, who is defending the town, has sworn to lessen the result of -his uncle's defeat by allowing himself to be buried in the ruins of the -place rather than surrender it. But I am much afraid that he may be -buried already, and the last rampart which kept the enemy out carried." - -"In that case the kingdom is lost!" said Gabriel. - -"May God protect France!" rejoined the cardinal. "But here we are at the -king's apartments; and we will see what steps he proposes to take to -protect himself." - -The guards, as well they might, allowed the cardinal to pass with a bow, -for they saw in him the man necessary for the emergency, and whose -brother was the only man who could save the country. Charles de -Lorraine, followed by Gabriel, entered unopposed the king's apartments, -where they found him alone with Madame de Poitiers, and a prey to most -profound dismay. Henri, as he saw the cardinal, rose and came eagerly -forward to meet him. - -"Your Eminence has arrived most opportunely," said he. "Well, well, -Monsieur de Lorraine, what a frightful disaster! Who could have imagined -it, I ask you?" - -"I, Sire," replied the cardinal, "if your Majesty had asked me the -question a month ago, at the time of Monsieur de Montmorency's -departure--" - -"No useless recrimination, cousin!" said the king; "we have not to do -with the past, but with the threatening future and the dangerous -present. Monsieur le Duc de Guise is on his way from Italy, is he not?" - -"Yes, Sire; and he should be at Lyons now." - -"God be praised!" cried the king. "Well, Monsieur de Lorraine, I intrust -the welfare of the realm to the care of your illustrious brother. You -and he, do you henceforth assume full power and sovereign authority to -forward this glorious result. Be kings like me, and more truly kings -than I am. I have just written with my own hand to Monsieur le Duc de -Guise, to hasten his return. Here is the letter. Will your Eminence -kindly write as well, and point out to your brother our horrible -position and the necessity of not losing a moment, if France is to be -saved. Say to Monsieur de Guise that I put myself entirely in his hands. -Write, Monsieur Cardinal, and write at once, I beg. You have no need to -go away from here. See, here in this closet you will find all you need. -The courier, booted and spurred, is waiting below, already in the -saddle. Hasten, Monsieur Cardinal, I pray you; hasten! A half-hour more -or less may save or ruin everything." - -"I obey your Majesty," replied the cardinal, going toward the closet, -"and my noble brother also will obey, for his life belongs to the king -and the kingdom; but whether he succeed or fail, your Majesty will -remember later that you have intrusted him with power in a desperate -situation." - -"Say dangerous," rejoined the king, "but do not say desperate. But do my -good city of St. Quentin and Monsieur de Coligny, its brave defender, -still hold their own?" - -"Yes, or they were holding out two days ago, at all events," said -Charles; "but the fortifications were in a pitiable condition, and the -starving inhabitants were talking of capitulation; and with St. Quentin -in the hands of the Spaniard to-day, Paris will be his in a week. Never -mind, Sire! I will write to my brother, and you need not to be told that -whatever man can do, Monsieur de Guise will do." - -And the cardinal, saluting the king and Madame Diane, entered the closet -to write the letter which Henri desired. - -Gabriel had remained apart, thinking deeply and unnoticed. His generous -young heart was deeply moved by contemplation of the terrible extremity -to which France was reduced. He forgot that it was Monsieur de -Montmorency, his bitterest enemy, who had been beaten, wounded, and -captured. For the moment he saw in him only the commander of the French -forces. In fact, he thought almost as much of his country's danger as of -his father's suffering. The noble youth had a sympathetic heart, which -was easily aroused by deep feeling, and he pitied all who were in -distress; and when the king, after the cardinal had left the room, sank -back despairingly upon his couch, with his head in his hands, crying -aloud,-- - -"Oh, St. Quentin! on thee now hangs the destiny of France! St. Quentin, -my noble city! If thou canst still resist but for one short week, -Monsieur de Guise will have time to return, and the defence of thy -faithful walls be organized anew! Whereas if they fall, the foe will -march upon Paris, and all will be lost. St. Quentin, oh, I would give -thee a new privilege for each hour of resistance, and a diamond for each -of thy crumbling stones, if thou couldst hold out only one week more!" - -"Sire, it shall hold out, and more than a week!" said Gabriel, coming -forward. - -He had made his resolution; and a sublime resolution it was! - -"Monsieur d'Exmès!" cried Henri and Diane, in the same breath,--the -king in wonder, and Diane with contempt. - -"How did you come here, Monsieur?" asked the king, sternly. - -"Sire, I entered with his Eminence." - -"That's a different matter," said Henri; "but what were you saying, -pray, Monsieur d'Exmès?--that St. Quentin might hold out, I think." - -"Yes, Sire; and you said, did you not, that if it did hold out, you -would endow it with freedom and wealth?" - -"I say it again," said the king. - -"Very well, Sire; and would you refuse to the man who should make its -holding out possible what you would accord to the town which held out? -To the man whose energetic will should infect the whole city, and who -would not surrender it until the last piece of the wall crumbles under -the enemy's cannon? The favor which this man shall ask at your hands, -this man who shall have given you this week's respite, and thus -preserved your kingdom, shall he ask it in vain, Sire, and will you -chaffer about an act of mercy with, him who has given you back an -empire?" - -"No, by Heaven!" cried the king; "and whatever a king has to give that -man shall have." - -"A bargain, Sire; for not only can a king give, but he can forgive as -well. And it is a pardon, and not titles or gold which this man will ask -at your hands." - -"But who is he? Where is this deliverer?" said the king. - -"He stands before you, Sire. It is I, the humble captain of your Guards, -but who feel in my heart and my arm a superhuman strength, which shall -help me to prove that I make no vain boast in undertaking to save at one -and the same time my country and my father." - -"Your father, Monsieur d'Exmès!" said the astonished king. - -"I am not Monsieur d'Exmès," said Gabriel. "I am Gabriel de -Montgommery, son of Comte Jacques de Montgommery, whom you ought to -remember, Sire." - -"The son of the Comte de Montgommery!" cried the king, rising and -turning pale. - -Madame Diane too fell back upon her couch with a gesture of terror. - -"Yes, Sire," replied Gabriel, calmly; "I am the Vicomte de Montgommery, -who, in exchange for the service which he will render you by maintaining -the defence of St. Quentin for a week, asks you for nothing but his -father's liberty." - -"Your father, Monsieur!" said the king. "Your father is dead, has -disappeared. What do I know about him? I don't know, I'm sure, where -your father is." - -"But I do, Sire; I know," replied Gabriel, choking down a terrible -dread. "My father has been in the Châtelet for eighteen years past, -awaiting the divine gift of death; or the royal gift of mercy. My father -is alive; I am certain of it. As to his crime, of that I know nothing." - -"You know nothing of it?" the king asked, frowning darkly. - -"I know nothing of it, Sire; but surely it should have been a serious -offence to have deserved so long an imprisonment. But it could not have -been an unpardonable one, since it did not merit death. Sire, listen. In -eighteen years justice has had time to slumber and clemency to awake. -Human passions, whether evil or good, do not resist so long as that. My -father, who was a vigorous man when he entered his prison, will come out -of it old and feeble. However guilty he may have been, has not his -expiation been ample? And even if it should happen that his punishment -was too severe, is he not too weak to remember? Restore to liberty, -Sire, a poor prisoner, who will henceforth be of no consequence in the -world. Remember, O Christian king, the words of the Christian creed, and -forgive the sins of another that your own sins may be forgiven!" - -These last words were uttered in a meaning tone which caused the king -and Madame de Valentinois to look at each other in anxious and terrified -inquiry. - -But Gabriel chose only to touch delicately upon this sore spot in their -consciences, and made haste to continue,-- - -"Please take notice, Sire, that I address you as an obedient and devoted -subject. I have not said to you, 'My father was not tried; my father was -secretly condemned without an opportunity to be heard in his own -defence; and such injustice seems much like revenge. So I, his son, am -about to appeal boldly to the nobility of France from this secret -judgment which has been pronounced upon him. I am about to declare from -the house-tops to every one who wears a sword the insult which has been -offered to us all in the person of one gentleman--'" - -Henri moved uneasily in his seat. - -"I have not said this, Sire," Gabriel went on. "I know that there are -emergencies stronger than law and right, and where an arbitrary act is -the least perilous. I respect, as my father undoubtedly would respect, -the secrets of a past which lies so far behind us. I ask you simply to -allow me to commute the balance of my father's punishment by a glorious -exploit of deliverance. I offer you by way of ransom for him to hold St. -Quentin for a week against the enemy; and if that is not enough, why, to -make up for the eventual loss of St. Quentin by capturing some other -town from the Spaniards or the English! Surely that will be worth the -gift of freedom to an old gray-headed man. Well, I will do all this and -more too! for the cause which strengthens my arm is a pure and holy one. -My will is strong and daring: and I know that God will be with me." - -Madame Diane could not restrain a smile of incredulity at this heroic -exhibition of youthful enthusiasm and confidence such as she had never -seen and could not appreciate. - -"I understand your smile, Madame," rejoined Gabriel, with a sad glance -at her; "you think that I shall fall under this great task, do you not? -_Mon Dieu_! it may be so. It may be that my presentiments mislead me. -But what then? Why, then I shall die. Yes, Madame, yes, Sire, if the -enemy enters St. Quentin before the end of the eighth day, I shall die -in the breach for the town which I have failed to defend. Neither God -nor my father nor you can ask more of me than that. My destiny will then -have been fulfilled as the Lord has seen fit: my father will die in his -dungeon, and I upon the field of battle; and you,--you will be relieved -by natural means of the debt and of your creditor at the same time. Then -you can be easy in your mind." - -"That last remark of his is very true, at all events," whispered Diane, -in the ear of the king, who was absorbed in thought. - -However, she said aloud to Gabriel, while Henri maintained a dreamy -silence,-- - -"Even supposing that you fall, Monsieur, leaving your work half done, it -is easy to imagine that you will leave some inheritor of your name -behind you, or some confidant of your secret." - -"I swear to you by my father's safety," said Gabriel, "that when I die -everything shall die with me, and that no one will then have the right -to importune his Majesty on this subject. I put myself in God's hands in -advance, I say again; and you ought, in like manner, Sire, to recognize -His intervention, if He shall endow me with the strength to fulfil my -vast design. But here and now, if I die, I relieve you from all -obligation and from all responsibility, Sire,--at least before men; but -the rights of the Most High are not lost by prescription." - -Henri shuddered. His naturally irresolute mind did not know what course -to decide upon; and the vacillating prince turned to Madame de Poitiers -as if to ask for aid and advice. - -She, understanding fully his hesitation, to which she was well used, -responded to his glance with a peculiar smile. - -"Is it not your opinion, Sire, that we ought to rely upon the word of -Monsieur d'Exmès, who is a loyal gentleman, and, I believe, of a -chivalrous and knightly character? I know not whether his request is or -is not well founded; and your Majesty's silence in that regard affords -no ground upon which I or any one can allege anything, and leaves the -whole question in uncertainty. But in my humble opinion, Sire, you -should not reject so generous a proffer; and if I were in your place, I -would gladly pledge my royal word to Monsieur d'Exmès to grant him, if -he fulfil his heroic and daring promise, whatever favor he might choose -to ask at my hands on his return." - -"Ah, Madame, I ask no more than that," said Gabriel. - -"Just one word more," resumed Diane. "How," she added, fixing a piercing -glance upon the young man,--"how and why did you make up your mind to -speak of a mysterious affair, which seems to be of some consequence, -before me,--before a woman who may be anything but discreet for aught -you know of her, and an entire stranger to this whole matter?" - -"I had two reasons, Madame," replied Gabriel, with perfect sang-froid. -"In the first place, I imagined that there neither could be nor should -be any secret in his Majesty's heart so far as you are concerned. In -that case, it was only disclosing to you what you were sure to know -sooner or later, or what you already knew. In the second place, I hoped, -as indeed has come to pass, that you would deign to support my request -to the king; that you would urge him to put me to this proof; and that -you, a woman, would be found, as you always have been, on the side of -clemency." - -It would have been impossible for the closest scrutiny to detect in -Gabriel's tone the least inflection of irony, or upon his calm and -unmoved features the slightest symptom of a disdainful smile; and Madame -Diane's penetrating gaze was thrown away. - -She responded to a speech which might after all have been meant to be -complimentary by a slight inclination of the head. - -"Allow me one more question," she said, "just as to one circumstance -which has aroused my curiosity, that is all. How is it that you who are -so young happen to be in possession of a secret that is eighteen years -old?" - -"I reply so much the more willingly, Madame," said Gabriel, gravely and -sombrely, "because my reply may serve to convince you of God's -intervention in the matter. My father's squire, one Perrot Travigny, who -was killed in the transactions which preceded the disappearance of the -count, has risen from the tomb, by the grace of God, and has revealed to -me what I have told you." - -At this reply, delivered in a tone of the utmost solemnity, the king -arose, pale and breathless, and even Madame de Poitiers, despite her -nerves of steel, could not repress a shudder of terror. At that -superstitious epoch, when apparitions and ghosts were freely believed -in, Gabriel's words, uttered with the conviction of truth personified, -might well have had a terrifying effect upon two tormented consciences. - -"Enough, enough, Monsieur!" said the king, hastily, with trembling -voice; "and everything that you ask is granted. Leave us! leave us!" - -"And I may set out for St. Quentin, then, within the hour, relying upon -your Majesty's word?" - -"Yes, yes, Monsieur, set out at once!" said the king, who, -notwithstanding Diane's warning glances, had great difficulty in -mastering his distress; "set out at once! Do what you have promised; and -I give you my word as king and gentleman that I will do what you wish." - -Gabriel, with joy at his heart, bent low before the king and duchess, -and took his leave without another word, as if, having obtained his -desire, he had not a moment more to lose. - -"At last! He is not here now!" said the king, breathing deeply, as if -relieved of a heavy burden. - -"Sire," said Madame de Poitiers, "be calm, and try to regain your -self-command. You came very near betraying yourself before that man." - -"That is no man, Madame," said the king, as one dreaming; "that is my -ever-living remorse: it is my reproachful conscience." - -"Well, Sire," said Diane, who was herself again, "you have done very -well to accede to this Gabriel's request, and to send him where he is -now going; for I am very much mistaken, or your remorse will soon die -before St. Quentin, and you will then be rid of your conscience." - -The Cardinal de Lorraine returned at this moment with the letter he had -been writing to his brother, and the king had no time to reply. - -Meanwhile Gabriel, leaving the king with a light heart, had only one -thought and one wish in the world: it was to see once more, with hope -beating high in his breast, her whom he had left with death in his soul; -to say to Diane de Castro all that he hoped from the future, and to draw -from her loved glances the courage of which he should stand so much in -need. - -He knew that she had gone into a convent; but into what convent? It -might be that her women had not gone with her; and he turned his steps -in the direction of her former apartment at the Louvre, to question -Jacinthe. - -Jacinthe was with her mistress; but Denise, the second waiting-maid, had -stayed behind; and it was she who received Gabriel. - -"Ah, Monsieur d'Exmès!" she cried. "You are such a welcome visitor; for -it may perhaps be that you have come to give me some news of my dear -mistress." - -"On the contrary, Denise, I have come to learn of her from you," said -Gabriel. - -"Ah, Holy Virgin! I know nothing at all, and I am terribly frightened -about her." - -"But why so anxious, Denise?" asked Gabriel, who began to be anxious -himself. - -"Why!" replied the maid; "why, you must know where Madame de Castro is -now! - -"Indeed, no! I know nothing about it, Denise; and it is just what I -hoped to learn from you." - -"Holy Virgin! and didn't you know, Monseigneur, that she asked leave of -the king to enter a convent a month ago?" - -"I know that; and then?" - -"And then! Ah, that is the terrible part of it. For do you know what -convent she chose? That of the Benedictines, of which her old friend, -Sister Monique, is superior, at St. Quentin, Monseigneur,--at St. -Quentin, at this very moment besieged and perhaps taken by these English -and Spanish heathens. She had not been there a fortnight, Monseigneur, -when the siege began." - -"Oh," cried Gabriel, "the hand of God is in all this! He awakens the son -in me to new life, by arousing the lover anew, and thus doubles my -courage and my strength. Thanks, Denise. This for your good news," he -added, placing a purse in her hand. "Pray to Heaven for your mistress -and for me." - -In hot haste he went down once more into the courtyard of the Louvre, -where Martin-Guerre was awaiting him. - -"Where do we go now, Monseigneur?" asked the squire. - -"Where the cannon is echoing, Martin,--to St. Quentin! to St. Quentin! -We must be there day after to-morrow, so we start within the hour, my -fine fellow." - -"Ah, so much the better!" cried Martin. "Oh, mighty Saint Martin, my -patron saint," he added, "I am content now to be a drunkard and a -gambler and a rake; but I give you fair warning that I would throw -myself into the midst of the enemy's battalions if ever I were a -coward!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI - -JEAN PEUQUOY THE WEAVER - - -A general council of the military leaders and prominent citizens was -being held in the St. Quentin town-hall. It was the 15th of August -already, and the town had not yet capitulated; but there was much talk -about capitulation. The suffering and destitution of the inhabitants -were at their height; and since there was no hope of saving the place, -and since the enemy, some day, sooner or later, were sure to gain -possession, would it not be better to put an end to so much misery? - -Gaspard de Coligny, the gallant admiral, whom the Constable de -Montmorency, his uncle, had intrusted with the defence of the place, had -determined not to admit the Spaniard until the last extremity. He knew -that each day's delay, terrible though it was to the suffering people, -might be the salvation of the kingdom. But what could he do against the -discouragement and mutterings of the whole population? The war outside -the walls gave no time for fighting within; and if the people of St. -Quentin should refuse some day to perform the labor which was required -of them as well as of the troops, further resistance would be useless, -and it would remain but to deliver the keys of the town, and with them -the key of France, to Philip II. and his general, Philibert Emmanuel of -Savoy. - -However, he had resolved, before contemplating such a disastrous step, -to make one last supreme effort; and with that in view he had convoked -this assembly of the principal men of the town, whom we will now allow -to complete our information as to the desperate condition of the -fortifications, and, above all, as to the condition of the brave hearts -of their defenders;--the most important fortifications of all. - -The speech with which the admiral opened the sitting appealing -eloquently to the patriotism of his hearers, was received with -depressing silence. Then Gaspard de Coligny directly questioned Captain -Oger, one of the valiant gentlemen who served under him. He hoped by -beginning with the officers to urge the citizens on to further -resistance. But Captain Oger's advice unluckily was not what the admiral -anticipated. - -"Since you have done me the honor to ask my opinion, Monsieur l'Amiral," -said he, "I will say what I have to say frankly, but with much sorrow: -St. Quentin can hold out no longer. If we had any hope of maintaining -ourselves for a week even, or for four days, or for two days, I would -say, 'These two days may afford time for the army to be reorganized; -these two days may save our country,--therefore let us not surrender -until the last stone in the walls has crumbled, and the last man has -fallen.' But I am convinced that the next assault, which may be made -within an hour, will be the last. Is it not, then, better, while there -is still time, to save what can be saved of the town by capitulation, -and escape pillage at least, if we cannot escape defeat?" - -"Yes, yes, that is true! Well said! that is the only reasonable course -to take," muttered those who heard him. - -"No, gentlemen, no!" cried the admiral; "we are not dealing with reason -now, but with sentiment. Besides, I do not believe that one single -assault will let the Spaniards into the town, when we have already -repelled five. Come, Lauxford, you know the present condition of the -works and the countermines: are not the fortifications sufficiently -strong to hold out for a long time to come? Speak frankly, and don't -represent matters any more or less favorable than they really are. We -have come together to learn the truth; and it is the truth I ask of -you." - -"I will tell it to you," replied the engineer Lauxford, "or rather I -will let the facts speak for themselves; they will tell you the truth -better than I, and without flattery. For this purpose, all you need to -do is to go over with me in your mind the vulnerable points of these -fortifications. Monsieur l'Amiral, at the present moment there are four -practicable openings for the enemy; and I must confess that I am much -surprised that he has not already made use of them. In the first place, -there is a breach in the wall at the Boulevard St. Martin wide enough -for twenty men to pass through abreast. We have lost there more than two -hundred men,--living walls, who cannot, however, supply the lack of -walls of stone. At the Porte St. Jean, the great tower alone is still -standing, and the best curtain is battered to pieces. There is a -countermine at that point, all closed and ready; but I fear that if we -fire it, we shall cause the destruction of the great tower; which alone -holds the assailants in check, and the ruins of which would serve them -as ladders. At the hamlet of Remicourt, the Spanish trenches have cut -through the outer wall of the moat, and they have taken up a position -there under cover of a mantlet, behind which they are battering away at -the walls without intermission. Finally, on the Faubourg d'Isle side, -you know, Monsieur l'Amiral, that the enemy is in possession not only of -the moats, but of the boulevard and the abbey; and they are so firmly -lodged there that it is no longer possible to inflict any damage on them -at that point, while, step by step, they are scaling the parapet,--which -is only five or six feet thick,--attacking in flank with their batteries -the men at work on the Boulevard de la Reine, and worrying them so that -it has been impracticable to keep them at work. The remainder of the -fortifications will perhaps stand out; but there are the four mortal -wounds, and they will soon sap the life of the city, Monseigneur. You -have asked me for the truth, and I have given it to you in all its -melancholy details, leaving to your wisdom and foresight to say what use -shall be made of it." - -Thereupon the mutterings of the throng began again, and although no one -dared to say it aloud, every one was saying under his breath,-- - -"The best thing to do is to capitulate, and not risk the disastrous -chances of an assault." - -But the admiral rejoined, undismayed,-- - -"Hold, gentlemen, another word! As you say, Monsieur Lauxford, if our -walls are wreak, we have, to supplement their weakness, our gallant -soldiers,--living ramparts. With them, and with the earnest concurrence -of the citizens, is it not possible to postpone the taking of the town -for a few days? (And what would be a shameful act to-day will cover us -with glory then.) Yes, the fortifications are too weak, I agree; but we -have troops in sufficient numbers, have we not, Monsieur de -Rambouillet?" - -"Monsieur l'Amiral," said the captain who was addressed, "if we were -down in the square, in the midst of the crowd, who are awaiting the -result of our deliberations, I would say yes; for we should do our -utmost to inspire hope and confidence in every breast. But here, in -council, before those whose courage needs no proof or stimulus, I do not -hesitate to tell you that we have not men enough for the difficult and -dangerous work to be done. We have given arms to every one who was able -to carry them. The rest are employed in the defensive works, and -children and old men are doing their share there. Even the women are -assisting in the good work by saving and nursing the wounded. In short, -not one arm is idle, and yet arms are sadly needed. There is not a spot -on the ramparts where there is one man too many, and there are -frequently not enough. Multiply as we will, it is impossible to arrange -our forces so that fifty more men are not absolutely necessary at the -Porte St. Jean, and at least fifty others at the Boulevard St. Martin. -The disaster of St. Laurent has deprived us of reinforcements that we -had reason to anticipate; and unless you expect succor from Paris, -Monseigneur, it is for you to consider if, in such dire extremity, you -ought to risk the lives of the small number of men we have left, and of -this remnant of our gallant gendarmerie, who may still do much good -service in helping to defend other places, and perhaps to save our -country." - -The whole assembly murmured approval of these words; and the distant -shouting of the people who were crowding around the building on the -outside was a still more eloquent commentary upon them. - -But at this moment a voice of thunder cried,-- - -"Silence!" - -Every voice was hushed; for he who spoke in such a commanding and steady -voice was Jean Peuquoy, the syndic of the guild of weavers,--a citizen -who was held in the highest esteem and consideration, and was a little -feared by the people. - -Jean Peuquoy was a type of the sturdy bourgeoisie, who loved their city -as a mother and as a child, worshipped her and grumbled at her, lived -always for her, and would die for her if need were. For the honest -weaver there was no world but France, and in all France naught but St. -Quentin. No one was so well versed as he in the history and traditions -of the town, its ancient customs, and old-time legends. There was not a -quarter, not a street, not a house, which in its present or its past had -any secrets from Jean Peuquoy. He was in himself the municipality -personified. His shop was a second Grand'place, and his wooden house in -the Rue St. Martin another town-hall. This venerable mansion was made -noticeable by a very peculiar coat-of-arms,--a shuttle crowned between -the antlers of a full-grown stag. One of Jean Peuquoy's ancestors (for -Jean Peuquoy reckoned up his ancestors like any gentleman)--a weaver -like himself, it need not be said, and in addition an archer of -renown--had put out the two eyes of this fine stag with two shafts at -more than a hundred paces. These superb antlers are still to be seen at -St. Quentin in the Rue St. Martin. Every one for ten leagues around knew -the antlers and the weaver. Jean Peuquoy was thus the city itself; and -every dweller in St. Quentin listened to the voice of his country -speaking through him. - -And so no one stirred when the weaver's voice, rising above the -grumbling and the muttering, shouted, "Silence!" - -"Yes, be silent!" he continued, "and lend me your ears for one moment, -my fellow-citizens and good friends, I beseech you. Let us look over -together, with your leave, what we have already done, and we may perhaps -learn from that what we have still to do. When the enemy sat down before -our walls; when we saw this swarm of Spaniards, English, Germans, and -Walloons, under the redoubtable Philibert Emmanuel of Savoy, swooping -down like locusts around our town,--we bravely accepted our lot, did we -not? We did not murmur, nor did we accuse Providence of having cruelly -selected St. Quentin as the expiatory sacrifice of France. Far from it; -and Monsieur l'Amiral will do us the justice to say that from the very -hour of his arrival, bringing us the mighty succor of his experience and -valor, we did our best to forward his plans with our persons and our -property. We have furnished supplies and money, and have ourselves -shouldered the cross-bow and wielded the pick and shovel. Those of us -who have not acted as sentinels on the walls have been digging in the -town. We have helped to discipline and restore order among the -rebellious peasants in the suburbs, who refused to work in payment for -the protection we had afforded them. In short, we have done, I honestly -believe, everything that could possibly be asked of men whose trade is -not war. So we hoped that our lord the king would speedily remember his -loyal subjects in St. Quentin, and would send us without delay the -succor that we needed; and so it happened. Monsieur de Montmorency came -hurrying hither to drive the forces of Philip II. from our gates, and we -thanked God and the king; but the fatal day of St. Laurent dashed our -hopes to the ground in a few short hours. The constable was taken, his -army cut to pieces, and we were left in a more hopeless state than ever. -Five days have passed since then, and the enemy have made good use of -them. Three fierce assaults have cost us more than two hundred men and -whole sections of the walls. The cannon thunders unceasingly. Listen! it -echoes my very words. But we do not wish to hear it, and listen only on -the side where Paris lies, to hear if we cannot distinguish some sound -to announce the arrival of further reinforcement. But no; and our last -resources are, so far as we can see, exhausted. The king abandons us, -and has many other things to do than to think of us. He must collect -around him at Paris all that remains of his forces, and must save the -kingdom rather than one poor town; and if he does turn his eyes and his -thoughts toward St. Quentin now and then, it is only to ask if its -death-agony will last long enough to give France time to recover. But as -to hope or chance of relief, there is no more now for us, dear -countrymen and friends. Monsieur de Rambouillet and Monsieur de Lauxford -have spoken the truth. We lack fortifications and troops; our city is -dying; we are abandoned, despairing, and lost!" - -"Yes, yes!" cried the whole assembly, with one accord; "we must -surrender! we must surrender!" - -"Not so," rejoined Jean Peuquoy; "we must die!" - -An amazed silence followed this unexpected conclusion. The weaver -profited by it to proceed with increased animation. - -"We must die. What we have already done points out to us what remains -for us to do. Messieurs Lauxford and de Rambouillet say that we cannot -hold out; but Monsieur de Coligny says that we must hold out! And let us -do it! You know whether I am devoted to our good town of St. Quentin, my -dear brothers. I love her as I loved my old mother, in very truth. Every -bullet that strikes her venerable walls seems to pierce my heart; and -yet now that the general has spoken, I feel that he must be obeyed. Let -not the arm rebel against the head, and St. Quentin perish! Monsieur -l'Amiral knows what he is doing and what he means to do. He has weighed, -in his wisdom, the fate of one city against the fate of France. He has -decided that St. Quentin must die, like a sentinel at his post; so be -it. The man who murmurs is a coward; and he who disobeys, a traitor. The -walls are crumbling: let us make new walls with our dead bodies; let us -gain a week, let us gain two days, or an hour even, at the price of all -our blood and all our property. Monsieur l'Amiral knows the worth of all -this; and since he asks it of us, we must do it. He will have to answer -for it to God and to the king; but that doesn't concern us. As for us, -our business is to die when he says, 'Die!' Let Monsieur de Coligny's -conscience look out for the rest. He is responsible, and we must -submit." - -After these solemn, mournful words, every tongue was still, every head -lowered, Gaspard de Coligny's like the others, and even to a greater -degree than the others. It was in truth a heavy burden which the syndic -of weavers put upon him; and he could not forbear a shudder as he -thought of all these lives with which he was thus made chargeable. - -"I see by your silence, my friends and brothers," continued Jean -Peuquoy, "that you understand and approve what I have said; but one -cannot expect husbands and fathers to pronounce sentence aloud upon -their wives and children. To say nothing is to make a favorable reply. -You will allow Monsieur l'Amiral to make orphans of your children and -widows of your wives; but you cannot pronounce their sentence -yourselves, is it not so? It is quite right too. Say nothing and die. No -one would be so brutal as to require you to cry: 'Meure St. Quentin!' -But if your patriotic hearts beat, as I believe they do, in unison with -mine, you can at least cry, 'Vive la France!'" - -"Vive la France!" echoed a few voices, as feeble as the wailing of -children, and as mournful as sobs. - -Then Gaspard de Coligny, deeply moved, and in a state of intense -agitation, rose hastily from his seat. - -"Listen to me; listen!" he cried: "I will not accept such a fearful -responsibility alone. I was able to resist you when you wished to yield -to the enemy, but when you do yield to me, I can no longer discuss the -question; and since every soul in this assembly is of a contrary opinion -to that which I hold, and since you all deem the sacrifice useless--" - -"I believe, may God forgive me," broke in a loud voice from the crowd, -"that even you are about to speak of giving up the town, Monsieur -l'Amiral." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII - -GABRIEL AT WORK - - -"Who dares thus to interrupt me?" demanded Gaspard de Coligny, with a -gathering frown. - -"I!" said a man, attired in the costume of a peasant of the suburbs of -St. Quentin, making his way forward through the crowd. - -"A peasant!" exclaimed the admiral. - -"No, not a peasant," rejoined the stranger, "but Vicomte d'Exmès, -captain of the king's Guards, who comes in his Majesty's name." - -"In the king's name!" exclaimed the throng of astonished citizens. - -"In the king's name," repeated Gabriel; "and you see that he has not -abandoned his noble people of St. Quentin; on the contrary, he is still -anxious about them. I came in, disguised as a peasant, three hours -since; and during these three hours I have examined the walls and -listened to your deliberations. But let me say that what I have heard -hardly agrees with what I saw. Whence this discouragement, suitable for -none but women, which seems to have stricken with panic the stoutest -hearts? How comes it that you thus suddenly lose all hope, and leave -yourselves a prey to imaginary fears? What! have you sunk so low that -you can only rebel against the will of Monsieur l'Amiral, or bend your -necks to the yoke in resignation? Show your face, by the living God, not -to your leaders, but to the enemy; and if you cannot overcome them, at -least let your defeat be more glorious than a triumph. I come from the -ramparts; and I tell you that you can hold them two weeks yet, and the -king only asks you to keep the enemy at bay one week to insure the -salvation of France. To all that you have listened to in this hall I -will make answer in two words, and will point out to you a remedy for -your ills and a ray of hope to calm your fears." - -The officers and notables crowded around Gabriel, already under the -magic spell of his powerful and sympathetic will. - -"Hear him! hear him!" they cried. - -It was amid a breathless stillness that Gabriel continued,-- - -"In the first place, Monsieur Engineer Lauxford, what did you say,--that -four weak spots in the fortifications were like open gates for the enemy -to come in? Well, let us see. The Faubourg d'Isle side is in the -greatest danger; the Spaniards are masters of the abbey, and from that -point they are keeping up such a well-directed fire that our workmen -don't dare to show themselves. Allow me, Monsieur Lauxford, to point out -to you a very simple and very excellent way to protect them, which I saw -put in practice by the besieged at Civitella this very year. It consists -simply in screening our workmen from the Spanish batteries by placing -old flatboats across the boulevard, piled upon one another, and filled -with bags of earth. The cannon-balls waste their force in the soft soil; -and behind that shelter our workmen will be as safe as if they were out -of range of the cannon. At the hamlet of Remicourt, the enemy, under -cover of a mantlet, are calmly undermining the wall, you say? I have -with my own eyes verified the fact. But that is the place, Monsieur -Engineer, where we must locate a countermine, and not at the Porte St. -Jean, where the great tower makes your countermine not only useless but -dangerous. So remove your sappers and miners from the western to the -southern side, Monsieur Lauxford, and you will find great advantage in -so doing. But the Porte St. Jean, you will ask, and the Boulevard St. -Martin, are they to be left undefended? Fifty men at the first, and -fifty at the second point will be enough; so Monsieur de Rambouillet -himself has told us. But," he added, "these hundred men are not -forthcoming. Very well! I will furnish them." - -A murmur of glad surprise was heard all over the room. - -"Yes," resumed Gabriel, in a steadier tone, as he saw that their hearts -were somewhat encouraged by his words, "I left Baron de Vaulpergues with -his company of three hundred lancers three leagues from here. We -understand each other. I agreed to come here, risking all the perils of -passing through the enemy's camp, in order to satisfy myself as to the -most favorable points for him to make his way into the town with his -men. I am here, as you see; and my plans are made. I shall now return to -Vaulpergues. We shall divide his company into three. I shall take -command in person of one of these detachments; and at nightfall, there -being no moon, we propose to march from three different directions, each -toward a postern designated beforehand. Surely we shall be very -unfortunate if only one of our three detachments eludes the enemy, when -their attention is called off by the other two. In any event, there will -surely be one; and a hundred determined men will be thrown into the -town, where, fortunately, there is no lack of provisions. These hundred -men will be posted, as I said, at the Porte St. Jean and the Boulevard -St. Michel; and now tell me, Monsieur Lauxford and Monsieur de -Rambouillet,--tell me, I beg, what spot in the walls will then offer an -easy entrance to the enemy." - -With universal acclamation the assembly received these stirring words, -which so powerfully awakened new hope in their despondent hearts. - -"Oh," cried Jean Peuquoy, "now we can fight, and we can conquer." - -"Fight, yes; but as for victory, I dare not hope it," rejoined Gabriel, -with an air of authority. "I have no desire to make matters appear -better than they really are, but only that they should not be made to -appear worse. I wished to prove to every one of you, and first of all, -to you, Master Jean Peuquoy, who have given utterance to such noble but -gloomy words,--I wished to prove to you, in the first place, that the -king does not abandon you, and in the second place, that your fall might -be glorious, but obstinate resistance must be of the greatest service. -You said a moment since, 'Let us offer ourselves as a sacrifice;' and -now you say, 'Let us fight.' It is a great step forward. Yes, it is -possible, nay, it may be probable that the sixty thousand men who are -now besieging your frail ramparts will end by carrying them. But in the -first place, do not imagine that the noble struggle you will have -maintained will expose you to cruel reprisals. Philibert Emmanuel is a -brave soldier, who loves and honors bravery in others, and will never -punish you for your valor. And last of all, think that if you can hold -out ten or twelve days more, you will perhaps have lost your town, but -you will surely have saved your country. A sublime and noble end! Towns, -like men, have their patents of nobility; and the mighty deeds that they -accomplish are their titles and their ancestors. Your little children, -men of St. Quentin, will some day be proud of their fathers. Your walls -may be destroyed; but who can ever destroy the glorious memory of this -siege? Courage, then, heroic sentinels of a kingdom! Save the king, and -save your country. But a moment ago, with heads bowed down, you seemed -to have resolved to die, the willing victims of stern necessity. Lift up -your heads! If you perish, let it be as willing heroes, and your memory -shall never perish! Thus you can heartily join me in the cry: 'Vive la -France!' and 'Vive St. Quentin!'" - -"Vive la France! Vive St. Quentin! Vive le roi!" burst enthusiastically -from a hundred throats. - -"And now," said Gabriel, "to the ramparts and to work! and encourage by -your example your fellow-citizens, who await you. To-morrow a hundred -pairs of arms more, I swear, shall be here to aid you in your work of -salvation and of glory." - -"To the ramparts!" cried the throng. - -And out they rushed, carried away with joy and hope and pride, and -inspiring with their words and their enthusiasm those who had not heard -the words of the unhoped-for liberator, who had been sent by God and -the king to the disheartened town. - -Gaspard de Coligny, the worthy and high-minded commander, had listened -to Gabriel in silence born of wonder and admiration. When the whole -assemblage had dispersed with triumphant shouts, he left the seat he had -occupied, went up to the young man, and pressed his hand with an air of -amazement. - -"Thanks, Monsieur," said he; "you have saved St. Quentin and myself from -disgrace, and it may be France and the king from destruction." - -"Alas! I have done nothing as yet, Monsieur l'Amiral," said Gabriel. "I -must now go back to Vaulpergues; and God alone can enable me to go out -as I came in, and to introduce the hundred men I have promised into the -town. It is God and not I to whom thanks must be rendered, ten days from -now." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII - -WHEREIN MARTIN-GUERRE IS NOT CLEVER - - -Gabriel de Montgommery remained in conversation with the admiral more -than an hour. - -Coligny could but marvel at the firmness and boldness and knowledge -displayed by this youth, who talked of strategy like a commanding -general, of defensive works like an engineer, and of moral influence -like a gray-headed sage. Gabriel, on his side, admired the upright and -noble character of Gaspard, and the kind-heartedness and honesty of -conscience which made him perhaps the purest and most loyal gentleman of -the age. Certainly the nephew bore but little resemblance to the uncle! -At the end of an hour the two men, one with hair that was already -turning gray, while the locks of the other were still of the hue of the -raven, understood and appreciated each other as if their acquaintance -were of twenty years' standing. - -When they had fully agreed upon the measures to be taken to facilitate -the entrance of Vaulpergues's troops on the following night, Gabriel -took leave of the admiral, saying to him confidently: "Au revoir!" He -carried with him the countersigns and necessary signals. - -Martin-Guerre, disguised as a peasant, like his master, awaited him at -the foot of the staircase in the town-hall. - -"Ah, there you are, Monseigneur!" cried the worthy squire. "I am very -glad indeed to see you again; for a whole hour I have heard nothing from -every passer-by but the name of Vicomte d'Exmès, accompanied with -exclamations of wonder and extravagant praise! You have upset the whole -town. What talisman did you bring, Monseigneur, to make such a -revolution in the hearts of the whole population?" - -"The word of a resolute man, Martin,--nothing more. But talking is not -enough, and now we must act." - -"Let us act, then, Monseigneur,--for my part, actions suit me better -than words. We are going, I see, to take a walk in the fields under the -noses of the enemies' sentinels. Well, Monseigneur, I am ready." - -"Don't be in too great haste, Martin," rejoined Gabriel; "it is too -light, and I must wait for the dusk before leaving the town, by -agreement with the admiral. We have therefore almost three hours before -us. Then too I have something to do meanwhile," he added, with some -embarrassment. "Yes, a very important matter to look after,--some -information to seek." - -"I understand," said Martin-Guerre, "something about the strength of the -garrison, is it not, or about the weak spots in the fortifications? What -untiring zeal!" - -"You don't understand anything at all about it," said Gabriel, smiling. -"No, I know all that I want to know about the ramparts and the troops; -and it is with a matter more--more personal that I am occupied just -now." - -"Speak, Monseigneur; and if I can help you in any way--" - -"Yes, Martin, you are, I know, a faithful servant and a devoted friend, -so I have no secrets from you except those which do not belong to me. If -you don't know whom I am seeking for anxiously and fondly in this town, -after my duties are done, Martin, it must be because you have -forgotten." - -"Oh, pardon, Monseigneur, I know now!" cried Martin. "It is, is it not, -a--a Benedictine?" - -"It is, Martin. What can have become of her in this panic-stricken town. -In truth, I didn't dare to ask Monsieur l'Amiral for fear of betraying -myself by my distress. And then, too, would he have been able to answer? -Diane changed her name, no doubt, when she entered the convent." - -"Yes," rejoined Martin; "for I must say that which she bore, and -which is a lovely name in my opinion, has a slightly heathenish sound, -because of Madame de Poitiers, I suppose. Sister Diane! The fact is that -that name is as offensive as my other self when he is tipsy." - -"What shall I do, then?" said Gabriel. "The best way would be perhaps to -inquire, in the first place, about the Benedictine convent in a general -way." - -"Yes," said Martin-Guerre; "and then we will go from the general to the -particular, as my old curé used to say when he was suspected of being a -Lutheran. Well, Monseigneur, I am at your orders to make these -inquiries, as for every other purpose." - -"We must go about it separately, Martin; and then we shall have two -chances instead of one. Be careful and reserved, and try above all -things not to drink, you incorrigible tippler! We need all our -self-possession." - -"Oh, Monseigneur knows that since we left Paris I have regained my -former sobriety, and drink nothing but pure water. I have only seen -double once." - -"I am glad to hear it," said Gabriel. "Well, then, Martin, in two hours -meet me at this spot." - -"I will be here, Monseigneur." - -And they separated. - -Two hours later they met as they had agreed. Gabriel was radiant, but -Martin-Guerre very sheepish. All that the latter had learned was that -the Benedictines had chosen to share with the other women of the town -the labor and honor of nursing and watching the wounded; that every day -they were scattered about among the ambulances, and did not return to -the convent till evening; and that soldiers and citizens alike were -unsparing of their admiration and veneration for them. - -Gabriel, by good luck, had learned something more. When the first person -he met had told him all that Martin-Guerre had learned, Gabriel asked -the name of the superior of the convent. It was, if his memory served -him, Mother Monique, Diane de Castro's friend. Gabriel then inquired -where the saintly woman was to be found. - -"In the place where the danger is greatest," was the reply. - -Gabriel made his way to the Faubourg d'Isle, and actually found the -superior there. She knew already by the public reports who the Vicomte -d'Exmès was, what he had said at the town-hall, and what part he was -going to play at St. Quentin. She received him as the envoy of the king -and the savior of the city. - -"You will not be surprised, Mother," said Gabriel, "that coming in the -king's name, I ask you for news of his Majesty's daughter, Madame Diane -de Castro. I have sought her in vain among the nuns whom I have met on -my way. She is not ill, I trust?" - -"No, Monsieur le Vicomte," replied the superior; "but I required her to -remain at the convent to-day, and take a little rest, for not one of us -has equalled her in devotion and courage. She has been everywhere, and -always ready, practising at all times and in all places, and with a sort -of joy and eagerness, her sublime charity, which is our gallantry. Ah, -she is the worthy daughter of the blood of France! And yet she is -unwilling that her title and her rank should become known; and she will -take it very kindly of you, Monsieur le Vicomte, to respect her noble -incognito. But no matter! if she does hide her noble birth, she shows -her kind heart; and all those who are suffering rejoice to see her -angel's face pass like a ray of celestial hope in the midst of their -pain. She is called, from the name of the order, Sister Benedicta; but -our poor wounded fellows, who do not know Latin, call her the Sister -Bénie." - -"And well the name fits Madame la Duchesse!" cried Gabriel, who felt -tears of joy gathering in his eyes. "And may I see her to-morrow, -Mother,--that is, if I return?" - -"You will return, brother," replied the superior; "and in that spot -where you hear the most pitiful groans and shrieks of pain, there you -will find Sister Bénie." - -Thus it was that Gabriel rejoined Martin-Guerre, with his heart full to -overflowing with renewed courage, and certain now, as the superior was, -that he would come safe and unscathed through the perils of the night. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX - -WHEREIN MARTIN-GUERRE IS A BUNGLER - - -Gabriel had acquired sufficiently accurate information about the suburbs -of St. Quentin to avoid going astray in a region where he was an utter -stranger. Under cover of nightfall he and Martin-Guerre left the town by -the least carefully guarded postern without hindrance. Wrapped in long -dark cloaks, they glided into the moat-like shadows, and thence by the -breach in the wall into the fields. - -But they were not beyond the greatest danger. Small bodies of the enemy -patrolled the suburbs day and night; encampments were scattered here and -there about the besieged town, and any encounter might be fatal to our -peasant-soldiers. The least risk that they ran was to be delayed a day; -that is to say, to make the projected expedition entirely useless. - -And so when after a half-hour of travelling they arrived at a -cross-roads, Gabriel stopped and seemed to reflect. Martin-Guerre also -stopped, but he did not reflect. That task he ordinarily left to his -master. Martin-Guerre was a brave and loyal squire, but he had no desire -or ability to be anything more than the hand; Gabriel was the head. - -"Martin," Gabriel began, after a moment's thought, "here are two roads, -both of which lead to the forest of Angimont, where Baron de Vaulpergues -is waiting for us. If we keep together, Martin, we may be taken -together; while if we separate, we have a double chance of carrying out -our plans and of finding Madame de Castro. Let us each take a different -road. Do you take this one; it is the longest, but the safest, according -to Monsieur l'Amiral. You will, however, have to go near the Walloon -encampment, where Monsieur de Montmorency is probably a prisoner. You -must avoid it by making a detour, as we did last night. Use all your -assurance and self-possession. If you fall in with any troops, you must -pass yourself off for a peasant of Angimont, and say that you have been -carrying provisions to the Spanish camp at St. Quentin, and were delayed -on your return. Do your best to imitate the Picardy patois, which will -not be very difficult with foreigners. But, above all things, err rather -on the side of audacity than timidity. Assume an air of confidence, for -if you hesitate, you are lost." - -"Oh, be quite easy, Monseigneur," said Martin-Guerre, with a very -self-satisfied mien. "I am not so simple as I seem, and I will give a -good account of myself." - -"Well said, Martin. I will take this other road; it is shorter, but more -dangerous, for it is the main highway from Paris, which is watched more -carefully than all the others. I shall run across more than one hostile -party, I fear, and I shall have to drown myself in the ditches, or flay -myself in the thickets, more than once; and when all is said and done, -it is very possible that I may not accomplish my purpose. But no matter, -Martin! Wait for me just half an hour; if I do not join you in that -time, let Monsieur de Vaulpergues set out without delay. It will then be -about midnight, and the danger will not be so great as in the evening. -Nevertheless, Martin, advise him from me to adopt every possible -precaution. You know what is to be done,--to divide his company into -three detachments, and approach the town as quietly as possible from -three opposite directions. It is too much to hope that all three -detachments should succeed in getting into the place; but the failure of -one may very well be the salvation of the others. But it's all the same! -It is quite possible that we shall meet no more, my good Martin; but we -must think only of the welfare of the country. Your hand! And may God -keep you!" - -"Oh, I pray only for you, Monseigneur!" rejoined Martin. "If He will -only preserve you, He may do what He pleases with me; for I am good for -nothing except to worship you and serve you. So I hope to have some fine -sport with these infernal Spaniards to-night." - -"I like to see you in this frame of mind, Martin. Well, adieu! Good luck -to you, and keep cool, above all things!" - -"Good luck, Monseigneur, and don't be too rash!" - -The master and squire then separated. Everything went well at first with -Martin; and although it was scarcely possible for him to lose his way, -he nevertheless showed considerable skill in avoiding some -suspicious-looking armed men from whom the darkness hid him. But as he -drew near the Walloon encampment, the sentinels became much more -numerous. - -At the fork of two roads, Martin-Guerre suddenly found himself between -two parties of soldiers, one on foot, and the other mounted; and a sharp -_Qui vive_? told the unlucky squire that he was discovered. - -"Well," said he, "now the time has come to show the impudence which my -master recommended to me so forcibly." - -And struck with an almost providentially bright idea, he began to sing -at the top of his voice, and very opportunely, the following ballad of -the siege of Metz:-- - - -"Le vendredi de la Toussaint, -Est arrivé la Germanie -À la belle croix de Messain -Pour faire grande boucherie."[5] - - -"Hola! qui va la?" cried a harsh voice with an accent and pronunciation -almost unintelligible, but which we will not undertake to describe lest -we become unintelligible ourselves. - -"A peasant from Angimont," replied Martin-Guerre, in a no less -nondescript patois. - -And he kept on his way and his song with increasing vigor and spirit,-- - - -"Se campant au haut des vignes -Le duc d'Albe et sa compagnie, -À Saint-Arnou, près nos fossés, -C'était pour faire l'entreprise -De reconnaître nos fossés--"[6] - - -"Ho, there! Will you hold your noise and stop, wretched peasant, with -your cursed song?" shouted the same harsh voice. - -Martin-Guerre reflected that these importunate fellows who hailed him -were ten against one; that, thanks to their horses, they could overtake -him with ease, and that he might do an immense amount of harm by running -away. So he stopped short. After all, he was not altogether disappointed -at having an opportunity to display his self-possession and his -cleverness. His master, who seemed sometimes to doubt the existence of -those qualities in him, would have no excuse for it henceforth, if he -should succeed in extricating himself with address from such a perilous -position. - -At first he assumed an air of most perfect self-confidence. - -"By Saint Quentin the martyr!" he muttered, approaching his captors, -"this is a fine business for you, keeping a poor belated peasant away -from his wife and little ones at Angimont. Come, tell me, pray, what you -want of me." - -He meant to say this in Picardy patois; but he really said it in the -dialect of Auvergne with the accent of a Provençal. - -The man who had hailed him had a similar intention of replying in -French, but the best he could do was Walloon with a German accent. - -"What do we want of you? To question you and search you, night-prowler; -for how do we know that there isn't a spy hidden under your peasant's -smock?" - -"Go on, then; question me and search me," was Martin-Guerre's response, -accompanied with a hoarse and most unnatural laugh. - -"We will take you to camp with us." - -"To camp!" exclaimed Martin. "Oh, well, that's all right. I will speak -to the general. Ah, you choose to arrest an unfortunate peasant on his -way back from carrying supplies to your comrades down yonder at St. -Quentin! May I be damned if I ever do it again! I will let your whole -army die of hunger first. I was going to Angimont after more supplies; -but you stop me on the way. Ah, you don't know me yet. I'll be even with -you for this! 'Saint Quentin, tête de kien,' says the Picardy proverb. -Take me for a spy indeed! I propose to complain to your chief. Let us go -to your camp!" - -"_Mordieu_! What gibberish!" retorted the commander of the scouting -party. "I am the chief, my friend; and it is with me that you will have -to reckon when we can see you plainly, if you please. Do you suppose we -are going to rouse the generals for a blackguard like you?" - -"Yes, I do; and it is to the generals that I propose to be taken!" cried -Martin-Guerre, volubly. "I have something to say to the generals and the -marshals. I propose to say to them that a man who is supplying you and -your people with food is not to be arrested thus without once crying, -'Look out!' I have done nothing wrong. I am an honest inhabitant of -Angimont. I mean to demand an indemnity for my trouble; and you shall be -hung for yours, you wretches!" - -"Comrade, he seems sure of his ground, do you know!" said one of the -soldiers to his chief. - -"Yes," replied the other; "and I would let him go if it didn't seem to -me every little while that I recognize his figure and his voice. Come -forward; everything will be explained in camp." - -Martin-Guerre, placed between two of the horsemen for safe-keeping, -never ceased to swear and grumble during the whole journey. As he -entered the tent to which they escorted him in the first place, he swore -and grumbled still more. - -"So this is the way you treat your allies, is it? Oh, well, just wait -till we furnish any more oats for your horses, or meal for you! I give -you up. As soon as you have recognized me and let me go, I will go back -to Angimont, and not leave the place again; or better still, I will -leave it, and enter a complaint against you to Monseigneur Philibert -Emmanuel in person, the first thing to-morrow morning. He is not the man -to allow such an affront to be put upon me." - -At this moment the ensign who was in command of the party held a torch -to Martin-Guerre's face. He fell back three steps in wonder and horror. - -"By the devil!" he cried, "I was not mistaken. It is he, the miserable -villain! Don't you recognize him now, you fellows?" - -"Yes, indeed we do!" repeated each of the troops in turn, as he examined -Martin-Guerre's features with a curiosity which in every case changed at -once to rage. - -"Ah, you do recognize me at last, then?" rejoined the poor squire, who -began to be seriously alarmed. "You know who I am? Martin Cornouiller of -Angimont. And you are going to release me, are you not!" - -"We release you, you villain, you rake, you gallows-bird!" cried the -ensign, with flaming eyes and threatening fists. - -"Well, well, what the deuce is the matter, my friend?" said Martin. -"Perhaps I am no longer Martin Cornouiller?" - -"No, you are not Martin Cornouiller," replied the ensign; "and to unmask -you and prove you a liar, here are ten men standing around you, who know -you well. My friends, tell this impostor his name, to convict him of -deceit and infernal falsehood." - -"It's Arnauld du Thill! it's that scoundrel, Arnauld du Thill!" the ten -voices shouted in chorus with terrifying unanimity. - -"Arnauld du Thill! What do you mean?" asked Martin, turning pale. - -"Oh, yes, deny yourself now, you villain!" cried the ensign. "But -luckily here are ten witnesses to contradict you. Before them, -notwithstanding your peasant's dress, have you the face to declare that -I didn't take you prisoner at the battle of St. Laurent in attendance -upon the constable?" - -"No, no, I am Martin Cornouiller," stammered Martin, who was beginning -to lose his head. - -"You are Martin Cornouiller?" said the ensign, with a contemptuous -laugh; "you are not that coward Arnauld du Thill, who promised me a -ransom, whom I treated with every consideration, and who only last night -made his escape, carrying with him not only the little money that I -possessed, but my dearly-loved Gudule, the lovely _vivandière_? -Villain! what have you done with Gudule?" - -"What have you done with Gudule?" echoed his companions, in ominous -chorus. - -"What have I done with Gudule?" said Martin-Guerre, completely crushed. -"How can I tell, miserable wretch that I am! Ah, well, do you really all -recognize me? Are you perfectly sure that you are not mistaken? Can you -swear that my name is--Arnauld du Thill; that this fine fellow took me -prisoner at the battle of St. Laurent; and that I have treacherously -carried off his Gudule? Can you swear to all this?" - -"Yes, yes, yes!" cried the ten voices, vigorously. "Very well. I am not -surprised," said Martin-Guerre, piteously (he was apt to wander a -little, we remember, when this matter of his twofold existence was -touched upon). "No, indeed, I am not surprised. I would have insisted -until to-morrow that my name is Martin Cornouiller; but you know me as -Arnauld du Thill. I was here yesterday, it seems; so I say no more. -Expect no more resistance from me, for I submit. From the moment that -this turns out to be so, my feet and hands are tied. I did not foresee -this. It has been such a long time since my alibis ceased to trouble me. -Come on! it's all right. Do with me as you will; carry me off; imprison -me; strangle me; what you tell me of Gudule puts the finishing touch to -my conviction that you are right. Yes, I recognize my own hand in that! -But I am very glad to know that my name is Arnauld du Thill." - -Poor Martin-Guerre thenceforth confessed everything that they chose, -allowed himself to be overwhelmed with insults and reproaches, and -offered his all to God by way of penance for the new offences that they -charged him with. As he could not tell what had become of Gudule, they -loaded him with chains, and subjected him to all varieties of -ill-treatment, but without wearing out his angelic patience. All that he -regretted was that he had not had time to fulfil his commission to Baron -de Vaulpergues; but who could have imagined that new crimes would rise -to confront him, and reduce to nothing his splendid schemes for -exhibiting his address and presence of mind? - -"One thing that consoles me, however," he reflected, in the damp corner -where they had flung him down upon the ground, "is that perhaps Arnauld -du Thill may enter St. Quentin triumphantly with a detachment of -Vaulpergues's company. But no, no! that is a delusive hope too; and what -I know of the blackguard would lead me rather to guess that the monster -is at some inn on the road to Paris with the fair Gudule. Alas, alas! I -can't help thinking that I could put more heart into my penance if I had -at least some little knowledge of the sin." - - -[Footnote 5: "On Friday after All Saints -All Germany came down -With fire and sword and rapine -To sack our well-loved town."] - -[Footnote 6: "Encamped above the vineyards, -Bold Alva and his band -Came spying round St. Arnou, -Our trenches to--"] - - - - -CHAPTER XXX - -THE STRATEGY OF WAR - - -Fanciful as it appeared to him, Martin-Guerre's hope was realized -nevertheless. When Gabriel after a thousand narrow escapes reached the -forest where Baron de Vaulpergues was awaiting him, the first face that -he saw was that of his squire, and the first words he uttered were, -"Martin-Guerre!" - -"Here I am, Monseigneur," was the squire's reply, in a steady voice. - -This Martin-Guerre needed nobody to advise or urge him to be impudent. - -"Were you much ahead of me, Martin?" asked Gabriel. - -"I have been here an hour, Monseigneur." - -"Have you really? But it seems to me that you have changed your dress, -for surely you hadn't on that doublet when you left me three hours -ago." - -"No, Monseigneur; I obtained this one of a peasant who was more -appropriately dressed than I, as I thought, and gave him mine in -exchange." - -"Very well! and you had no unfortunate encounter?" - -"Not one, Monseigneur." - -"Quite the contrary," said the Baron de Vaulpergues, coming up to them, -"for the blackguard, when he arrived here, was accompanied by a very -charming little maiden, upon my word,--a Flemish _vivandière_, so far -as we could judge from her speech. She seemed to be very sad, poor -creature; but he very roughly though with much discretion dismissed her -at the edge of the forest before coming to this spot, despite her tears. - -"Now, Monsieur d'Exmès," he continued, "if your idea and the admiral's -agree with mine, we shall not start for half an hour. It is not yet -midnight; and in my judgment we ought not to reach St. Quentin till -toward three o'clock. That is the time when sentinels get weary and -relax their vigilance somewhat. Don't you think with me, Monsieur le -Vicomte?" - -"Most decidedly I do; and Monsieur de Coligny's instructions are in -perfect accord with your opinion. At three in the morning he will expect -us; and we ought to arrive then if we are ever to arrive." - -"Oh, we shall get there, Monseigneur, allow me to assure you!" said -Arnauld-Martin. "I made good use of my opportunity to examine the -surroundings of the Walloon camp when I came by; and I can guide you by -that road as safely as if I had been in the neighborhood for a -fortnight." - -"This is most marvellous, Martin!" cried Gabriel,--"such wonders -accomplished in so short a time! Why, I shall have as much confidence -henceforth in your intelligence as in your loyalty!" - -"Oh, Monseigneur, if you will rely on my zeal and my discretion, I ask -for nothing more!" - -The crafty fellow's plot was so well contrived, and so favored by luck -and his audacity, that since Gabriel's arrival the impostor had spoken -nothing but the truth. - -While Gabriel and Vaulpergues were deliberating aside as to what road -they should take, he, for his part, was completing the details of his -plan, so as not to interfere with the miraculous chances which had -served him so well thus far. - -This is what actually occurred. Arnauld, having escaped with Gudule's -assistance from the camp where he was held a prisoner, had prowled about -in the neighboring woods for eighteen hours, not daring to leave their -shelter for fear of falling into the hands of the enemy. Toward evening -he thought that he saw in the forest of Angimont the tracks of horsemen -who must, he judged, be anxious to keep out of sight, or they would not -have resorted to such impracticable paths. Therefore they must be -Frenchmen lying in ambush, so Arnauld tried to overtake them, and -succeeded. It was then that he dismissed Gudule with all possible speed; -and the poor child returned, weeping, to the tents, expecting, no doubt, -to find another lover there to take the place of the one she had lost. -The first one of Vaulpergues's soldiers whom Arnauld fell in with called -him Martin-Guerre; and for very good reasons he did not undeceive him. -Listening with all his ears, and saying very little himself, he soon -learned everything. Vicomte d'Exmès was expected to return that very -night, after having notified the admiral at St. Quentin of Vaulpergues's -approach, and bringing with him the necessary plans and instructions to -facilitate throwing the detachment into the place. Martin-Guerre was -with him, they said; so they naturally took Arnauld to be Martin, and -questioned him about his master. - -"He will soon be here," was his reply. "We came by different roads." - -In his own mind he was considering what a fine thing it would be for him -if he could attach himself to Gabriel. In the first place, his means of -subsistence in these hard times would be assured; then he knew that his -master, the constable, at present Philibert Emmanuel's prisoner, was -suffering less, possibly, from the disgrace of his defeat and captivity -than from the thought that his detested rival, the Duc de Guise, would -soon be omnipotent at court, and would exercise unbounded influence over -the king's mind. To dog the steps of a friend of Guise, then, would be -to establish himself at the very fountain-head of information, which he -could sell at a high price to the constable. Last of all, was not -Gabriel personally an enemy of the Montmorencys, and the principal -obstacle in the way of the marriage of Duc François with Madame de -Castro? - -Arnauld remembered all this, but could not avoid the reflection at the -same time that the return of the true Martin-Guerre to his master's side -might well upset all his fine plans. In order to avoid being convicted -of imposture, he lay in wait for Gabriel's coming, hoping to be able to -keep the credulous Martin-Guerre out of the way, or to get rid of him -altogether. Imagine his delight, then, when Gabriel came up to him -alone, and at once recognized him as his squire. Arnauld had spoken the -truth without knowing it. After that he left everything to chance, and -relying upon his patron the devil having led poor Martin into the toils -of the Spaniards, he boldly assumed the rôle of the absentee, in which -he succeeded admirably, as we have seen. - -Meanwhile the conference between Gabriel and Vaulpergues came to an end; -and when the three detachments were under arms, and ready to start on -their respective routes, Arnauld insisted on accompanying Gabriel on the -road which led by the Walloon camp. It was the road which the real -Martin-Guerre was to have taken; and if they should happen to meet him, -Arnauld wanted to be on the spot, so that he might make him disappear, -or disappear himself, as need required. - -But they passed the camp without seeing anything of Martin; and the -thought of that trifling danger was soon lost sight of in the more -serious peril which awaited him, as well as Gabriel and the little band -of whom they made part, before the closely invested walls of St. -Quentin. - -Within the town the anxiety was no less acute, as may well be imagined; -for the salvation or destruction of all depended almost entirely on the -bold _coup-de-main_ to be undertaken by Gabriel and Vaulpergues. So at -two o'clock in the morning the admiral in person made the round of the -points agreed upon between himself and Gabriel, enjoining upon the -picked men, who were posted as sentinels at these important spots, the -most watchful attention. Then he mounted to the belfry tower, whence he -could overlook the whole town and all the neighborhood; and there, dumb -and motionless, scarcely breathing, he listened in the silence, and -looked out upon the night. But he heard only the deadened, far-off sound -of the Spanish miners and the French counterminers; he saw naught but -the tents of the enemy, and, farther away, the gloomy forest of Origny -standing darkly out in the black night. - -Unable to overcome his restlessness, the admiral determined to go to the -spot where the fate of St. Quentin was to be decided. He came down from -the tower, and on horseback, attended by several officers, rode to the -Boulevard de la Reine, and up to one of the posterns at which -Vaulpergues might be expected, and waited, standing on an angle of the -ramparts. - -Just as three o'clock was striking from La Collégiale, the hoot of an -owl was heard from the heart of the marshes of the Somme. - -"God be praised! there they are!" cried the admiral. - -Monsieur du Breuil, at a sign from Coligny, using his hands as a -speaking-trumpet, imitated distinctly the cry of the osprey. - -Then a deathly silence followed. The admiral and his companions stood as -if made of stone, their ears on the alert, and their hearts heating -fast. - -Suddenly a musket-shot was heard in the direction from which the cry had -come; and almost at the same moment there was a general discharge, -accompanied by sharp cries and a terrible uproar. - -The first detachment was discovered. - -"A hundred brave men gone already!" cried the admiral. - -He came rapidly down from the boulevard, remounted his horse, and -without another word rode in the direction of the Boulevard St. Martin, -where he expected another part of Vaulpergues's company. - -There he was seized again with the same anguish of soul. Gaspard de -Coligny at this moment resembled a gambler who has staked his fortune -upon three casts of the dice: the first cast was lost; what luck awaited -him in the second? - -Alas! the same cry was heard outside the ramparts, and the same answer -made from the town; then, as if this second scene were merely a fatal -repetition of the first, a sentinel gave the alarm again, and the rattle -of musketry and the heart-rending shrieks told the terrified people of -St. Quentin that a second combat--say rather, a second butchery had -occurred. - -"Two hundred martyrs!" said Coligny, in a grief-stricken voice. - -And again throwing himself upon his horse, in two minutes he was at the -postern of the faubourg, which was the third of the posts agreed upon -between Gabriel and himself. He rode so quickly that he was the first -man on the rampart; and his officers joined him there one by one. But -listen as eagerly as they might, they could hear nothing but the groans -of the dying in the distance and the shouts of the victors. - -The admiral thought that all was lost. The enemy's camp was aroused. -There could not be a Spanish soldier who was not awake now. He who was -in command of the third party might well have thought best not to march -right upon such deadly peril, and had probably withdrawn without -hazarding a blow. Thus the third and last throw had failed the ruined -gambler. Coligny kept saying to himself that very probably the last -detachment had been surprised with the second, and that the noise of the -two massacres had been combined. - -A tear--a burning tear of despair and rage--rolled down the admiral's -swarthy cheek. In a few hours the people, discouraged anew by this last -calamity, would demand in loud tones that the place be surrendered; and -even were they not to make such a demand, Gaspard de Coligny no longer -deceived himself with the hope that with troops so exhausted and -demoralized as his, the first assault would not open the gates of St. -Quentin and of France to the Spaniards. And surely the assault would not -be long in coming, and the signal for it would probably be given as soon -as day broke, if not even at once during the darkness, while these -thirty thousand men, bursting with pride over the slaughter of three -hundred, were still drunk with their magnificent exploit. - -As if to confirm Coligny's apprehensions, Du Breuil, the governor of the -town, uttered the word _alerte_ in his ear in a stifled voice; and as he -turned toward him, he pointed out a body of men in the moat, dark and -noiseless, who seemed to be marching out of the darkness toward the -postern. - -"Are they friends or foes?" asked Du Breuil, in a low voice. - -"Silence!" whispered the admiral; "let us be on our guard in any event." - -"How can they make so little noise?" said the governor. "I seem to see -horses, and yet there is not a sound, and the very earth seems deadened -beneath their steps! Really, they seem like phantoms!" - -The superstitious Du Breuil crossed himself as a precautionary measure; -but Coligny, grave and thoughtful, carefully watched the dumb black mass -without fear and without sign of emotion. - -When the new-comers were hardly fifty paces away, Coligny himself -mimicked the cry of the osprey. - -The hoot of the owl replied. - -Thereupon the admiral, beside himself with joy, rushing to the guard at -the postern, ordered it to be opened immediately; and a hundred -horsemen, enveloped, men and beasts, in ample black cloaks, rode into -the town without a sound. Then it could be seen that the hoofs of the -horses, which beat so softly upon the ground, were wrapped in pieces of -cloth filled with sand. It was due to their adoption of this expedient, -which was suggested to them only when the two other detachments had been -betrayed by the noise they made, that the third party had succeeded in -making their way in unobstructed; and the man who had thought of this -expedient, and who was in command of the party, was no other than -Gabriel. - -It was a small matter, no doubt, this reinforcement of a hundred men; -but it would suffice to keep the two threatened positions defended for a -few days, and, above all, it was the first happy circumstance of this -siege, which had been so fruitful in disasters. The news of such good -augury went through the town like the wind. Doors were thrown open, -windows illuminated, and universal acclamations welcomed Gabriel and his -men as they passed. - -"No, no!--no rejoicing," said Gabriel, gravely and sadly. "Remember the -two hundred poor fellows who fell down there." - -He raised his hat as if to salute the heroic dead, among whom was the -noble Vaulpergues. - -"Yes," responded Coligny, "we pity them and honor them. But, Monsieur -d'Exmès, what shall we say to you? How shall we thank you? At least, my -friend, let me fold you in my arms, for you have already twice saved St. -Quentin." - -But Gabriel, pressing his hand warmly, again rejoined,-- - -"Monsieur l'Amiral, tell me that in ten days' time." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI - -ARNAULD DU THILL'S MEMORY - - -It was full time that the successful stroke should be accomplished, and -the welcome succor be thrown into the town. Day was beginning to break; -and Gabriel, completely worn out from having hardly closed his eyes for -four days, was taken to the town-hall by the admiral, who gave him the -next room to the one he himself occupied. There Gabriel threw himself -upon the bed, and slept as if he would never wake. - -It was four o'clock in the afternoon before his refreshing slumber, of -which the poor youth, with all his anxiety, stood so much in need, was -broken by Coligny's entrance. An assault had been made by the enemy -during the day and gallantly repulsed, but another was threatened for -the next day; and the admiral, who had had every reason thus far to. -think well of Gabriel's advice, had come to ask it once more. Gabriel -was soon out of bed and ready to receive Coligny. - -"Just a word to my squire, Monsieur l'Amiral," said he, "and I am at -your service." - -"At your convenience, Vicomte d'Exmès," rejoined Coligny. "As the -Spanish flag would be flying over this building at this moment but for -you, I may well say to you, 'You are at home.'" - -Gabriel went to the door, and called Martin-Guerre. He came at once, and -Gabriel led him aside. - -"My good Martin," said he, "I told you yesterday that I should have -hereafter as much confidence in your intelligence as in your loyalty, -and I will prove it to you. You must go at once to the ambulance at the -Faubourg d'Isle. There you will inquire, not for Madame de Castro, but -for the superior of the Benedictines, good Mother Monique; and it is she -alone whom you must ask to say to Sister Bénie--you understand, to -Sister Bénie--that Vicomte d'Exmès, on a mission at St. Quentin from -the king, will call upon her within an hour, and that he entreats her to -await him there. You see, Monsieur de Coligny is likely to keep me here -some time; and in a matter of life and death, you know, one must always -put duty before pleasure. So go, and let her know at least that my heart -is with her." - -"She shall know it, Monseigneur," said Martin, eagerly; and he was off -on the moment, leaving his master somewhat less impatient, as well as -easier in his mind. - -He made the best of his way to the ambulance at the Faubourg d'Isle, and -asked for Sister Monique on all sides with much earnestness of manner. - -The superior was pointed out to him. - -"Ah, Mother!" said the cunning scamp, approaching her. "I am very glad -to find you at last; my poor master would have been so cast down if I -had not been able to execute my commission to you and Madame de Castro." - -"Who are you, pray, my friend, and whence do you come?" asked the -superior, surprised as well as grieved to find that Gabriel had kept so -ill the secret she had confided to him. - -"I come on behalf of Vicomte d'Exmès," rejoined the false -Martin-Guerre, affecting a sort of simple-minded artlessness. "You must -know Vicomte d'Exmès, I should think! The whole town is talking of -nothing but him." - -"To be sure!" said the superior; "I know our deliverer. We have prayed -heartily for him. I had the honor of seeing him here yesterday; and I -counted on seeing him again to-day after what he said." - -"He is coming; yes, his Lordship is coming," continued Arnauld-Martin. -"But Monsieur de Coligny delays him; and in his impatience he sent me on -in advance to you and to Madame de Castro. Don't be astonished, Mother, -that I know that name and pronounce it. Long time loyalty, put to the -proof over and over again, justifies my master in trusting as implicitly -in me as in himself; and he has no secrets from his trusty and devoted -servant. I have only wit and intellect enough, so people say, to love -him and protect him; but I have that instinct in good measure, at least, -and no one can deny it me, by the relics of Saint Quentin! Oh, pardon -me, Mother, for swearing so before you. I didn't realize what I was -doing; and habit, you know, and the impulse of the heart--" - -"It's all right!" said Mother Monique, smiling; "so Monsieur d'Exmès is -coming, is he? He will be very welcome. Sister Bénie is very anxious to -see him, to have news of the king, who sent him hither." - -"Ha, ha!" Martin laughed in an idiotic way, and said, "The king, who -sent him to St. Quentin, but not to Madame Diane, I suppose." - -"What do you mean?" asked the superior. - -"I say, Madame, that I, who love Vicomte d'Exmès as a master and as a -brother, am truly glad that you, a woman so worthy of respect and -endowed with such abundant authority, should interest yourself a little -in the love-affairs of Monseigneur and Madame de Castro." - -"The love-affairs of Madame de Castro!" cried the horrified superior. - -"Yes, to be sure," responded the treacherous scoundrel. "Madame Diane -must surely have confided everything to you, her real mother and her -only friend?" - -"She has spoken to me in a vague way of suffering in which her heart was -involved," said the nun; "but of an unhallowed love, and of the -viscount's name, I know nothing, absolutely nothing." - -"Oh, yes, you deny it from modesty, no doubt," rejoined Arnauld, shaking -his head very knowingly. "In truth, for my part, I think your conduct is -very estimable; and I am very grateful to you for it. You are acting -very bravely too! 'Ah!' you said to yourself, 'the king is opposed to -the love of these children. Diane's father would be furiously angry if -he should suspect that they ever saw each other! Oh, well! I, holy and -upright woman that I am, will defy his royal Majesty and his paternal -authority, and will lend the poor lovers the sanction of my approval and -my character; I will arrange interviews for them, and will give new life -to their hope and bid their remorse be still.' Indeed, the assistance -you are rendering them is superb, is magnificent, do you understand?" - -"Holy Virgin!" was all the superior could say, clasping her hands in -terror and amazement, for her heart was timid and her conscience easily -alarmed. "Holy Virgin! a father and a king defied, and my name and my -life entangled in these intrigues!" - -"Hold!" said Arnauld; "I see my master down there now, hurrying to thank -you in person for your kind offices, and to ask you, the impatient -youth, when and how he can, thanks to you, see his adored mistress once -more." - -Gabriel did come up at this moment, breathless and eager; but before he -reached her side, the superior stopped him with a motion of her hand, -and said, drawing herself up to her full height,-- - -"Not a step farther, and not a word, Monsieur le Vicomte! I know now by -what title, and with what intentions, you desire to see Madame de -Castro. Do not imagine that hereafter I shall lend a hand to forward -your schemes, which are, I fear, unworthy of a gentleman. Besides, not -only ought I to decline, but I do not choose, to listen to you any more; -furthermore, I intend to use my authority to deprive Diane of every -opportunity and every excuse for meeting you, whether in the parlor of -the convent or in the ambulances. She is her own mistress, I know, and -has not taken the vows which bind her to us; but so long as she thinks -fit to remain in the convent, her chosen asylum, she may rely upon my -protection to keep her honor safe, and not her love." - -With a frigid bow the superior saluted Gabriel, who stood transfixed -with astonishment; and then she withdrew without waiting for his reply, -and without once turning toward him. - -"What does all this mean?" asked the young man of his pretended squire, -after a moment of speechless stupefaction. - -"I know no more about it than you do, Monseigneur," replied Arnauld, who -imposed a mask of consternation upon the delight he really felt. "Madame -la Supérieure received me very ill, if I must say so, and declared that -she was thoroughly acquainted with your designs, but that it was her -duty to oppose them, and to do her best to advance the views of the -king, and that Madame Diane no longer loved you, even if she had ever -done so." - -"Diane loves me no longer!" cried Gabriel, turning pale. "Alas! alas!" -he continued, "so much the better perhaps! Meanwhile I wish to see her -again, and to prove to her that I am neither indifferent to her nor -guilty in her regard. This last interview, which I need to encourage me -in my task, it is absolutely necessary that you should help me to -obtain, Martin-Guerre." - -"Monseigneur knows," replied Arnauld, with humility, "that I am the -devoted instrument of his will, and that I obey him in all things, as -the hand obeys the head. I will use every effort, as I have done up to -this very moment, to procure for Monseigneur the interview which he -craves with Madame de Castro." - -Thereupon, laughing behind his cape, the crafty scamp followed Gabriel, -as he returned in deep dejection to the town-hall. - -In the evening, when the false Martin-Guerre, after making a circuit of -the fortifications, found himself alone in his room, he drew from his -breast a paper which he perused with an appearance of the liveliest -satisfaction. - - -Arnauld du Thill's account with Monsieur le Connétable de - Montmorency, from the day when he was forcibly separated - from Monseigneur. (This account comprises public as well - as private services.) - -For having (while held a prisoner after the battle of St. - Laurent, and being taken before Philibert Emmanuel) - advised that general to release the constable without - ransom, upon the specious pretext that Monseigneur - would do less harm to the Spaniards with his sword than - good by his advice to the king. . . . fifty crowns. - -For having escaped by a clever trick from the camp where - he was held, and having thus saved Monsieur le Connétable - the expense of his ransom, which in his generosity - he would not have hesitated to pay in order to recover so - faithful and valuable a servant . . . one hundred crowns. - -For having skilfully guided by little-known paths the - detachment which Vicomte d'Exmès was leading to - the relief of St. Quentin and of Monsieur l'Amiral - de Coligny, the well-loved nephew of Monsieur le - Connétable . . . . . . . . . . . twenty livres. - - -There was more than one other item in Master Arnauld's list quite as -impertinently greedy as these. When he had read them all through, he -took his pen, and added the following:-- - - -For having, under the name of Martin-Guerre, entered the - service of Vicomte d'Exmès, and while in such service denounced - said viscount to the superior of the Benedictines - as the lover of Madame de Castro, and thus insured the separation - of these two young people, according to the best interests - of Monsieur le Connétable . . . two hundred crowns. - - -"That is not very dear," said Arnauld; "and this last item quite outdoes -all the others. The sum total is very satisfactory. It amounts nearly to -a thousand livres, and with a little imagination we can put it up to two -thousand; and when I have my hand on them, _ma foi_! I will go out of -business, take a wife, and be a good father to my children, and -church-warden of my parish somewhere in the provinces, and thus fulfil -the dream of my whole life, and the honorable end of all my wicked -deeds." - -Arnauld went to bed and slept on these virtuous reflections. - -The next day he was commissioned by Gabriel to go in search of Diane -once more; and we can guess how he acquitted himself of the commission. -Leaving Monsieur de Coligny, Gabriel himself began to investigate and -make inquiries. But about ten in the morning the enemy made a furious -assault; and he had to hasten to the boulevards. As usual, Gabriel -performed prodigies of valor, and acted as if he had two lives to lose. - -He did have two to save; besides, if he made himself conspicuous by his -gallantry, doubtless Diane would hear his name talked of. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII - -THEOLOGY - - -Gabriel was returning in a state of utter exhaustion from the point -where the assault had taken place, with Gaspard de Coligny, when two -men, passing very near him, mentioned the name of Sister Bénie. He left -the admiral, and running after the men, asked them eagerly if they knew -anything of her whose name they had mentioned. - -"Oh, _mon Dieu_! no, Captain, no more than yourself," replied one of -them, who was no other than Jean Peuquoy. "In fact, I was just -expressing some anxiety about her to my companion here; for no one has -seen the lovely brave girl all day long, and I was just saying that -after such a brisk engagement as we have just had, there are many poor -wounded fellows who are much in need of her nursing and her heavenly -smile. But we shall soon know if she is seriously ill; for it will be -her turn to do night duty with the ambulance to-morrow. She has never -missed her turn yet; and there are too few of the nuns, and they relieve -one another too frequently, to be willing or able to get along without -her except in case of absolute necessity. We shall see her to-morrow -evening, then, no doubt; and I shall thank God for one poor invalid's -sake, for she knows how to comfort and encourage them like a real Notre -Dame." - -"Thanks, my friend, thanks!" said Gabriel, pressing Jean Peuquoy's hand -warmly, and leaving the good man much surprised at being so honored. - -Gaspard de Coligny had heard Jean Peuquoy, and noticed Gabriel's -delight. When they were walking together again, he said nothing to him -on the subject at first; but when they were once in the house and by -themselves in the room where the admiral kept his papers and issued his -orders, he said to Gabriel with his pleasant smile,-- - -"You take a very lively interest, I see, my friend, in this nun, Sister -Bénie." - -"The same interest that Jean Peuquoy takes," replied Gabriel, blushing; -"the same interest that you take yourself, no doubt, Monsieur l'Amiral, -for you must have noticed, as I have, how sorely our wounded need her, -and what a beneficial influence her words and her very presence exert -upon them and upon all the combatants." - -"Why do you try to deceive me, my friend?" said the admiral. "You must -have very little confidence in me that you try thus to lie to me." - -"What, Monsieur l'Amiral!" responded Gabriel, more and more embarrassed; -"who has been able to make you believe--" - -"That Sister Bénie is no other than Madame Diane de Castro, and that -you are deeply in love with her?" - -"You know that?" cried Gabriel, amazed beyond measure. - -"Why should I not know it?" rejoined the admiral. "Is not Monsieur le -Connétable my uncle! Is there anything at court that he doesn't know -all about? Has not Madame de Poitiers the king's ear, and has not -Monsieur de Montmorency Diane de Poitiers's heart? As very weighty -interests of our family are apparently involved in all this, I was -naturally informed of the whole business, so that I might be on my -guard, and render every aid to forward the schemes of my noble relative. -I had not been a day at my post in St. Quentin, to defend the place or -to die here, when I received an express from my uncle. It was not, as I -supposed at first, to inform me of the movements of the enemy and the -constable's proposed operations. By no means! The messenger had risked a -thousand dangers to notify me that Madame Diane de Castro, the king's -daughter, was at the convent of the Benedictines at St. Quentin under an -assumed name, and that I must keep a strict watch over her movements. -Then again, yesterday a Flemish messenger, bribed by Monsieur de -Montmorency in his captivity, inquired for me at the southern gate. I -fancied that he had come from my uncle to tell me to take courage; that -it was for me to re-establish the glory of the Montmorencys, sullied by -the defeat of St. Laurent; and that the king would infallibly add other -reinforcements to those brought hither by you, Gabriel; and that I must -in any event die in the breach rather than deliver St. Quentin. But no, -no! the purchased messenger came not to bring me any such stirring words -to encourage and sustain me; and I was grievously mistaken. The man was -only instructed to notify me that Vicomte d'Exmès, who had come in the -night before upon the pretence of fighting and dying here, was in love -with Madame de Castro, who is betrothed to my cousin, François de -Montmorency, and that the meeting of the lovers might have a bad effect -upon the vast plans being matured by my uncle; but that luckily I was -governor of St. Quentin, and it was my duty to devote all my energies to -the task of keeping Madame Diane and Gabriel d'Exmès apart; and, above -all, to prevent their having any conversation together, and thus to -contribute to the elevation and power of my house!" - -All this was said with a bitterness and melancholy that were very -perceptible; but Gabriel thought of nothing but the blow aimed at his -hopes. - -"And so, Monsieur," he said to the admiral, with bitter anger at his -heart, "it was you who denounced me to the superior of the Benedictines, -and who, faithful to your uncle's instructions, count, no doubt, upon -taking from me, one by one, all the chances which I may still have of -finding Diane and seeing her again." - -"Hold your peace, young man!" cried the admiral, with an unspeakably -proud expression. "But I forgive you," he added more gently; "for your -passion blinds you, and you have not yet had time to know Gaspard de -Coligny." - -There was so much noble and dignified kindness in the tone in which -these words were uttered that all Gabriel's suspicions vanished like -mist, and he was deeply ashamed that he had entertained them for one -moment. - -"Pardon me!" he said, stretching out his hand to Gaspard. "How could I -ever have thought that you would allow yourself to be led into such -intrigues? A thousand pardons, Monsieur l'Amiral!" - -"Oh, it's all right, Gabriel!" rejoined Coligny; "and I know that your -impulses are youthful and pure. No, indeed, I do not mingle in such -underhand practices; on the contrary, I despise them and those who have -conceived them. In such performances I can see no glory, but only shame -for my family; and far from wishing to profit by them, I blush at them. -If these men, who build up their fortune by such means, scandalous or -not; who, in their haste to gratify their ambition and their greed, -never heed the sorrow and the desolation of those who are as good as -they; who would even, to arrive a little sooner at their goal, pass over -the dead body of their mother-land,--if these men are my kinsmen, it -must be the punishment which God inflicts upon me for my pride, and with -which He recalls me to humility; it is an encouragement to me to show -myself harsh toward myself and just to my neighbors, as a means of -redeeming the sins of my relatives." - -"Yes," rejoined Gabriel, "I know that the honor and virtue of the days -of the apostles dwell in your breast, Monsieur l'Amiral; and I beg your -pardon once more for having for one moment spoken to you as to one of -the fine gentlemen without faith or law whom I have learned too well to -despise and detest." - -"Alas!" said Coligny, "we should rather pity them,--these poor fools who -are ambitious of nothing, these wretched, blinded Papists. But," he -continued, "I forget that I am not speaking to one of my brothers in -religious matters. Never mind, Gabriel; you are worthy of being one of -us, and you will come to us sooner or later. Yes; God, in whose hands -all means are holy, will lead you to the right, I foresee, through this -very passion; and this unequal conflict in which your love will cause -you to hurl yourself against a corrupt court will end in bringing you -into our ranks some day. I shall be happy to sow in your breast, my -friend, the first seeds of the divine harvest." - -"I knew, Monsieur l'Amiral," said Gabriel, "that you were of the -Reformed religion; and that very fact has led me to esteem the -persecuted sect. Nevertheless, you see, I am weak in mind, being feeble -in heart; and I am sure that I shall always profess the same religion -that Diane does." - -"Oh, well!" said Gaspard, in whom, as in most of his sect, the fever of -proselytism was at its height,--"oh, well! if Madame de Castro is of the -religion of virtue and truth, she is of our faith, and so will you be, -Gabriel. So will you be, I say again, because that dissolute court, rash -youth, against which you are taking up arms, will overcome you; and you -will burn to be revenged. Do you believe that Monsieur de Montmorency, -who has set his heart upon the king's daughter for his son, will consent -to give up that rich prize to you?" - -"Alas! perhaps I shall not dispute it with him," said Gabriel. "Only let -the king remain true to his sworn promise to me--" - -"Sworn promise!" exclaimed the admiral. "Do you talk of sworn promises -in connection with the man who, after he had commanded the parliament to -discuss the question of liberty of conscience freely before him, had -Anne Dubourg and Dufaur burned at the stake for having pleaded the cause -of the reform, relying upon the royal word?" - -"Oh, don't say so, Monsieur l'Amiral!" cried Gabriel. "Don't tell me -that King Henri will not keep the solemn promise that he has given me; -for in that event not my faith alone would rise in rebellion, but my -sword too, I fear: I would not become a Huguenot, but a murderer." - -"Not if you become a Huguenot," rejoined Gaspard. "We may be martyrs, -but shall never be assassins. But your vengeance, though it be not a -bloody one, may be none the less terrible, my friend. You will assist us -with your youthful ardor and your zealous devotion in a work of -renovation which is likely to be more depressing to the king than a -thrust of the sword. Remember, Gabriel, that it is our purpose to wrest -from him his iniquitous and monstrous privileges; remember that it is -not in the Church alone, but in the government that we are striving to -introduce reforms which will be helpful to the worthy, but a menace to -the wicked. You have seen whether I love France and serve her. Well, -then, I am for these reforms partly because I see in them the true -greatness of my country. Oh, Gabriel, Gabriel, if you had but read once -the convincing arguments of our Luther, you would see how soon the -spirit of investigation and liberty which breathes in them would put a -new soul in your body, and open a new life before you." - -"My life is my love for Diane," was Gabriel's response; "and my soul is -in the sacred task which God has imposed upon me, and which I trust to -accomplish." - -"The love and the task of a man," said Gaspard, "which may surely be -reconciled with the love and the task of a Christian. You are young, and -do not see clearly, my friend; but I foresee only too plainly, and my -heart bleeds to say it to you, that your eyes will be opened by -misfortune. Your generosity and your purity of soul will sooner or later -bring grief upon you in that licentious and scandalous court, just as -tall trees attract the lightning in a storm. Then you will call to mind -what I have said to you to-day. You will learn to know our books,--this -one, for instance;" and the admiral took up a volume that was lying open -on the table. "You will understand these outspoken and stern, but just -and noble words, which are spoken to us by one as young as yourself, a -councillor of the Bordeaux parliament, named Étienne de la Boétie. And -then you will say, Gabriel, in the words of this vigorous work, 'La -Servitude Volontaire': 'What a misfortune, or what a crime it is to see -an infinite number of men not obeying, but servilely following,--not -being governed, but tyrannized over by one individual, and not by a -Hercules or a Samson, but by one little man, generally the most -faint-hearted and effeminate in the whole land.'" - -"Those are indeed not only dangerous, but bold words, and stimulating to -the intellect," said Gabriel. "You are quite right, too, Monsieur -l'Amiral; it may be that rage will some day drive me into your ranks, -and that oppression will lead me to espouse the cause of the oppressed. -But until that time comes, you see, my life is too full to admit these -new ideas which you have laid before me; and I have too much to do to -leave me time to read books." - -Nevertheless, Gaspard de Coligny continued to urge upon him warmly the -doctrines and ideas which were then fermenting in his mind like new -wine, and the conversation was prolonged to great length between the -passionate young man and his earnest elder,--the one as determined and -impetuous as action, the other grave and serious as thought. - -Moreover, the admiral was hardly at fault in his gloomy forebodings; and -misfortune was preparing to fertilize the seeds which this interview had -sown in Gabriel's ardent soul. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII - -SISTER BÉNIE - - -It was a calm and beautiful August evening. In the sky, which was of a -deep blue studded with stars, the moon had not yet risen; but the night -was so much the more full of mystery, more dreamy, and more enchanting. - -This mild tranquillity was in striking contrast with the commotion and -uproar which had lasted through the day. The Spaniards had made two -assaults in quick succession, and had been twice beaten back; but not -before they had killed and wounded a larger number than the few -defenders of the town could afford to lose. The enemy, on the other -hand, had a strong reserve of fresh troops to replace those who were -wearied in the contests of the day. So that Gabriel, always on his -guard, feared that the two assaults were intended simply to exhaust the -strength of the garrison and relax their vigilance, and that a third -assault or a nocturnal surprise might have more chance of success. -Meanwhile ten o'clock struck from La Collégiale, and nothing took place -to confirm his suspicions. Not a light was to be seen among the Spanish -tents. In the camp, as in the town, nothing could be heard but the -monotonous cry of the sentinels; and the camp itself, like the town, -seemed to be reposing after the severe labors of the day. - -Consequently Gabriel, after making one last tour of the fortifications, -thought that he might for a moment relax the unintermitted watch which -he had kept over the town, like a son over his dying mother. St. Quentin -had already held out four days since the young man's arrival. Four days -more, and he will have kept the promise he made the king; and it will -remain only for the king to be true to his. - -Gabriel had ordered his squire to attend him, but without saying where -he was going. Since his ill-luck of a day or two before with the -superior, he had begun to have some suspicions of Martin-Guerre's -intelligence, if not of his loyalty. So he had forborne to tell him of -the precious information he had procured from Jean Peuquoy; and the -false Martin-Guerre, who supposed he was accompanying his master merely -on a circuit of the walls, was surprised to see him turn his steps -toward the Boulevard de la Reine, where the principal ambulance had been -established. - -"Are you going to see some wounded man, Monseigneur?" said he. - -"Silence!" was Gabriel's only reply, placing his finger to his lips. - -The principal ambulance, which Gabriel and Arnauld reached at this -moment, was quite near the ramparts, and not far from the Faubourg -d'Isle, which was the most dangerous point, and the one consequently -where relief was most essential. It was a large building which had been -used before the siege as a storehouse for provisions, but had been -placed at the disposal of the surgeons when the need became urgent. The -mild summer night made it possible to leave the door in the centre open, -to renew and freshen the air. From the foot of the steps, which led up -to an outside gallery, Gabriel was able to look into this abode of -suffering, where lamps were always kept burning. - -It was a heart-rending spectacle. Here and there were a few -blood-stained beds prepared in great haste; but such luxuries were -reserved for the privileged few. The greater part were stretched on the -floor, on mattresses or coverlets, or in some cases on straw simply. -Sharp or plaintive moans were continually calling the surgeons or their -assistants from all sides; but they, in spite of their zeal, could not -hear them all. They attended to dressing those wounds which were most in -need of it, and performed the most pressing amputations; the others had -to wait. The trembling of fever or the convulsions of agony made the -poor wretches twist and turn on their pallets; and where in some corner -one of them lay at full length, motionless and without a sound, the -winding-sheet laid upon his face told only too plainly that he would -nevermore move or complain. - -Before this sad and heart-rending picture the strongest and hardest -hearts would have lost their courage and their callousness. Even Arnauld -du Thill could not repress a shudder; and Gabriel's face became as pale -as death. - -But all at once a sad smile appeared upon the young man's pallid -countenance. In the midst of this Inferno overflowing with suffering, -like that described by Dante, a calm and radiant angel, a sweet and -lovely Beatrix, burst upon his sight. Diane, Sister Bénie rather, -passed tranquilly and sadly in and out among these poor sufferers. - -Never had she seemed more beautiful to the dazzled Gabriel. Indeed, at -the fêtes of the court, gold and diamonds and velvet did not so well -become her as did the coarse woollen dress and white nun's stomacher in -that dismal ambulance. With her lovely profile, her modest demeanor, and -her look of consolation and encouragement, she might have been taken for -the very incarnation of Pity, descending to this home of suffering. The -most vivid imagination of a Christian soul could not picture her in more -admirable guise; and nothing could be so affecting as to see this -peerless beauty lean over the emaciated faces disfigured by anguish, and -this king's child holding out her lovely hand to these nameless, dying -soldiers. - -Gabriel involuntarily thought of Madame Diane de Poitiers, engrossed at -that moment, no doubt, with extravagant trifling and shameless amours; -and marvelling at the marked contrast between the two Dianes, he said to -himself that God had surely endowed the daughter with such virtues to -redeem the faults of the mother. - -While Gabriel, who was not ordinarily addicted to the habit of dreaming, -thus lost himself in his reflections and his comparisons without taking -heed of the flight of time, within the ambulance quiet gradually -succeeded to the former confusion. The evening was already well -advanced; the surgeons completed their rounds; and the bustle and the -noise ceased. Silence and repose were enjoined upon the wounded men; and -soothing draughts made it easier for them to obey the injunction. Here -and there a pitiful moan would be heard, but no more of the almost -incessant, heart-rending shrieks of pain. Before another quarter of an -hour had elapsed, everything became as calm and quiet as such suffering -can be. - -Diane had said her last words of comfort and hope to her patients, and -had urged rest and patience upon them after the physicians, and more -effectively than they. All did their best to obey her voice, so sweet in -its imperiousness. When she saw that the prescriptions ordered for each -one were at hand, and that for the moment there was no further need of -her, she drew a long breath, as if to relieve her breast from its -oppressive burden, and drew near the exterior gallery, meaning, no -doubt, to take a breath or two of fresh air at the door, and to obtain a -little surcease of the wretchedness and weakness of man by gazing upon -the stars in God's heaven. - -She leaned upon a sort of stone balustrade; and her look, bent upward to -the sky, failed to perceive at the foot of the steps, and within ten -feet of her, Gabriel in a perfect ecstasy of delight at the sight of -her, as if he were standing before some heavenly apparition. - -A sharp movement on the part of Martin-Guerre, who did not seem to share -in his ecstasy, brought our lover back to earth again. - -"Martin," said he, in a low voice to his squire, "you see what a -marvellous chance is within my grasp. I must and will take advantage of -it, and speak--alas! perhaps for the last time--to Madame Diane. Do you -meanwhile see that no one interrupts us, and keep watch a little apart, -remaining nevertheless within call. Go, my faithful fellow; go." - -"But, Monseigneur," Martin began to object, "are you not afraid that -Madame la Supérieure--" - -"She is in another room probably," said Gabriel. "At all events, I must -not hesitate, in view of the necessity which may hereafter separate us -forever." - -Martin seemed to yield, and moved away, swearing to himself. - -Gabriel drew a little nearer Diane; and restraining his voice so as to -arouse the attention of no one else, he called her name softly,-- - -"Diane! Diane!" - -Diane was startled; and her eyes, which had hardly got used to the -darkness, did not detect Gabriel at first. - -"Did some one call me?" she said. "Who is it?" - -"I," Gabriel replied, as if Medea's monosyllable were enough to reveal -his identity to her. - -In good sooth it was; for Diane, without pursuing her inquiries any -further, rejoined in a voice trembling with feeling and surprise:-- - -"You, Monsieur d'Exmès! Is it really you? And what do you want of me in -this place and at this hour? If, as I have been told, you bring me news -of the king my father, you have delayed it long, and you have chosen -place and time very ill; if not, you know that there is nothing I can -listen to from you, and nothing I want to hear. Well, Monsieur d'Exmès, -you do not reply. Do you not understand me? You say nothing? What does -this silence mean, Gabriel?" - -"'Gabriel!' It is well with us, then!" cried the youth. "I made no -reply, Diane, because your cold words froze my blood, and because I hadn't -the strength to call you 'Madame,' as you called me 'Monsieur.'" - -"Do not call me 'Madame,' and call me 'Diane' no more. Madame de Castro -is no longer here. It is Sister Bénie who stands before you. Call me -'sister,' and I will call you my brother." - -"What! What do you say?" cried Gabriel, recoiling in terror. "I call you -my sister! Why in God's name do you ask me to call you my sister?" - -"Why, it is the name by which every one knows me now," said Diane. "Is -it such a terrible name, pray?" - -"Yes, yes, indeed it is! Or rather, no! Forgive me; I am mad. It is a -lovely and dear name. I will accustom myself to it, Diane; I will -accustom myself to it--my sister." - -"You must," Diane responded with a sad smile. "Besides, it is the real -Christian title which will be suitable for me henceforth; for although I -have not yet taken the vows, I am even now a nun at heart, and I soon -shall be one in fact, I hope, when I shall have obtained the king's -consent. Do you bring me that consent, my brother?" - -"Oh!" exclaimed Gabriel, in a tone wherein reproach and grief were -mingled. - -"_Mon Dieu_!" said Diane, "there is not the least bitterness in my -words, I assure you. I have suffered so much recently among men that I -have naturally sought shelter with God. It is not anger which rules my -actions and my words, but sorrow." - -Indeed, there was in Diane's speech an accent that told of sadness and -suffering; and yet in her heart that sadness was mingled with an -involuntary joy which she could not conceal at the sight of Gabriel, -whom she had long ago believed to be lost to her love and to the world, -and whom she found to-day vigorous and manly, and, it might be, still -fond of her. - -And so, without wishing, almost without knowing it, she had descended -two or three steps, and drawn on by an invincible power, had come so -much nearer to Gabriel. - -"Listen," said he. "This cruel misunderstanding which is rending our -hearts must come to an end. I can no longer bear the thought that you do -not understand me, that you believe in my indifference to you or (who -knows?) in my hatred for you. That terrible suspicion worries me even in -the midst of the sacred and difficult task which it is for me to -accomplish. But come a little apart, my sister. You still trust in me, -do you not? Let us move away from this spot, I beg you. Even if we -cannot be seen, we may be overheard; and I have reason to fear that some -one may desire to interrupt our interview,--this interview which, I tell -you, my sister, is essential to my reason and my peace of mind." - -Diane reflected no longer. Such words from such lips were omnipotent -with her. She ascended two steps to look into the hall and see if she -was needed; and finding everything quiet, she at once went back to -Gabriel, resting her hand confidingly in the loyal one of her faithful -knight. - -"Thanks," said Gabriel. "Moments are precious; for what I fear, do you -know, is that the superior, who knows of my love now, would object to -our having this explanation, deep and pure though my love for you is, my -sister." - -"That explains, then," said Diane, "why, after having told me of your -arrival and of your wish to see me, good Mother Monique, informed by -some one, no doubt, of the past, which I confess I had partly concealed -from her, has kept me from leaving the convent for three days, and would -have kept me in this evening too if my turn to do night duty in the -ambulance had not arrived, and I had not insisted upon fulfilling my sad -duty. Oh, Gabriel, is it not wrong in me to deceive her,--my sweet and -venerable friend?" - -"Must I then tell you again that with me it is as if you were with your -brother, alas! that I ought to and will hush the impulses of my heart, -and speak to you only as a friend should speak, but a friend who is ever -devoted to you, and would gladly die for you, but who will listen to his -melancholy rather than his love, never fear?" - -"Speak, then, my brother!" said Diane. - -"My brother!"--that horrible and yet delightful name always reminded -Gabriel of the strange and mysterious alternative which his destiny had -laid before him, and like a magic word drove away the burning thoughts -which the silent night and the ravishing beauty of his beloved might -well have awakened in the young man's heart. - -"My sister," said he, in a steady voice, "it was absolutely necessary -that I should see you and speak with you, so that I might address two -prayers to you. One relates to the past, the other to the future. You -are kind and obliging, Diane; and I know you will grant them both to a -dear friend who may perhaps never meet you more on his path through -life, and whom a fatal and perilous mission exposes to the risk of death -at every moment." - -"Oh, don't say that! don't say that!" cried Madame de Castro, almost -fainting, and proving the extent of her love in her distraction and -horror at the thought. - -"I say it to you, my sister," Gabriel responded, "not to alarm you, but -that you may not refuse me a pardon and a favor. The pardon is for the -terror and grief which my delirious utterances must have caused you the -day when I saw you last at Paris. I cast terror and desolation into your -poor heart. Alas, my sister, it was not I who spoke to you; it was the -fever in my blood. I did not know what I said, upon my word! And a -terrible revelation, which had been made to me that very day, and which -I could scarcely keep to myself, filled my soul with madness and -despair. Perhaps you remember, my sister, that it was just after leaving -you that I was stricken with that long and painful illness which almost -cost me my life or my reason?" - -"Do I remember it, Gabriel!" cried Diane. - -"Do not call me Gabriel, if you please! Call me always your brother, as -you did just now,--call me your brother! That name, which terrified me -at first, I find it necessary to hear now." - -"As you choose, my brother," said Diane, with amazement. - -At that moment, fifty paces from them, the regular tramp of a body of -men on the march was heard, and Sister Bénie, full of terror, pressed -close to Gabriel. - -"Who is that? _Mon Dieu_! they will see us!" she exclaimed. - -"It is one of our patrols," answered Gabriel, much disturbed. - -"But they will pass very near us, and will recognize me or hail us. Oh, -let me go in, quick, before they come any nearer! Let me go, I pray!" - -"No; it is too late!" said Gabriel, detaining her. "To attempt to fly -now would be to expose yourself. Come this way, rather,--come up here, -my sister!" - -And followed by the trembling Diane, he hastily mounted a stairway, -hidden by a stone buttress, which led to the very walls. There he -ensconced Diane and himself between an untenanted sentry-box and the -battlements. - -The patrol passed within twenty paces without seeing them. - -"Well, this certainly is a poorly guarded point!" said Gabriel, in whom -his dominant thought was always on the alert. - -But his mind at once reverted to Diane, who was hardly at her ease yet. - -"You may feel safe now, my sister," said he; "the danger is over. But -now listen to me, for time passes, and my two burdens are still heavy on -my heart. In the first place, you have not told me that you forgive my -madness, and so I am still carrying this weary load of the past." - -"Does one forgive the madness of fever and the ravings of despair?" said -Diane. "No, my brother, we must pity and comfort them rather. I bore you -no ill-will; no, I wept for you. And now that I see that you are -restored to life and reason, I am resigned to the will of God." - -"Ah, my sister, it is not resignation alone that you should feel!" cried -Gabriel; "you must be hopeful too. That is why I was anxious to see you. -You have lifted my burden of remorse for the past, and I thank you; but -you must also remove the weight of anguish which weighs upon my heart -for your future. You are, as you well know, one of the principal objects -for which I live. It is necessary that my mind should be tranquillized -as to that object, so that I may only have to concern myself, as I go my -way, with the perils of the road; it must be that I may count upon -finding you waiting for me at the end of my journey with a welcoming -smile, sad if I fail, and joyous if I succeed, but in any event with the -welcoming smile of a friend. With that object in view, there should be -no misunderstanding between us. Meanwhile, my sister, it will be -necessary that you should trust my word, and have a little confidence in -me; for the secret which lies at the root of all my actions does not -belong to me. I have sworn not to reveal it; and if I wish that the -promises made to me should be kept, I must in my turn keep the promises -that I have made to others." - -"Explain yourself," said Diane. - -"Ah," rejoined Gabriel, "you see how I hesitate and beat around the -bush, because I am thinking of the garb that you wear, and of the name -of sister, by which I am calling you, and, more than all else, of the -profound respect for you that dominates my heart; and I do not wish to -say one word to awake distressing memories or elusive hopes. And yet I -must say to you that your beloved image has never been effaced, has -never even faded in my soul, and that no person and no event can ever -weaken it." - -"My brother!" Diane interrupted, confused and delighted at the same -time. - -"Oh, hear me to the end, my sister!" said Gabriel. "I say again, nothing -has changed, and nothing will ever change, this ardent--devotion which I -have consecrated to you; and more than that, I am only too happy to -think and to say that whatever happens to me, it will always be not only -my blessed privilege, but my bounden duty, to love you. But what is the -nature of this sentiment? God only knows, alas! but we shall soon know -too, I hope. Meanwhile, this is what I have to ask of you, my sister: -trusting in the Lord and your father, do you leave everything to -Providence and my friendship, hoping nothing, but not despairing either. -Understand me, pray! You told me long ago that you loved me; and pardon -my presumption, but I seem to feel in my heart that you can love me -still if our fate so wills. Now, my wish is to lessen the too -distressing effect of my mad words when I parted from you at the Louvre. -We must not deceive ourselves with vain imaginings, nor, on the other -hand, believe that everything is over for us in this world. We must -wait. In a short time I shall come to you and say one of two things. -Either this: 'Diane, I love you; remember our childhood and your -promises. You must be mine, Diane; and we must resort to every possible -means to obtain the king's consent.' Or else I shall say to you: 'My -sister, an irresistible fatality stands in the way of our love, and -opposes our happiness; we are in no way to blame for it, and it is -something more than human--yes, almost divine--which stands between us, -my sister. I give you back your promise; you are free. Give your life to -another; you cannot be blamed for it, nor even, alas! are you to be -pitied. No; our tears, even, would be out of place. Let us bow our heads -without a word, and accept with resignation our inevitable destiny. You -will always be dear and holy in my eyes; but our two lives, which may -still, thank God! be lived side by side, can never be united.'" - -"What a strange and fearful enigma!" Madame de Castro, lost in terrified -thought, could not refrain from saying. - -"An enigma," responded Gabriel, "of which I can give you the key-word at -that time, no doubt. Until then it will be in vain that you seek to -discover the secret, my sister; so be patient, and pray. Promise me, at -least, that you believe in my loyalty to you, and that you will no -longer cherish the purpose of renouncing the world to bury yourself in a -cloister. Promise me that you will have faith and hope, even as you have -already had charity." - -"Faith in you and hope in God; yes, I can readily promise that now, my -brother. But why do you wish me to promise to return to the world if I -am not to go thither in your company? Is not my heart enough? And why do -you wish that I should give my life to you as well, when, after all, it -may not be to you that I devote it? Within and without, everything is -dark, O God!" - -"Sister," said Gabriel, in his deep, solemn tones, "I ask this promise -of you that I may go forward in peace of mind and resolution upon my -perilous and perhaps fatal path, and that I may be sure of finding you -free and waiting for me at the rendezvous which I have appointed for -you." - -"Very well, my brother; and I will obey you," said Diane. - -"Oh, thanks, thanks!" cried Gabriel. "Now the future belongs to me. Will -you place your hand in mine as a pledge of your promise, my sister?" - -"Here it is, my brother." - -"Ah, now I am sure of being victorious!" cried the impetuous youth. -"Henceforth it seems to me as if nothing could contravene my wishes and -my plans." - -At this moment, as if to give the lie twice over to this hopeful dream, -voices were heard from the direction of the town calling Sister Bénie; -and at the same time Gabriel thought that he heard a slight noise in the -moat behind him. But at first he concerned himself only with Diane's -terror. - -"They are looking for me and calling me. Holy Virgin! if they should -find us together! Adieu, my brother! Adieu, Gabriel!" - -"_Au revoir_, my sister; _au revoir_, Diane! And now go! I will stay -here. You wandered out by yourself to take the air. We shall meet soon -again; and once more I thank you." - -Diane hastily descended the steps and ran to meet the people, who with -torches in their hands were calling her name everywhere with all their -might, Mother Monique at their head. - -Who, by seemingly foolish hints, had aroused the superior? Who, if not -Master Arnauld, who with the most grief-stricken air was among those who -were hunting for Sister Bénie? No one had such an ingenuous air as this -rascal could assume, wherein he resembled the true Martin-Guerre so much -the more. - -Gabriel, reassured as to Diane's safety when he saw her join Mother -Monique and her search-party unharmed, was making ready to leave the -fortifications himself, when suddenly a dark form rose from the ground -behind him. - -A man, an enemy, armed from head to foot, was just bestriding the wall. - -To rush at this man and prostrate him with one blow of his sword, crying -in a sonorous voice, "Alarm! alarm!" to spring to the top of the ladder, -covered with Spaniards, which was placed against the wall,--was the work -of but an instant for Gabriel. - -It was an attempted night surprise, and Gabriel had not erred: the enemy -had made the two day assaults in quick succession to enable them to make -this bold attempt at night with better chance of success. - -But Providence or, to speak more accurately, if perhaps with less -religious feeling, love had led Gabriel to the spot. Before another man -had time to follow upon the platform the one he had already killed, he -seized with his strong hands the two uprights of the ladder and -overturned it, with the ten men who were upon it. - -Their cries as they struck the ground were confused with Gabriel's -unceasing shouts, "To arms!" But at a distance of twenty paces another -ladder was already against the wall; and at that point there was no -footing for Gabriel. Luckily he spied in the shadow a large rock; and -the imminent peril increasing his strength, he succeeded in raising it -upon the parapet, whence he had only to push it over upon the second -ladder. The great weight broke it in two at a blow; and the poor -wretches who were swarming up fell into the moat, bruised or dying, -their agonizing shrieks causing their companions to hesitate. - -Meanwhile Gabriel's shouts had given the alarm; the sentinels had taken -it up; the drums were beating to arms; the alarm-bell on La Collégiale -was ringing lustily. Five minutes had not elapsed ere more than a -hundred men had joined Vicomte d'Exmès, and were ready to assist him in -repulsing any assailants who might still dare to show their heads, and -likewise firing upon those who were in the moat, and unable to respond -to the volleys from their arquebuses. - -Thus this bold _coup de main_ of the Spaniards failed. Its only chance -of success, in truth, was to find that the point of attack was -undefended, as they supposed that it was; but Gabriel, happening to be -on the spot, had baffled their scheme. The assaulting party had no -choice but to withdraw, which they did as quickly as possible, leaving, -however, a number of dead behind them, and carrying away a number of -injured men. - -Again the town had been saved, and again by Gabriel's hand. - -But it was necessary that it should still hold out for four long and -weary days, before the promise he had made to the king would be -fulfilled. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV - -A VICTORIOUS DEFEAT - - -The first effect of the unexpected check they had received was to -discourage the besiegers; and they seemed to realize that they could -never gain possession of the town except by dealing with the remaining -resources of resistance one by one, and thus making each of them -unavailable. For three days they made no fresh assault; but all their -batteries were kept in play, and all their mines were working without -rest or intermission. The men who defended the place, seemingly endowed -with more than human energy and courage, appeared to be invincible; the -Spaniards assailed the walls, and found them less solid than the breasts -of those who manned them. The towers crumbled; the trenches were filled -with the debris; and the fortifications were levelled, bit by bit. - -At last, four days after the abortive night attack, the Spaniards once -more hazarded an assault. It was the eighth and last day of the allotted -time. If the attack of the enemy was unsuccessful once more, Gabriel -would have saved his father as well as the town; if not, all his trouble -and all his labor had been thrown away, and the old man, Diane, and -himself would be all lost. - -Therefore it can well be imagined that it would be more than impossible -to describe the superhuman, god-like valor and courage displayed by him -on that day of days. One would hardly have believed that so much -strength and untiring vigor could exist in the soul and body of one man. -He saw not danger or death, but thought only of his father and his -betrothed; and he hurled himself against the pikes, and moved hither and -thither amid the thickly flying cannon-balls and bullets as if he were -invulnerable. A piece of stone struck him in the side, and a lance-head -in the face; but he felt not the wounds. He seemed intoxicated with -daring; he ran to and fro, waving his sword, and encouraging his men not -only with his words, but by his example. He was to be seen wherever the -peril was most imminent. As the soul gives life to the whole body, so -did he to the whole town. He was in himself ten men, twenty,--yes, a -hundred; and yet in his superb exaltation his coolness and -clear-headedness never failed him. With a glance swifter than light he -saw where danger threatened, and was on the spot in the twinkling of an -eye; and when the assailants fell back, and our brave fellows, -electrified by his contagious gallantry, had clearly regained the -advantage, like a flash Gabriel was off to some other threatened point, -and began again his heroic work, an utter stranger to weariness or -weakness. - -This lasted six hours, from one o'clock to seven. - -At seven it grew dark; and the Spaniards fell back on all sides. Behind -a few crumbling pieces of stone-work, with a few fragments of towers and -a handful of exhausted and wounded soldiers, St. Quentin had again added -one day more, several days, it might be, to the record of her glorious -resistance. - -When the last man of the enemy had left the last of the points of -assault, Gabriel fell back into the arms of those who were near him, -utterly worn out with fatigue and with joy. - -They bore him in triumph to the town-hall. - -His wounds were but slight, and his swoon could not be of long duration. -When he regained his senses, Admiral de Coligny was at his side, his -face radiant with pleasure. - -"Monsieur l'Amiral," were Gabriel's first words, "it's not a dream, is -it? There has been a fierce assault to-day, which we succeeded in -repelling?" - -"Yes, my friend, and thanks to you in great measure," replied Gaspard. - -"And the week that the king allotted me has passed!" cried Gabriel. "Oh, -thank God! thank God!" - -"And to complete your satisfaction, my dear fellow," rejoined the -admiral, "I bring you some glorious news. Under cover of our obstinate -defence of St. Quentin, the preparations for the defence of the whole -kingdom have apparently been perfected; one of my spies, who succeeded -in seeing the constable and entering the town again during the confusion -to-day, has given me every reason to hope for the best in that regard. -Monsieur de Guise has arrived at Paris with the Italian army, and in -concert with the Cardinal de Lorraine, is engaged in raising men, and -putting towns in a posture of defence. St. Quentin, in her dismantled -and depopulated condition, could not beat back another assault; but her -work and ours is done, and France is saved, my friend. Yes, behind our -faithful ramparts every one is under arms: the nobility and all the -orders of the State have arisen; recruits abound; the free gifts from -the clergy are pouring in; and two troops of German auxiliaries have -been retained. When the enemy shall have made an end of us, and that -cannot now be long delayed unfortunately, he will at least find others -ready to challenge him. France is saved, Gabriel!" - -"Ah, Monsieur l'Amiral, you cannot imagine how much good you have done -me," Gabriel responded. "But allow me to ask one question; it is from no -vain feeling of conceit that I ask it; you know me too well now to -believe that. No, there is beneath my question a very serious and very -deep meaning, believe me. Monsieur l'Amiral, in two words, do you think -that my presence here during the last week has counted for anything in -the fortunate result of the siege of St. Quentin?" - -"For everything, my friend, for everything!" the admiral replied with -generous frankness. "The day of your arrival you saw yourself that -except for your unexpected intervention I should have yielded; that my -courage was giving way under the terrible weight of responsibility with -which my conscience was burdened; and that I should then have delivered -to the Spaniard the keys of this city with which the king had intrusted -me. The next day did you not succeed in carrying out your undertaking of -throwing reinforcements into the town,--weak reinforcements, to be sure, -but sufficient nevertheless to rekindle the courage of the besieged? I -say nothing of the sagacious advice which you gave to our miners and -engineers. I say nothing of the superb gallantry which you have -displayed all the time and at all points during every assault. But who -almost miraculously saved the town from being surprised by a night -attack four days since? And this very day, who, with unheard-of temerity -and success, succeeded in prolonging still farther a resistance which I -confess I believed to be impossible? You, always you, my friend, who, -being everywhere present and unfailingly ready at every corner of the -fortifications, seemed in very truth to have acquired the angels' gift -of ubiquity; so that our soldiers know no other name for you than -Captain _Five-Hundred_, Gabriel, I say to you with sincere delight and -profound gratitude that you are the first and sole deliverer of this -town, and consequently of France." - -"Oh, many, many thanks, Monsieur l'Amiral, for your too kind and -flattering words! But pardon me! are you willing to repeat them in his -Majesty's presence?" - -"It is not my wish simply, my friend," the admiral replied; "it is my -duty; and you know that Gaspard de Coligny never proves recreant to his -duty." - -"What good fortune!" said Gabriel; "and what do I not owe you for it, -Monsieur l'Amiral? But are you willing to make my obligation still -greater? Say nothing to any one, I beseech you, not even to Monsieur le -Connétable, in fact, to any one rather than to him, of what I have been -able to do to assist you in your glorious task. Let the king alone know -it. His Majesty will see from that I was influenced by no thirst -for glory or for reputation, but only by my wish to keep a promise I -made to him; and it lies in his power to give me, if he chooses, a -reward a thousand times more precious in my sight than all the honors -and dignities of his realm. Yes, Monsieur l'Amiral, let this reward but -be bestowed upon me, and Henri's debt to me, if debt there be, will be -paid a hundred times over." - -"It should be a magnificent recompense, then," rejoined the admiral. -"God grant that the king's gratitude may not disappoint you! However, I -will do as you wish, Gabriel; and although it costs me a pang to keep -silent as to your deserts, since you ask me, I will say nothing." - -"Ah!" cried Gabriel, "what a long and weary time it has been since I -have felt such peace as reigns in my heart at this moment! How pleasant -it is to be able to hope and believe, even though it be but a little, in -the future! Now I will go upon the walls and fight with a light heart, -and it seems as if I should be unconquerable. Can it be that iron or -lead will dare to wound a man in whose heart hope is born?" - -"Do not rely too much upon that, my friend, I pray you!" said Coligny, -smiling. "For I can already say to you without hesitation that you are -deceived by your conviction of victory. The town is almost entirely open -on all sides; a few cannon-balls will soon level the last fragments of -her walls and her towers. More than that, we have scarcely one -able-bodied man left; and the troops who have so gallantly supplied the -place of fortifications hitherto are now in their turn lacking. The next -assault will make the enemy masters of the place; and we must cherish no -delusions in that direction." - -"But may it not be that Monsieur de Guise will send us reinforcements -from Paris?" asked Gabriel. - -"Monsieur de Guise," Gaspard answered, "will not expose his precious -forces for the sake of a town three quarters taken; and he will be quite -right. Let him keep his men in the heart of France, for there they are -most needed. St. Quentin is sacrificed. The expiatory victim has -struggled long enough, thank God! and it only remains for her to fall -nobly; and in that we will try still to help her, will we not, Gabriel? -We must make the triumph of the Spaniard before St. Quentin cost him -more than a defeat. We will fight no longer for our own salvation, but -for the sake of fighting." - -"Yes, yes, for pleasure, for sport!" said Gabriel, joyfully,--"a hero's -pleasure, Monsieur l'Amiral, and sport worthy of you! Well, then, so be -it! let us amuse ourselves by holding the town two or three or four days -more, if we can. Let us hold Philip II., Philibert Emmanuel, Spain, -England, and Flanders all in check before a few pieces of crumbling -stone. It will be a little more time gained for Monsieur de Guise, and -an entertaining spectacle for us. What do you say?" - -"I say, my friend, that your pleasantry is sublime, and that there is -glory hidden in your jokes." - -The event justified the hope of Gabriel and Coligny. In fact, Philip II. -and his general, Philibert Emmanuel, being furiously indignant at being -delayed so long before one town, and at having already made ten -fruitless assaults, determined not to hazard an eleventh without being -assured of success. As they had done before, they allowed three days to -pass without an assault, and made use of their batteries instead of -their soldiers, since it had been abundantly proved that in that heroic -town the walls were not so enduring and steadfast as the hearts of its -defenders. The admiral and Vicomte d'Exmès spent the three days in -having the damage inflicted by the batteries and mines repaired as fast -as possible by their workmen; but unfortunately arms were wanting. On -the 26th of August, at noon, not a single section of the walls remained -standing. The houses were left without protection, as in an open town, -and the soldiers were so few that they could not even form a single line -at the principal posts. - -Gabriel himself had to admit this; and before the signal for the assault -was given,--the town was apparently at the besiegers' mercy. - -At all events it was not taken at the breach defended by Gabriel. With -him there were Monsieur du Breuil and Jean Peuquoy; and all three fought -so well, and showed such marvellous prowess, that they drove back the -assailants three times. Gabriel, above all, gave himself up to the work -with a joyous heart; and Jean Peuquoy was so astounded at the mighty -blows of the sword which he saw him dealing to right and left that he -came very near being killed himself in his openmouthed admiration, and -Gabriel was compelled on two different occasions to save his admirer's -life. - -So the worthy bourgeois swore upon the spot an everlasting worship and -devotion for the viscount. He even exclaimed in his enthusiasm that he -regretted his native town a little less because he should have another -attachment to cherish; and that although it was true that St. Quentin -had given him his life, Vicomte d'Exmès had preserved it for him! - -Nevertheless, despite his noble efforts, the town absolutely could hold -out no longer; the ramparts were no more than one unbroken breach; and -Gabriel, Du Breuil, and Jean Peuquoy were still fighting away, while the -streets behind them were filled with the enemy, who had gained -possession of the town. - -But the gallant little city had nobly held out for seventeen days, and -had successfully resisted eleven assaults. - -Twelve days had passed since Gabriel's arrival; and he had surpassed the -terms of his promise to the king by twice forty-eight hours! - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV - -ARNAULD DU THILL IS STILL UP TO HIS LITTLE TRICKS - - -At first, pillage and slaughter were the order of the day; but Philibert -issued a very strict prohibition, and put a speedy end to the confusion; -and Admiral de Coligny having been taken before him, Philibert -complimented him in the highest terms. - -"I cannot punish gallantry; and the town of St. Quentin will be treated -no more harshly than if she had capitulated the day that we sat down -before the walls." - -And the victor, as high-minded as the vanquished, allowed the admiral to -discuss with him the conditions which should be imposed. - -St. Quentin was naturally declared a Spanish town; but those of the -people who preferred not to accept the domination of the stranger were -at liberty to withdraw, giving, up all claim to their houses, however. -Moreover, everybody, soldiers and citizens, were free from that moment; -and Philibert retained only fifty prisoners of all ages and conditions -and both sexes, selected by him or his captains, for the purpose of -holding them to ransom, and thus procuring means wherewith to pay the -arrears due to the troops. The property and persons of all others were -to be respected; and Philibert gave his personal attention to the -prevention of disorder. However, as Coligny had exhausted all his -personal fortune in maintaining the siege, he was courteous enough to -ask no ransom for him. The admiral would be free the next day to join -his uncle, the Constable de Montmorency, at Paris, who had not found his -conquerors so disinterested after the battle of St. Laurent, but had -furnished ransom in a round sum, which France would eventually pay in -one way or another, no doubt; but Philibert Emmanuel considered it an -honor to become the friend of Gaspard, and did not choose to put a price -upon his freedom. His principal officers and the wealthiest citizens -would suffice to pay the expenses of the siege. - -These terms, which were certainly more favorable than he had any right -to expect, were accepted submissively by Coligny, and by the citizens -with mingled sentiments of joy and fear. The important question to be -solved was, upon whom would the dreaded choice of Philibert Emmanuel and -his officers fall? That was what the next day would bring forth; and -when that day came, the proudest became very lowly, and the wealthiest -made a great deal of talk about their poverty. - -Arnauld du Thill, who was a very expert and ingenious haggler, passed -the night thinking over matters, and finally hit upon a combination -which might, he thought, turn out very profitably for him. He arrayed -himself as handsomely as possible, and from an early hour in the morning -walked proudly up and down the streets, which were filled to overflowing -with the victorious besiegers of all nations,--German, English, -Spaniards, etc. - -"What a Tower of Babel!" said Arnauld, anxiously, hearing nothing but -foreign jargon. "With the few English words that I know I shall never be -able to enter into negotiations with any of these jabberers. Some say, -'Carajo'!' others, 'Goddam!' and others still, 'Tausend saperment!' and -not one --" - -"_Tripes et boyaux_! Will you halt, you villain?" shouted a harsh voice -behind Arnauld at this moment. - -Arnauld turned hurriedly about toward the man, who, despite his very -marked English accent, seemed thus familiar with the niceties of the -French tongue. - -He was a great fellow, with a pale face and sandy hair, who had the -appearance of being a sharp trader and a stupid man. Arnauld du Thill -recognized an Englishman at the first glance. - -"What can I do for you?" he asked. - -"I make you my prisoner; that's what you can do for me," replied the -man, who embellished his discourse with English slang, which Arnauld -tried hard to imitate, so as to make himself more intelligible to his -interlocutor. - -"Why do you make me your prisoner rather than another?" he -continued?--"rather than that weaver over there, for instance?" - -"Because you are fitted out better than the weaver," was the -Englishman's reply. - -"Oh, yes!" Arnauld retorted. "And by what right, please, do you arrest -me?--you who are only a simple archer, I think." - -"Oh, I am not acting on my own account, but in the name of my master, -Lord Grey, who commands the English archers, and to whom Duke Philibert -Emmanuel has allotted, as his share in the prize, three prisoners,--two -noblemen and one bourgeois,--with whatever ransom he may be able to get -for them. Now, my master, who knows that I have two hands and a pair of -eyes, instructed me to follow the chase and ferret out three prisoners -of value for him. You are the best game I have fallen in with yet; so I -take you by the collar, Messire Bourgeois." - -"It is a great honor for a poor squire," retorted Arnauld, modestly. -"Will your master feed me well, do you think?" - -"Blackguard! Do you suppose he proposes to feed you for long?" said the -archer. - -"Until it pleases him to set me at liberty, I imagine that he surely -will not let me die of hunger." - -"Hm!" said the archer. "Can it be that I have taken a poor old naked -wolf for a fox with a magnificent pelt?" - -"I am afraid so, my lord archer," said Arnauld; "and if Lord Grey, your -master, has promised you a commission according to the value of the -prizes you obtain for him, I fear that twenty or thirty blows with a -club will be the only benefit you will derive from me. What I say is not -for the purpose of deceiving you, and I advise you to try it." - -"You rascal! It may well be that you are right!" rejoined the -Englishman, examining the sly fellow more closely; "and I may lose with -you what Lord Grey promised to give me,--one livre in every hundred that -he realizes from his prisoners." - -"This is the man for me," thought Arnauld. "Hallo, then," said he, -aloud, "my hostile friend, if I put you in a way to lay your hand on a -very rich prize,--on a prisoner worth ten thousand Tours livres, for -instance,--would you be the man to show some little gratitude to me?" - -"Ten thousand Tours livres!" cried the Englishman. "Prisoners of that -sort are pretty scarce. Why, I should get a hundred livres then,--not a -bad nest-egg." - -"Yes; but you would have to give fifty to the friend who put it in your -way. That's fair, is it not?" - -"Oh, well, I'll do it," said Lord Grey's archer, after a momentary -hesitation. "But take me to the man at once, and give me his name." - -"We need not go far to find him," Arnauld responded. "Just a few steps -this way! See, I don't wish to show myself with you on the square; let -me hide behind the corner of this house. There; now you go on. Do you -see on the balcony of that house a gentleman talking with a citizen?" - -"I do," said the Briton. "Is that my man?" - -"That is our man." - -"His name?" - -"Vicomte d'Exmès." - -"Oh, indeed!" rejoined the archer. "So that is Vicomte d'Exmès. He is -very handsomely spoken of at the camp. Is he as wealthy as he is -gallant?" - -"I will answer to you for that." - -"Do you know him very well, then, Master?" - -"_Pardieu_! I am his squire." - -"Ah, Judas!" The archer could not restrain the exclamation. - -"No," was Arnauld's unmoved comment; "for Judas was hanged, and I shall -not be." - -"It may be that you will find it difficult to escape," said the archer, -who had his jocose moments. - -"Well, we shall see," retorted Arnauld; "but no more talk. Do you hold -to our bargain,--yes or no?" - -"It's done!" the Englishman replied; "and I will escort your master to -my lord. Afterward you shall point out to me another nobleman and some -substantial citizen, if you know any such." - -"I know the right ones at the same price,--half of your commission." - -"You shall have it, you emissary of the devil!" - -"I am yours rather," said Arnauld. "But, come, no trickery! Between two -rascals each must be careful of his footing. Besides, I should find you -again sure. Will your master pay cash?" - -"Cash in advance; you shall come with us to my lord upon the pretext of -accompanying your viscount; I shall get my pay, and will give you your -share at once. But you in return, being very grateful, as you should be, -will help me to find my second and third prizes, won't you?" - -"We'll see about that," said Arnauld. "Let us attend to the first one -now." - -"That's a very short matter," said the archer. "Your master is too rough -in time of war not to be mild and gentle in time of peace; we know that. -Take two minutes' start of me, and take up your station behind him; you -will see that I know my business." - -Arnauld left his worthy pupil, entered the town-hall, and with a smile -on his false face went into the room where Gabriel was talking with Jean -Peuquoy, and asked him if he had need of him. He was still speaking when -the archer came in with an apologetic air. He went straight up to the -viscount, who looked at him with much amazement, and bowing low,-- - -"Have I the honor of speaking to Monseigneur le Vicomte d'Exmès?" he -asked with such a look as every merchant has for his merchandise. - -"I am Vicomte d'Exmès," Gabriel replied with increasing wonder; "what -do you want with me?" - -"Your sword, Monseigneur," said the archer, bowing almost to the floor. - -"You!" exclaimed Gabriel, recoiling from him with a motion of -inexpressible contempt. - -"In the name of my master, Lord Grey, Monseigneur," replied the modest -archer, "you are named as one of the fifty prisoners whom Monseigneur -l'Amiral is to put in the hands of the victors. Don't blame poor me for -being forced to be the bearer of this unpleasant information." - -"Blame you for it!" said Gabriel, "no! But Lord Grey, a gentleman, -forsooth! might have taken the trouble to ask me for my sword himself. -It is to him that I desire to hand it; do you understand?" - -"As Monseigneur pleases." - -"And I am glad to believe that he will accept a ransom for me?" - -"Oh, never fear, never fear, Monseigneur!" said the archer, eagerly. - -"I am at your service, then," said Gabriel. - -"But this is an indignity," cried Jean Peuquoy. "You do wrong to submit -thus, Monseigneur. Refuse to go; for you are not of St. Quentin,--you -are not of the town!" - -"Master Jean Peuquoy is right," Arnauld du Thill earnestly interposed, -stealthily making a sign to the archer to denounce the citizen to him. -"Yes, Master Jean Peuquoy has put his finger upon the truth: Monseigneur -is not of St. Quentin; and Master Jean Peuquoy knows it. Yes, indeed, he -knows the whole town! He has been burgher for forty years, and syndic of -his guild, and captain of the bowmen! What have you to say to that, -Englishman?" - -"I have just this to say," replied the Briton, who had taken his -cue,--"that if this is Master Jean Peuquoy, I have an order to arrest -him too, for his name is on my list." - -"Me!" ejaculated the worthy burgher. - -"Even you, Master," was the response. - -Peuquoy looked inquiringly at Gabriel. - -"Alas, Messire Jean," said Vicomte d'Exmès, sighing in spite of -himself, "I think that our best plan, after having done our duty as -soldiers during the battle, will be to bow to the rights of the victors, -now that the battle is done. Let us submit, Master Jean Peuquoy." - -"And go with this fellow?" asked Peuquoy. - -"To be sure, my good friend; and glad am I in this latest trial not to -be separated from you." - -"That is very true, Monseigneur," said Peuquoy, with emotion; "and you -are very kind to say it. Besides, when such a noble and gallant captain -as yourself accepts his lot with equanimity, ought an unfortunate -burgher like myself to complain? Let us go. Varlet," he went on, -addressing the archer, "it is done; and I am your prisoner or your -master's." - -"Remember that you are going with me to Lord Grey's quarters," rejoined -the archer, "where you will remain, if you please, until you have -furnished a handsome ransom." - -"Where I will remain forever, son of the evil one!" cried Jean Peuquoy. -"Your English master shall never know the color of my crowns; I will die -first. If he is a Christian, he will have to support me until my last -hour; and I forewarn you that I am a very hearty eater." - -The archer cast a terrified glance in the direction of Arnauld du Thill; -but the latter reassured him with a nod, and pointed to Gabriel, who was -laughing at his friend's outburst. The Englishman knew how to take a -joke, and began to laugh heartily. - -"As to that, Monseigneur," said he, "and you, Messire, I am going to -take--" - -"You are going to precede us to Lord Grey's quarters," Gabriel -interrupted haughtily; "and we will arrange details with your master." - -"As Monseigneur pleases," said the archer, with humility. - -Walking in front of them, but taking good care to keep an eye on them, -he escorted the gentleman and the burgher to Lord Grey's quarters, while -Arnauld du Thill followed at some distance. - -Lord Grey was a dull-witted, phlegmatic soldier, bored to death, and -himself a bore, for whom war was mere trafficking, and who was in a very -bad humor at receiving no pay for himself and his troops except such as -he might get from the ransom of three unfortunate prisoners. He received -Gabriel and Jean Peuquoy with cold dignity. - -"So it is Vicomte d'Exmès whom I have the honor to have for my -prisoner," said he, looking at Gabriel with curiosity. "You have given -us a good deal of trouble, Monsieur; and if I were to demand for your -ransom all that you have cost King Philip II., I fancy that King Henri's -France could hardly pay it." - -"I did my best," said Gabriel, simply. - -"Your best is very good; and I congratulate you!" retorted Lord Grey. -"But that is not the question now. The chances of war, although you did -wonders to prevent it, have put you in my power, you and your mighty -sword. Oh, keep it, Monsieur, keep it," he added, as he saw that Gabriel -made a movement as if to hand it to him. "But what can you offer to -redeem my right to your service? Let us arrange that matter. I am well -aware that gallantry and wealth do not always go together, unluckily. -However, I cannot afford to forego my right entirely. Would five -thousand crowns seem a fitting price for you to pay for your liberty?" - -"No, my Lord," said Gabriel. - -"No? You think it too much?" rejoined Lord Grey. "Ah, but this accursed -war! And such a poor country! Come, four thousand crowns is not too -much, by Heaven!" - -"It is not enough, my Lord," replied Gabriel, coolly. - -"What, Monsieur! what did you say?" cried the Englishman. - -"I say," Gabriel replied, "that you misunderstood my words, my Lord. You -asked me if five thousand crowns seemed to me a reasonable ransom, and I -said no; for in my own opinion I am worth twice that, my Lord." - -"Very well!" rejoined Lord Grey; "and in truth, your king may very well -spare that amount to retain such a gallant soldier as you." - -"I trust I shall not be obliged to call upon the king," said Gabriel; -"for my private fortune, I am sure, will enable me to meet this -unforeseen expenditure, and to deal directly with you in this matter." - -"So much the better!" said Lord Grey, somewhat surprised. "That makes -ten thousand crowns that you are to account to me for, then; and I beg -your pardon, but when may I expect the payment?" - -"You will readily understand," said Gabriel, "that I brought no such sum -with me to a besieged town; on the other hand, the resources of Monsieur -de Coligny and his friends, I believe, like my own, have run pretty low, -therefore I do not wish to trouble them by requesting a loan. But if you -will allow me a little time, I can send for it from Paris--" - -"Very well!" said Lord Grey; "meanwhile I will content myself with your -word, which is as good as gold. But as business is business, and as a -certain misunderstanding that exists between my soldiers and the -Spaniards may oblige me to return to England, you will not take it ill -if I keep you in custody until the full quittance of the sum agreed -upon,--not in this Spanish town of St. Quentin, which I am on the point -of leaving, but at Calais, which is in English hands, and of which my -brother-in-law, Lord Wentworth, is governor. Does that arrangement meet -your views?" - -"To admiration!" said Gabriel, on whose pale lips a bitter smile -appeared. "I only ask your leave to send my squire to Paris to procure -the gold, so that neither my captivity nor your confidence may be -protracted any further than is necessary." - -"Nothing could be more reasonable," Lord Grey replied; "and pending the -return of your emissary, be assured that you will be treated by my -brother-in-law with all the consideration that is due you. You will have -all possible freedom at Calais, the more so because it is a strong -fortified town; and Lord Wentworth will take good care of you, for he is -more addicted to feasting and debauchery than he ought to be. But that -is his own affair; fortunately his wife, who was my sister, is dead. I -only wished to tell you that you would not be likely to be bored." - -Gabriel bowed without replying. - -"And now, Master," resumed Lord Grey, turning to Jean Peuquoy, who had -shrugged his shoulders in wonder more than once during the foregoing -scene,--"now for you. You are, I see, the burgher who has been allotted -to me with two gentlemen." - -"I am Jean Peuquoy, my Lord." - -"Well, Jean Peuquoy, what ransom may we ask for you?" - -"Oh, I am going to dicker with you, Monseigneur! Trader against trader, -as they say. Oh, you may knit your brows! I am not proud, my Lord, and -in my own opinion I am not worth ten livres." - -"Nonsense!" said Lord Grey, scornfully. "You shall pay a hundred livres; -that is hardly as much as I promised the archer who brought you here." - -"A hundred livres! So be it, my Lord, if you value me so high," retorted -the shrewd captain of the bowmen. "But you don't want a hundred livres -cash, do you?" - -"What! Haven't you that petty sum, even?" - -"I had it, my Lord," said Peuquoy, "but I gave it all to the poor and -the wounded during the siege." - -"But you have friends, surely, or kinsmen?" - -"Friends? Ah, we mustn't rely too much upon friends, my Lord. And -kinsmen? No, I have none: my wife died childless, and I have no brother; -only a cousin--" - -"Well, and this cousin?" asked Lord Grey, with some signs of losing -patience. - -"This cousin, my Lord, who will undoubtedly pay the sum you ask of me, -happens to live at Calais." - -"Ah, indeed!" said Lord Grey, suspiciously. - -"_Mon Dieu_! yes, my Lord," added Jean Peuquoy, with every appearance of -absolute sincerity; "my cousin's name is Pierre Peuquoy, and he has been -for more than thirty years a gunsmith at the sign of the God Mars, Rue -du Martroi." - -"And he is devoted to you, is he?" asked Lord Grey. - -"I believe him to be, my Lord! I am the last of the Peuquoys of my -branch; so that it goes without saying that his feeling for me amounts -to veneration. More than two centuries ago, one of our ancestral -Peuquoys had two sons, one of whom became a weaver and settled at St. -Quentin, while the other adopted the armorer's trade, and took up his -abode at Calais. Ever since that time the St. Quentin Peuquoys have been -weavers, and the Calais Peuquoys have continued to forge arms and armor. -But although separated, distance has never cooled their mutual -affection; and they have always assisted each other, as occasion arose, -and as befits those bound together by ties of blood, and descendants of -the same ancestor. I am sure that Pierre will loan me the sum necessary -to redeem my freedom; nevertheless, I have not seen this good cousin of -mine for ten years,--for you English are by no means free with your -permission to us Frenchmen to enter your strong towns." - -"Yes, yes," said Lord Grey, pleasantly, "for more than two hundred and -ten years the Calais Peuquoys have been Englishmen." - -"Oh!" cried Jean, warmly, "the Peuquoys--" - -Then he suddenly interrupted himself. - -"Well, well," Lord Grey rejoined in surprise, "the Peuquoys--" - -"The Peuquoys, my Lord," said Jean, twirling his cap about in an -embarrassed way,--"the Peuquoys do not concern themselves with politics, -that is what I was about to say. Whether they are English or French, so -long as they possess an anvil with which to earn their daily bread at -Calais, and a shuttle here in St. Quentin, the Peuquoys have no fault to -find." - -"Well, who knows?" said Lord Grey, jocosely; "perhaps you will set up -for yourself as a weaver in Calais, and thus become a subject of Queen -Mary. Then the Peuquoys will be united at last after so many years." - -"Upon my word! that may very well be," said Jean, artlessly. - -Gabriel could not conceal his surprise at hearing the gallant burgher, -who had taken such an heroic part in the defence of his town, talk as -calmly about becoming an Englishman as of changing his helmet; but a -wink which Jean Peuquoy bestowed upon him while Lord Grey was looking -the other way reassured Gabriel as to his friend's loyalty, and -convinced him that some mystery lay hidden under his joking. - -Lord Grey soon dismissed them both. - -"To-morrow we will leave St. Quentin for Calais together," he said. -"Meanwhile you are at liberty to make such preparations as you choose, -and to take your leave of your friends. I allow you to go on your parole -so much the more readily," said he, with his peculiar delicacy, "because -you will be challenged at the gates, and no one is allowed to leave the -town without a permit from the governor." - -Gabriel saluted Lord Grey without a word, and left the house with Jean -Peuquoy, without noticing that his squire, Martin-Guerre, remained -behind instead of following him. - -"What is your intention, my friend?" he said to Peuquoy, when they were -in the street. "Is it possible that you haven't a hundred crowns to pay -your ransom with at once? Why do you persist in making this journey to -Calais? Does this armorer cousin really exist? What strange object have -you in all this?" - -"Hush!" replied Jean Peuquoy, mysteriously. "In this Spanish atmosphere -I hardly dare to risk a word. You can rely upon your squire, -Martin-Guerre, can you not?" - -"I will answer for him," Gabriel answered; "notwithstanding some lapses -of memory and occasional backsliding, his is the most faithful heart in -the world." - -"Good!" said Peuquoy. "We must not send him at once from here, to obtain -the money for your ransom at Paris, but take him to Calais with us, and -let him start from there. We cannot have too many pairs of eyes." - -"But what do these precautions mean, pray?" asked Gabriel. "I see: you -have no relative at all in Calais?" - -"Indeed I have," replied Peuquoy, eagerly. "Pierre Peuquoy really -exists, and just as really has he been brought up to love and sigh for -his former country, France; and like me, he stands ready to strike a -blow in case of need, if you should chance to conceive while in that -city some such heroic plan as you have put in execution here so many -times." - -"My noble friend," Gabriel responded, pressing the burgher's hand, "I -divine your meaning; but you estimate my abilities too high, and judge -me by your own measure. You know not how much selfishness there is in -what you call my heroism; nor do you know that in the future, a sacred -duty--even more sacred, if that can be, than my country's glory--has the -first and only claim upon me." - -"Well, then," said Jean Peuquoy, "you will fulfil that duty as you have -all your other duties! And among the others," he added, lowering his -voice, "there may be an opportunity afforded which will call upon you to -take your revenge at Calais for St. Quentin." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI - -CONTINUATION OF MASTER ARNAULD DU THILL'S HONORABLE -NEGOTIATIONS - - -Let us now leave the young captain and the old burgher to their dreams -of conquest, and return to the squire and the archer settling their -accounts in Lord Grey's house. - -The archer, after the two prisoners had taken their leave, asked for his -promised commission from his master, who gave it to him without much -demur, being well-satisfied with the skilful selection his emissary had -made. - -Arnauld du Thill, in turn, waited for his share, which, we must do the -Englishman the justice to say, he brought him in good faith. He found -Arnauld in a corner scrawling some fresh lines on the Constable de -Montmorency's endless account, and muttering to himself,-- - -"For having cleverly arranged to have Vicomte d'Exmès included among -the prisoners of war, and having thus relieved Monseigneur le -Connétable from said viscount for a time--" - -"What are you doing there, my friend?" said the archer, seizing him by -the shoulder. - -"What am I doing? Making out an account," replied the false -Martin-Guerre. "How does ours stand?" - -"Here is what I owe you," said the archer, putting the crowns in -Arnauld's hands, which he proceeded to count very carefully. -"You see that I have kept my promise, and don't regret parting with -the money. You have put me on the track of two unexceptionable -prisoners.--especially your master, who never chaffered or haggled, but -did just the opposite. Old Graybeard made some trouble, to be sure; but -he was not very bad for a citizen, and without your help I have no doubt -I should have fared worse." - -"I believe you," said Arnauld, pocketing the coins. - -"But come now," said the archer, "our work isn't all done yet. You see -that I am good pay; and you must stir yourself to point out my third -prize now,--the second noble prisoner to whom we are entitled." - -"By the mass!" Arnauld replied, "I have nothing more to say, and you -have only to choose." - -"I know that very well; and what I want you to do is to help me choose -among all the men and women, old men and children of noble birth, whom -we may lay our hands upon in this good town." - -"What!" asked Arnauld, "do women count too?" - -"Indeed they do," said the Englishman, "and better than all; and if you -know one who is young and beautiful as well as noble and rich, we shall -have a pretty plum to divide, for Lord Grey will dispose of her at a -large advance to his brother-in-law, Lord Wentworth, who likes female -prisoners much better than male, so far as one can judge." - -"Unfortunately I know of none," said Arnauld du Thill. "And yet! but no, -no, it isn't possible." - -"Why so, comrade? Are we not masters and victors here! And besides, -nobody but the admiral was exempted by the terms of the capitulation." - -"Very true," said Arnauld; "but the fair damsel whom I have in mind must -not come near my master or even see him again; and to keep them in -captivity in the same town would be but a poor way to keep them apart." - -"Bah! do you suppose that my Lord Wentworth won't know enough to keep -his pretty bird out of sight, and for himself alone?" asked the archer. - -"Yes, at Calais," said Arnauld, meditating; "but on the way? My master -will have ample opportunity to see her and speak with her." - -"Not if I order otherwise," was the response. "We shall travel in two -sections, one of which will be in advance of the other at least two -hours, consequently there will be ample distance between the knight and -his lady, if that will please you." - -"Yes, but what will the old constable say?" asked Arnauld, aloud. "If he -knows that I have had a hand in this transaction, he will hang me up at -short notice!" - -"Why should he know? Why need any one know?" was the suggestion of the -tempter. "You surely will not be the one to talk about it; and as surely -your money will not tell whence it came--" - -"And the money would be forthcoming, eh?" asked Arnauld. - -"There will be half of it for you." - -"What a pity!" rejoined the squire; "for it would be a handsome sum, I -fancy, and I don't imagine the father would haggle about it." - -"Is he a duke or a prince?" asked the archer. - -"He is a king, comrade, and is called Henri, the second of that name." - -"A daughter of the king here!" cried the Englishman. "Upon my soul, if -you don't tell me at once where I can find the gentle dove, I shall feel -obliged to strangle you, my good fellow! A daughter of the king!" - -"And a pearl of beauty too," said Arnauld. - -"Oho! My Lord Wentworth will lose his head over her," the archer -replied. "Comrade," he added in a solemn tone, drawing forth his purse, -and opening it before Arnauld's fascinated eyes, "this and its contents -are yours in exchange for the name and abode of the fair one." - -"Done!" said Arnauld, unable to resist, and seizing the purse. - -"Her name?" asked the archer. - -"Diane de Castro, called Sister Bénie." - -"And her abode?" - -"The Benedictine convent." - -"I fly," cried the Englishman, disappearing. - -"That's all right," said Arnauld to himself, turning about to seek his -master,--"that's all right; I shall not put this down on the constable's -account." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII - -LORD WENTWORTH - - -Three days later, on the 1st of September, Lord Wentworth, governor of -Calais, having received final instructions from his brother-in-law, Lord -Grey, and having seen him off for England, mounted his horse and rode -back to his hotel, where Gabriel and Jean Peuquoy were then quartered, -as well as Diane, who was in another part of the house. - -Madame de Castro had no idea that her lover was so near; and in -conformity with the promise given to Arnauld by Lord Grey's minion, she -had not had the least opportunity of communicating with him after -leaving St. Quentin. - -Lord Wentworth offered a most striking contrast to his brother-in-law; -for the former was as affable and approachable and open-handed as the -latter was arrogant and cold and covetous. He was a tall, fine-looking -man, with most refined manners. He was apparently about forty; a few -white hairs were already scattered here and there among his profuse -black locks, which were naturally curly. But his youthful air and the -eager fire in his gray eyes showed that the impetuous passion of a young -man was still dominant within him; and he led as joyous and active a -life as if he were still only twenty. - -He went first into the hall where Vicomte d'Exmès and Jean Peuquoy were -awaiting him, and saluted them affably and smilingly as his guests and -not his prisoners. - -"Welcome to my house, Monsieur, and you too, Master," said he. "I am -very much indebted to my dear brother-in-law for having brought you -here, Monsieur le Vicomte; and I have double cause to rejoice in the -taking of St. Quentin. Pardon me; but in this gloomy abode of war, where -I am confined, agreeable distractions are of such rare occurrence, and -society is so limited, that I am very happy to find some one from time -to time whom it is a pleasure to converse with; and I fear that my own -selfishness will lead me to wish that your ransom may be delayed as long -as possible." - -"It is likely to be delayed longer than I supposed, my Lord," Gabriel -replied. "Lord Grey may have told you that my squire, whom I intended to -send to Paris to bring the money, fell into a dispute _en route_, being -drunk at the time, with one of the escort, and received a wound in the -head, slight, it is true, but which I fear will detain him at Calais -longer than I hoped." - -"So much the worse for the poor fellow, and so much the better for me," -said Lord Wentworth. - -"You are too kind, my Lord," said Gabriel, with a sad smile. - -"No, indeed; upon my word, there's no kindness about it. True kindness, -no doubt, would move me to allow you to start for Paris yourself at -once, on parole. But I tell you again, I am too selfish and too bored to -think of that; and I have no difficulty, although from different -motives, in entering into the suspicious intentions of my -brother-in-law, who made me solemnly promise not to give you your -liberty except in exchange for a bag of crowns. What do you say? Shall -we be prisoners together, and do our best to sweeten the tedium of -captivity for each other?" - -Gabriel bowed without saying a word. He would have liked much better -that Lord Wentworth should have accepted his parole and left him free to -go about his task. But could he, a perfect stranger, expect such -confidence? - -He comforted himself a little with the thought that Coligny was probably -with Henri II. at that moment. He had enjoined upon him to report to the -king what he had been able to do toward prolonging the resistance of St. -Quentin. Surely his noble friend could not have failed him! And Henri, -true to his royal word, was perhaps waiting but-for the son's return to -fulfil his promise with regard to the father. - -It was not surprising that Gabriel was not altogether able to master his -uneasiness, because of its twofold character; he had not even succeeded -in catching a glimpse of another person equally dear to him before -leaving St. Quentin. So he heartily cursed the mishap that had befallen -that incorrigible drunkard, Martin-Guerre, and was far from sharing Jean -Peuquoy's satisfaction on that point; for the worthy burgher was -secretly delighted to find his mysterious schemes forwarded by this very -delay which caused Gabriel so much sorrow. - -Meanwhile Lord Wentworth, not choosing to notice his prisoner's gloomy -distraction, continued,-- - -"Moreover, Monsieur d'Exmès, I shall do my best not to be too harsh a -jailer; and to prove to you at once that my actions are directed by no -insulting suspicion, I will cheerfully give you permission to go in and -out at your will, and to go wherever you please in the town, if you will -give me your parole that you will not attempt to escape." - -At this, Jean Peuquoy could not restrain a movement of unequivocal -satisfaction; and to communicate it to Gabriel, he gave a sharp twitch -at the young man's coat-tail, and thereby considerably surprised him. - -"I accept gratefully, my Lord," Gabriel replied to the governor's -courteous offer; "and you have my word of honor that I will not think of -any such attempt." - -"That is quite satisfactory, Monsieur," said Lord Wentworth; "and if the -hospitality which it is in my power, and which duty and pleasure prompt -me, to offer you (although my temporary quarters are but ill adapted to -your proper entertainment) seems burdensome and perchance tiresome, why, -you must not feel at all constrained to accept it; rest assured I shall -not take it ill of you in the least if you prefer more free and more -convenient quarters, such as you can easily find in Calais, to the poor -accommodations which I can place at your disposal." - -"Oh, Monsieur le Vicomte," said Jean Peuquoy, in a tone of entreaty, "if -you would only condescend to accept the best chamber in the house of my -cousin, Pierre Peuquoy the armorer, you would make him very proud, and -you would fill my cup of happiness, I swear to you!" - -And the worthy man accompanied these words with a meaning gesture; for -good Peuquoy was all mystery and reticence now, and had become so -obscure as almost to inspire fear. - -"Thanks, my friend," said Gabriel; "but really, to take advantage of -such permission would be perhaps to abuse it." - -"No, I assure you," said Lord Wentworth, warmly, "you are entirely at -liberty to accept this lodging at Pierre Peuquoy's. He is a rich -bourgeois, energetic and skilful at his trade, and the honestest fellow -imaginable. I know him well, for I have often bought arms of him; and he -has a very pretty creature at his house too,--his daughter or his wife, -I am not very clear which." - -"His sister, my Lord," said Jean Peuquoy,--"my cousin Babette. Oh, yes, -she is very comely; and if only I were not so old! But the Peuquoys -won't die out after all; Pierre has lost his wife, but she left him two -sturdy boys, who will amuse you, Monsieur le Vicomte, if you choose to -accept my cousin's very cordial hospitality." - -"I not only authorize you to accept it, but engage that you will do so," -added Lord Wentworth. - -Indeed, Gabriel began to think, and not unreasonably, that the handsome -and courtly governor of Calais was very willing to disencumber himself, -for private reasons, of a companion who would be always in his house, -and who, by virtue of the very freedom that he allowed him, might -interfere with his own. In fact, Lord Wentworth did reason thus; for as -Lord Grey had expressed it elegantly to Arnauld, he preferred female -prisoners to male. - -Gabriel no longer had any scruples, and said, turning to Jean Peuquoy -with a smile,-- - -"Since Lord Wentworth permits me, my friend, I will stay at your -cousin's." - -Jean Peuquoy almost leaped for joy. - -"Upon my word, I really think that you do very wisely," said Lord -Wentworth. "Not that I should not have been delighted to entertain you -as best I could; but in a house guarded night and day by soldiers, and -where my tedious authority requires me to maintain strict rules, you -might not have found yourself always at your ease, as you will with the -brave armorer. And a young man has need to be at his ease, we all know." - -"You seem to know it, at all events," said Gabriel, laughing; "and I can -see that you know the full value of independence." - -"Yes, indeed I do!" rejoined Lord Wentworth, in the same playful tone; -"I am not yet old enough to despise liberty." - -Then, turning to Jean Peuquoy,-- - -"Do you rely upon your cousin's purse, Master Peuquoy," said he, "in -your own behalf, as you rely upon his house when Monsieur d'Exmès's -welfare is in question? Lord Grey told me that you expected to borrow -the hundred crowns agreed upon for your ransom." - -"Whatever Pierre owns belongs to Jean," was the burgher's sententious -reply; "it is always so with the Peuquoys. I was so sure beforehand that -my cousin's house was mine that I have already sent Monsieur d'Exmès's -wounded squire there; and I am so sure too that his purse is as open to -me as his door that I beg you to send one of your people with me to -bring back the sum agreed upon." - -"Useless, Master Peuquoy," said Lord Wentworth; "and you also are free -to go on parole. I will come and call upon Vicomte d'Exmès at Pierre -Peuquoy's to-morrow or the next day; and I will select, as an equivalent -of the sum due my brother-in-law, one of the beautiful suits of armor -which your cousin makes so well." - -"As you please, my Lord," said Jean. - -"Meanwhile, Monsieur d'Exmès," said the governor, "need I say to you -that as often as you choose to knock at my door you will be as welcome -as you are at liberty not to do it at all? I repeat, life is rather dull -at Calais, as you will soon discover, no doubt; and you will enter into -an alliance with me, I trust, against our common enemy, ennui. Your -presence is a very great boon, by which I desire to profit as much as -possible. If you keep away from me, I shall importune you, I give you -fair warning; and remember too, that I only give you a sort of half -liberty, and that the friend ought to bring the prisoner here with him -often." - -"Thanks, my Lord," said Gabriel; "I accept with gratitude all your -kindness. By way of revenge," he added, smiling; "for war has its sudden -changes, and the friend of to-day may become the enemy of to-morrow." - -"Oh," said Lord Wentworth, "I am safe, too safe, alas! behind these -impregnable walls. If the French were fated to recapture Calais, they -would not have waited two hundred years for it. I am quite tranquil -about it; and if it ever falls to your lot to do the honors of Paris to -me, it will be in time of peace, I fancy." - -"Let us leave it in God's hands, my Lord," said Gabriel. "Monsieur de -Coligny, whom I have just left, used to say that man's wisest course was -to wait." - -"Very true; and meanwhile to live as happily as possible. Apropos, -Monsieur, it has occurred to me that you must be badly off for funds; -you know that my purse is at your disposal." - -"Thanks again, my Lord; my own, though not sufficiently well lined to -allow me to pay my ransom on the spot, is at least amply furnished to -defray the cost of my stay here. My only real anxiety, I confess, is -lest your cousin's house, Master Peuquoy, cannot open its doors thus -unexpectedly to three new guests without inconvenience; and in that case -I should much prefer to go in search of another lodging, where for a few -crowns--" - -"You are joking," interrupted Jean, eagerly; "for Pierre's house is -large enough, thank God, to hold three whole families, if necessary. In -the provinces they don't build so stingily and in such narrow places as -in Paris." - -"Very true," said Lord Wentworth; "and I promise you, Monsieur d'Exmès, -that the armorer's dwelling is not unworthy of a captain. A more -numerous suite than yours could easily be accommodated there; and two -trades might be carried oil under its roof without inconvenience. Was it -not your intention, Master Peuquoy, to settle there and carry on your -occupation of weaving? Lord Grey said something of such a plan, which I -shall be very glad to see carried out." - -"And which very possibly will be carried out," said Jean. "If Calais and -St. Quentin are to belong to the same masters, I should prefer to be -near my family." - -"Yes," rejoined Lord Wentworth, who misunderstood the meaning of the -cunning burgher's words; "yes, it may be that St. Quentin will be an -English town before long. But I am keeping you," he added; "and after -the fatigues of the journey, you must be in need of rest, Monsieur -d'Exmès. Once more I tell you both you are free. _Au revoir_; we shall -soon meet again, shall we not?" - -He escorted the captain and the burgher to the door, shaking the hand of -one and nodding amicably to the other, and left them to make the best of -their way to the Rue du Martroi. On that street, if our readers -remember, Pierre Peuquoy lived, at the sign of the God Mars, and there -we shall soon find Gabriel and Jean again, if God so wills it. - -"Upon my word!" said Lord Wentworth, when he had seen the last of them, -"I believe that I was very shrewd in thus getting rid of having to -entertain Vicomte d'Exmès in my house. He is a gentleman, and has lived -at court; and if he has ever seen the fair prisoner who is in my grasp, -he surely would never cease to remember her. Yes, indeed; for even I, -who have not yet talked with her, was dazzled by her when she merely -passed before me two hours since. How fair she is! I love her! I love -her! Poor heart, so long dumb in this gloomy solitude, how you are -beating now! But this youth, who seems to me so gallant and brave, might -well have interfered unpleasantly, on recognizing his king's daughter, -in the relations which I calculate upon establishing with Madame Diane. -The presence of a fellow-countryman, perhaps a friend, would no doubt -have delayed Madame de Castro's avowals, or encouraged her in her -refusal. Let us have no third party in our affairs. Even if I have no -disposition to have recourse in all this to means unworthy of myself, it -is unnecessary for me to create obstacles." - -He struck a peculiar stroke upon a bell. In a moment a lady's maid -appeared. - -"Jane," said Lord Wentworth, in English, "have you offered your services -to this lady, as I told you?" - -"Yes, my Lord." - -"How is she now, Jane?" - -"She appears sad, my Lord, but not overwhelmed. She has a proud look, -and speaks firmly, and gives her orders mildly, but as if she were used -to being obeyed." - -"Very well," said the governor. "Has she partaken of the refreshment -which you put before her?" - -"She has scarcely touched a piece of fruit, my Lord; under the confident -air that she affects, it is not difficult to detect a good deal of -anxiety and suffering." - -"That will do, Jane," said Lord Wentworth. "Go you back to the lady, and -ask her in my name--in the name of Lord Wentworth, governor of Calais, -on whom Lord Grey's rights have devolved--if she is willing to receive -me. Go, and come back at once." - -In a few minutes, which seemed ages to Lord Wentworth, the maid -reappeared. - -"Well?" he asked. - -"Well, my Lord," Jane replied, "the lady not only consents, but desires -to see you at once." - -"Indeed! everything goes as well as possible," said Lord Wentworth to -himself. - -"But she has kept old Mary with her," added Jane, "and told me to come -right back again." - -"Very well, Jane, go. She must be obeyed in everything, you understand. -Go, and say that I am but a moment behind you." - -Jane went out; and Lord Wentworth, with his heart beating like a lover -of twenty, began to mount the stairs which led to Diane de Castro's -apartments. - -"Oh, what bliss!" he said. "I love her! And she whom I love, a king's -daughter too, is in my power!" - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII - -THE AMOROUS JAILER - - -Diane de Castro received Lord Wentworth with the calm and modest dignity -which lent an irresistible potency and charm to her angelic expression -and her lovely features. Beneath her apparent calmness there was, -however, much anguish of mind; and the poor girl trembled inwardly as -she acknowledged the governor's salutation, and with a queenly gesture -motioned him to take his seat on a couch a few paces away from her. - -Then she signed to the two maids, who were apparently preparing to -withdraw, to remain in the room; and as Lord Wentworth, lost in -admiration, said nothing, she determined to break the silence herself. - -"It is to Lord Wentworth, governor of Calais, that I am speaking, I -believe?" said she. - -"Lord Wentworth, Madame, your obedient servant, awaits your commands." - -"My commands!" She repeated his words bitterly. "Oh, my Lord, do not say -so, or I must think that you mock me! If my prayers and my -supplications, in no sense commands, had been listened to, I should not -be here. You know who I am, my Lord, and of what family?" - -"I know, Madame, that you are Madame de Castro, the beloved daughter of -King Henri II." - -"Why, then, have I been made a prisoner?" asked Diane, whose voice -faltered rather than became stronger as she put the question. - -"For the very reason that you were a king's daughter, Madame," Wentworth -replied; "because by the terms of the capitulation agreed to by Admiral -de Coligny, it was stipulated that fifty prisoners should be placed in -the hands of the victors, to be selected by them from all ranks, and of -any age or either sex, and because they very naturally chose the most -illustrious, the most dangerous, and if you will permit me to say so, -those who could afford to pay the heaviest ransom." - -"But how was it known," Diane rejoined, "that I was in hiding at St. -Quentin under the name and in the garb of a Benedictine nun? Besides the -superior of the convent, only one person in the whole town knew my -secret." - -"Very well! then it must have been that person who betrayed you,--that's -all," said Lord Wentworth. - -"Oh, no, indeed; I am sure it was not!" cried Diane, with such earnest -conviction that Lord Wentworth felt stung to the heart by jealousy, and -could find nothing to say in reply. - -"It was the day after the capitulation of St. Quentin," continued Diane, -with renewed animation. "I had fled for refuge, trembling and afraid, to -the inmost corner of my cell. Some one in the parlor asked for Sister -Bénie, which was my name as a novice, my Lord. It was an English -soldier who inquired for me. I dreaded some misfortune, some terrible -news. Nevertheless, I went down to the parlor, a prey to that dreadful -curiosity which makes us even in our suffering so anxious to ascertain -what causes our tears to flow. The archer, whom I had never seen before, -announced that I was his prisoner. I was indignant and resisted; but -what could I do against force? There were three of them; yes, my Lord, -three soldiers to arrest one poor woman. I ask your pardon if this hurts -you; but I am simply telling you what happened. These men seized me, and -called upon me to confess that I was Diane de Castro, daughter of the -King of France. I denied it at first; but as they were dragging me away, -despite my denials, I asked to be taken to Monsieur l'Amiral de Coligny; -and as the admiral did not know Sister Bénie, I avowed that I was she -whom they named. Perhaps you believe, my Lord, that upon my avowal they -yielded to my prayer and granted me the very simple favor of being taken -to Monsieur l'Amiral, who would have recognized me and demanded my -freedom! By no means! They simply exulted over their capture, pushed and -dragged me along more quickly, and put me, or rather threw me, weeping -and in despair, into a closed litter; and when, almost suffocated with -sobs, and utterly overcome with grief, I nevertheless made an effort to -learn whither I was being taken, I had already left St. Quentin and was -on the road to Calais. Then Lord Grey, who, I was told, was in command -of the escort, refused to listen to me; and I learned from a common -soldier that I was his master's prisoner, and was being taken to Calais -pending the payment of my ransom. Without any further information than -that, I was brought here, my Lord." - -"Unfortunately I can add nothing more, Madame," responded Lord -Wentworth, thoughtfully. - -"Nothing, my Lord!" continued Diane. "You cannot tell me why I was not -allowed to speak to the superior of the Benedictines, nor to Monsieur -l'Amiral! You cannot tell me for what purpose I am wanted, pray, when I -was not allowed to go near those who might have announced my captivity -to the king, and have sent the amount of the ransom you demand from -Paris! Why this sort of secret abduction! Why was I not allowed even to -see Lord Grey, who gave orders for all this, as I was informed?" - -"You did see Lord Grey, Madame, a short time ago, when you passed us. It -was he with whom I was talking, and who saluted you when I did." - -"Pardon me, my Lord; I knew not in whose presence I was," said Diane. -"But since you have talked with Lord Grey, who is your kinsman, so this -maid informs me, he must have informed you of his intentions toward me." - -"In fact, Madame, before taking ship for England, he did explain them to -me,--indeed, he was just doing so when you were being escorted to this -house. He informed me that you had been mentioned to him at St. Quentin -as being the king's daughter; and that having three prisoners allotted -to him for his share, he had eagerly seized upon so valuable a prize -without notifying a soul, thus avoiding all dispute. His simple object -was to get the largest possible ransom for you, Madame; and I was -jokingly applauding my covetous brother-in-law when you passed through -the room where we were talking. I saw you, Madame; and I at once -realized that if you were the king's daughter by right of birth, you -were a very queen by right of loveliness. From that moment, to my shame -be it said, I entirely changed my opinion as to Lord Grey's plans for -the future at least, if not as to what he had already done. Yes; and I -no longer approved his design of holding you to ransom. I urged upon him -that we might hope for much greater things,--that England and France -being at war, you might be very useful as an exchange for some important -prisoner, and that you might even be worth a town. In short, I at last -persuaded him not to abandon so rich a prize for a few paltry crowns. -You are at Calais,--a town that belongs to us, and is impregnable; we -must therefore keep you in our hands and wait." - -"What!" exclaimed Diane. "You gave Lord Grey such advice as that, and -boast about it to my face! Oh, my Lord, why did you thus set yourself -against my being set at liberty? What had I ever done to you? You had -seen me only for a moment. Did you hate me, pray?" - -"I had seen you for but one moment, and I loved you, Madame," said Lord -Wentworth, desperately. - -Diane recoiled, shuddering and turning pale. - -"Jane! Mary!" she cried, calling the two attendants, who were standing -apart in the embrasure of a window. - -But Wentworth made an imperious sign to them, and they did not stir. -Then he continued, sighing sadly,-- - -"Be not alarmed, Madame. I am a gentleman; and it is not you, but I, who -should fear and tremble. Yes, I love you, and could no longer refrain -from telling you so; yes, when I saw you pass, so sweet and lovely, and -so like a goddess, my whole heart went out to you. Yes, besides, you are -in my power here; and I have but to raise my hand to be obeyed. But -never mind; fear nothing, for I am more in your power, alas! than you -are in mine; and of the two, you are not the real prisoner. You are the -queen, Madame, and I your faithful slave. Command, and I obey." - -"Then, Monsieur," said Diane, with palpitating heart, "send me back to -Paris, whence I will send you such sum by way of ransom as you choose to -name." - -Lord Wentworth hesitated a moment before he replied,-- - -"Anything but that, Madame: for I feel that sacrifice is beyond my -strength. I tell you that one glance from your eyes has bound my life to -yours forever! Here, in this place of banishment where I am caged up, it -is long since my ardent heart has entertained a passion worthy of -itself. As soon as I saw you, so beautiful and noble and proud, I felt -that all the stored-up energy of ray soul had henceforth an object and -an end. I have loved you for but two hours; but if you knew me, you -would know that it is as if I had loved you ten years." - -"But in Heaven's name, what is your wish, my Lord?" said Diane. "What do -you hope for? What do you expect? What is your purpose?" - -"I wish to see you, Madame, and to revel in your lovely and fascinating -presence,--that is all. Do not for a moment suspect me of designs -unworthy a gentleman. But it is my right, my blessed right, to keep you -near me; and I profit by it." - -"And do you suppose, my Lord," said Madame de Castro, "that such -violence will drive my heart into responding to yours?" - -"I do not suppose so," said Lord Wentworth, gently; "but when you see -from day to day how submissive I am, and how respectful, and how eagerly -I come to learn of your welfare, and to be able to feast my eyes upon -you for a moment, perhaps you will be touched by the resignation of one -who begs where he might command." - -"And then the daughter of France, moved to pity, would become the -mistress of Lord Wentworth?" was Diane's rejoinder, with a contemptuous -smile. - -"Then," responded the governor, "Lord Wentworth, the last scion of one -of the wealthiest and most illustrious families in England, on his knees -will offer his name and his life to Madame de Castro. My passion, you -see, is as honorable as it is sincere." - -"Is he ambitious, I wonder?" thought Diane. - -"Listen, my Lord," she rejoined aloud, trying to force a smile. "I -advise you to let me go, and send me to my father the king; and I will -not consider myself out of your debt by the mere payment of a ransom. -When the war between the two countries is at an end, as it must be -sooner or later, if I cannot give you myself, I will at least obtain for -you,--I give you my word,--as many, yes, more and greater, honors and -dignities than you could hope for if you were my husband. Be generous, -my Lord, and my gratitude shall be yours." - -"I divine your thoughts, Madame," said Wentworth, bitterly; "but I am -more disinterested than you think, and more ambitious as well. Of all -the treasures in the whole universe, I hope only for you." - -"One word more, then, my Lord, which you will perhaps understand -better," said Diane, embarrassed but proud at the same time. "I am -beloved by another, my Lord." - -"And do you suppose I am going to deliver you to this rival by letting -you go?" cried Wentworth, fairly beside himself. "No! he shall at least -be as wretched as I,--more wretched, indeed, for he cannot see you, -Madame. From this day only three events can deliver you: either my -death,--and I am still young and vigorous; or peace between France and -England,--but wars between those countries usually last a hundred years, -as you know; or the taking of Calais,--but Calais is impregnable. In -default of the occurrence of one of these three almost hopeless events, -I fancy you will be my prisoner for a long time; for I have purchased -all Lord Grey's rights over you, and I would not receive a ransom for -you, even though it were an empire! As for flight, it will be better for -you not to think of it; for I shall watch you, and you will see what a -careful and cautious jailer a man makes who is in love." - -With these words Lord Wentworth bowed low and withdrew, leaving Diane a -prey to bitter despair. - -Her only consolation, and that but a slight one, lay in the reflection -that death was a sure refuge, which was always open for the unfortunate -when danger was at its height. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX - -THE ARMORER'S HOUSE - - -Pierre Peuquoy's house was located at the corner of the Rue du Martroi -and the market-place. On both sides it stood upon broad wooden pillars, -such as are still to be seen in the Central Market at Paris. It had two -stories, besides one in the roof. On its front wood and brick and stone -were arranged in curious arabesques which were symmetrical, though they -seemed to have been formed at hazard. In addition the supports of the -windows and the great beams showed extraordinary figures of animals -twisted into all sorts of amusing shapes. The whole was homely and -unpretentious, but not devoid of invention and taste. The broad, high -roof projected sufficiently to afford a covering for an outside gallery -with a railing, which extended around the whole second floor as in Swiss -châlets. - -Above the glass door of the shop hung the sign, a sort of wooden banner, -so to speak, upon which was a warrior, painted in all the panoply of -war, to represent the God Mars, in which undertaking he was assisted no -doubt by the following inscription: "Au Dieu Mars. Pierre Peuquoy, -Armurier." - -On the doorstep stood a complete suit of armor, helmet, breastplate, -armlets, and leggings, which served as a realistic sign to such -customers as were unable to read. - -Moreover, through the leaded panes of the shop-front, other outfits and -arms of all sorts, offensive and defensive, could be distinguished, -notwithstanding the darkness of the interior. The display of swords, -above all, was remarkable for the number and variety and magnificence of -the specimens. - -Two apprentices, seated under the pillars, were hailing the passers-by, -and making most enticing offers of their wares. - -Pierre Peuquoy himself was commonly to be found in all his majesty -either in his back shop, which looked out on the courtyard, or at his -forge, which was set up in a shed at the end of the courtyard. He only -appeared when some customer of importance, attracted by the cries of the -apprentices, or it may be by Peuquoy's reputation, asked to see the -master. - -The back shop, which was better lighted than the one in front, served as -parlor and dining-room in one. It was wainscoted in oak throughout, and -had for furniture a square table with twisted feet, chairs covered with -tapestry, and a superb chest of drawers on which was Pierre Peuquoy's -chef d'œuvre, executed by himself under his father's eye, when he had -served his apprenticeship; it was a beautiful miniature suit of armor, -all inlaid with gold, and of the finest and most delicate workmanship. -No one could imagine the amount of skill and patience necessary to -perfect such a work of art. - -Opposite the chest, in a niche in the wainscot, stood a plaster image of -the Virgin with a consecrated box. Thus the thought of God was always on -guard in the family's living-room. - -Another room at right angles to this was almost wholly occupied by a -straight wooden stairway which led to the floors above. - -Pierre Peuquoy, delighted beyond measure to receive Vicomte d'Exmès and -Jean beneath his roof, had actually given up the whole first floor to -Gabriel and his cousin; so that there were the guest-chambers. He -himself occupied the second floor with his young sister Babette and his -children. The wounded squire, Arnauld du Thill, was also accommodated on -the second floor; while the apprentices lodged in the attic. In all the -rooms, which were convenient and snug, there was an air, if not of -wealth, at least of comfort and modest abundance suited to the -old-fashioned citizen of every age. - -It is at table that we renew our acquaintance with Gabriel and Jean -Peuquoy, just as their worthy host has finished doing the honors of a -bountiful supper. Babette was waiting upon the guests; and the children -were seated at a respectful distance from their elders. - -"Great Heaven, Monseigneur," said the armorer, "how little you eat, if -you will allow me to say so! You are all anxiety, and Jean is lost in -thought; but if the repast is but modest, the heart that offers it is in -the right place. At least, have a few of these grapes, for they are very -scarce in our country. I learned from my grand-father, who had it from -his, that in old days, when the French were masters here, the vineyards -of Calais yielded bountifully, and the grapes were golden; but alas! -since the town has been English, the grape deceives itself by fancying -that it is in England, where it isn't accustomed to grow ripe." - -Gabriel could but smile at the strange reasoning in which brave Pierre's -patriotism found vent. - -"Come," said he, raising his glass, "I drink to the ripening of the -grapes of Calais!" - -We may readily believe that the Peuquoys responded warmly to such a -toast! Supper at an end, Pierre offered thanks while his guests -listened, standing bareheaded. Then the children were sent to bed. - -"Now you may retire, Babette," said the armorer to his sister. "See that -the apprentices don't make too much noise; and before you go to your -room, go with Gertrude and inquire if Monsieur le Vicomte's squire is in -need of aught." - -Pretty Babette blushed, and left the room with a courtesy. - -"Now, my dear friend and cousin," said Pierre to Jean, "here we are -alone, we three; and if you have any private communication to make to -me, I am ready to hear it." - -Gabriel looked at Jean in amazement, but he replied with his most -serious expression,-- - -"I did tell you, Pierre, that I had some matters of importance to talk -over with you." - -"I will withdraw," said Gabriel. - -"Pardon me, Monsieur le Vicomte," said Jean, "your presence at our -interview is not only useful, but necessary; for without your -concurrence the projects which I am about to confide to Pierre will have -no chance of success." - -"I will listen to you in that case, my friend," said Gabriel, relapsing -into his dreamy melancholy. - -"Yes, Monseigneur," said the bourgeois, "yes, listen to us; and as you -listen, you will raise your head once more with hope, and perhaps (who -knows?) with joy." - -Gabriel smiled mournfully at the thought that joy would be an unknown -friend to him while he remained powerless to do aught to obtain his -father's liberty or to make clear his right to Diane's love. -Nevertheless, the brave youth turned toward Jean, and motioned to him to -proceed. - -Then Jean looked gravely at Pierre. - -"Cousin," said he, "and more than cousin,--brother,--it is for you to -speak first, in order to show Monsieur d'Exmès what reliance may be -placed upon your patriotism. So tell us, Pierre, in what sentiments -toward France your father brought you up, and was himself reared by his -father. Tell us whether you have ever become English at heart, even -though you have been English by force of events for above two hundred -years. Tell us, last of all, whether if the emergency should arise, you -would consider that you owed your blood and your assistance to the old -country of your ancestors, or to the new allegiance which has been -forced upon you." - -"Jean," replied the other bourgeois, with as solemn a mien as his -cousin, "I do not know what I should think or how I should feel if I -bore an English name, and came of English stock; but I do know by -experience that when a family has once been French, whether for a moment -only or for more than two centuries, every other domination becomes -insupportable to the members of that family, and seems to them as hard -and bitter as slavery or banishment; furthermore, that one of my -forefathers, Jean, who saw Calais fall into English hands, never spoke -of France before his son without weeping, or of England without bitter -hate. His son did the same with his own son; and this twofold sentiment -of regret and detestation has been handed down from generation to -generation without losing any of its strength or changing its form. The -air of our old bourgeois houses is a great preservative. The Pierre -Peuquoy of two centuries ago lives again in the Pierre Peuquoy of -to-day; and with the same French name, I have the same French heart, -Jean. The insult as well as the grief is as of yesterday. Say not that I -have two countries, Jean; there is, and there can ever be, but one! And -if the time comes when I must choose between the country to which men -have made me submit and the country which God has given me, be sure that -I shall not hesitate." - -"You hear, Monseigneur!" cried Jean, turning to Vicomte d'Exmès. - -"Yes, my friend, yes, I hear; and it is grand, it is noble!" was -Gabriel's reply, albeit he seemed still a little distraught. - -"One word, Pierre," said Jean; "unfortunately all our fellow-countrymen -here do not think with you, do they? No doubt you are the only child of -France to be found in Calais at the end of two hundred years, who has -not turned his back upon his mother-country." - -"You are wrong, Jean," replied the armorer; "I spoke in general, and not -for myself alone. I do not say that every one who bears a French name, -as I do, has not forgotten his origin; but many bourgeois families never -have ceased to love France, and deeply regret their separation from her; -and it is among these families that the Peuquoys like to select their -wives. In the civic guard, of which I am a member against my will, there -is many a citizen who would break his halberd in twain rather than turn -it against a French soldier." - -"That's a very good thing to know," muttered Jean Peuquoy, rubbing his -hands; "and you must hold some rank in this same civic guard? So well -thought of and respected as you are, that goes without saying." - -"No, Jean; I have persistently refused all rank, so as to avoid all -responsibility." - -"So much the worse, and yet so much the better! Is the duty you have to -perform a hard one, Pierre? And does your turn come often?" - -"Well, yes," said Pierre, "the service is both frequent and hard, -because in a place like Calais, the garrison is never large enough. My -turn comes the 5th of every month." - -"The 5th of every month regularly, Pierre? It seems to me that the -English are not prudent to fix every man's day of service in advance." - -"Oh," said the armorer, shaking his head, "there is not much danger -after holding the place for two centuries. Besides, they can't help -being a little suspicious at all times of the civic guard, and take care -to station them only at points which are naturally impregnable; for -instance, I always do sentry duty on the platform of the Octagonal -Tower, which is much more efficiently protected by the sea than by me, -and where none but sea-gulls can approach, I think." - -"Aha! so you are always on sentry duty on the platform of the -Octagonal Tower on the 5th of the month, Pierre?" - -"Yes; from four to six in the morning. I was allowed to select my own -time, and I prefer that because during three fourths of the year I can -see the sun rise out of the ocean at that hour; and that is a divine -spectacle even for a poor trader like myself." - -"A spectacle so divine, in fact, Pierre," said Jean Peuquoy, lowering -his voice, "that if, despite the strength of the position, some bold -adventurer should try to scale the side of your Octagonal Tower, you -would not see him, I'll wager, so deeply absorbed would you be in -contemplating it." - -Pierre looked wonderingly at his cousin. - -"I should not see him, to be sure," he replied after a moment's -hesitation, "for I should know that no one but a Frenchman could have -any interest in getting into the city; and since I am under constraint, -I have no duty toward those who constrain me,--in tact, rather than -repulse the assailant, I might perhaps assist him to get in." - -"Well said, Pierre!" cried Jean. "You see, Monseigneur, that Pierre is a -devoted Frenchman," he added, addressing Gabriel. - -"Yes, indeed I do, Master," replied the latter, still paying little heed -in spite of himself to an interview which seemed to him of no use. "I -see that he is; but alas! what is the good of his devotion?" - -"What good? I am going to tell you," was Jean's response; "for I think -it is my turn now to speak. Well, then, Monsieur le Vicomte, if you -choose, we can take our revenge for St. Quentin here at Calais. The -English, relying upon their two centuries of possession, are slumbering -in false security; this sleepy confidence will be their ruin. -Monseigneur can see that we have auxiliaries within the town always -ready. Let us carefully mature plans; let your intervention with the -powers that he come to our aid, and my reason, even more surely than my -instinct, tells me that a bold stroke will make us masters of the town. -You understand me, do you not, Monseigneur?" - -"Yes, yes, to be sure!" Gabriel replied, having actually heard nothing, -but being aroused by this direct appeal from his revery. "Yes, your -cousin wishes to return, does he not, to our fair kingdom of France,--to -be transferred to some French town, Amiens, for instance? Very well; I -will speak to my Lord Wentworth about it, and to Monsieur de Guise as -well. The thing may easily be arranged; and my assistance, which you -request, shall not fail you. Go on, my friend; I am quite at your -service. Certainly I am listening." - -And again he relapsed into his omnipotent distraction. For the voice he -was listening to at that moment was not, in truth, Jean Peuquoy's; no, -it was the voice of King Henri in his own heart, giving the order, upon -hearing the admiral's account of the siege of St. Quentin, to release -the Comte de Montgommery on the spot. Again, it was the voice of his -father, proving to him (for he was still gloomy and jealous) that Diane -was indeed the daughter of his becrowned rival. Finally, it was the -voice of Diane herself, which, after so many bitter trials, was able to -say to him, and which he could hear give forth those divine words of -sweetest meaning, "Truly I love you!" - -It is easy to understand that while dreaming such delightful dreams as -these, he could hardly listen to the daring and confident schemes of the -worthy Jean. - -The solemn burgher appeared somewhat hurt that Gabriel had vouchsafed so -little attention to a scheme which certainly did not lack grandeur and -courage, and it was with some chagrin that he rejoined. - -"If Monseigneur had condescended to lend a somewhat less preoccupied ear -to what I was saying, he would have noticed that our ideas, Pierre's and -mine, were not so personal and less contemptible than he seems to think -them." - -Gabriel made no response. - -"He does not hear us, Jean," said Pierre Peuquoy, calling his cousin's -attention to the fresh absorption of his guest. "Perhaps he has some -plan, some personal passion of his own." - -"At all events, his cannot be less selfish than ours," retorted Jean, in -a tone not free from bitterness. "I should even say that this gentleman -was indeed selfish had I not seen him defying danger with a sort of -fury, and actually exposing his life too, to save mine; still, he ought -to have listened when I was earnestly looking for the glory and welfare -of our common country. Without him, however, with all our zealous ardor, -we shall be only helpless tools, Pierre. So far we possess the right -feeling! We lack brain and power." - -"Never mind! the sentiment is a good one, for I heard it and understood -it, brother," said the armorer. - -And the two cousins solemnly grasped each other's hands. - -"Meanwhile, we must give up our idea, or at least postpone trying to -carry it out," said Jean; "for what can the arm do without the head, or -the people without the nobility?" - -And then this burgher of the olden time added with a meaning smile,-- - -"Until the day when the people shall be the arm and the head at once!" - - - - -END OF VOL. I. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TWO DIANAS VOLUME 1 (OF -03) *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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} -li.isub1 {text-indent: 1em;} -li.isub2 {text-indent: 2em;} -li.isub3 {text-indent: 3em;} - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - .tdl {text-align: left;} - .tdr {text-align: right;} - .tdc {text-align: center;} - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 5%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - -.bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} - -.bl {border-left: solid 2px;} - -.bt {border-top: solid 2px;} - -.br {border-right: solid 2px;} - -.bbox {border: solid 2px;} - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.u {text-decoration: underline;} - -.tb { - text-align: center; - padding-top: .76em; - padding-bottom: .24em; - letter-spacing: 1.5em; - margin-right: -1.5em; -} - - -.caption {font-weight: normal; - font-size: 90%; - text-align: right; - padding-bottom: 1em;} - -/* Images */ -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -/* Notes */ -.footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} - -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; 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margin-left: 3.5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i8 {display: block; margin-left: 4em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i9 {display: block; margin-left: 4.5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i10 {display: block; margin-left: 5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i11 {display: block; margin-left: 5.5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i12 {display: block; margin-left: 6em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - - - </style> - </head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Two Dianas Volume 1 (of 03), by Alexandre Dumas</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Two Dianas Volume 1 (of 03)</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Authors: Alexandre Dumas</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em;'>Paul Meurice</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Illustrator: E. Van Meyden</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: February 6, 2022 [eBook #67337]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Laura Natal Rodrigues (Images generously made available by Hathi Trust Digital Library.)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TWO DIANAS VOLUME 1 (OF 03) ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img src="images/dianas01_cover.jpg" width="500" alt="" /> -</div> - - -<h1>THE TWO DIANAS.</h1> - -<p><br /></p> - -<h4>BY</h4> - -<h2>ALEXANDRE DUMAS.</h2> - -<p><br /></p> - -<h3>IN THREE VOLUMES.</h3> - - -<h4>VOL. I.</h4> - -<p><br /></p> - -<h4>LONDON: J. M. DENT & CO.</h4> - -<h4>BOSTON, LITTLE, BROWN, & CO.</h4> - -<h5>1894.</h5> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<a id="frontispiece"></a> -<img src="images/frontispiece.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> -<p class="center">Alexandre Dumas.</p> -</div></div> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4>INTRODUCTORY NOTE</h4> - -<p> -The claim of Alexandre Dumas to be considered first among historical -romancists, past or present, can hardly be disputed; and his magic pen -finds abundant, rich material for the historical setting of the tale -told in the following pages. The period in which the action of "The Two -Dianas" is supposed to take place, covers the later years of Henri II. -and the brief and melancholy reign of his oldest son, François II., the -ill-fated husband of Mary Stuart, whose later history has caused her -brief occupancy of the throne of France to be lost sight of. This period -saw the germination and early maturity, if not the actual sowing, of the -spirit of the Reformation in France. It was during these years that the -name of John Calvin acquired the celebrity which has never waned, and -that his devoted followers, La Renaudie, Théodore de Bèze, Ambroise -Paré, the famous surgeon, and the immortal Coligny began the crusade -for freedom of worship which was steadily maintained, unchecked by -Tumult of Amboise, or Massacre of St. Bartholomew, until Henri of -Navarre put the crown upon their heroic labors, and gave them respite -for a time with the famous "Edict of Nantes," made more famous still by -its "Revocation" a century later under the auspices of Madame de -Maintenon, at the instigation of her Jesuit allies. Those portions of -the story which introduce us to the councils of the Reformers are none -the less interesting because the characters introduced are actual -historical personages, nor can it fail to add interest to the encounter -between La Renaudie and Pardaillan to know that it really took place, -and that the two men had previously been to each other almost nearer -than brothers. It was but one of innumerable heart-rending incidents, -inseparable from all civil and religious conflicts, but in which those -presided over by the Florentine mother of three Valois kings of France -were prolific beyond belief. -</p> - -<p> -How closely the author has adhered to historical fact for the groundwork -of his tale, will appear by comparing it with one of Balzac's <i>Études -Philosophiques</i>, entitled "Sur Catherine de Médicis," the first part of -which covers the same period as "The Two Dianas," and describes many of -the same events; the variations are of the slightest. -</p> - -<p> -The patient forbearance of Catherine de Médicis, under the neglect of -her husband, and the arrogant presumption of Diane de Poitiers, abetted -by the Constable de Montmorency; her swift and speedy vengeance upon -them as soon as she was left a widow with her large brood of possible -kings; her jealous fear of the influence of the Duc de Guise and his -brother the Cardinal de Lorraine, which led her to desire the death of -her eldest son, the unfortunate François, because his queen was the -niece of the powerful and ambitious brothers, and which also led her to -oppose their influence by a combination with two such incongruous -elements as the Constable Montmorency and the Protestant Bourbon princes -of Navarre, remaining all the while the bitterest foe that the reformed -religion ever had,—all these, as described in the following pages, -are strictly in conformity with historical fact So, too, is the story of -the defence of St. Quentin in its main details, and of the siege of Calais, -where the Duc de Guise did receive the terrible wound which caused the -sobriquet of <i>Le Balafré</i> to be applied to him, and was cured by the -skilful hand of Master Ambroise Paré. So of the Tumult of Amboise, and -the painful scenes attending the execution of the victims; and so, -finally, of the scene at the death-bed of François II., the controversy -between the shrinking conservatism of the King's regular medical -advisers, and the daring eclecticism of Paré, proposing to perform the -"new operation" of trepanning. It may, perhaps, be said that the -Chancellor de l'Hôpital is made to appear in too unfavorable a light; -he certainly was something far above the mere bond-slave of Catherine de -Médicis. -</p> - -<p> -Dumas himself tells us what basis of truth there is for the sometimes -amusing, sometimes serious, but always intensely interesting confusion -between Martin-Guerre and his unscrupulous double. -</p> - -<p> -Nowhere, it may be said, in history or romance, is there to be found so -touching a glimpse as this of poor Mary Stuart. Here we see naught save -the lovely and lovable side of the unfortunate queen, without a hint of -the fatal weakness which, as it developed in the stormy later years of -her life, made her marvellous beauty and charm the instruments of her -ruin. -</p> - -<p> -So much for those portions of "The Two Dianas" which rest upon a basis -of fact. History records further that Henri II. was accidentally killed -in friendly jousting by the Comte de Montgommery; but with that history -ends and romance begins. The personage whom Monsieur Dumas presents to -us under that title perhaps never existed; but let the reader be the -judge, after reading of the pure and sacred but unhappy love of Gabriel -de Montgommery and Diane de Castro, if a lovelier gem of fiction was -ever enclosed in an historical setting. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4>LIST OF CHARACTERS.</h4> - -<h5>Period, 1521-1574.</h5> - -<div> -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary=""> -<tr><td align="left">FRANÇOIS I., King of France.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">HENRI II., his successor.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">CATHERINE DE MÉDICIS, Queen to Henri II.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">THE DAUPHIN, afterwards François II.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">HENRI, his brother, afterwards Henri III.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MARY STUART, married to the Dauphin.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MARY, Queen of England.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">DUC D'ORLÉANS, afterwards Charles IX.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MARGUERITE DE FRANCE, sister of Henri II.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MARGUERITE DE VALOIS, daughter of Henri II.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">PRINCESS ÉLISABETH.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">FRANÇOIS, Duc d'Alençon.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">DUC DE GUISE, Lieutenant-General of France.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MONSEIGNEUR LE CARDINAL DE LORRAINE, his brother.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">DUC D'AUMALE, brother of Duc de Guise.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MARQUIS D'ELBŒUF,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MARQUIS DE VAUDEMONT,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">officers of Duc de Guise.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MONSIEUR DE BIRON,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MONSIEUR DE THERMES,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">CONSTABLE ANNE DE MONTMORENCY.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">FRANÇOIS DE MONTMORENCY, his son.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">ANTOINE DE NAVARRE.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">LOUIS DE BOURBON, Prince de Condé, his brother.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">BARON DE PARDAILLAN, an officer of the king's troops.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">DAVID, a Calvinistic minister.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">DES AVENELLES, advocate, a traitor to the Calvinists.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">BARON CASTELNAU DE CHALOSSES,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">COMTE DE VILLEMANGIS,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">condemned Calvinists.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">COMTE DE MAZÈRES,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">BARON DE RAUNAY,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MONSIEUR DE BRAGUELONNE, Lieutenant of Police.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MASTER ARPION, his secretary.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">LIGNIÈRES, an agent of police.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">ANTOINE DE MOUCHY, otherwise styled Démocharès, Doctor of</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.8em;">the Sorbonne and Canon of Noyon, Grand Inquisitor of the</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.8em;">Faith in France.</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">JEAN PEUQUOY, syndic of the weavers of St. Quentin.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">PIERRE PEUQUOY, an armorer.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">BABETTE, Pierre Peuquoy's sister.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">LORD WENTWORTH, Governor of Calais.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">LORD GREY, his brother-in-law, commanding the English archers.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">LORD DERBY, an English officer.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">SIR EDWARD FLEMING, herald of England.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">ANSELME, a fisherman.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">ANDRÉ, a page.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">SISTER MONIQUE, Superior of the Benedictine convent at St.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 0.8em;">Quentin.</span></td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">HEINRICH SCHARFENSTEIN,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">PILLETROUSE,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">FRANTZ SCHARFENSTEIN,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">MALEMORT,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">officers and soldiers in Gabriel's</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">service.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">LACTANCE,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">YVONNET,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">AMBROSIO,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">LANDRY,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">CHESNEL,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">veterans of the war in Lorraine, entering</td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">the service of Vicomte d'Exmès.</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">AUBRIOT,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">CONTAMINE,}</td></tr> -<tr><td align="left">BALU,}</td></tr> -</table></div> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4>ILLUSTRATIONS</h4> - -<h4>PORTRAITS.</h4> - -<p class="nind"><a href="#frontispiece">Alexandre Dumas</a></p> - - -<h4>ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS</h4> - -<h4>DRAWN AND ETCHED BY E. VAN MUYDEN.</h4> - -<p class="nind"><a href="#figure01">A King's Mistress</a></p> - -<p class="nind"><a href="#figure02">Mary Stuart and Gabriel</a></p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4>CONTENTS</h4> - -<p class="nind">Chapter -<br /> -<a href="#chap01">I. A Count's Son and a King's Daughter</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap02">II. A Bride who plays with Dolls</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap03">III. In Camp</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap04">IV. A King's Mistress</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap05">V. In the Apartments of the Royal Children</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap06">VI. Diane de Castro</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap07">VII. How the Constable said his Pater Noster</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap08">VIII. A Fortunate Tourney</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap09">IX. How One may pass close by his Destiny<br /> -without Knowing it</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap10">X. An Elegy during the Progress of a Comedy</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap11">XI. Peace or War?</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap12">XII. A Twofold Knave</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap13">XIII. The Acme of Happiness</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap14">XIV. Diane de Poitiers</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap15">XV. Catherine de Médicis</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap16">XVI. Lover or Brother?</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap17">XVII. The Horoscope</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap18">XVIII. The Last Resort of a Coquette</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap19">XIX. How Henri II. began to enjoy his Inheritance<br /> -during his Bather's Life</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap20">XX. Of the Usefulness of Friends</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap21">XXI. Wherein it is shown that Jealousy sometimes<br /> -abolished titles even before<br /> -the French Revolution</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap22">XXII. Describes the Most Convincing Proof<br /> -that a Woman can give that a Man<br /> -is not her Lover</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap23">XXIII. Useless Devotion</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap24">XXIV. Shows that Blood-Stains can never be<br /> -completely washed out</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap25">XXV. An Heroic Ransom</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap26">XXVI. Jean Peuquoy the Weaver</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap27">XXVII. Gabriel at Work</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap28">XXVIII. Wherein Martin-Guerre is not Clever</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap29">XXIX. Wherein Martin-Guerre is a Bungler</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap30">XXX. The Strategy of War</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap31">XXXI. Arnauld du Thill's Memory</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap32">XXXII. Theology</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap33">XXXIII. Sister Bénie</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap34">XXXIV. A Victorious Defeat</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap35">XXXV. Arnauld du Thill is still up to his<br /> -Little Tricks</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap36">XXXVI. Continuation of Master Arnauld du<br /> -Thill's Honorable Negotiations</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap37">XXXVII. Lord Wentworth</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap38">XXXVIII. The Amorous Jailer</a><br /> - -<a href="#chap39">XXXIX. The Armorer's House</a></p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4>THE TWO DIANAS</h4> - -<p><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap01"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER I -<br /><br /> -A COUNT'S SON AND A KING'S DAUGHTER</h4> - -<p> -It was the 5th of May, 1551. A young man of eighteen years, and a woman -of forty, together leaving a house of unpretentious appearance, walked -side by side through the main street of the village of Montgommery, in -the province of Auge. -</p> - -<p> -The young man was of the fine Norman type, with chestnut hair, blue -eyes, white teeth, and red lips. He had the fresh, velvety complexion -common to men of the North, which sometimes takes away a little manly -strength from their beauty, by making it almost feminine in its quality; -but his figure was superb, both in its proportions and its suppleness, -partaking at once of the character of the oak and the reed. He was -simply but handsomely dressed, in a doublet of rich purple cloth, with -light silk embroidery of the same color. His breeches were of similar -cloth, and trimmed in the same way as the doublet; long black leather -boots, such as pages and varlets wore, extended above his knees; and a -velvet cap, worn slightly on one side and adorned with a white plume, -covered a brow on which could be read indications of a tranquil and -steadfast mind. -</p> - -<p> -His horse, whose rein was passed through his arm, followed him, raising -his head from time to time, snorting and neighing with pleasure in the -fresh air that was blowing. -</p> - -<p> -The woman seemed to belong, if not to the lower orders of society, at -least to a class somewhere between them and the bourgeoisie. Her dress -was simple, but of such exquisite neatness that very quality seemed -to give it elegance. More than once the young man offered her the -support of his arm, but she persistently declined it, as if it would -have been an honor above her condition. -</p> - -<p> -As they walked through the village, and drew near the end of the street -that led to the château, whose ponderous towers were in full sight, -overlooking the humble settlement, it was very noticeable that not only -the young people and the men, but even the gray heads bowed low as the -young man passed, while he responded with a friendly nod of the head. -Each one seemed to recognize a superior and a master in this youth, who, -as we shall soon see, did not know his own identity. -</p> - -<p> -Leaving the village behind them, they followed the road, or rather the -path, which, in its winding course up the slope of the mountain, was -barely wide enough for two people to walk abreast. So, after some -objections, and upon the young man's remarking to his companion that as -he was obliged to lead his horse it would be dangerous for her to walk -behind, the good woman was induced to go in advance. -</p> - -<p> -The young man followed her without a word. One could see that his -thoughtful brow was wrinkled beneath the weight of some engrossing -preoccupation. -</p> - -<p> -A fine and lordly château it was toward which our two pilgrims, so -different in age and station, were thus wending their way. Four -centuries and ten generations had hardly sufficed for that mass of rock -to grow from foundation to battlements; and there it stood, itself a -mountain towering above the mountain on which it was built. -</p> - -<p> -Like all the structures of that age, the château of the counts of -Montgommery was absolutely irregular in its formation. Fathers had -bequeathed it to their sons, and each temporary proprietor had added to -this stone colossus according to his fancy or his need. The square -donjon, the principal fortification, had been built under the dukes of -Normandy. Then the fanciful turrets on the battlements and the -ornamented windows had been added to the frowning donjon, multiplying -the chased and sculptured stonework as time went on, as if the years had -been fruitful in this granite vegetation. At last, toward the end of the -reign of Louis XII., and in the early days of François I., a long -gallery with pointed windows had put the last touch to this secular -agglomeration. -</p> - -<p> -From this gallery, and still better from the summit of the donjon, could -be had an extended view over several leagues of the rich, blooming -plains of Normandy. For, as we have already said, the county of -Montgommery was situated in the province of Auge, and its eight or ten -baronies and its hundred and fifty fiefs were dependencies of the -bailiwicks of Argentan, Caen, and Alençon. -</p> - -<p> -At last they reached the great portal of the château. -</p> - -<p> -Think of it! For more than fifteen years this magnificent and formidable -donjon had been without a master. An old intendant still continued to -collect the rents; and there were some of the servants, too, who had -grown old in that solitude, and who continued to look after the -château, whose doors they threw open every day, as if the master was to -be expected at any moment, while they closed them again at evening, as -if his coming were simply postponed till the next day. -</p> - -<p> -The intendant received the two visitors with the same appearance of -friendliness that every one seemed to show to the woman, and the same -deference which all agreed in according to the young man. -</p> - -<p> -"Master Elyot," said the woman, who was in advance, as we have seen, "do -you mind letting us go into the château? I have something to say to -Monsieur Gabriel" (pointing to the young man), "and I can only say it in -the <i>salon d'honneur</i>." -</p> - -<p> -"Come in, Dame Aloyse," said Elyot, "and say what you have to say to -young master here, wherever you choose. You know very well that -unhappily there is no one here to interrupt you." -</p> - -<p> -They passed through the <i>salle des gardes</i>. Formerly twelve men, -raised upon the estates, used to be on guard without intermission in that -apartment. During fifteen years seven of these men had died, and their -places had not been filled. Five of them were left; and they still lived -there, doing the same duty as in the count's time, and waiting till -their turn to die should come. -</p> - -<p> -They passed through the gallery and entered the <i>salon d'honneur</i>. -</p> - -<p> -It was furnished just as it had been the day that the last count had -left it. But this salon, where in former days all the Norman nobility -had used to assemble, as in the salon of a lord paramount, not a soul -had entered for fifteen years, save the servants whose duty it was to -keep it in order, and a faithful dog, the last count's pet, who every -time that he entered the room called for his master mournfully, and at -last had refused to go out one day, and had stretched himself out at the -foot of the dais, where they found him the next morning, dead. -</p> - -<p> -It was not without emotion that Gabriel (such was the name that had been -given to the young man by his companion) entered this salon, with its -memories of other days. However, the impression made upon him by these -gloomy walls, the majestic dais, and the windows cut so deep into the -wall that although it was only ten in the morning, the daylight seemed -to have stopped at the threshold,—the impression, we repeat, was not -strong enough to divert his mind for a single moment from the purpose -which had drawn him thither; and as soon as the door was closed behind -him, he turned to his companion. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, dear Aloyse, my good nurse," said he, "really, although you seem -more moved than I, you have no longer the least excuse for refusing to -tell me what you have promised. Now, Aloyse, you must speak without -fear, and, above all, without delay. Haven't you hesitated long enough, -my dear, kind nurse; and have I not, like an obedient son, waited long -enough h When I asked you what name I had the right to bear, and to what -family I belonged, and who my father was, you replied, 'Gabriel, I will -tell you the whole story on the day that you are eighteen,—the age at -which he who has the right to wear a sword attains his majority.' Now, -to-day, this 5th of May, 1551, I have lived eighteen full years; so I -called upon you this morning to keep your promise, but you replied with -a solemn visage which almost terrified me, 'It is not here in the humble -dwelling of a poor squire's widow that I should make you known to -yourself, but in the château of the counts of Montgommery, and in the -<i>salon d'honneur</i> in that château.' Now we have come up the mountain, -good Aloyse, have crossed the threshold of the noble counts, and here we -are in the <i>salon d'honneur</i>; so, speak!" -</p> - -<p> -"Sit down, Gabriel, for you will allow me to call you by that name once -more." -</p> - -<p> -The young man took her hands with a most affectionate movement. -</p> - -<p> -"Sit down," she repeated, "not on that chair, nor on that sofa." -</p> - -<p> -"But where do you want me to sit, then, dear nurse?" interrupted the -young man. -</p> - -<p> -"Under this dais," said Aloyse, with an accent of deep solemnity. -</p> - -<p> -The young man complied. -</p> - -<p> -Aloyse nodded her head. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, listen to me," said she. -</p> - -<p> -"But do you be seated too," said Gabriel -</p> - -<p> -"Will you permit me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Are you laughing at me, nurse?" -</p> - -<p> -The good woman took her place on the steps of the dais, at the feet of -the young man, who was all attention, and devoured her with a gaze full -of kindliness and curiosity. -</p> - -<p> -"Gabriel," said the nurse, when she had at last made up her mind to -speak, "you were scarcely six years old when you lost your father and I -lost my husband. You had been my foster-child, for your mother died in -giving birth to you. From that day, I, your mother's foster-sister, -loved you as if you were my own child. The widow devoted her life to the -orphan. As she had given you her breast, she gave you her heart too; and -you will do me this justice, will you not, Gabriel, that in your belief, -my thoughts, when you have been away from me, have never failed to be -with you and watching over you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Dear Aloyse," said the young man, "many real mothers would have done -less than you have. I swear it; and not one, I swear again, could have -done more." -</p> - -<p> -"Every one, in fact, was as eager to serve you as I, who had been the -first to show my zeal." continued the nurse. "Dom Jamet de Croisic, the -worthy chaplain of this very château, and whom the Lord called to -himself three months since, instructed you very carefully in letters and -science, and according to what he said, you had nothing to learn from -any one in the matter of reading and writing and knowledge of history, -especially of the great families of France. Enguerrand Lorien, the -intimate friend of my dead-and-gone husband, Perrot Travigny, and the -old squire of our neighbors, the counts of Vimoutiers, taught you the -science of arms, the management of the lance and sword, horsemanship, -and in fact all the knightly accomplishments; and then the fêtes and -tournaments which were held at Alençon at the time of the marriage and -coronation of our Lord King Henri II., gave you an opportunity to prove, -two years since, that you have taken advantage of Enguerrand's -instructions. I, poor know nothing, could only love you and teach you to -worship God. That is all that I have tried to do. The Holy Virgin has -been my guide, and here you are to-day, at eighteen, a pious Christian -man, a learned gentleman, and an accomplished knight; and I hope that -with God's help, you will not fail to show yourself worthy of your -ancestors, MONSIEUR GABRIEL, SEIGNEUR DE LORGES, COMTE DE MONTGOMMERY." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel involuntarily rose to his feet, as he cried,— -</p> - -<p> -"Comte de Montgommery! I!" Then he went on, with a proud smile on his -lips,— -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, well, I hoped so, and I almost suspected it; in fact, Aloyse, in -the days of my boyish dreams I said as much to my little Diane. But what -are you doing to my feet, Aloyse, pray? Rise, and come to my arms, thou -saintly creature! Don't you choose to acknowledge me as your child any -more now that I am heir of the Montgommerys? Heir of the Montgommerys!" -he repeated, as if in spite of himself, trembling with pride as he -embraced the good old soul. "Heir of the Montgommerys! And I bear one of -the oldest and most honorable names of France! Yes; Dom Jamet has taught -me the history of my ancestors, reign by reign, and generation by -generation. Of my ancestors! Embrace me again, Aloyse! I wonder what -Diane will say to all this. Saint Godegrand, Bishop of Chartres, and -Sainte Opportune, his sister, who lived in Charlemagne's day, were of -our family. Roger de Montgommery commanded an army under William the -Conqueror. Guillaume de Montgommery made a crusade at his own expense. -We have been allied more than once to the royal families of Scotland and -France; and the noblest lords of London and the most illustrious -noblemen of Paris will call me cousin. My father, too—" -</p> - -<p> -The young man stopped short, as if he had been struck; but he soon -continued:— -</p> - -<p> -"But, alas! for all this, Aloyse, I am alone in the world. This great -lord is nothing but a poor orphan, and the descendant of so many royal -ancestors has no father. My poor father! I can only weep just now, -Aloyse. And my mother, too,—both dead! Oh, do tell me of them, so -that I may know what they were like now that I know that I am their son! -Come, begin with my father. How did he die? Tell me all about it." -</p> - -<p> -Aloyse remained dumb. Gabriel looked at her in amazement. -</p> - -<p> -"I ask you to tell me, nurse," he said again, "how my father died." -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, God alone can tell you!" said she. "One day Jacques de -Montgommery left the hotel where he was then living, in the Rue des -Jardins St. Paul in Paris. He never came back to it. His friends and his -cousins sought for him, but to no purpose. He had disappeared, -Monseigneur! King François I. ordered an inquiry, which came to nothing. -His enemies, if he fell a victim to treachery, were either very cunning -or very powerful. You have no father, Monseigneur; and yet the tomb of -Jacques de Montgommery is missing in the chapel of your château, for he -has never been found, living or dead!" -</p> - -<p> -"That is because it was not his son who sought him!" cried Gabriel. "Ah, -nurse, why have you kept quiet so long? Did you hide the secret of my -birth from me because it would have been my duty either to save my -father or to avenge him?" -</p> - -<p> -"No; but because it was my duty to save yourself, Monseigneur. Listen! -Do you know what the last words were that were uttered by my husband, -brave Perrot Travigny, who had a religious devotion to your family? -'Wife,' said he, a few minutes before he breathed his last, 'don't even -wait till I am buried; just close my eyes, and then leave Paris with the -child as fast as ever you can. You will go to Montgommery; not to the -château, but to the house which belongs to us, thanks to Monseigneur's -bounty! -</p> - -<p> -"'There do you bring up the descendant of our masters with no -affectation of mystery, but without display. The good people of our -country will respect him, and will not betray him. But, above all -things, hide his origin from himself, or he will show himself and be his -own destruction. Let him know only that he is of gentle birth, and that -will be enough to satisfy his dignity and your own conscience. Then, -when years shall have brought him discretion and gravity, as his blood -will make him brave and true,—when he is about eighteen, for -instance,—tell him his name and his descent, Aloyse. Then he can -judge for himself of his duty and his ability. But until then be very -careful; for formidable enmities and invincible hatred will be on his -track if he should be discovered, and those who have stricken and -brought down the eagle will not spare the eaglet.' He said those words -and died, Monseigneur; and I, in obedience to his commands, took you, -poor orphan of six years, who had hardly seen your father, and I brought -you with me to this village. The count's disappearance was already known -here; and it was suspected that implacable foes were threatening any one -who bore his name. You were seen and acknowledged without hesitation in -the village, but by tacit agreement not a soul asked me a question or -expressed any surprise at my silence. A short time after, my only son, -your foster-brother, my poor Robert, was carried off by a fever. God -seemed to will that I should have no excuse for not devoting myself -entirely to you. May God's will be done! Everybody made a pretence of -believing that it was my son that lived, and yet they all treated you -with the deepest respect and a touching obedience. That was because you -already strikingly resembled your father, both in face and in heart. The -lion-like instinct showed itself in you: and it was easy to see that you -were born to be a master and a leader of men. The children of the -neighborhood soon got into the habit of forming themselves into a little -company under your command. In all their games you marched at their -head, and not one of them would have dared to refuse you his respect. -You became a young king of the province; and it was the province which -brought you up, and which has looked on in admiration to see you daily -growing in pride and beauty. The quit-rent of the finest fruits, and the -tithe of the harvest, were brought regularly to the house without my -having to ask for anything. The finest horse in the pastures was always -kept for you. Dom Jamet, Enguerrand, and all the varlets and retainers -at the château offered you their services as naturally due to you; and -you accepted them as your right. There was nothing about you that was -not gallant and brave and large-hearted. In your slightest actions you -showed to what race you belonged. They still tell by the village -firesides in the evening how you once traded off my two cows for a -falcon with one of the pages. But all these instincts and impulses only -betrayed you to those who were to be trusted, and you remained hidden -and unknown to the evil-disposed. The great excitement aroused by the -wars in Italy, Spain, and Flanders against the Emperor Charles V. helped -not a little, thank God! to protect you; and you have at last arrived -safe and sound at that age when Perrot told me that I might trust to -your good sense and your discretion. But you, who are ordinarily so -sober and so cautious, behold! your first words are all for a rash -outburst, vengeance, and exposure." -</p> - -<p> -"Vengeance, yes; but exposure, no! Do you suppose, Aloyse, that my -father's enemies are still living?" -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know, Monseigneur; but it would be much safer to assume that -some of them are. And suppose that you make your appearance at court, -still unknown, but with your well-known name, which will attract -universal attention to you,—brave but without experience, strong in -your worthy ambition and in the justice of your case, but without -friends or allies, or even any personal repute,—and what, pray, will -happen then? Those who hate you will see you come, while you will not -see them; they will attack you, and you will not know where the blow -comes from, and not only will your father not be revenged, but you -yourself, Monseigneur, will be destroyed." -</p> - -<p> -"And that, Aloyse, is just the reason why I am so sorry that I have had -no time to make friends for myself and win a little bit of renown. Ah, -if I had been warned two years since, for instance! But never mind! It -is only a little delay, and I will soon make up for lost time. And -indeed for other reasons I am very glad that I have been at Montgommery -these last two years; but I must be off so much the quicker now. I will -go to Paris, Aloyse; and without concealing the fact that I am a -Montgommery, I need not say that I am the son of Comte Jacques. Fiefs -and titles are no less plentiful in our family than in the royal house -of France, and our branches are sufficiently numerous in England and -France for an unimportant scion to fail of recognition. I can take the -name of Comte d'Exmès, Aloyse, and that will neither conceal nor reveal -my identity. Then I shall find—whom shall I find at court? Thanks to -Enguerrand, I am equally conversant with men and affairs. Shall I pay my -addresses to the Constable de Montmorency, the hard-hearted mumbler of -pater-nosters? No; and I quite agree with the face you made, Aloyse. To -the Maréchal de Saint-André, then? He is neither young nor -enterprising enough. Would not François de Guise be preferable? Yes; he -is the man for me. Montmédy, St. Dizier, and Bologne have already shown -what stuff he is made of. It is to him that I will go; and under his -banners I will win my spurs. In the shadow of his name I will conquer a -name for myself." -</p> - -<p> -"Will Monseigneur allow me to remind him that the honest and faithful -Elyot has had time to put by a handsome sum for the heir of his former -masters. You may maintain a royal establishment, Monseigneur; and the -young men, who are your tenants, and whom you have drilled in playing at -war, are in duty bound and will be only too glad to follow you to battle -in good earnest. It is your right to call them about you, as you well -know, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"And we will use this right, never fear, Aloyse; we will use it." -</p> - -<p> -"Is Monseigneur really willing to receive all his domestics and -retainers, and the tenants of all his fiefs and baronies, who are -consumed with the desire to pay their respects to him?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not yet, please, good Aloyse; but tell Martin-Guerre to saddle a horse -and be ready to go with me. I must, first of all, take a ride about the -neighborhood." -</p> - -<p> -"Are you going in the direction of Vimoutiers?" said good Aloyse, -smiling mischievously. -</p> - -<p> -"Perhaps so. Don't I owe old Enguerrand a visit and my thanks?" -</p> - -<p> -"And with Enguerrand's congratulations, Monseigneur will not find it at -all amiss to receive those of a certain fair damsel called Diane. Am I -not right?" -</p> - -<p> -"But," said Gabriel, laughing, "that same fair damsel has been my wife -and I her husband these three years; since I was fifteen, that is to -say, and she nine." -</p> - -<p> -Aloyse lost herself in thought. -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur," said she, "if I did not know how sober-minded and open -you are, notwithstanding your extreme youth, and that your every emotion -is a serious and profound one, I should keep back the words which I am -going to venture to say to you. But what is a joking matter to others is -often a matter of serious importance to you. Remember, Monseigneur, that -no one knows whose daughter Diane is. One day, the wife of Enguerrand, -who had gone to Fontainebleau at that time, with his master, Comte de -Vimoutiers, found, as she was going into her house, a child in a cradle -at her door, and a heavy purse of gold on her table. In the purse was a -considerable sum of money, half of an engraved ring, and a paper on -which was this one word, 'Diane.' Berthe, Enguerrand's wife, had no -child of her own, and she welcomed joyfully these other maternal duties -which were asked at her hands. But on her return to Vimoutiers she died, -just as my husband died, to whom your father intrusted you, Monseigneur; -and as it was a woman who brought up the male orphan, so it was a man to -whose care the female child fell. But Enguerrand and I, both intrusted -with a like task, have exchanged our duties? and I have tried to make of -Diane a good, pious woman, while Enguerrand has brought you up to be -clever and wise. Naturally you have known Diane, and naturally, too, you -have become attached to her. But you are the Comte de Montgommery, as -can be proved by authentic documents and by public repute, while no one -has yet appeared to lay claim to Diane, by producing the other half of -the golden ring. Take care, Monseigneur! I know well that Diane is now a -mere child of scarcely twelve years, but she will grow, and will be -exceedingly beautiful; and with such a nature as yours, I say again, -everything is apt to be serious. Take care! It may be that she will -always remain what she is now,—a foundling; and you are too great a -nobleman to marry her, and too true a gentleman to lead her astray." -</p> - -<p> -"But, nurse, when I am going away, to leave you, and to leave Diane—" -said Gabriel, thoughtfully. -</p> - -<p> -"That is all right, then. Forgive your old Aloyse for her uneasy -foreboding; and if you choose, go and see that sweet and lovely child -whom you call your little wife. But don't forget that you are being -impatiently awaited here. You will soon be back, will you not, Monsieur -le Comte?" -</p> - -<p> -"Very soon; and kiss me again, Aloyse. Call me your child always, and -accept my thanks a thousand times, dear old nurse." -</p> - -<p> -"A thousand blessings on thee, my child and my lord!" -</p> - -<p> -Master Martin-Guerre was waiting for Gabriel at the gate, and they both -mounted, and left the château. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap02"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER II -<br /><br /> -A BRIDE WHO PLAYS WITH DOLLS</h4> - -<p> -Gabriel took a by-path well-known to him, so as to go more quickly; and -yet he let his horse slacken his pace, so that it seemed almost as if he -were allowing the handsome beast to adapt his gait to his own train of -thought. Emotions of very different sorts succeeded one another in the -young man's mind, by turns passionate and gloomy, haughty and subdued. -When he remembered that he was the Comte de Montgommery, his eyes -sparkled, and he drove his spurs into his horse as if drunken with the -breeze which fanned his temples; and then he would say to himself, "My -father has been murdered, and his death is not avenged!" and his rein -would drop listlessly from his hand. But all at once he would reflect -that he was going into the world to fight, to make a name for himself, -formidable and dreaded, and to pay all his debts of honor and of blood; -and he would start off at a mad gallop as if he were really on his way -to fame at that moment, until the thought came to him that he would be -obliged to leave his little Diane, so blithe and pretty, when he would -relapse into gloom again, and would gradually slacken his pace to a -walk; as if he could thus delay the cruel moment of separation. "But," -thought he, "I will come back again, after I have found my father's -enemies and Diane's relatives;" and Gabriel, spurring his steed on -fiercely once more, flew as swiftly as his own hopes. His destination -was at hand; and surely in that young heart thirsting for happiness, joy -had driven away gloom. -</p> - -<p> -Looking over the hedge which enclosed old Enguerrand's orchard, Gabriel -spied Diane's white dress among the trees. To tie his horse to a -willow-tree and leap the hedge at a bound was the work of but a moment; -glowing with pride and triumph, he fell at the young girl's feet. -</p> - -<p> -But Diane was weeping. -</p> - -<p> -"What is it, my dear little wife," said Gabriel; "and whence this bitter -sorrow? Has Enguerrand been scolding us because of a torn dress, or -because we made a slip in saying our prayers; or has our pet bullfinch -flown away? Tell me, Diane dear. See, your faithful knight has come to -comfort you." -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! Gabriel, you cannot be my knight any more," said Diane; "and that -is just why I am sad and am crying." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel supposed that Diane had learned from Enguerrand her -play-fellow's name, and that perhaps she wished to test him. He -replied,— -</p> - -<p> -"What has happened, pray, Diane, lucky or unlucky, that can ever make me -give up the dear title which you have allowed me to assume, and which I -am so proud and happy to bear? See, here I am at your knees." -</p> - -<p> -But Diane did not seem to understand; and she wept more bitterly than -before, as she hid her face on Gabriel's breast, and sobbed,— -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Gabriel, Gabriel! We must not see each other any more." -</p> - -<p> -"And who is to prevent us?" he rejoined quickly. -</p> - -<p> -She raised her lovely fair head and her eyes swimming with tears; then -with a little pout, altogether sober and solemn, she replied, sighing -profoundly,— -</p> - -<p> -"Duty." -</p> - -<p> -Her sweet face assumed an expression that was so despairing and so -comical at the same time that Gabriel, fascinated, and entering, as he -supposed, fully into her thoughts, could not forbear a laugh; and taking -the child's fair face in his hands, he kissed it over and over again; -but she nervously drew away from him. -</p> - -<p> -"No, my friend," said she, "no more of these little chats of ours. <i>Mon -Dieu! mon Dieu</i>! they are forbidden us now." -</p> - -<p> -"What stories has Enguerrand been telling her?" said Gabriel to himself, -persisting in his error; and he added aloud, "Don't you love me any -longer, then, dear Diane?" -</p> - -<p> -"I! not love you any longer!" cried Diane. "How can you think and say -such things, Gabriel? Are you not the friend of my childhood, and my -brother for my whole life? Have you not always been as kind and loving -as a mother to me? When I laughed, and when I wept, whom was I sure to -find at my side, to share my joy or my sorrow? You, Gabriel! Who carried -me when I was tired? Who helped me to learn my lessons? Who took the -blame for my mistakes, and insisted on sharing my punishment when he -couldn't succeed in having it all himself? You again! Who invented a -thousand games for me? Who made sweet nosegays for me in the meadows? -Who hunted out goldfinches' nests for me in the woods? You, always you! -I have found you always, in every place and at all times, so kind and -generous and devoted to me, Gabriel. I shall never forget you, Gabriel; -and while my heart lives, you will live in my heart. I should have liked -to give you my life and my soul, and I have never dreamed of happiness -except when I have dreamed of you. But all this, alas! doesn't keep us -from being obliged to part, never to see each other again, no doubt." -</p> - -<p> -"And why not? Is it to punish you for mischievously letting your dog -Phylax into the poultry-yard?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, no, for something very different, believe me!" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, what is it, then?" -</p> - -<p> -She rose, and as she stood with her arms hanging by her side, and her -head cast down, she said,— -</p> - -<p> -"Because I am somebody else's wife." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel did not joke any more, and a vague dread pierced his heart; he -replied with a trembling voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean by that, Diane?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am no longer Diane," was the reply, "but Madame la Duchesse de -Castro, since my husband's name is Horace Farnèse, Duc de Castro." -</p> - -<p> -And the child could not help smiling a little through her tears as she -said it. "My husband" indeed, and she a child of twelve! Oh, it was -magnificent: "Madame la Duchesse!" But she speedily became sad again -when she saw Gabriel's suffering. -</p> - -<p> -The young man was standing before her, pale, and with a frightened look -in his eyes. -</p> - -<p> -"Is this a joke? Is it a dream?" said he. -</p> - -<p> -"No, my poor friend, it is a sad truth," replied Diane. "Didn't you -meet Enguerrand on the way? He started for Montgommery half an hour -since." -</p> - -<p> -"I came by the short cut. But go on and finish your story." -</p> - -<p> -"Why is it, Gabriel, that you have been four days without coming here? -Such a thing never happened before, and it made us unhappy, don't you -see? Night before last I had very hard work to go to sleep. I hadn't -seen you for two days, and was very uneasy, and I made Enguerrand -promise that if you didn't come the next day we should go to Montgommery -the day after that. And then, as if we had had a presentiment, -Enguerrand and I fell to talking of the future, and then of the past, -and of my relatives, who seemed, alas! to have forgotten me. It is a -wretched tale that I have to tell you, and I should have been happier -perhaps if they had really forgotten me. All this serious talk had -naturally made me a little sad, and had wearied me; and I was, as I -said, a long while going to sleep, and that is why I awoke rather later -than usual yesterday morning. I dressed myself in a great hurry, told my -beads, and was just ready to go downstairs when I heard a great -commotion under my window before the house door. There were magnificent -cavaliers there, Gabriel, attended by squires, pages, and varlets, and -behind the cavalcade was a gilded carriage, quite dazzling in its -splendor. As I was looking curiously at this retinue, and marvelling -that it should have stopped at our modest dwelling, Antoine came and -knocked at my door, and gave me a message from Enguerrand that I should -come down at once. I don't know why I was afraid to go, but I had to -obey, and I obeyed. When I went into the great hall, it was filled with -these superb seigneurs whom I had seen from my window. I then fell to -blushing and trembling, more alarmed than ever; you can understand that, -Gabriel, can't you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said Gabriel, bitterly. "But go on, for the thing is becoming -decidedly interesting." -</p> - -<p> -"As I entered," continued Diane, "one of the most elaborately dressed of -the gentlemen came to me, and offering me his gloved hand, led me up to -another gentleman no less richly adorned than he, to whom he said, -bowing low,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Monseigneur le Duc de Castro, I have the honor to present to you your -wife. 'Madame,' he added, turning to me, 'Monsieur Horace Farnèse, Duc -de Castro, your husband.' -</p> - -<p> -"The duke saluted me with a smile. But I, in my confusion and grief, -threw myself into Enguerrand's arms, as I spied him standing in a -corner. -</p> - -<p> -"'Enguerrand! Enguerrand! this is not my husband, this prince; I have no -husband but Gabriel. Enguerrand, tell these gentlemen so, I beg you.' -</p> - -<p> -"The one who had presented me to the duke knitted his brows. -</p> - -<p> -"'What is all this fol-de-rol?' he said to Enguerrand sternly. -</p> - -<p> -"'Nothing, Monseigneur; mere childishness,' said Enguerrand, pale as a -ghost. And he said to me in an undertone, 'Are you mad, Diane? What do -you mean by being so rebellious?—refusing thus to obey your -relatives, who have found you out, and come to claim you!' -</p> - -<p> -"'Where are these relatives of mine?' said I, aloud. 'It is to them that -I must speak.' -</p> - -<p> -"'We come in their name, Mademoiselle,' replied the frowning gentleman. -'I am their representative. If you don't believe what I say, here is the -order signed by Henri II., our Lord the King; read it.' -</p> - -<p> -"He handed me a parchment sealed with a red seal, and I read at the top -of the page, 'We, Henri, by the grace of God;' and at the foot the royal -signature, 'Henri.' I was blinded and stunned and overwhelmed. I was -dizzy and delirious. All that crowd of people with their eyes on me! And -even Enguerrand abandoning me! The thought of my relatives! The name of -the king! All this was too much for my poor little head. And you were -not there, Gabriel!" -</p> - -<p> -"But it seems as if my presence could have been of no use to you," was -Gabriel's reply. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, Gabriel, if you had been there, I would have continued to -resist; while, as you were not there, when the gentleman who seemed to -be managing the whole thing said to me, 'Come, there has been delay -enough. Madame de Leviston, I leave Madame de Castro in your hands; we -shall expect you presently in the chapel,' his tone was so sharp and -imperious, and seemed to allow so little remonstrance, that I let myself -be led away. Gabriel, forgive me; I was worn out and bewildered, and I -hadn't an idea in my head." -</p> - -<p> -"Go on! that is very easily understood," said Gabriel, with a bitter -smile. -</p> - -<p> -"They took me to my chamber," Diane resumed. "There, this Madame de -Leviston, with the help of two or three women, took a fine dress of -white silk from a great chest. Then, in spite of my shrinking, they -undressed me and dressed me again. I scarcely dared to take a step in -such fine clothes. Then they put pearls in my ears, and a string of -pearls about my neck; my tears fell fast upon the pearls. But these -ladies no doubt only laughed at my embarrassment, and at my grief too, -perhaps. In half an hour I was ready, and they were so kind as to say -that I was charming thus arrayed. I think it was true, Gabriel; but I -cried away all the same. I at last convinced myself that I was going -through a dazzling but dreadful dream. I stepped without any exertion of -my own, and went back and forth like a machine. Meanwhile the horses -were stamping at the door, and squires, pages, and varlets were standing -in attendance. We descended the stairs. Again the gaze of the whole -assemblage seemed to go right through me. The gentleman with the harsh -voice offered me his hand again, and led me to a litter all of satin and -gold, where I was to take my seat on cushions almost as beautiful as my -dress. The Duc de Castro rode by the side of my litter, and so the -procession slowly ascended to the chapel of the Château de Vimoutiers. -The priest was already at the altar. I don't know what words were said -over me or to me; but I felt suddenly, in the midst of this strange -dream, that the duke placed a ring on my finger. Then, after twenty -minutes or twenty years, I didn't know which, a fresher air seemed to -be blowing on my face. We were leaving the chapel; they called me -'Madame la Duchesse.' I was married! Do you hear that, Gabriel? I was -married!" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel replied only with a wild burst of laughter. -</p> - -<p> -"Just think, Gabriel," continued Diane, "I was so entirely beside myself -that it was not until just as I was going into the house again that it -occurred to me for the first time, having recovered myself a little, to -look at the husband whom all these strangers had come to force upon me. -Until then I had not looked at him, Gabriel, although I had seen him. -Oh, my poor dear Gabriel, he isn't half as handsome as you are! He is -only moderately tall, and for all his fine clothes he looked much less -distinguished than you in your plain brown doublet. And then he had an -expression as impertinent and overbearing as yours is sweet and refined. -Add to this hair and a long beard of a bright red. I have been -sacrificed, Gabriel. After he had talked a while with the man who had -passed himself off as the king's representative, the duke approached me -and took my hand. -</p> - -<p> -"'Madame la Duchesse,' said he, with a very cunning smile, 'I beg you -will pardon the stern necessity which compels me to leave you so soon. -But you may or may not know that we are in the midst of a war with -Spain, and my men-at-arms demand my presence immediately. I hope to have -the pleasure of seeing you again soon at court, where you will go to -take up your abode near his Majesty the King, after this week. I trust -you will deign to accept some trifling presents which I will leave here -for you. <i>Au revoir</i>, Madame. Continue to be light-hearted and -fascinating, as befits your age, and amuse yourself, and play with all -your heart, while I am fighting.' -</p> - -<p> -"With these words he kissed me familiarly on the forehead, and his long -beard pricked me: it is not soft like yours, Gabriel. And then all these -fine gentlemen and ladies saluted me, and away they went, Gabriel, one -by one, leaving me at last alone with my father Enguerrand. He didn't -understand this transaction much better than I. They had given him the -parchment to read, wherein the king commanded me, so far as he could -make it out, to marry the Duc de Castro. The gentleman who represented -his Majesty was the Comte d'Humières; Enguerrand recognized him from -having seen him formerly with Monsieur de Vimoutiers. All that -Enguerrand knew more than I, was the melancholy fact that this Madame de -Leviston, who had superintended my toilette, and who lives at Caen, -would come one of these days to take me to court with her, and that I -must be always ready. There is the whole of my strange and mournful -story, Gabriel. Ah, no, I forgot. When I went back into my chamber I -found a great box, and what do you suppose was in it? You could never -guess. A superb doll, with a complete outfit of linen and three -dresses,—white silk, red damask, and green brocade,—all for the -use of the doll. I was beside myself with rage, Gabriel, to think that -these were my husband's presents! The idea of treating me like a little -girl! The red dress is most becoming, to the doll, because her complexion -is painted so naturally. The little shoes are lovely, too; but the whole -affair is shameful, for it seems to me that I am no longer a child." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes! you are a child, Diane," replied Gabriel, whose anger had -insensibly changed to sadness; "nothing but a child! I have no grudge -against you for being only twelve years old, for that would be unfair -and absurd. But I see that I have done wrong to allow myself to feel so -earnest and deep a sentiment for such a young and fickle creature; for -my grief has taught me how dearly I loved you, Diane. I repeat that I -wish you no ill, but if you had been stronger, and had mustered up -sufficient force to resist such an unjust command, if you had only known -how to obtain a little delay, Diane, we might have been very happy -together, since you have found your relatives, and they seem to be of -noble birth. I, too, Diane, have come to tell you a great secret which -was not revealed to me till this very day. But what's the use now? It is -too late. Your weakness has broken the thread of my destiny, which I -thought I held in my hand at last. Can I ever fasten the ends together -again? I foresee that my whole life will be filled with thoughts of you, -Diane, and that my youthful love will always hold the first place in my -heart. But you, Diane, in the lustre of the court, and in the continual -whirl and excitement of parties and festival-making, will soon lose -sight of him who has loved you so dearly in the time of your obscurity." -</p> - -<p> -"Never!" cried Diane. "And see, Gabriel, now that you are on the spot, -and can encourage and help me, do you want me to refuse to go when they -come after me, and to say no to all their prayers and entreaties and -commands, so that I may always stay with you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Thank you, dear Diane, but don't you see that henceforth, in the sight -of God and man, you belong to another? We must do our duty and abide our -fate. We must, as the Duc de Castro said, go each to his place,—you -to the dissipations of the court, and I to the battlefield. I only pray God -that I may see you again some day!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Gabriel, I shall see you again, and I shall always love you!" -cried poor Diane, throwing herself, sobbing, into her friend's arms. -</p> - -<p> -But just at this moment Enguerrand appeared in a path close by, with -Madame de Leviston at his heels. -</p> - -<p> -"Here she is, Madame," said he, pointing to Diane. "Ah! is that you, -Gabriel?" said he, as he saw the young count. "I was just on my way to -Montgommery to see you when I met Madame de Leviston's carriage, and had -to retrace my steps." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Madame," said Madame de Leviston, addressing Diane, "the king has -written to my husband that he is in haste to see you, and so I have -anticipated the date of our departure. If you please, we will set out in -an hour. Your preparations will not require much time, I fancy, will -they?" -</p> - -<p> -Diane looked at Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Courage!" said he, gravely. -</p> - -<p> -"I am very happy to say," resumed Madame de Leviston, "that your good -foster-father can and will go to Paris with us, and will overtake us -to-morrow at Alençon, if agreeable to you." -</p> - -<p> -"If it is agreeable to me!" cried Diane. "No one has yet named my -relatives to me, but I shall always call Enguerrand Father." -</p> - -<p> -And she held out her hand to Enguerrand, who covered it with kisses, so -that she might have an opportunity to steal another glance undercover of -her tears at Gabriel, who stood there thoughtful and sad, but none the -less resigned and determined. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, Madame," said Madame de Leviston, who was vexed a little perhaps -by these leave-takings and delays, "remember that you must be at Caen -before night." -</p> - -<p> -Diane, almost suffocated with her sobs, rushed off without more ado to -her chamber after signing to Gabriel to wait for her. Enguerrand and -Madame de Leviston followed her, and Gabriel waited. -</p> - -<p> -After an hour or so, during which the luggage that Diane was to carry -with her was stowed away in the carriage, Diane appeared, all ready for -the journey. She asked Madame de Leviston, who followed her about like a -shadow, to allow her to take one last turn around the garden, where she -had spent twelve years in careless, happy play. Gabriel and Enguerrand -walked behind her while she made this visit to her old haunts. Diane -stopped before a bush of white roses which Gabriel and she had planted -the year before. She picked two roses, one of which she fastened in her -dress, while she breathed a kiss upon the other and gave it to Gabriel. -The young man felt that she slipped a paper in his hand at the same -time, and he put it hastily into his doublet. -</p> - -<p> -When Diane had said adieu to all the paths and all the groves and all -the flowers, she had to make up her mind to take her departure. When she -reached the carriage which was to take her away, she shook hands with -each of the servants, and with the good folks from the village, who knew -and loved her every one. She had not strength to say a word, poor child; -she only gave each of them a kind nod of the head. Then she embraced -Enguerrand, and Gabriel last of all, with no signs of being embarrassed -by Madame de Leviston's presence. In her friend's embrace she found her -voice a moment, and when he said, "Adieu! adieu!" she replied, "No, <i>au -revoir</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -Then she entered the carriage that was waiting, and childhood, after -all, seemed not quite to have lost its hold on her, for Gabriel heard -her ask Madame de Leviston, with the little pout which became her so -well,— -</p> - -<p> -"Have they put my big doll up there somewhere?" -</p> - -<p> -Away went the carriage at a gallop. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel opened the paper Diane had handed him; in it he found a lock of -the fair yellow hair that he used to like so to kiss. -</p> - -<p> -A month later, Gabriel, having arrived in Paris, presented himself to -Duc François de Guise, at the Hôtel de Guise, under the name of -Vicomte d'Exmès. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap03"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER III -<br /><br /> -IN CAMP</h4> - -<p> -"Yes, gentlemen," said the Duc de Guise, as he entered his tent, to the -noblemen who were in attendance upon him; "yes, to-day, this 24th of -April, 1557, in the evening, after having entered Neapolitan territory -on the 15th, and taken Campli in four days, we are laying siege to -Civitella. On the 1st of May, having made ourselves masters of -Civitella, we will sit down before Aquila. On the 10th of May we shall -be at Arpino, and on the 20th at Capua, where we will not be caught -napping, as Hannibal was. On the 1st of June, gentlemen, I hope to show -you Naples, please God." -</p> - -<p> -"And how about the Pope, my dear brother?" said the Duc d'Aumale. "His -Holiness, who was so very free with his promises of assisting us with -the papal troops, has abandoned us so far to our own resources, so it -seems to me; and our army is hardly strong enough to take such risks in -a hostile country." -</p> - -<p> -"Paul IV.," said François, "is too deeply interested in the success of -our forces to leave us without assistance. What a beautifully clear, -bright night it is, gentlemen! Biron, do you know whether the partisans, -of whose expected rising in the Abruzzi the Caraffas told us, have begun -to make any stir yet?" -</p> - -<p> -"They don't budge, Monseigneur; I have late news that can be depended -on." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, our musketry will wake them up," said the Duc de Guise. "Monsieur -le Marquis d'Elbœuf," he resumed, "have you heard aught from the -convoys of provisions and ammunition which we should have met at Ascoli, -and which surely ought to come up to us here, I should say?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I have heard from them, Monseigneur, but at Rome; and since then, -alas—" -</p> - -<p> -"Merely a little delay," the Duc de Guise broke in,—"surely it is -nothing but a little delay; and after all, we are not altogether -unprovided. The taking of Campli helped out our commissariat somewhat; -and if I should enter the tent of any one of you gentlemen an hour from -now, I'll warrant I should find a first-rate supper on the board, and -seated at table with you some disconsolate widow or pretty orphan from -Campli, whom you make it your duty to console. Nothing could be better, -gentlemen. Besides, it is the bounden duty of the conqueror, and is what -makes victory so sweet, is it not? Well, I will keep you no longer now -from your pleasures. To-morrow, at daybreak, I will send for you to -concert the means of cutting into this sugar-loaf of Civitella; till -then, gentlemen, a good appetite, and good-night." -</p> - -<p> -The duke smilingly escorted his generals to the door of his tent; but -when the curtain which formed the door had fallen behind the last of -them, and François de Guise was left alone, his manly features at once -assumed a careworn expression, and seating himself at a table and -leaning his head on his hands, he said beneath his breath with much -anxiety,— -</p> - -<p> -"Can it be that I should have done better to renounce all personal -ambition, to content myself with being simply Henri II.'s general, and -to limit my achievements to the recovery of Milan and the liberation of -Sienna? Here am I in this kingdom of Naples of which in my dreams I have -heard myself called the king; but I am without allies, and shall soon be -without provisions; and all my officers, with my brother at their head, -with not an energetic, capable mind among them, are already beginning to -be disheartened, and to lose their courage, I can see plainly." -</p> - -<p> -At this moment the duke heard a step behind him. He turned quickly, with -an angry greeting on his lips for the bold intruder; but when he saw who -it was, instead of reproving him, he held out his hand to him. -</p> - -<p> -"You are not the man, Vicomte d'Exmès, are you," said he, "you are not -the man, my dear Gabriel, ever to think twice about going on with an -undertaking, because bread is scarce and the enemy plenty?—you, who -were the last to go out of Metz, and the first to enter Valenza and -Campli. But have you come to tell me anything new, my friend?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur, a courier has arrived from France," Gabriel replied. -"He is, I think, the bearer of letters from your illustrious brother, -Monseigneur le Cardinal de Lorraine. Shall I have him brought before -you?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, but let him hand you the despatches that he has, Viscount, and do -you bring them to me yourself, please." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel bowed, left the tent, and came back almost immediately, bringing -a letter sealed with the arms of the house of Lorraine. -</p> - -<p> -The six years that had passed since our story opened had scarcely -changed our old friend Gabriel, except that his features had taken on a -more manly and determined expression. He would at once have been picked -out as a man who had put his own worth to the proof and knew it well. -But he had always the same calm and serious brow, the same true and open -look, and, let us say at once, the same heart full of the hopes and -illusions of youth; and well it might be so, for he was only twenty-four -even now. -</p> - -<p> -The Duc de Guise was thirty-seven; and although his was a noble and -generous nature, his mind had already returned from many places where -Gabriel's had never yet been; and more than one disappointed ambition, -more than one burnt-out passion, more than one fruitless contest, had -sunk his eye deep in his head, and worn the hair from his temples. Yet -he none the less understood and loved the chivalrous and devoted -character of Gabriel; and an irresistible attraction drew the man of -years and experience toward the trustful youth. -</p> - -<p> -He took his brother's letter from Gabriel's hands, and said to him -before opening it,— -</p> - -<p> -"Listen, Vicomte d'Exmès: my secretary, Hervé de Thelen, whom you -knew, died under the walls of Valenza; my brother D'Aumale is only a -soldier, gallant but without ability; I need a right arm, Gabriel, a -confidential friend and assistant. Now, since you came to me at my hotel -at Paris, some five or six years since, I should say, I have become -convinced that you have a mind above the ordinary, and better still, a -faithful heart. I know nothing of you but your name,—and there never -lived a Montgommery who wasn't brave; but you came to me without a word -of recommendation from any one, and notwithstanding, I was attracted by -you at once! I took you with me to the defence of Metz; and if that -defence is to furnish one of the fairest pages of my life's story, if -after sixty-five days of assault we succeeded in driving from before the -walls of Metz an army of a hundred thousand men and a general who was -called Charles V., I must remember that your gallantry, conspicuous at -every turn, and your keen mind, always on the watch, had no -inconsiderable share in that glorious result. The following year you -were still with me when I won the battle of Renty; and if that ass -Montmorency, well christened the—but I must not insult my foe, I must -rather praise my friend and my brave companion,—Gabriel, Vicomte -d'Exmès, the worthy relative of the worthy Montgommerys. I must say to -you, Gabriel, that on every occasion, and more than ever since we came -into Italy, I have found your assistance, your advice, and your -affection of advantage to me, and have absolutely only one fault to find -with you, and that is being too reserved and discreet with your general. -Yes, I am sure that there is, somewhere or other in your life, a -sentiment or a thought that you are hiding from me, Gabriel. But what of -that? Some day you will confide it to me, and the important thing is to -know that there is something for you to do. <i>Pardieu</i>! I also have -something to do,—I, Gabriel; and if you say the word, we will join -our fortunes, and you will help me, and I you. When I have an important and -difficult undertaking to intrust to another, I will call upon you. When -a powerful patron becomes essential to the furtherance of your plans, I -will be on hand. Is it a bargain?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur," Gabriel replied, "I am yours, body and soul! What I -desired, first of all, was to be able to trust in myself and induce -others to trust in me. Now I have succeeded in acquiring a little -self-confidence, and you condescend to have some regard for me; so I -have succeeded in my ambition up to the present time. But that a -different ambition may hereafter summon me to fresh exertions, I do not -deny; and when that time comes, Monseigneur,—since you have been kind -enough to allow me to take such a step,—I will surely have recourse -to you, just as you may count upon me in life or in death." -</p> - -<p> -"Well said, <i>per Bacco</i>! as these drunken dogs of cardinals say. And -do you be quite easy in your mind, Gabriel, for François de Lorraine, Duc -de Guise, will spare no warmth to serve you in love or in hatred; for -one or the other of these passions is at work in us, is it not, my -master?" -</p> - -<p> -"Both, perhaps, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! so? And when your heart is so full, how can you resist letting it -overflow into the heart of a friend?" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas, Monseigneur, because I scarcely know whom I love, and have no -idea at all whom I hate!" -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed! Just suppose, then, Gabriel, since your enemies are to be mine -henceforth,—just suppose that old rake Montmorency should happen -to be among them!" -</p> - -<p> -"It may very well be so, Monseigneur; and if my suspicions have any -foundation—But we must not bother about my affairs at this crisis; it -is with you and your far-reaching plans that we have to do. How can I be -of service to you, Monseigneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"In the first place, read me this letter from my brother, the Cardinal -de Lorraine, Gabriel." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel broke the seal and unfolded the letter, and after having cast a -glance at it, handed it back to the duke, saying, as he did so,— -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon, Monseigneur, but this letter is written in peculiar characters, -and I cannot read it." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" said the duke, "was it Jean Panquet's courier who brought it, -then? It must be a confidential communication, I see,—a grated -letter, so to speak. Wait a moment, Gabriel!" -</p> - -<p> -He opened a casket of chased iron and took from it a paper with pieces -cut out at regular intervals, which he laid carefully upon the -cardinal's letter. "There," said he, handing it to Gabriel, "read it -now!" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel seemed to have some hesitation about doing as he was bid; but -François took his hand and pressed it, and said again, with a look of -perfect confidence and good faith, "Come, read it; there's a good -fellow!" -</p> - -<p> -So the Vicomte d'Exmès read as follows:— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"Monsieur, my most honored and illustrious brother (ah, when shall I be -able to call you by that one little word of four -letters,—<i>Sire</i>!)—" -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -Gabriel stopped again; and the duke said, smiling,— -</p> - -<p> -"You are astonished, Gabriel, and no wonder; but I trust that you have -no suspicions of me. The Duc de Guise is not another Constable de -Bourbon, my friend; and may God keep Henri's crown on his head, and -grant him long life! But is there no other throne in the world save the -throne of France? Since chance has placed me on an absolutely -confidential footing with you, Gabriel, I do not wish to hide anything -from you; but I am anxious to make known to you all my plans, and all my -dreams, which are not, I think, such as could spring from a commonplace -soul." -</p> - -<p> -The duke rose and strode up and down the tent. -</p> - -<p> -"Our family, which is allied to so many royal houses, may well, in my -mind, Gabriel, aspire to any height of greatness. But the mere -aspiration is nothing; attainment is my ambition. Our sister is Queen of -Scotland; our niece, Mary Stuart, is betrothed to the Dauphin François; -our grand-nephew, the Duc de Lorraine, is the chosen son-in-law of the -king. And that is not all: in addition, we claim to represent the second -house of Anjou, from which we are descended in the female line. Thence -we derive our claims or rights—it's all the same thing—to -Provence and Naples. Let us be content with Naples for the moment. Would -not that crown look better on a Frenchman's head than on a Spaniard's? -Now, what was my purpose in coming to Italy? To seize that crown. We are -in alliance with the Duc de Ferrara, and closely bound to the Pope's -nephews, the Caraffas. Paul IV. is an old man, and my brother, the -Cardinal de Lorraine, will succeed him. The throne of Naples is -tottering, and I will mount it; and that is why, <i>mon Dieu</i>! I left -Sienna and the Milanais behind me to pounce upon the Abruzzi. It was a -glorious dream; but I fear greatly that it will never be more than a -dream. For just consider, Gabriel, that I had less than twelve thousand -men when I crossed the Alps! The Duc de Ferrara had promised me seven -thousand; but he kept them on his own territory. Paul and the Caraffas -had boasted how they would stir up a powerful faction in my interest in -the kingdom of Naples, and agreed to furnish me with troops and money -and supplies; but they have not sent me a man or a wagon or a sou. My -officers are beginning to draw back, and my troops are murmuring. But it -makes no difference; I will go on to the bitter end. I will not leave -this promised land which my foot is now upon except at the last gasp; -and if I do leave it, I will return! I will return!" -</p> - -<p> -The duke stamped on the ground as if to take possession of it; his eyes -shone; and he was noble and beautiful to look upon. -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur," cried Gabriel, "how proud am I that I may be allowed to -be your companion, to have such a trifling part as I may in such a -glorious ambition!" -</p> - -<p> -"And now," the duke said, smiling, "that I have given you the key to my -brother's letter twice over, I fancy that you will be able to read and -understand it So go on with it, while I listen." -</p> - -<p> -"'Sire!' That is where I left off," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"I have to inform you of two items of bad tidings and one of good. The -good news is that the nuptials of our niece, Mary Stuart, are finally -fixed for the 20th of next month, and are to be celebrated in due form -at Paris on that day. One of the other pieces of news, of an evil tenor, -comes from England. Philip II. of Spain has landed there, and is urging -every day upon Queen Mary Tudor, his wife, who is passionately devoted -to him, a declaration of war against France. No one has any doubt that -he will succeed, although his wishes are directly opposed to the -interest and the desire of the English people. There is talk already of -an army to be assembled on the frontiers of the Low Countries, under the -command of Philibert Emmanuel of Savoy. In that event, my dearest -brother, we are suffering so from scarcity of troops here at home that -Henri will be forced to recall you from Italy, so that our plans in that -direction will at least have to be postponed. And consider, François, -how much better it would be to delay their execution for a while than to -compromise them; let there be no headstrong recklessness. It will be in -vain for our sister, the Queen Regent of Scotland, to threaten to break -with England, for you may believe that Mary of England, altogether -infatuated with her young husband, will pay no attention to it; so take -your measures accordingly." -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -"By Heaven!" broke in the Duc de Guise, bringing his fist down violently -on the table, "you say only too well, my brother; and it takes a sly fox -to smell the hounds. Yes, Mary the prude will surely allow herself to be -led astray by her lawful husband; and no, of course I cannot openly -disobey the king when he calls upon me to send his soldiers to him at so -serious a crisis; and I would rather hold my hand from all the kingdoms -on earth. Well, then, one obstacle the more in the way of this accursed -expedition; for I leave it to you to say if it is not accursed, Gabriel, -in spite of the Holy Father's blessing! Come, Gabriel, tell me frankly, -for my ear alone, you do look upon it as hopeless, don't you?" -</p> - -<p> -"I should not like, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, "to have you class me -with those who easily lose their courage; and yet, since you ask my -opinion in all sincerity—" -</p> - -<p> -"Enough, Gabriel! I understand you and agree with you. I foresee that it -is not at this time that we are fated to accomplish together the great -things that we were planning just now; but I swear to you that this is -only a postponement, and to strike a blow at Philip II. in any part of -his dominions will always be equivalent to attacking him here at Naples. -But go on, Gabriel, for if I remember aright we have other evil tidings -still to hear." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel resumed his reading. -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"The other troublesome affair that I have to tell you of will be of no -less serious moment, because it concerns our family's private matters; -but there is no doubt still time to avert it, and so I make haste to -give you notice of it. It is necessary that you should know that since -your departure Monsieur le Connétable de Montmorency has shown, and -quite naturally, the same ugly and bitter spirit toward us, and has -never ceased to be envious of us, and to fume and swear, as has always -been his custom whenever the king showed any favor to our family. The -approaching celebration of our dear niece Mary's nuptials with the -dauphin is not calculated to put him in a good humor. The balance which -it is to the king's interest to preserve between the two houses of Guise -and Montmorency is depressed considerably in our favor by this event; -and the old constable is making a terrible clamor and outcry for -something to counterbalance it. He has found this counterpoise, my dear -brother, in a match between his son François, the prisoner of -Thérouanne, and—" -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -The young count did not finish the sentence. His voice faltered, and -every drop of blood left his face. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, what's the matter, Gabriel?" asked the duke. "How pale you are -and how discomposed! Did you have a sudden attack of pain?" -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing, Monseigneur, absolutely nothing, except possibly a little -over-fatigue and a slight dizziness; but I am all right again now, and -will go on if you please. Let me see, where was I? The cardinal was -saying, I think, that there was a remedy. Oh, no, farther along. Here's -the place:—" -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"In a match between his son François and Madame Diane de Castro, the -legitimatized daughter of the king and Madame Diane de Poitiers. You will -remember, brother, that Madame de Castro, who was left a widow at the -age of thirteen, her husband, Horace Farnèse, having been killed at the -siege of Hesdin six months after the wedding, remained for five years at -the convent of the Filles-Dieu at Paris. The king, at the constable's -solicitation, sent for her to return to court. She is a perfect pearl of -beauty, my brother, and you know that I am a competent judge. Her charms -made a conquest of all hearts at first sight, and of the father's heart -more than all the rest. The king, who had already endowed her with the -duchy of Chatellerault, has added the duchy of Angoulême to her -possessions. She has been here only two weeks, and yet her supreme -influence over the king is already an admitted fact. Her fascination and -her sweet disposition are, no doubt, the moving causes of his very great -fondness for her. At last things have got to such a point that Madame de -Valentinois, who for some unknown reason has thought fit to invent -another mother for Madame de Castro, seems to me just at present to be -very jealous of this newly risen power. So it will be a very good thing -for the constable if he succeeds in getting such a potent ally into his -household. Between ourselves, you know that Diane de Poitiers never can -refuse much of anything to the old villain; and although our brother -D'Aumale is her son-in-law, Anne de Montmorency is still more closely -connected with her. The king, moreover, is inclined to make some amends -for the preponderating force which he sees that we are beginning to -wield in his council and his armies. And this infernal marriage is very -likely to be brought about." -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -"Again your voice falters, Gabriel," the duke interposed; "rest a bit, -my boy, and let me finish the letter myself, for it interests me -exceedingly. For, to tell the truth, that will give the constable a -dangerous advantage over us. But I thought that great gaby of a -François was already married to a De Fiennes. Come, give me the letter, -Gabriel." -</p> - -<p> -"But I am all right, upon my word, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, who had -been reading a few lines ahead, "and I am perfectly well able to read -the few lines that remain." -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"This infernal marriage is very likely to be brought about. There is -only one thing in our favor. François de Montmorency is bound by a -secret marriage to Mademoiselle de Fiennes; and so a divorce is a -necessary preliminary. But for that, the Pope's assent must be obtained; -and François is just setting out for Rome to obtain it. So make it your -business, my dear brother, to anticipate him with his Holiness, and -through our friends the Caraffas and your own influence to induce him to -reject the petition for a divorce, which will be supported, let me warn -you, by a letter from the king. But the threatened position is of -sufficient importance to call forth your best energies to defend it, as -you defended St. Dizier and Metz. I will act with you to the best of my -ability, for it will need all we both can do. And with this, my dear -brother, I pray God to grant you a long and happy life." -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -"Well, nothing is lost yet," said the Duc de Guise, when Gabriel had -finished reading the cardinal's letter; "and the Pope, who refuses to -supply me with soldiers, might at least be willing to make me a present -of a bull." -</p> - -<p> -"So, then," said Gabriel, trembling with emotion, "you have some hope -that his Holiness will refuse to ratify this divorce from Jeanne de -Fiennes, and will be opposed to this marriage of François de -Montmorency?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes! indeed, I have hopes of it. But how deeply moved you are, my -friend! Dear Gabriel! he does enter passionately into our interests! I -am quite as heartily at your service, Gabriel, be sure of that. And come -now, let us talk about your affairs a little; and since, in this -undertaking, of which I can foresee the issue only too plainly, you will -scarcely have an opportunity, I imagine, to swell the list of noteworthy -services for which I am in your debt, by any fresh exploits, suppose I -make a beginning of paying my debt to you? I don't choose to be too -heavily in arrear, my good fellow. Can I be of help or assistance to you -in any way whatever? Tell me now; come, tell me frankly." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur is too kind," replied Gabriel; "and I do not see—" -</p> - -<p> -"For these last five years, when you have been continually fighting -under me," said the duke, "you have never accepted a sou from me. You -must be in need of money; why, God bless me, everybody needs money. It -is not a gift or a loan that I offer you, but payment of a debt. So -let's have no empty scruples; and although we are, as you know, rather -pressed for money, still—" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I do know very well, Monseigneur, that the want of a little means -sometimes causes your grandest schemes to fall through; and I am so far -from being in need myself that I was going to offer you some thousands -of crowns, which would come in very handily for the army, and are quite -useless to me, really." -</p> - -<p> -"And which I will gladly accept, for they come at a very good time, I -confess; and so one can do absolutely nothing for you, O young man -without a wish! But stay," he added in a lower tone, "that rascal -Thibault, my body-servant, you know, at the sack of Campli, day before -yesterday, put aside for me the young wife of the <i>procureur</i> of the -town, the beauty of the neighborhood, judging from what I hear, always -excepting the governor's wife, on whom no one can lay his hand. But as -for me, upon my word, I have too many other cares in my head, and my -hair is getting grizzly. Come, Gabriel, what would you say to my prize? -<i>Sang-Dieu</i>! but you are built just right to make amends for the loss -of a <i>procureur</i>! What do you say to it?" -</p> - -<p> -"I say, Monseigneur, with regard to the governor's wife, of whom you -speak, and upon whom no hand has been laid, that it was I who fell in -with her in the confusion, and carried her away, not to abuse my rights, -as you might think. On the contrary, my object was to shield a noble and -beautiful woman from the violence of a licentious soldiery. But I have -since discovered that the fair creature would have no objection to -adopting the cause of the victors, and would be very glad to shout, like -the soldier of Gaul: 'Væ victis!' But since I am now, alas! less -inclined than ever to echo her sentiments, I can, if you desire, -Monseigneur, have her brought here to one who can appreciate better than -I, and more worthily, her charms and her rank." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, oh!" cried the duke, laughing heartily. "Such extraordinary -morality almost savors of the Huguenot, Gabriel. Can it be that you have -a secret leaning toward those of the religion? Ah, take heed, my friend! -I am by conviction, and by policy, which is worse, an ardent Catholic, -and I will have you burned without pity. But come, joking apart, why the -deuce are you so strait-laced?" -</p> - -<p> -"Because I am in love, perhaps," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, I remember, a hate and a love. Well, then, can't I show my -good-will to you by putting you in a way to meet your foes or your love? -Are you in want of a title, for example?" -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, Monseigneur; I am no longer in need of that, and as I said to -you in the first place, my ambition is not for vague and empty honors, -but for a little personal renown. Therefore, since you conclude that -there is nothing more of importance to be done here, and I am not likely -to be of much use to you, it would be a very great gratification to me -to be commissioned by you to carry to Paris, for the marriage of your -royal niece, for instance, the flags you have won in Lombardy and in the -Abruzzi. My happiness would leave nothing to be desired if you would -deign to give me a letter to his Majesty, which should bear witness to -him and to the whole court that some of these flags have been taken by -my own hand, not altogether without danger to myself." -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed, I will! That is very easily done; and more than that, it is -quite right too," said the Duc de Guise. "I shall be very sorry to part -with you; but in all probability it will only be for a short time, if -war breaks out on the Flemish frontier, as everything seems to indicate, -and we will meet again there, will we not, Gabriel? Your place is always -where there is fighting to be done; and that is why you are so anxious -to get away from here, where there is nothing to be had now but -weariness and ennui, by Heaven! But we will have better sport in the Low -Countries, Gabriel, and I trust that we shall enjoy it together there." -</p> - -<p> -"I shall be only too glad to follow you, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Meanwhile, how soon would you like to be off, Gabriel, to carry to the -king this wedding gift, of which your brain conceived the idea?" -</p> - -<p> -"The sooner the better, I should say, Monseigneur, if the marriage is to -take place on the 20th of May, as Monseigneur le Cardinal de Lorraine -informs you." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true. Well, then, you shall go to-morrow, Gabriel; and you will -have none too much time either. So go and get some rest, my friend, -while I write the letter which will commend you to the king's notice, as -well as the reply to my brother's, of which you will kindly take charge; -and say to him besides, that I hope for a favorable result to the matter -in which the Pope is concerned." -</p> - -<p> -"And perhaps, Monseigneur," said Gabriel, "my presence at Paris may help -along the result you desire to that matter, and so my absence may be of -some service to you." -</p> - -<p> -"Always mysterious, Vicomte d'Exmès! but I am used to it from you. -Adieu, then; and may the last night that you pass near me be a pleasant -one!" -</p> - -<p> -"I will return in the morning to get my letters and your blessing, -Monseigneur. Ah! I leave with you my retainers, who have followed me in -all my campaigns. I ask your permission to take with me only two of them -and my squire, Martin-Guerre; he will answer all my needs; he is devoted -to me, and is afraid of only two things in the whole world,—his wife -and his shadow." -</p> - -<p> -"How is that?" said the duke, laughing. -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, Martin-Guerre fled from his native place, Artigues, near -Rieux, to get away from his wife Bertrande, whom he adored, but who used -to beat him. He entered my service after Metz; but either the Devil or -his wife, to torment him or punish him for his sins, kept appearing to -him from time to time in his own image. Yes, all of a sudden, he would -see by his side another Martin-Guerre, a striking likeness of himself, -as like as if it were his reflection in a mirror; and by our Lady! that -frightened him. But for all that he has an utter contempt for bullets, -and would carry a redoubt single-handed. At Renty and at Valenza he -twice saved my life." -</p> - -<p> -"Take this valiant coward with you by all means, Gabriel. Give me your -hand again, my dear friend, and be ready in the morning. My letters will -be waiting for you." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel was ready to start bright and early the next day; he passed the -night dreaming without closing his eyes. He waited on the Duc de Guise -to receive his last instructions, and pay his parting respects, and on -the 26th of April, at six in the morning, he set out for Rome, and -thence for Paris, attended by Martin-Guerre and two of his followers. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap04"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER IV -<br /><br /> -A KING'S MISTRESS</h4> - -<p> -It is the 20th of May, and we ask our readers to go with us to the -Louvre at Paris, and to the apartments of the wife of the Great -Seneschal, Madame de Brézé, Duchesse de Valentinois, commonly called -Diane de Poitiers. Nine o'clock in the morning has just struck on the -great clock of the château. Madame Diane, all in white, in a decidedly -coquettish <i>negligé</i>, is leaning or half reclining on a bed covered -with black velvet. King Henri, already dressed in a magnificent costume, -is sitting on a chair at her side. -</p> - -<p> -Let us glance a moment at the scene and the <i>dramatis personæ</i>. -</p> - -<p> -The apartment of Diane de Poitiers was resplendent with all the -magnificence and taste which that fair dawning of art called the -Renaissance had had the skill to lavish upon a king's chamber. Paintings -signed "Le Primatice" represented various incidents of the hunting -field, wherein the Huntress Diane, goddess of woods and forests, -naturally figured as the principal heroine. The gilded and colored -medallions and panels repeated on all sides the intertwined armorial -bearings of François I. and Henri II. In like manner were memories of -father and son intertwined in the heart of the fair Diane. The emblems -were no less historical and full of meaning, and in twenty places was -to be seen the crescent of Phœbus-Diane, between the Salamander of the -conqueror of Marignan, and Bellerophon overthrowing the Chimæra, a -device adopted by Henri II. after the taking of Boulogne from the -English. This fickle crescent appeared in a thousand different forms and -combinations which did great credit to the decorators of the time: here -the royal crown was placed above it, and there four H's, four <i>fleurs de -lis</i>, and four crowns together made a superb setting for it; again it -was threefold, and then shaped like a star. The mottoes were no less -varied, and most of them were written in Latin. "Diana regum venatrix" -(Diana, huntress of kings),—was that a piece of impertinence or of -flattery? "Donec totum impleat orbem" can be translated in two -ways,—"The crescent is to become a full moon," or "The king's glory -will fill the whole world." "Cum plena est, fit æmula solis," can be -freely translated, "Beauty and royalty are sisters." And the lovely -arabesques which enclosed devices and mottoes, and the superb -furnishings on which they were reproduced,—all these, if we should -attempt to describe them, would not only put our magnificence of the -present day to the blush, but would lose too much in the description. -</p> - -<p> -Now let us cast our eyes upon the king. -</p> - -<p> -History tells us that he was tall, supple, and strong. He had to resort -to regular diet and daily exercise to combat a certain tendency to -stoutness; and yet in the chase he left the swiftest far behind, and -carried away the palm from the strongest at the jousts and tourneys. His -hair and beard were black, and his complexion very dark, which gave him -so much more animation, if we may believe contemporary memoirs. He wore, -at the time we make his acquaintance, as indeed he always did, the -colors of the Duchesse de Valentinois,—a coat of green satin slashed -with white, glistening with pearls and diamonds; a double chain of gold, -to which was suspended the medal of the order of Saint Michael; a sword -chased by Benvenuto; a collar of white point de Venise; a velvet cloak -dotted with golden lilies hung gracefully from his shoulders. It was a -costume of singular richness, and suitable to a cavalier of exquisite -elegance. -</p> - -<p> -We have said in brief that Diane was clad in a simple white peignoir of -a singularly thin and transparent stuff. To paint her divine loveliness -would not be so easy a matter; and it would be hard to say whether the -black velvet cushion on which her head lay, or the dress, startling in -its purity, by which her form was enveloped, served best to set off the -snows and lilies of her complexion. And surely it was such a perfect -combination of delicate outlines as to drive Jean Goujon himself to -despair. There is no more perfect piece of antique statuary; and this -statue was alive, and very much alive too, if common report is to be -believed. As for the graceful motion with which these lovely limbs were -instinct, we must not attempt to describe it. It can no more be -reproduced than can a ray of sunlight. As for age, she had none. In this -point, as in so many others, she was like the immortals; but by her side -the youngest and most blooming seemed old and wrinkled. The Protestants -babbled about philters and potions, to which they said that she had -recourse to enable her to remain always sixteen. The Catholics replied -that all she did was to take a cold bath every day, and wash her face in -ice water even in winter. Her prescription has been preserved; but if it -be true that Jean Goujon's "Diane au Cerf" was carved from this royal -model, that prescription has no longer the same effect. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<a id="figure01"></a> -<img src="images/figure01.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> -<p class="center">A King's Mistress.</p> -</div></div> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -Thus was she a worthy object of the affection of the two kings whom one -after the other her beauty had dazzled. For if the story of the favor -obtained by Monsieur Saint-Vallier, thanks to his fine brown eyes, seems -apocryphal, it is almost conclusively proved that Diane was François's -mistress before she became Henri's. -</p> - -<p> -"It is said," chronicles Le Laboureur, "that King François, who was the -first lover of Diane de Poitiers, having expressed to her one day, after -the death of François the dauphin, some dissatisfaction at the lack of -animation exhibited by Prince Henri, she told him that he needed to have -a love affair, and that she would make him fall in love with her." -</p> - -<p> -What woman wills, God wills; and Diane was for twenty years the dearly -and only beloved of Henri. -</p> - -<p> -But now that we have examined the king and the favorite, is it not time -to hear what they are saying? -</p> - -<p> -Henri, holding a parchment in his hand, was reading aloud the following -verses, not without some interruptions and by-play which we cannot set -down here, because they were part of the setting of the piece. -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">Douce et belle bouchelette,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Plus fraîche, et plus vermeillette</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Que le bouton églantine,</span><br /> -<span class="i8">Au matin!</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Plus suave et mieux fleurante</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Que l'immortelle amarante,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Et plus mignarde cent fois</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Que n'est la douce rosée</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Dont la terre est arrosée</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Goutte à goutte au plus doux mois!</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Baise-moi, ma douce amie,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Baise-moi, chère vie,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Baise-moi, mignonnement,</span><br /> -<span class="i8">Serrement,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Jusques à tant que je die:</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Las! je n'en puis plus, ma mie;</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Las! mon Dieu, je n'en puis plus.</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Lors ta bouchette retire,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Afin que mort, je soupire,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Puis, me donne le surplus.</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Ainsi ma douce guerrière,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Mon cœur, mon tout, ma lumière,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Vivons ensemble, vivons,</span><br /> -<span class="i8">Et suivons</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Les doux soutiens de jeunesse,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Aussi bien une vieillesse</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Nous menace sur le port,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Qui, toute courbe et tremblante,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Nous attraîne, chancelante,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">La maladie et la mort.<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a></span> -</div></div> - -<p> -"And what might be the name of this polite versifier who tells us so -well what we are doing?" asked Henri when he had finished his reading. -</p> - -<p> -"He is called Remy Belleau, Sire, and promises to rival Ronsard, it -seems to me. Oh, well!" continued the duchess, "do you put the value of -this lover's poem at five hundred crowns, as I do?" -</p> - -<p> -"He shall have them, this protégé of yours, my beautiful Diane." -</p> - -<p> -"But we must not allow this to make us forget the earlier ones, Sire. -Have you signed the warrant for the pension that I promised in your name -to Ronsard, the prince of poets? You have, haven't you? Well, then, I -have only one favor more to ask at your hands, and that is the vacant -abbey of Recouls for your librarian, Mellin de Saint-Gelais, our French -Ovid." -</p> - -<p> -"Ovid shall have his abbey, never fear, my fair Maecenas," said the -king. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, how fortunate are you, Sire, to have the power of disposing of so -many benefices and offices at your pleasure! If I could only have your -power just for one short hour!" -</p> - -<p> -"Haven't you it always, ingrate?" -</p> - -<p> -"Really, have I, my Lord? But you haven't given me a kiss for two whole -minutes! That's right, dear. So you say that your power is always at my -command? Don't tempt me, Sire! I warn you that I shall avail myself of -it to pay the enormous claim which Philibert Delorme has presented to -me, on the ground that my Château d'Anet is finished. It will be the -glory of your reign; but how dear it is! Just one kiss, my Henri!" -</p> - -<p> -"And for this kiss, Diane, take for your Delorme the sum produced by the -sale of the governorship of Picardy." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, do you think that I sell my kisses? I give them to you, Henri. -This Picardy governorship is worth two hundred thousand livres, I should -think, is it not? And then I can take the pearl necklace which has been -offered me, and which I was very anxious to wear to-day at the wedding -of your dear son François. A hundred thousand livres to Philibert, and -a hundred thousand for the necklace; this Picardy matter will do very -well." -</p> - -<p> -"Especially as you estimate it at quite double its real worth, Diane." -</p> - -<p> -"What! is it worth only one hundred thousand livres? Well, then, it's a -very simple matter for me to let the necklace go." -</p> - -<p> -"Nonsense!" said the king, laughing; "there are three or four vacant -companies somewhere which will pay for the necklace, Diane." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Sire, you are the most generous of kings, as you are the best -beloved of lovers." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, you do really love me as I love you, do you not, Diane?" -</p> - -<p> -"He really has the face to ask such a question!" -</p> - -<p> -"But I, you see, dear, I adore you more and more every day, because you -are every day more beautiful. Ah, what a lovely smile you have, -sweetheart, and what a sweet expression! Let me kneel here at your feet. -Put your fair hands on my shoulders. Oh, Diane, how lovely you are, and -how dearly I love you! I could stay here and just gaze at you for hours, -nay, for years. I would forget France, I would forget the whole world." -</p> - -<p> -"And even this formal celebration of Monseigneur the Dauphin's -marriage?" said Diane, smiling; "and yet it is to be solemnized this -very day and in two hours' time. And even if you are all ready in your -magnificence, Sire, I am not ready at all, you see. So go, my dear Lord, -for it is time for me to call my women. Ten o'clock will strike in a -moment." -</p> - -<p> -"Ten o'clock," said Henri; "and upon my word, I have an appointment at -that hour." -</p> - -<p> -"An appointment, Sire? With a lady, perhaps?" -</p> - -<p> -"With a lady." -</p> - -<p> -"Pretty, no doubt?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Diane, very pretty." -</p> - -<p> -"Then it can't be the queen." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you wretch! Catherine de Médicis has a certain sort of beauty of -her own, a stern and cold style of beauty, but undeniable. However, it -is not the queen whom I expect. Can you guess who it is?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, I really cannot, Sire." -</p> - -<p> -"It is another Diane, dear,—the living memento of our young -affections, our daughter, our darling daughter." -</p> - -<p> -"You said that too loud and too often, Sire," said Diane, frowning, and -in a somewhat embarrassed tone. "It was agreed that Madame de Castro -should pass for the child of another than myself. I was born to have -legitimate children by you. I have been your mistress because I loved -you; but I will not put up with your openly declaring me your -concubine." -</p> - -<p> -"That shall be as your pride dictates, Diane," was the king's reply; -"but you love our child dearly, do you not?" -</p> - -<p> -"I like to have you love her." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes! I love her very much. She is so fascinating, so clever, so -sweet! And then, Diane, she reminds me so of my younger days and of the -time when I loved you—ah! no more passionately than to-day, God -knows, but when I loved you so that I was willing to commit a crime." -</p> - -<p> -The king, who had suddenly fallen into gloomy reflection, raised his -head. -</p> - -<p> -"This Montgommery! You didn't care for him, did you, Diane? You didn't -care for him?" -</p> - -<p> -"What a foolish question!" said the favorite, with a disdainful smile. -"Still so jealous after twenty years!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I am jealous; I am, and shall always be jealous of you, Diane. -Surely you didn't love him; but he loved you, the villain,—he dared -to love you!" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>! Sire, you have always lent too willing an ear to the -slanders with which these Protestants are always pursuing me. That is -not the part of a Catholic king. In any event, whether the man loved me -or not, what does it matter, if my heart never for an instant ceased to -be wholly yours, for the Comte de Montgommery has been dead many years?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, dead!" said the king, in a hollow voice. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, let us not grow mournful over these reminiscences on a day which -ought to be a day of rejoicing," said Diane. "Have you seen François -and Marie yet? Are they always so lovelorn, these children? Well their -terrible impatience will soon be at an end. Think, in two hours they -will be made one, and so glad and happy, but still not so delighted as -the Guises, whose wishes are fully satisfied by this marriage." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, but who is in a fury about it?" said the king. "My old -Montmorency; and the constable has so much the more reason to lose his -head, because I greatly fear that our Diane is not destined for his -son." -</p> - -<p> -"But, Sire, didn't you promise him this marriage by way of amends?" -</p> - -<p> -"Certainly I did; but it seems that Madame de Castro has objections—" -</p> - -<p> -"A child of eighteen just out of a convent! What objections can she -possibly have?" -</p> - -<p> -"It is to confide them to me that she is probably waiting in my -apartments at this very moment." -</p> - -<p> -"Go to her, then, Sire, while I proceed to beautify myself to please -you." -</p> - -<p> -"And after the ceremony I shall see you again at the tilting match. I am -going to break a lance in your honor once more to-day, and I propose to -make you queen of the lists." -</p> - -<p> -"The queen? And who is the other?" -</p> - -<p> -"There is only one, Diane, and you know it very well. <i>Au revoir</i>." -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Au revoir</i>, Sire, and pray don't be rash and careless in this -tilting; you make me shudder sometimes." -</p> - -<p> -"There is no danger there, I'm sorry to say; for I could wish that there -might be, so that I might seem a little more deserving in your eyes. But -time is passing, and my two Dianes are both impatient. Tell me just once -more that you love me." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, I love you as I always have loved you, and as I shall love you -forever." -</p> - -<p> -The king, before letting the curtain fall behind him, threw her a last -kiss with his hand. "Adieu, my dearly loving and dearly loved Diane," -said he. And he left her. -</p> - -<p> -Then a panel hidden by hangings in the opposite wall opened. -</p> - -<p> -"For the love of heaven, have you done enough chattering for to-day?" -said the Constable de Montmorency, roughly, as he came into the room. -</p> - -<p> -"My friend," said Diane, rising, "you must have seen that even before -ten o'clock, which was the hour of my appointment with you, I did -everything I could to send him away. I was quite as uncomfortable as you -were, believe me." -</p> - -<p> -"As uncomfortable as I! <i>Pasques-Dieu</i>! no, my dear; and if you -flatter yourself that your discourse was either instructive or -entertaining—In the first place, what is this new crotchet, of -refusing your daughter Diane's hand to my son François, after having -solemnly promised it? By the crown of thorns! would one not say that the -bastard was conferring a great honor on the Montmorency family by -condescending to enter it? The marriage must take place; do you -understand, Diane? And you must take measures to see that it does. It is -the only means left of restoring the balance between us and the Guises, -whom the deuce take! So, Diane, in spite of the king, in spite of the -Pope, in spite of everything, I wish that this should come to pass." -</p> - -<p> -"But, my friend—" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" cried the constable, "and when I tell you that I wish it so, -<i>Pater noster</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -"It shall be as you say, my friend," Diane in her fear of him made haste -to say. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p class="nind"><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a></p> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">Sweet and lovely little mouth,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Fresher and ruddier than bud of eglantine</span><br /> -<span class="i2">At morn!</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Sweeter and more fragrant than the immortal amaranth,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">And a hundred times dearer</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Than the gentle dew which waters the earth,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Drop by drop, in the sweetest month!</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Kiss me, sweet friend; kiss me, dear life.</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Kiss me lovingly, closely, until I say:</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Alas, my love, I can bear no more!</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Alas, my God, I can bear no more!</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Then take away thy little mouth, till dead I sigh;</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Then bestow on me the rest.</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Thus, sweet warrior, my heart, my light, my all,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Let us live together; let us live</span><br /> -<span class="i0">And follow the sweet delights of youth,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Since near the haven old age threatens us,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Which, bowed and trembling, tottering, brings us</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Sickness and death.</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap05"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER V -<br /><br /> -IN THE APARTMENTS OF THE ROYAL CHILDREN</h4> - -<p> -The king, on returning to his own apartments, did not find his daughter -there; but the usher who was in attendance told him that after waiting -for him a long while Madame Diane had gone to the rooms set apart for -the king's children, leaving word that she should be informed as soon as -his Majesty returned. -</p> - -<p> -"Very well," said Henri, "I will join her there. Leave me, for I will go -alone." -</p> - -<p> -He passed through a large hall, then a long corridor, at the end of -which he softly opened a door, and stood looking behind a long -half-drawn curtain. The children's cries and shouts of laughter had -drowned the noise of his steps; and he was able, himself unseen, to -watch a most delightful and graceful picture. -</p> - -<p> -Standing at the window, Mary Stuart, the beautiful young bride, had -gathered around her Diane de Castro, and Elisabeth and Marguerite de -France, all three very assiduous to help her, and chattering away for -dear life, smoothing out a fold in her dress or fixing a lock of hair -that had escaped from its fastening,—in short, giving that finishing -touch to her lovely toilette which only women know how to give. At the -other end of the room, the brothers, Charles, Henri, and François, the -youngest of all, laughing and shouting at the top of their voices, were -pushing with all their strength against a door which François the -dauphin, the young bridegroom, was trying in vain to open, while the -little rogues were determined to prevent him from having a sight of his -wife till the last moment. -</p> - -<p> -Jacques Amyot, the preceptor of the princes, was talking seriously in a -corner with Madame de Coni and Lady Lennox, the governesses of the -princesses. -</p> - -<p> -There in one apartment, within a space that could be covered by one -glance, was assembled a large part of the history of the future, its -woes, its passions, and its glory. There were the dauphin, who became -François II.; Élisabeth, who married Philip II., and became Queen of -Spain; Charles, who was Charles IX.; Henri, who was Henri III.; -Marguerite de Valois, who married Henri IV., and was Queen of Navarre; -François, who was successively Duc d'Alençon, d'Anjou, and de Brabant; -and Mary Stuart, who was twice a queen, and a martyr too. -</p> - -<p> -The illustrious translator of Plutarch watched with a gaze at once sad -and absorbed the sports of these children and the future destinies of -France. -</p> - -<p> -"No, no, François, you shall not come in!" cried rather harshly the -brutal Charles Maximilien, who was in after years to give the word for -the fearful slaughter of Saint Bartholomew. -</p> - -<p> -And with his brothers' help he succeeded in pushing the bolt, and thus -made an entrance out of the question for poor François, who was too -frail in any event to have made his way in, even against these children, -and who could only stamp in his vexation, and beg from the other side of -the door. -</p> - -<p> -"Dear François, how they do torment him!" said Mary Stuart to his -sisters. -</p> - -<p> -"Keep quiet, do, Madame la Dauphine, at least until I put in this pin," -laughed little Marguerite. "What a fine invention these pins are, and -what a great man the one who thought of them last year ought to become!" -said she. -</p> - -<p> -"And now that the pin is in place," said gentle Élisabeth, "I am going -to open the door for poor François, in spite of these young fiends; for -it makes me sad to see him so sad." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, you know all about that, you do, Élisabeth," said Mary -Stuart, sighing; "and you are thinking of your courtly Spaniard, Don -Carlos, son of the King of Spain, who fêted us and amused us so at St. -Germain." -</p> - -<p> -"See how Elisabeth is blushing," cried little Marguerite, clapping her -hands mischievously. "The fact is that he was very fine and gallant, -this Castilian of hers." -</p> - -<p> -"Come, come," said Diane de Castro, the eldest of the sisters, in a -motherly sort of way, "it isn't right to jest so among sisters, -Marguerite." -</p> - -<p> -Nothing could have been more fascinating than the sight of these four -lovely maidens, each so different from the others, and each so perfect -in herself. Beautiful flowers just opening their buds: Diane, all purity -and sweetness; Élisabeth, serious and affectionate; Mary Stuart, all -captivating languor; and Marguerite a sparkling madcap. Henri, moved and -fascinated, could not feast his eyes enough with the charming picture. -</p> - -<p> -However, he had to make up his mind to go in. "The king!" they cried -with one breath; and all, boys and girls together, rushed to meet their -king and father. Only Mary Stuart held back a little, and went softly -and drew the bolt which was keeping François prisoner. The dauphin lost -no time in coming in, and the young family was complete. -</p> - -<p> -"Good-morning, my dears," said the king. "I am very glad to find you all -so well and happy. Were they keeping you out, François, my poor boy? -But you are going to have time enough now to see your betrothed -sweetheart often and always. Are you very fond of one another, my -children?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, Sire, I do love Mary!" and the passionate boy pressed a -burning kiss on the hand of her who was to be his wife. -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur," said Lady Lennox, sharply and rather sternly, "one does -not kiss a lady's hand in public in that way, especially in his -Majesty's presence. What will he think of Madame Mary and her -governess?" -</p> - -<p> -"But isn't this hand mine?" said the dauphin. -</p> - -<p> -"Not yet, Monseigneur," said the duenna; "and I propose to fulfil my -duty till the last minute." -</p> - -<p> -"Don't be afraid," said Mary, in an undertone to her young husband, who -was beginning to sulk; "when she isn't looking, I will give it you -again." -</p> - -<p> -The king laughed beneath his beard. -</p> - -<p> -"You are very strict, my Lady; but then you are quite right," he added, -checking himself. "And you, Messire Amyot, you are not dissatisfied with -your pupils, I trust. Pay great regard to the words of your learned -preceptor, young gentlemen, for he is on intimate terms with the great -heroes of antiquity. Messire Amyot, is it long since you have heard from -Pierre Danot, who was our old master, and from Henri Étienne, our -fellow-pupil?" -</p> - -<p> -"The old man and the young one are both well, Sire, and will be very -proud and happy to know that your Majesty has deigned to remember them." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, children," said the king, "I wanted to see you before the -ceremony, and am very glad that I have seen you. Now, Diane, I am at -your service, my dear, so come with me." -</p> - -<p> -Diane bowed low and followed the king from the room. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap06"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER VI -<br /><br /> -DIANE DE CASTRO</h4> - -<p> -Diane de Castro, whose acquaintance we made when she was yet a mere -child, was now almost eighteen years old. Her beauty had fulfilled all -its promise, and had developed in regularity and charm at the same time; -the predominant expression of her sweet and lovely face was one of -childlike openness and honesty. Diane de Castro in character and in mind -was still the child whom we first knew. She was not yet thirteen when -the Duc de Castro, whom she had never seen since the day she was married -to him, had been killed at the siege of Hesdin. The king had sent the -child-widow to pass her mourning period at the convent of the -Filles-Dieu at Paris; and Diane had found such warm affection and such -pleasant customs there that she had asked her father's permission to -remain with the kind sisters and her companions until he should be ready -to make some other disposition of her. One could but respect such a -devout request; and Henri had not taken Diane from the convent until -about a month before, when the Constable de Montmorency, jealous of the -preponderance acquired by the Guises in the government, had solicited -and obtained for his son the hand of the daughter of the king and his -favorite. -</p> - -<p> -During the mouth she had passed at court, Diane had not failed at once -to attract universal respect and admiration. "For," says Brantôme, in -his work on famous women, "she was very kind, and did nothing to offend -anybody; and yet her spirit was very noble and high, and she was very -obliging and discreet, and most virtuous." But her virtue, which shone -forth so pure and lovely amid the general wickedness of the time, was -entirely free from any touch of austerity or harshness. One day some man -remarked in her hearing that a daughter of France ought to be valiant -and strong, and that her shyness smacked somewhat of the cloister, -whereupon she learned to ride in a very few days, and there was no -cavalier who was so fearless and dashing a rider as she. After that she -always went with the king to the chase; and Henri yielded more and more -to her charming way of seeking, without the least pretence for any -occasion, however trifling, of anticipating his wishes and making -herself agreeable to him. So Diane was granted the privilege of entering -her father's apartments whenever she chose, and she was always sure of a -welcome. Her touching grace, her modest ways, and the odor of sweet -maidenliness and innocence which one seemed to breathe when she was -near, even to her smile, which was the least bit sad, combined to make -her perhaps the most exquisite and ravishing figure of that whole court, -which could boast of so many dazzling beauties. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, my darling," said Henri, "now I am ready to hear what you have to -tell me. There's eleven o'clock striking. The marriage ceremony at St. -Germain l'Auxerrois is not to be performed till noon, so that I have -half an hour to give you, and no more. These are the pleasant moments of -my life that I pass with you." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, what a kind and indulgent father you are!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, no, but I love you dearly, my precious child; and I desire with all -my heart to do something that will gratify you, so long as I do not -thereby prove false to the grave interests of state which a king must -always consider before any natural ties. And now, Diane, to prove it to -you, I will first of all give you my answer to the two requests you made -of me. Good Sister Monique, who loved you and watched over you at your -convent of the Filles-Dieu, has been appointed at your recommendation -Lady Abbess of the convent of Origny at St. Quentin." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, how grateful I am, Sire!" -</p> - -<p> -"As for brave Antoine, your favorite servant at Vimoutiers, he will draw -a handsome pension from our treasury for life. I am very sorry, Diane, -that Enguerrand is no longer alive. We should have liked to show our -gratitude in kingly style to the worthy squire who brought up our dear -daughter Diane so happily; but you lost him last year, I think, and he -has not even left an heir." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, you are too generous and kind really." -</p> - -<p> -"And more than that, Diane, here are the letters-patent which make you -Duchesse d'Angoulême. And this is not a fourth part of what I should -like to do for you; for I see that you are sometimes thoughtful and sad, -and that is why I was in haste to talk with you, because I longed to -comfort you, or to cure your sorrow. What is it, my dear? Aren't you -happy?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Sire," replied Diane, "how can I help being happy, being thus -surrounded by your love and your continual kindness? I only long for one -thing, and that is that the present, so full of happiness, may continue. -The future, fine and glorious as it may be, will never equal it." -</p> - -<p> -"Diane," said Henri, in a grave voice, "you know that I took you from -the convent to give your hand to François de Montmorency. It would be a -grand match, Diane; and yet this alliance, which, I don't conceal from -you, would have been of great advantage to the interests of my crown, -seems to be very distasteful to you. You owe me at least your reasons -for this refusal, which troubles me so, Diane." -</p> - -<p> -"Surely I will not hide them from you, my Father. And in the first -place," said Diane, with some embarrassment, "I have been told that -François de Montmorency has already been secretly married to -Mademoiselle de Fiennes, one of the queen's ladies." -</p> - -<p> -"It is true," replied the king; "but this marriage, contracted -clandestinely, without the constable's consent and mine, is rightfully -void; and if the Pope decrees a divorce, you certainly, Diane, will not -show yourself more exacting than his Holiness. So if this is your only -reason—" -</p> - -<p> -"But there is another, dear Father." -</p> - -<p> -"And what is it, pray? How can an alliance which would be esteemed an -honor by the highest-born and wealthiest heiresses in France work ill to -you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why, Father, because—because I love some one else," cried Diane, -throwing herself, confused and weeping, into her father's arms. -</p> - -<p> -"You love some one, Diane?" repeated Henri, amazed; "and what might be -the name of this favored individual?" -</p> - -<p> -"Gabriel, Sire." -</p> - -<p> -"Gabriel what?" asked the king, smiling at her. -</p> - -<p> -"I have no idea, Father." -</p> - -<p> -"How can that be, Diane? In Heaven's name, explain yourself!" -</p> - -<p> -"I will tell you everything, Sire. It is an attachment of my childhood's -days. I used to see Gabriel every day He was so courteous and obliging -and gallant and handsome and clever and affectionate! He used to call me -his little wife. Ah, Sire, do not laugh; it was a very serious and holy -sentiment, and the first that ever made its impression on my heart. -Other attachments may take their places beside it, but can never destroy -it. And yet I allowed myself to be married to the Duc Farnèse, Sire, -but it was because I knew not what I did; because I was forced into it, -and obeyed blindly like the little girl that I was. Since then I have -lived and learned, and have come to understand of what treachery I was -guilty to Gabriel. Poor Gabriel! when he left me he didn't shed a tear, -but what unutterable sadness there was in the look he gave me! All this -has come back to me with the happy memories of my childhood during the -lonely years that I passed at the convent. And thus I have lived each of -the years that I was with Gabriel twice over,—in fact and in fancy, -in reality and in my dreams. And since I have returned to court here, Sire, -I have seen among the accomplished gentlemen who surround you like -another crown not one who can compare with Gabriel; and François, the -obsequious son of the haughty constable, will never make me forget the -proud and gentle companion of my young days. And so, dear Father, now -that I realize what I did and its effect, I shall remain true to Gabriel -so long as you leave me free." -</p> - -<p> -"Have you ever seen him since you left Vimoutiers, Diane?" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas, no, Father!" -</p> - -<p> -"But you must have heard from him at least?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not a word. I simply know from Enguerrand that he left the province -after my departure; he told Aloyse, his nurse, that he would never come -back until he had made himself an honorable and dreaded name, and that -she need not be anxious about him. And with that he left her, Sire." -</p> - -<p> -"And have his family never heard aught of him?" asked the king. -</p> - -<p> -"His family?" repeated Diane. "I never knew of his having any other -family than Aloyse, Father; and I never saw any relatives of his when I -went with Enguerrand to pay a visit at Montgommery." -</p> - -<p> -"At Montgommery!" cried Henri, while the color fled from his face. -"Diane, Diane, I trust he is not a Montgommery! Tell me, for Heaven's -sake, that he is not a Montgommery!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, no, indeed, Sire for if he had been, he surely would have lived at -the château, whereas he lived with Aloyse, his nurse, in her modest -dwelling. But what have the counts of Montgommery ever done to you, -Sire, to move you to such an extent? Are they enemies of yours? In their -province they are mentioned only with the deepest respect." -</p> - -<p> -"Of course, that is true!" said the king, with a nervous, disdainful -laugh; "and they have done nothing to me, nothing at all, Diane! What -could a Montgommery do to a Valois, pray? But to return to this Gabriel -of yours. Was it not Gabriel that you called him?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes." -</p> - -<p> -"And he had no other name?" -</p> - -<p> -"No other that I know of, Sire; he was an orphan like me, and no one -ever mentioned his father in my presence." -</p> - -<p> -"And you have no other objection to make, Diane, to this projected -alliance with Montmorency, except your former affection for this young -man? No other at all, have you?" -</p> - -<p> -"That one is enough; so my heart tells me, Sire." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true, Diane; and perhaps I should not undertake to overcome your -scruples if your friend were on the spot, where we could know and -appreciate him, and although he may be, I can guess, of uncertain -parentage—" -</p> - -<p> -"But is there not a bar on my escutcheon too, your Majesty?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, but at least you have an escutcheon, Madame; and you will be good -enough to bear in mind that the Montmorencys no less than the Castros -consider it an honor to receive into their family a legitimatized -daughter of mine. Your Gabriel, on the other hand—but then, that is -not the question now. The important fact in my mind is that he has not -turned up in six years, and that he has probably forgotten you, Diane, -and has, it is more than likely, given his heart to another." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, you do not know Gabriel: his is an untutored and faithful heart, -which will burn itself out in love for me." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, Diane. To you no doubt it seems improbable that he would be -unfaithful to you; and you are quite right to deny it. But everything -leads you to suppose that this young man went to the wars. And if so, is -it not probable that he has died there? I afflict you, my dear child, -for your fair brow has grown pale, and your eyes are swimming in tears. -Yes, I can see that your feeling for him is a very deeply rooted one; -and although it has seldom been my lot to meet with such, and I have got -into the habit of being incredulous about these great passions, I have -no inclination to laugh at this of yours, but I respect it. But just -see, my darling, in what an embarrassing position you place me by your -refusal, and all on account of a childish attachment whose object is -nothing more than a mere memory and a shadow. The constable, if I insult -him by withdrawing my pledged word, will be angry, and not unjustly, my -child, and will very probably leave my service; and then it will be no -longer I, but the Duc de Guise, who will be king. Think for a moment, -Diane, of the six brothers of that family: the Duc de Guise has at his -command the whole military power of France; the cardinal all the -finances; a third controls my Marseilles fleet; a fourth commands in -Scotland; and a fifth is about to take Brissac's place in Piedmont. So -that from one extremity of my realm to the other, I, the king, cannot -dispose of a soldier or a crown without their assent. I speak gently to -you, Diane, and explain these matters to you; I stoop to implore where I -might command. But I think it much better to let you judge for yourself, -and that it should be the father and not the king who obtains his -daughter's consent to his plans. And I shall obtain it, for you are a -good and obedient child. This marriage will be my salvation, my dear -child; it will give to the Montmorencys that measure of influence which -it will withdraw from the Guises. It will equalize the two arms of the -balance of which my royal power is the beam. Guise will become less -overbearing, and Montmorency more at my devotion. What! you do not -answer, dear. Do you remain deaf to the prayer of your father, who does -not storm at you or use harsh words, but who, on the contrary, enters -into all your thoughts, and asks of you only that you will not deny him -the first service which you can do him in return for what he has done, -and all that he wishes still to do for your happiness and honor? Come, -Diane, my dear daughter, you will consent, won't you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," replied Diane, "you are a thousand times more powerful when your -voice sues for something that it might command. I am ready to sacrifice -myself to your interests, but only on one condition, Sire." -</p> - -<p> -"And what is that, you spoiled child?" -</p> - -<p> -"That this marriage shall not take place for three months, and meanwhile -I will send to Aloyse for news of Gabriel, and will resort to every -other possible source of information, so that if he is no more, I may -know it; and if he is still living, I may at least ask him to return me -my plighted word." -</p> - -<p> -"Granted with all my heart," said Henri, overjoyed beyond measure; "and -I will say in addition that wiser words never fell from a child's lips. -So you shall search for your Gabriel, and I will help you as you have -need of me; and in three months you shall marry François, whatever be -the result of our investigations, and whether your young friend be -living or dead." -</p> - -<p> -"And now," said Diane, sadly shaking her head, "I don't know whether I -ought to pray most earnestly for his death or his life." -</p> - -<p> -The king opened his lips, and was on the point of giving utterance to a -suggestion not very paternal in character, and of rather doubtful -consoling power. But he had only to look at Diane's frank expression and -lovely face, to stop the words before they came; and he betrayed his -thought only by a smile. -</p> - -<p> -"For good or for ill, she will conform to the customs of the court," he -said to himself. -</p> - -<p> -And then aloud,— -</p> - -<p> -"The time has come to go to the Church, Diane; allow me to escort you to -the great gallery, Madame, and then I will see you again at the tilting, -and at the games in the afternoon. And if you are not too much incensed -with me for my tyrannical conduct, perhaps you will condescend to -applaud my strokes with the lance, and my passades, my fair umpire." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap07"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER VII -<br /><br /> -HOW THE CONSTABLE SAID HIS PATER NOSTER</h4> - -<p> -That same day, in the afternoon, while the jousting and holiday-making -was in progress at Tournelles, the Constable de Montmorency was -completing his examination, in Diane de Poitiers's closet at the Louvre, -of one of his secret agents. -</p> - -<p> -The spy was of medium height and swarthy complexion; he had black hair -and eyes, an aquiline nose, a forked chin, and projecting lower lip, and -his back was slightly crooked. He bore a most striking resemblance to -Martin-Guerre, Gabriel's faithful squire. Any one seeing them separately -might well have mistaken either for the other; and he who saw them -standing side by side would have taken them for twin brothers, so -exactly alike were they in every respect. They had the same features and -the same figure, and were apparently of the same age. -</p> - -<p> -"And the courier, what did you do with him, Master Arnauld?" asked the -constable. -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, I put him out of the way. It had to be done; but it was in -the night and in the forest of Fontainebleau. The murder was laid at the -door of robbers. I am very careful." -</p> - -<p> -"Never mind, Master Arnauld; it is a very serious matter, and I blame -you for being so ready to play with your knife." -</p> - -<p> -"I shrink at nothing when Monseigneur's service is at stake." -</p> - -<p> -"That's all very well; but once for all, Master Arnauld, remember that -if you allow yourself to steal, I will allow you to hang," said the -constable, dryly and rather contemptuously. -</p> - -<p> -"Never fear, Monseigneur; I am a man of discretion and foresight." -</p> - -<p> -"Now let's see the letter." -</p> - -<p> -"Here it is, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well! unseal it without breaking the seal, and read it. For -Heaven's sake, do you suppose for a moment that I am going to read it?" -</p> - -<p> -Master Arnauld du Thill took from his pocket a sharp little chisel, and -cut carefully around the seal, and unfolded the letter. He turned at -once to the signature. -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur sees that I was not mistaken. The letter addressed to the -Cardinal de Guise is from Cardinal de Caraffa, as that wretched courier -was simpleton enough to tell me." -</p> - -<p> -"Read it, then, by the crown of thorns!" cried Anne de Montmorency. -</p> - -<p> -Master Arnauld read as follows,— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"MONSEIGNEUR AND DEAR FRIEND,—Just three words of importance. In the -first place, in accordance with your request, the Pope will let the -affair of the divorce drag slowly along, and will put François de -Montmorency off from consistory to consistory (he arrived at Rome -yesterday) before finally refusing the dispensation that he solicits." -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -"<i>Pater noster</i>!" growled the constable. "May the Devil take them, all -these red hats!" -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld continued his reading:— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"In the second place, Monsieur de Guise, your illustrious brother, after -having taken Campli, is holding Civitella in check. But before we -resolve to send him the men and supplies that he asks, and which we can -only give him at a great sacrifice, we must at least be assured that you -will not call him away to serve in Flanders, as the report goes is -likely to be the case. Just see that he remains with us, and his -Holiness will make up his mind to an extensive issue of indulgences, -hard though the times may be, to assist Monsieur François de Guise in -soundly whipping the Duke of Alva and his haughty master." -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -"<i>Adveniat tuum regnum</i>," growled Montmorency. "We will remember that, -body and blood! We will remember that, even if we have to call the -English into France. Go on, Arnauld, go on, by the Mass!" -</p> - -<p> -The spy resumed:— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"In the third place, I have to announce to you, Monseigneur, to -encourage you and support you in your endeavors, the speedy arrival at -Paris of a messenger from your brother, Vicomte d'Exmès, who is -bringing to Henri the flags conquered in this Italian campaign. He is -about to set out, and will arrive no doubt at the same time that my -letter does, which, however, I have chosen to intrust to our regular -courier; his presence, and the glorious trophies which he will offer to -the king, will assuredly be of great service to you in conducting your -negotiations in every direction." -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -"<i>Fiat voluntas tua</i>," cried the constable, in a perfect fury of rage. -"We will give this ambassador from hell a fine reception. I commend him -to you, Arnauld. Is that the end of that cursed letter?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur, all but the usual complimentary words, and the -signature." -</p> - -<p> -"Good! you see that there is some work cut out for you, my fine fellow." -</p> - -<p> -"I ask for nothing better, Monseigneur, with a little money thrown in to -assist in obtaining good results." -</p> - -<p> -"Here are a hundred ducats, knave. You must always feel the money in -your hand." -</p> - -<p> -"But I spend so much in Monseigneur's service." -</p> - -<p> -"Your vices cost you more than my service does, you scoundrel." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, how mistaken Monseigneur is in me! I dream only of leading a quiet -life, in happiness and affluence, somewhere in the country, with my wife -and children about me, and passing the rest of my days in peace, like an -honest father and husband." -</p> - -<p> -"A most charmingly virtuous and bucolic picture, to be sure! Oh, well, -then, mend your ways, put by a few doubloons, and marry, and you will be -in a fair way to realize these dreams of domestic felicity. What -prevents you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Monseigneur, my fiery spirit! And then what woman would ever have -me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Meanwhile, and pending your hymeneal plans, suppose you seal that -letter again very carefully, and carry it to the cardinal. You must -disguise yourself, you understand, and say that your dying comrade -enjoined upon you—" -</p> - -<p> -"You may trust me, Monseigneur. The resealed letter and the substituted -courier will seem more authentic than the real articles." -</p> - -<p> -"The deuce take it!" said Montmorency; "we forgot to take down the name -of this plenipotentiary whose coming is announced. What is he called?" -</p> - -<p> -"Vicomte d'Exmès, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, yes, that was it, villain. Now see that you remember the name. -Well! who dares to interrupt me again?" -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon, Monseigneur," said the constable's fourrier, entering. "A -gentleman arrived from Italy is asking to see the king on behalf of the -Duc de Guise; and I thought I ought to advise you of it, especially -since he was very anxious to speak with the Cardinal de Lorraine. He -calls himself Vicomte d'Exmès." -</p> - -<p> -"That was very proper of you, Guillaume," said the constable. "Show the -gentleman in here. And do you, Master Arnauld, take your place there -behind that hanging, and don't let slip this opportunity of having a -good look at the man with whom no doubt you will have some business to -transact. It is for your benefit that I receive him, so keep your eyes -and ears open." -</p> - -<p> -"I am quite sure, Monseigneur," replied Arnauld, "that I have already -come across him in my travels. But no matter! It is just as well to be -certain of it. Vicomte d'Exmès, is it?" -</p> - -<p> -The spy slipped behind the hangings, as Guillaume appeared, ushering -Gabriel into the room. -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me," said the young man, politely saluting the old constable; -"but to whom have I the honor of addressing myself?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am the Constable de Montmorency, Monsieur; what is your will?" -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me again," said Gabriel; "but what I have to say I must say to -the king." -</p> - -<p> -"But you know that his Majesty is not at the Louvre, do you not? and in -his absence—" -</p> - -<p> -"I will follow his Majesty or await his return," Gabriel interposed. -</p> - -<p> -"His Majesty is at the fêtes at the Tournelles, and will not return -before evening. Don't you know that the marriage of Monseigneur le -Dauphin is being celebrated to-day?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monseigneur; I only learned of it on my way hither. But I came by -way of the Rue de l'Université and the Pont au Change, and did not pass -through the Rue St. Antoine." -</p> - -<p> -"Then you ought to have followed the crowd. That would have shown you -the way to the king." -</p> - -<p> -"But I have not yet had the honor of being presented to his Majesty. I -am an entire stranger at court. I hoped to find Monseigneur le Cardinal -de Lorraine at the Louvre. It was his Eminence for whom I inquired, and -I can't imagine why I have been conducted to you, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur de Lorraine," said the constable, "loves these sham fights, -being a churchman; but I, who am a man of the sword,—I care only for -real fighting, and that is why I am at the Louvre, while Monsieur de -Lorraine is at the Tournelles." -</p> - -<p> -"If you please, Monseigneur, I will go and seek him there, then." -</p> - -<p> -"But, <i>mon Dieu</i>, stay and rest a bit, Monsieur; for you seem to have -arrived from a distance,—from Italy, no doubt, since you entered the -city by the Rue de l'Université." -</p> - -<p> -"From Italy, in truth, Monseigneur. I have no reason to conceal the -fact." -</p> - -<p> -"You come from the Duc de Guise, perhaps? Well, what is he about down -there?" -</p> - -<p> -"Permit me, Monseigneur, to inform his Majesty in the first instance, -and to take my leave to the end that I may fulfil that duty." -</p> - -<p> -"So be it, Monsieur, since you are in such haste. No doubt," he added -with an assumed air of pleasantry, "you are in a hurry to renew your -acquaintance with some fair lady or other. I'll warrant that you are in -haste and fear at the same time. Come, now, isn't that so, my young -sir?" -</p> - -<p> -But Gabriel put on his coldest and most serious expression, and replied -only with a low bow, as he left the apartment. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Pater noster qui es in cœlis</i>" snarled the constable, when the door -had closed behind Gabriel. "Does this cursed fop imagine that I wanted -to make advances to him, to win him over to my side, perchance, or to -corrupt him possibly? As if I didn't know perfectly well what he is -going to say to the king! No matter! if I fall in with him again, he -shall pay me dear for his unsociable airs and his defiant insolence! Ho, -there, Master Arnauld! Come, come! Where is the blackguard? Vanished -too, by the cross! Everybody seems to have taken on a fit of stupidity -to-day. The Devil seize them! <i>Pater noster</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -While the constable was thus venting his ill-humor in curses and <i>Pater -nosters</i>, as his wont was, Gabriel, on his way out of the Louvre, was -passing through a rather dark gallery, when to his great amazement he -saw his squire, Martin-Guerre, standing near the door, although he had -ordered him to await him in the courtyard. -</p> - -<p> -"Is it you, Master Martin?" said he. "So you have come to meet me! Very -well! Go you ahead with Jérôme, and wait for me with the flags well -wrapped up at the corner of the Rue St. Catherine on the Rue St. -Antoine. Perhaps Monseigneur le Cardinal would prefer that we should -present the flags to the king on the spot, and in the presence of the -whole court assembled at the jousting. Christopher will hold my horse -and bear me company. Go on! you understand me, don't you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur, I know what I wanted to know," replied Martin-Guerre. -</p> - -<p> -And he started down the staircase ahead of Gabriel with an alacrity -which augured well for the speedy execution of his commission. Imagine -Gabriel's extreme surprise, when he came out more slowly and like one -who dreamed, to find his squire still in the court, and now apparently -terrified and pale as a ghost. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Martin, what is it, and what is the matter with you?" he asked -him. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Monseigneur, I have just seen him; he passed right near me this -very moment, and spoke to me." -</p> - -<p> -"Who, pray?" -</p> - -<p> -"Who? Why, who but the devil, the ghost, the phantom, the monster, the -other Martin-Guerre?" -</p> - -<p> -"Still this madness. Martin! Are you dreaming as you stand there?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, no, indeed I was not dreaming. He spoke to me, Monseigneur, I tell -you; he stopped in front of me, turned me to stone with his wizard's -look, and said to me, laughing his infernal laugh, 'So we are still in -Vicomte d'Exmès's service, are we?' Note the plural, 'we are,' -Monseigneur; 'and we have brought from Italy the flags taken in the -field by Monsieur de Guise?' I said yes, in spite of myself, for he -fascinated me. How does he know all this, Monseigneur? And he went on: -'Let us not be afraid, for are we not friends and brothers?' And then he -heard your footsteps approaching, Monseigneur, and he added, with a -diabolical irony which made my hair stand on end, just these words: 'We -shall meet again, Martin-Guerre; we shall meet again.' And he -disappeared through that little wicket, perhaps, or more likely into the -wall." -</p> - -<p> -"You poor fool!" said Gabriel. "How could he have had the necessary time -to say and do all this since you left me up there in the gallery?" -</p> - -<p> -"I, Monseigneur! I haven't stirred from this spot, where you ordered me -to await you." -</p> - -<p> -"It must have been another, then; and if not to you to whom have I just -been speaking?" -</p> - -<p> -"Most certainly to the other. Monseigneur; to my double, my ghost." -</p> - -<p> -"Poor Martin!" said Gabriel, compassionately, "are you in pain? Doesn't -your head ache? Perhaps we have walked too far in the hot sun." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes!" said Martin-Guerre, "I see that you fancy that I am -wandering, do you not? But a sure proof that I am not mistaken, -Monseigneur, is that I don't know a single word of the orders that you -think you gave me." -</p> - -<p> -"You must have forgotten them, Martin," said Gabriel, gently. "Well, -then, I will repeat them, my good fellow. I told you to go and wait for -me with the flags in the Rue St. Antoine at the corner of the Rue St. -Catherine. Jérôme will accompany you, and I will keep Christopher with -me; don't you remember now?" -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon, Monseigneur; but how can you expect me to remember what I never -knew?" -</p> - -<p> -"At all events, you know it now, Martin," said Gabriel. "Come, let us -take our horses again at the gates, where our people ought to be waiting -with them, and then be off at once. To the Tournelles!" -</p> - -<p> -"I obey, Monseigneur. The amount of it is that you have two squires; but -I am very glad at least that I have not two masters." -</p> - -<p> -The lists for the formal celebration had been laid out across the Rue -St. Antoine from the Tournelles to the royal stables. They were in the -form of a large square, bordered on each side by scaffolding filled with -spectators. At one end were the queen and the court; at the other end -was the entrance to the lists where the participants in the games were -waiting; the general public filled the two remaining galleries. -</p> - -<p> -When, after the marriage ceremony and the banquet which immediately -succeeded it were at an end, the queen and court, about three in the -afternoon, took their places on the seats reserved for them, vivas and -shouts of joy resounded on all sides. -</p> - -<p> -But this noisy jubilation caused the fête to be marred by an accident -at its very beginning. The horse of Monsieur d'Avallon, one of the -captains of the Guards, terrified by the uproar, reared and leaped into -the arena, and his rider, unhorsed by the shock, hit his head a terrible -blow against one of the wooden barriers which made the enclosure, and he -was taken up half dead, and given over to the care of the surgeons in an -almost hopeless condition. -</p> - -<p> -The king was much moved by this sad casualty; but his passion for games -and jousting soon got the better of his sorrow. -</p> - -<p> -"Poor Monsieur d'Avallon," said he, "and such a devoted subject! Let us -hope at least that he will be well looked after." -</p> - -<p> -And then he added,— -</p> - -<p> -"Come! the races for the ring can begin at any time." -</p> - -<p> -The game of the ring of that epoch was much more complicated and -difficult than the one that we know. The crutch from which the ring was -suspended was placed almost two thirds of the way down the lists. It was -necessary to ride at a hand gallop the first third, and at a full gallop -the second third, and while going at this high rate of speed to carry -off the ring on the end of the lance. But the lance must not be allowed -to touch the body anywhere; it must be held horizontally with the elbow, -high above the head. The game was ended by riding around the arena at a -trot. The prize was a diamond ring offered by the queen. -</p> - -<p> -Henri II., on his white steed, magnificently caparisoned in gold and -velvet, was the most superb and most graceful cavalier of all. He -carried and handled his lance with admirable grace and precision, and -hardly ever missed the ring. But Monsieur de Vieilleville pressed him -close; and there was a moment when it seemed as if the prize would go to -him. He had two rings more than the king, and but three remained to be -taken; but Monsieur de Vieilleville, like an accomplished courtier, -missed them all three by extraordinary ill luck, and the prize was -awarded to the king. -</p> - -<p> -As he received the ring, he hesitated a moment, and his look turned -regretfully toward Diane de Poitiers; but the gift was offered by the -queen, and it was his bounden duty to present it to the new dauphine, -Mary Stuart, the bride of the day. -</p> - -<p> -"Well!" he asked, in the interval which followed this first contest, -"are there any hopes of saving Monsieur d'Avallon's life?" -</p> - -<p> -"He still breathes, Sire," was the reply; "but there is almost no chance -that he will ever regain consciousness." -</p> - -<p> -"Alas!" said the king, "let us have the gladiators' contest now." -</p> - -<p> -This gladiators' contest was a mock combat with passades and -manœuvring, quite new, and a great curiosity in those days; but which -would have no special interest, probably, for the imagination of the -spectator of our time, or of the readers of this book. We beg to refer -to the pages of Brantôme those who are curious to read about the -marches and counter-marches of these twelve gladiators, "of whom six -were clad in white satin, and six in crimson satin, made up according to -the style in vogue in ancient Rome." All of which should be of great -historical interest in an age when local coloring had not been invented. -</p> - -<p> -This fine contest came to an end amid general applause, and the -necessary preparations were made for beginning the stake-race. -</p> - -<p> -At the court end of the lists several stakes five or six feet long were -stuck into the earth at regular intervals. The rules required that the -contestants should ride at a hand-gallop in and out among these -improvised trees in every direction, without missing or omitting a -single one. The prize was a bracelet of marvellous workmanship. -</p> - -<p> -Out of eight courses that were run, the honors remained with the king in -three and with Monsieur le Colonel-Général de Bonnivet in a like -number. The ninth and last was to be the decisive one; but Monsieur de -Bonnivet was no less respectful than Monsieur de Vieilleville had been; -and notwithstanding the very willing disposition of his horse, he came -in third, and again Henri won the prize. -</p> - -<p> -This time the king sat down beside Diane de Poitiers, and put upon her -arm without concealment the bracelet he had received. -</p> - -<p> -The queen turned pale with rage. -</p> - -<p> -Gaspard de Tavannes, who was just behind her, leaned forward and -whispered in Catherine de Médicis's ear,— -</p> - -<p> -"Madame, follow me with your eyes, and see what I am going to do." -</p> - -<p> -"And what is it that you are going to do, my good Gaspard?" said the -queen. -</p> - -<p> -"To cut off Madame de Valentinois's nose," replied Tavannes, with the -utmost gravity and seriousness. -</p> - -<p> -He was just about to leave her, when Catherine, half terrified and half -delighted, held him back. -</p> - -<p> -"But, Gaspard, do you realize that it will be your destruction?" -</p> - -<p> -"I do, Madame; but I will save the king and France!" -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, Gaspard," replied Catherine; "you are a valiant friend no less -than a rough soldier. But I command you to be still, Gaspard, and have -patience." -</p> - -<p> -"Patience." In truth, that was the watchword by which Catherine de -Médicis seemed to have ordered her life up to that time. She, who -subsequently was so forward to take her place in the very first rank, -had not yet appeared to have any ambition to emerge from the obscurity -of the second. She bided her time. And yet she was at this time in the -full bloom of a beauty of which Sieur de Bourdeille has left us most -minute details; but she sedulously avoided all parade, and it is -probably to this modesty that she owed the utter absence of slander in -relation to her during her husband's lifetime. There was no one but the -brute of a constable who would have dared to call the king's attention -to the fact that the ten children that Catherine de Médicis had -bestowed on France after ten years of sterility were very little like -their father. No other person would have been bold enough to breathe a -word against the queen. -</p> - -<p> -It was always Catherine's custom to appear, as she did on this day, not -even to notice the attentions which the king lavished on Diane de -Poitiers in the sight and bearing of the whole court. After she had -soothed the fiery indignation of the marshal she went on talking with -her ladies of the races that had taken place, and of the address -displayed by Henri. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap08"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER VIII -<br /><br /> -A FORTUNATE TOURNEY</h4> - -<p> -The tournaments proper were not to take place until the next and -following days; but several gentlemen attached to the court asked the -king's leave, as it was still quite early, to break a lance or two in -honor of the ladies and for their entertainment. -</p> - -<p> -"So be it, gentlemen," the king replied as a matter of course. "I give -you leave with all my heart, especially as it is likely to bother -Monsieur le Cardinal de Lorraine, who has never had to deal with so -numerous a correspondence, I fancy, as during the two hours that we have -been here. There are two messages that he has received one right after -the other, and he seems much preoccupied with them. But never mind! we -shall know by and by what the matter is, and meanwhile you may break a -lance or two. And here is a prize for the victor," added Henri, taking -from his neck the gold necklace that he wore. "Do your best, gentlemen, -and remember that if the contest grows warm, I shall be very likely to -take a hand in it, and try to win back what I am offering you, -especially as I owe something to Madame de Castro. Take notice, too, -that at precisely six o'clock the contest will be declared at an end, -and the victor, whoever he may be, will receive his crown. Come, you -have an hour in which to show off your fine strokes. Be always careful -that no harm comes to any one. And, apropos, how does Monsieur -d'Avallon?" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas, Sire, he is just at the point of death." -</p> - -<p> -"God rest his soul!" said Henri. "Of all the captains of my Guards he -was the most devoted to my service and the bravest. Who is there to take -his place? But the ladies are waiting, gentlemen; and the lists are -open. How, who shall receive the necklace from the hands of the queen?" -</p> - -<p> -The Comte de Pommerive was the first challenger, and he had to yield to -Monsieur de Burie, from whom Monsieur le Maréchal d'Amville soon -wrested the field; but the marshal, who was very strong and skilful as -well, held his ground against five challengers one after the other. -</p> - -<p> -The king could not contain himself. -</p> - -<p> -"I propose to find out, Monsieur d'Amville, if you are riveted there for -all time," he said to the marshal. -</p> - -<p> -He put on his armor, and at the very first onset Monsieur d'Amville lost -his stirrups. It was Monsieur d'Aussun's turn next; but after him no -other combatant appeared. -</p> - -<p> -"How's this, gentlemen?" said Henri. "What! No one else wishes to tilt -against me. Can it possibly be that you are humoring me?" he continued, -with a gathering frown. "Ah, <i>mordieu</i>! if I thought so! There is no -king here but the victor, and no privileges save those of knightly -skill. Come, attack me, gentlemen, boldly." -</p> - -<p> -But no one ventured to try a pass with the king; for they dreaded -equally to vanquish him and to be vanquished. -</p> - -<p> -But the king was much annoyed. He began to suspect that perhaps in -former tourneys his opponents had not put forth all their science -against him; and this thought, which made his prowess seem small in his -own eyes, filled him with anger. -</p> - -<p> -At last a new champion passed the barrier. Henri, without a single -glance to see who it was, set his horse in motion and rushed at him. The -two lances were shattered; but the king, throwing away the fragment, -reeled in his saddle, and was forced to cling to the saddlebow to save -himself. At that instant six o'clock struck. Henri was beaten. -</p> - -<p> -He leaped quickly and joyously to the ground, threw his reins to a -squire, and rushed to seize the hand of his vanquisher to escort him to -the queen himself. To his vast surprise he saw a face which was -absolutely unfamiliar to him. Moreover, he was a cavalier of fine -presence and noble bearing; and the queen, as she passed the necklace -around the young man's neck, while he knelt before her, could not -forbear remarking it, and smiling upon him. -</p> - -<p> -But he, after bowing to the ground, rose, took a few steps toward the -platform appropriated to the court, stopped before Madame de Castro, and -offered her the necklace, the prize of victory. -</p> - -<p> -The trumpets were still sounding, so that no one heard the two cries -which issued at the same moment from two mouths. -</p> - -<p> -"Gabriel!" -</p> - -<p> -"Diane!" -</p> - -<p> -Diane, pale, and trembling with joy and wonder, took the necklace with a -shaking hand. Every one supposed that the unknown knight had heard the -king promise the necklace to Madame de Castro; and that he did not wish -to disappoint so fair a damsel. It was agreed that his proceeding was -very courteous, and bore the stamp of a true gentleman. The king himself -put no other construction on the incident. -</p> - -<p> -"I am touched by such extreme gallantry," said he; "but I, who am -supposed to be able to call all my nobles by name, I confess that I -cannot recall, Monsieur, where or when I have seen you before, and I -shall be more than delighted to know to whom I am indebted for the -sturdy blow just now which would have unsaddled me, I believe, if, thank -God! I had not had such strong legs." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," replied Gabriel, "this is the first time that I have had the -honor of appearing before your Majesty. I have been hitherto with the -army, and have only just arrived from Italy. I am called Vicomte -d'Exmès." -</p> - -<p> -"Vicomte d'Exmès!" echoed the king. "I shall remember the name of my -vanquisher, never fear." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," said Gabriel, "there can be no vanquisher where you are -concerned, and I bring a glorious proof of it to your Majesty." -</p> - -<p> -He made a sign; and Martin-Guerre and the two men-at-arms entered the -lists with the Italian flags, which they laid at the king's feet. -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," Gabriel continued, "these are the flags conquered in Italy by -your army, and sent to your Majesty by Monseigneur le Duc de Guise. His -Eminence, Monseigneur le Cardinal de Lorraine, assures me that your -Majesty will not take it ill of me to deliver these trophies to you thus -unexpectedly, and in the presence of your court and the French people, -who are the deeply interested witnesses of your greatness and glory. -Sire, I have also the honor to hand you these letters from Monsieur le -Duc de Guise." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, Monsieur d'Exmès," said the king. "So this is the secret of -all Monsieur le Cardinal's correspondence. These letters are your -credentials to our favor, Viscount. But you have a very striking and -triumphant way of presenting yourself. But what do I read here? That you -have yourself taken four of these flags? Our cousin Guise rates you as -one of his most gallant captains. Monsieur d'Exmès, ask of me what you -choose; and I swear by all that is holy that you shall have it on the -spot!" -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, you overwhelm me; and I put myself entirely at the disposition of -your Majesty's favor." -</p> - -<p> -"You were a captain under Monsieur de Guise, Monsieur," said the king. -"Would it suit you to hold the same rank in our Guards? I was perplexed -as to how I should fill the place of Monsieur d'Avallon, who met such a -sad fate here to-day; but I see that in you he will have a worthy -successor." -</p> - -<p> -"Your Majesty—" -</p> - -<p> -"Do you accept? Then it's done. You will begin your duties to-morrow. -Now we are about to return to the Louvre. You will tell me more at -length of the particulars of this Italian war at some future time." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel saluted him. -</p> - -<p> -Henri gave the word for departure. The crowd dispersed amid shouts of -<i>Vive le roi</i>! Diane, as if by magic, found herself at Gabriel's side -for an instant. -</p> - -<p> -"To-morrow at the queen's levee," said she in a low voice. -</p> - -<p> -She disappeared under her escort's wing, but leaving hope divine to -blossom in the heart of her old-time friend. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap09"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER IX -<br /><br /> -HOW ONE MAY PASS CLOSE BY HIS DESTINY WITHOUT<br /> -KNOWING IT</h4> - -<p> -When the queen held a levee, it was generally in the evening after -supper; so much Gabriel learned, and was told also that his new post of -captain of the Guards not only allowed but required him to show himself -there. He had no desire to shirk that duty, and his only regret was that -he had to wait twenty-four hours before fulfilling it. We can see that -in zeal and gallantry Monsieur d'Avallon's place was likely to be -worthily filled. -</p> - -<p> -But he had to think about killing those twenty-four hours, one after the -other,—those everlasting hours which separated him from the eagerly -desired moment. This young man, whose joy made him forget his weariness, -and who had as yet hardly seen Paris except on his way from one camp to -another, started to scour the city with Martin-Guerre in search of a -suitable lodging. He had the good luck, for he was in luck that day, to -find vacant the very apartments which had formerly been occupied by his -father, the Comte de Montgommery. He hired them, although they were -somewhat over-fine for a mere captain of the Guards; but he could make -himself easy in that regard by simply writing to his faithful Elyot to -send him some money from Montgommery. He also wrote to his good nurse -Aloyse to come and join him there. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel's first purpose was thus attained. He was a child no longer now, -but a man who had already proved his manhood, and with whom there must -be a reckoning; to the honorable qualities which he had inherited from -his ancestors he had been able to add some personal renown. Alone and -with no other support than his sword, and no recommendation but his -gallant behavior, he had reached high rank at twenty-four. At last he -might proudly show himself to her whom he loved, as well as to those -whom it was his duty to hate. The latter Aloyse could help him to find; -the former had found him. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel went to sleep with his heart at rest, and slept long and well. -</p> - -<p> -The next day he had to present himself to Monsieur de Boissy, Grand -Equerry of France, to furnish his proofs of nobility. Monsieur de -Boissy, a man of honor, had been the Comte de Montgommery's friend. He -understood Gabriel's motives for concealing his true title, and gave him -his word that he would keep his secret. In the next place, Monsieur le -Maréchal d'Amville presented Gabriel to his company. Then Gabriel at -once began his duties by visiting and inspecting the State prisons in -Paris,—a painful necessity which it was a part of his functions to -yield to once a month. -</p> - -<p> -He began with the Bastille, and ended with the Châtelet. -</p> - -<p> -The governor handed him his list of prisoners, told him which ones had -died or been transferred or set free, and which were sick, and finally -made them pass in review before him,—a sad review, a mournful -spectacle. He thought his duties were done, when the governor of the -Châtelet called his attention to a page in his register which was -almost blank, and bore only this extraordinary memorandum, which -impressed Gabriel more than all the rest:— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"<i>No. 21, X.—Secret prisoner. If during the visit of the governor -or the captain of the Guards he makes the least attempt to speak, have him -removed to a deeper and harsher dungeon.</i>" -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -"Who is this prisoner of such importance? May I know?" Gabriel asked -Monsieur de Salvoison, governor of the Châtelet. -</p> - -<p> -"No one knows who he is," was the reply. "I received him from my -predecessor as he had received him from his. You notice that the date of -his imprisonment is left blank. It must have been during the reign of -François I. that he was brought here. He has undertaken to speak two or -three times, so I am told; but at his first word the governor is bound, -under the severest penalties, to close the door of his cell, and to -remove him at once to a more rigorous dungeon; and this has always been -done. There is now only one dungeon left more severe than that he -occupies, and confinement in that means death. No doubt they desire that -he should finally come to that; but just now the prisoner makes no -attempt to speak. He must be some very dangerous criminal. He is always -in shackles; and his jailer, to guard against any possibility of an -escape, is in and out of his cell every minute." -</p> - -<p> -"But suppose he speaks to the jailer?" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, he is a deaf mute, born in the Châtelet, who has never been -outside the walls." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel shuddered. This man, so completely isolated from the world of -the living, and who yet lived and thought, inspired in his breast a -feeling of compassion mingled with an undefinable dread. What resolution -or compunction, what fear of hell or trust in heaven, could prevent so -wretched a being from dashing out his brain against the walls of his -dungeon? Could it be the thirst for revenge, or some hope of deliverance -that enabled him to retain his hold on life! -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel felt a sort of anxious eagerness to see this man; his heart beat -faster than it had ever done before except when he was on his way to see -Diane. He had visited a hundred other prisoners with no other emotion -than a sort of general compassion for their lot; but the thought of this -poor wretch appealed to him and moved him more than all the others, and -his heart was filled with sorrow when he thought of his tomb-like -existence. -</p> - -<p> -"Let us go to Number 21," he said to the governor with a choking voice. -</p> - -<p> -They went down several damp, black stairways, passed under several -arches which resembled the horrible spirals of Dante's Inferno; at last -the governor said, stopping before an iron door,— -</p> - -<p> -"This is the place. I am not his jailer; he is in the cell, no doubt. -But I have duplicate keys; let us go in." -</p> - -<p> -He opened the door, and they went in, with no light but a lantern, held -by a turnkey. Then Gabriel saw before him a mute and frightful picture, -such as one hardly sees except in the nightmare of delirium. -</p> - -<p> -For walls, nothing but solid rock, black, moss-grown, and noisome; for -this gloomy hole was excavated below the bed of the Seine, and the -water, in times of freshet, filled it half full. On these loathsome -walls were crawling slimy things; and the icy air was broken by no sound -except that made by the regular, dull falling of a drop of water from -the hideous arch. A little less alive than the drop of water, a little -more alive than the almost motionless slugs, two beings that had been -human were dragging out their existence there, one guarding the other, -both dumb and awe-inspiring. -</p> - -<p> -The jailer, a sort of idiot, a dull-eyed giant, with a face of deathlike -pallor, was standing in the shadow, gazing stupidly at the prisoner, who -was lying in the corner on a pallet of straw, shackled hand and foot to -a chain riveted to the wall. He was an old man, with a long white beard -and white hair. When they entered he seemed to be sleeping, and did not -stir; he might have been taken for a corpse or a statue. -</p> - -<p> -But suddenly he sat up and opened his eyes, and his gaze met Gabriel's. -</p> - -<p> -He was forbidden to speak; but this terrible and piercing gaze spoke for -him. Gabriel was fascinated by it, and could not remove his eyes. The -governor and turnkey overhauled all the corners of the dungeon. He, -Gabriel, rooted to the spot, neither moved forward nor back, but stood -there transfixed by those blazing eyes; he could not get away from them, -and at the same time a thousand confused and unutterable thoughts were -whirling through his brain. -</p> - -<p> -The prisoner seemed no longer to view his visitor with mere -indifference, and there was a moment when he made a motion and opened -his lips as if to speak; but the governor having turned back toward -them, he remembered in time the rule laid down for him, and his lips -spoke only by a bitter smile. He closed his eyes once more, and relapsed -into his corpse-like immobility. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, let us go out!" said Gabriel to the governor. "For God's sake, let -us go out! I must have fresh air and see the sunlight again." -</p> - -<p> -He did not recover his tranquillity and his life, so to speak, until he -found himself once more in the throng and tumult of the street. And even -then the gloomy vision he had seen remained in his mind and pursued him -the livelong day, as he walked thoughtfully hither and thither through -the streets. -</p> - -<p> -Something seemed to tell him that the fate of this wretched captive was -connected with his own, and that a great crisis in his life was -impending. Worn out at last by these mysteriously recurring -presentiments, he directed his steps as the day drew to its close toward -the lists of the Tournelles. The day's jousting, in which Gabriel had -not cared to take part, was just coming to an end. Gabriel could see -Diane, and she saw him; and this interchange of glances at once put his -gloomy thoughts to flight as the rays of the sun disperse the clouds. -Gabriel forgot the unfortunate prisoner whom he had seen that day, to -give himself up entirely to thoughts of the lovely maiden he was to see -again in the evening. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap10"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER X -<br /><br /> -AN ELEGY DURING THE PROGRESS OF A COMEDY</h4> - -<p> -If was a custom handed down from the reign of François I. At least -three times a week, the king, the nobles, and all the ladies of the -court assembled in the evening in the queen's apartments. There they -would chat about the gossip of the day with perfect freedom, and -sometimes with a good deal of license. Private tête-à-têtes would -often take place amid the general conversation; and, says Brantôme, "as -a throng of earthly goddesses were assembled there, every nobleman and -gentleman talked with her whom he loved the best." Frequently there was -dancing too, or a play. -</p> - -<p> -It was a party of this description that our friend Gabriel was to attend -on the evening in question; and contrary to his custom, he arrayed and -perfumed himself with considerable solicitude, so that he might not -appear to disadvantage in the eyes of her "whom he loved the best," to -quote Brantôme once more. -</p> - -<p> -But Gabriel's delight was not altogether unalloyed by a feeling of -uneasiness; and certain vague and offensive words which had been -whispered in his hearing concerning Diane's approaching marriage had not -failed to cause him some inward anxiety. Thanks to the joy he had felt -in seeing Diane again, and in believing that he could distinguish in her -expression signs of her former affection for him, he had almost -forgotten that letter from the Cardinal de Lorraine which had been the -cause of his taking his departure so hurriedly; but the rumors which -were flying around, and the continual coupling of the names of Diane de -Castro and François de Montmorency, which came to his ears only too -plainly, brought back memory to his passionate heart. Was Diane -reconciled, then, to that hateful marriage? Did she love this François? -Distracting doubts which the evening's interview might not avail to -solve satisfactorily. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel resolved therefore to question Martin-Guerre on the subject, for -he had already made more than one acquaintance, and like most squires, -was likely to have a much more extended knowledge in such matters than -his master; for it is a fact of common observation in acoustics that -reports of all sorts sound much louder on low ground, and that echoes -are seldom heard except in valleys. This resolution came at a so much -more fortunate time, because Martin-Guerre had also made up his mind to -question his master, whose preoccupation had not escaped his notice, but -who had not, in all conscience, any right to conceal his actions or his -thoughts from a faithful retainer of five years' standing, and even more -than that,—one who had saved his life. -</p> - -<p> -From this mutual determination, and the conversation which ensued, -Gabriel came to the conclusion that Diane de Castro did not love -François de Montmorency, and Martin-Guerre that Gabriel did love Diane -de Castro. -</p> - -<p> -This twofold conclusion was so satisfactory to both parties that Gabriel -arrived at the Louvre fully an hour before the gates were opened; and -Martin-Guerre, as a mark of respect to the viscount's royal sweetheart, -went off to the court tailor to buy a brown cloth jerkin and -small-clothes of yellow tricot. He paid cash for the whole costume, and -immediately arrayed himself in it so as to exhibit it in the evening in -the antechambers of the Louvre, where he was to go in attendance on his -master. -</p> - -<p> -Imagine the tailor's amazement half an hour later to see Martin-Guerre -appear again in other clothes. He commented on the fact. Martin-Guerre -replied that the evening had seemed a bit cool to him, and that he had -thought best to clothe himself a little more warmly. However, he was so -very well pleased with the jerkin and the small-clothes that he had come -to beg the tailor to sell him or make him another jerkin of the same -material and like cut. To no purpose did the man of the yardstick remind -Martin-Guerre that he would seem to have only one suit of clothes, and -that he would do much better to order a different costume; for instance, -a yellow jerkin and brown small-clothes, since he seemed to have a -weakness for those particular colors. Martin-Guerre would not recede -from his idea, and the tailor had to agree not to make a shade of -difference in the garments, which he was to make for him at once, since -he had none ready-made; but on this second order Martin-Guerre asked for -some credit. He had paid cash handsomely for the first; he was the -squire of Vicomte d'Exmès, captain of the king's Guards. The tailor had -that monumental trust in human nature which has been from time -immemorial the traditional propensity of his craft; so he consented, and -promised to deliver the second costume complete the next day. -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile the hour during which Gabriel had had to gnash his teeth -outside the gates of his paradise had passed away, and with a number of -others, gentlemen and ladies, he had succeeded in making his way to the -queen's apartments. -</p> - -<p> -At the first glance Gabriel saw Diane; she was seated beside the -Queen-Dauphine, as Mary Stuart was henceforth called. -</p> - -<p> -To approach her at once would have been very presumptuous for a -new-comer, and very imprudent too, no doubt. Gabriel resigned himself to -await a favorable opportunity when the conversation should become -animated and the attention of those who were near be called to other -objects. Meanwhile he entered into conversation with a young nobleman of -unhealthy pallor and delicate appearance, near whom he chanced to be -standing. But after some little talk on matters as insignificant as his -person seemed to be, the young cavalier asked of Gabriel,— -</p> - -<p> -"To whom have I the honor of speaking, Monsieur?" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel replied, "I am Vicomte d'Exmès. And may I venture to ask you -the same question, Monsieur?" he added. -</p> - -<p> -The young man looked at him in amazement as he replied,— -</p> - -<p> -"I am François de Montmorency." -</p> - -<p> -He might as well have said, "I am the Devil!" and Gabriel would have -shown less alarmed haste in leaving him. François, whose mind did not -work very quickly, was entirely dumfounded; but as he was not fond of -using his brain, he soon gave up the riddle, and sought elsewhere for -auditors who should be somewhat less unceremonious. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel had taken care to direct his flight toward Diane de Castro; but -his progress was arrested by a great commotion about the king. Henri was -just announcing that as he desired to close the day by treating the -ladies to a surprise, he had caused a stage to be arranged in the -gallery, and that a five-act comedy in verse by Monsieur Jean Antoine de -Baïf, entitled "Le Brave," would be performed there. This intelligence -was naturally greeted with general gratitude and applause. The gentlemen -gave their hands to the ladies to escort them into the neighboring -<i>salle</i>, where the stage had been erected; but Gabriel was too late to -escort Diane, and could do no better than take his place at a short -distance from her behind the queen. -</p> - -<p> -Catherine de Médicis perceived him and called him, and he had no choice -but to present himself before her. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur d'Exmès," said she, "how is it that we didn't see you at the -tournament to-day?" -</p> - -<p> -"Madame," replied Gabriel, "the duties of the office which his Majesty -has done me the honor to bestow upon me, prevented." -</p> - -<p> -"So much the worse," said Catherine, with a sweet smile, "for you are -surely one of our most daring and skilful cavaliers. You made the king -reel yesterday, and that is a very rare thing. I should have been glad -to be a witness again of your prowess." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel bowed, feeling decidedly ill at ease under this shower of -compliments, to which he knew not how to reply. -</p> - -<p> -"Do you know the play that they are going to give us?" pursued -Catherine, evidently very favorably inclined toward the handsome and -modest youth. -</p> - -<p> -"I know it only in Latin," was his reply; "for I am told that it is -nothing more than an imitation of one of Terence's plays." -</p> - -<p> -"I see that you are as learned as you are valiant," said the queen, "as -well versed in literary matters as you are skilful with thrusts of the -lance." -</p> - -<p> -All this was said in an undertone, and accompanied by glances which were -not exactly cruel. To be sure, Catherine's heart was empty for the -moment. But Gabriel, uncouth as Euripides' Hippolyte, received the -Italian's advances with an air of constraint and a frowning brow. -Ungrateful wretch! when he was to owe to this kindly disposition, at -which he turned up his nose, not only the place which he had so longed -for at Diane's side, but the most fascinating pouting by which the love -of a jealous sweetheart can betray itself. -</p> - -<p> -In fact, when the prologue began, according to custom, to appeal to the -indulgence of the spectators, Catherine said to Gabriel,— -</p> - -<p> -"Go and sit there behind me among these ladies, my literary friend, so -that I may at need resort to your fund of information." -</p> - -<p> -Madame de Castro had selected her seat at the end of a row, so that -there was only the passage-way beyond her. Gabriel, having paid his -respects to the queen, took a stool and modestly seated himself in the -passage-way by Diane's side, so as to discommode no one. -</p> - -<p> -The play began. -</p> - -<p> -It was, as Gabriel had told the queen, an imitation of the "Eunuchus" of -Terence, written in lines of eight syllables, and translated with all -the pedantic simplicity of the time. We will abstain from criticising -the play. It would be, moreover, an anachronism, for criticism had not -yet been invented at that barbarous epoch. It will suffice for us to -remind our readers that the principal character is a braggart, a -swaggering soldier who allows himself to be duped and bullied by a -sycophant. -</p> - -<p> -Now, from the very beginning of the play, the many partisans of the -Guises who were in the hall could see in the absurd old bully only the -Constable de Montmorency, while the Montmorency faction chose to -recognize the ambitious views of the Duc de Guise in the bluster of the -swaggering soldier. And so every scene was a piece of satire, and every -sally a pointed hit. The two factions laughed uproariously, and pointed -at one another with their fingers; and, truth to tell, this comedy which -was being enacted in the hall was no less entertaining than that which -the actors were performing on the platform. -</p> - -<p> -Our lovers took advantage of the interest which the two rival camps took -in the performance to speak quietly and calmly of their love amid the -shouts and laughter. In the first place, each pronounced the other's -name in a low voice. It was the sacred invocation. -</p> - -<p> -"Diane!" -</p> - -<p> -"Gabriel!" -</p> - -<p> -"Are you really going to marry François de Montmorency?" -</p> - -<p> -"You have made rapid strides in the queen's good graces, haven't you?" -</p> - -<p> -"But you heard her call me." -</p> - -<p> -"And you know that the king wishes this marriage." -</p> - -<p> -"But have you not consented to it, Diane?" -</p> - -<p> -"But haven't you listened to Catherine, Gabriel?" -</p> - -<p> -"One word, just one!" replied Gabriel. "But you still feel some -interest, do you, in the feeling which may be aroused in me by another -than yourself? Then you must care something for what is passing in my -heart." -</p> - -<p> -"I care as much for it," said Madame de Castro, "as you do for what is -passing in mine." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh! then let me tell you, Diane, that if you are like me, you are -jealous; if you are like me, you love me to distraction." -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur d'Exmès," said Diane, who tried for an instant to be severe, -poor child!—"Monsieur d'Exmès, I am called Madame de Castro." -</p> - -<p> -"But are you not a widow, Madame? Are you not free?" -</p> - -<p> -"Free, alas!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Diane, you sigh. Tell me, Diane, that your childish affection, -which made our early years so sweet, has left some trace in the maiden's -heart. Oh, tell me, Diane, that you still love me a little! Don't fear -that any one will hear you, for everybody near us is taken up with the -jokes of that sycophant; they have no tender words to listen to, so they -are laughing. Oh, Diane, smile upon me and answer me; do you love me, -Diane?" -</p> - -<p> -"Hush! Don't you see that the act is coming to an end?" said the roguish -damsel. "Wait at least till the play begins again." -</p> - -<p> -The <i>entr'acte</i> lasted ten minutes,—ten centuries, rather! -Fortunately, Catherine, talking busily with Mary Stuart, did not call -Gabriel to her side. He would have been quite capable of declining to -go, even if it had been his everlasting ruin. -</p> - -<p> -When the comedy began again amid shouts of laughter and noisy -applause,— -</p> - -<p> -"Well?" Gabriel inquired. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, what?" replied Diane, feigning an indifference that she was very -far from feeling. "Oh, yes, you were asking me, I believe, if I love -you. Well, then! Didn't I answer you just now, thus: 'I love you as -much as you love me'?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" cried Gabriel, "do you realize what you are saying, Diane? Do you -know the extent of this love of mine to which you say that yours is -equal?" -</p> - -<p> -"But," said the little dissembler, "if you want me to know about it, the -least you can do is to tell me." -</p> - -<p> -"Listen to me, then, Diane, and you will see that since I left you six -years ago every action of every hour of my life has tended to bring me -nearer to you. It was only on my arrival at Paris a month after your -departure from Vimoutiers, that I learned who you were: the daughter of -the king and Madame de Valentinois. But it was not your title as a -daughter of France that terrified me; it was your title as wife of the -Duc de Castro, and yet something said to me: 'No matter! raise yourself -to her level; win some renown for yourself, so that some day she may -hear your name at least, and may admire you as others fear you.' Such -were my thoughts, Diane; and I entered the service of the Duc de Guise, -as the one who seemed most likely to put me in a way to win the -honorable name at which my ambition pointed, speedily and well. In -brief, I was shut up with him within the walls of Metz in the following -year, and did my best to bring about the almost-despaired-of result, the -raising of the siege. It was at Metz, where I remained to restore the -fortification and repair all the damage inflicted in sixty-five days of -assault, that I heard of the taking of Hesdin by the imperial troops and -the death of the Duc de Castro, your husband. He had never even seen you -again, Diane! Oh, I pitied him, but how I did fight at Renty! Ask -Monsieur de Guise about it. I was also at Abbeville, Dinant, Bavay, and -Cateau-Cambrésis. I was everywhere where the fire of musketry was to be -heard; and I can fairly say that there has been no glorious action -during this reign in which I have not had some little share. -</p> - -<p> -"After the truce of Vaucelles," said Gabriel, continuing his narrative, -"I came to Paris, but you were still at the convent, Diane; and my -enforced repose was becoming very wearisome when, by good luck, the -truce was broken. The Duc de Guise, who was anxious to give me some -token of his good-will, asked me if I would follow him to Italy. If I -would! Crossing the Alps in the depths of winter, we made our way -through the Milanais, carried Valenza by storm, were allowed free -passage through the duchies of Parma and Plaisance, and after a -triumphal progress through Tuscany and the States of the Church, we -arrived at the Abruzzi. Meanwhile Monsieur de Guise lacked money and -troops; yet he took Campli, and laid siege to Civitella; but the army -was demoralized, and the success of the expedition compromised. It was -at Civitella, Diane, that I learned from a letter from his Eminence, the -Cardinal de Lorraine, to his brother of your approaching marriage to -François de Montmorency. -</p> - -<p> -"There was nothing more for me to do on that side of the Alps. Monsieur -de Guise himself agreed to that, and I obtained from his kindness -permission to return to France, fortified with his weighty -recommendation, and to bring to the king the flags we had conquered. But -my only ambition and desire was to see you, Diane, to speak with you, -and to learn from your own lips if you were entering into this new -contract of your own free will; and finally, after having told you, as I -have just done, of all my struggles and endeavors for these six years, -to ask you what I now ask you once more: 'Tell me, Diane, do you love me -as I love you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Dear friend," said Madame de Castro, softly, "I will now respond by -telling you of my life in return for yours. When I came to court, a mere -child of twelve, after the first moments of wonder and childish -curiosity, I grew weary of it all; the gilded chains of my life here -weighed heavily upon me, and I bitterly regretted our dear woods and -fields at Vimoutiers and Montgommery, Gabriel! Every night I cried -myself to sleep. But the king my father was very kind to me, and I tried -to give him my love in return for his tenderness. But where was my -freedom? Where was Aloyse? And, oh, where were you, Gabriel? I didn't -see the king every day. Madame de Valentinois was very cold and -constrained with me, and seemed almost to avoid me; and I, Gabriel, I -had always need of being loved, as you must remember. Oh, I suffered -bitterly that first year, dear." -</p> - -<p> -"Poor dear Diane!" said Gabriel, much moved. -</p> - -<p> -"And so," Diane resumed, "while you were fighting, I was pining away. -Man acts, and woman waits,—such is destiny. But it is sometimes much -harder to wait than to act. After the first year of my loneliness, the -death of the Duc de Castro left me a widow, and the king sent me to pass -my period of mourning at the convent of the Filles-Dieu. But the -tranquil and peaceful life which we led at the convent suited my nature -much better than the everlasting intriguing and excitement of the court; -so when my mourning was at an end, I sought and obtained the king's -leave to remain at the convent. At least, they loved me there,—good -Sister Monique above all, who reminded me of Aloyse. I tell you her -name, Gabriel, so that you may love her too. And then, not only did all -the sisters love me, but I could still dream, Gabriel; I had the time to -do it and the right. I was free; and who was the central figure of all -my dreams, of the past as well as of the future? Dear friend, you can -guess, can you not?" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, reassured and enraptured, answered only by a look of passionate -affection. Luckily the comedy had become very engrossing. The braggart -was being well scoffed at; and the Guise and Montmorency factions were -howling themselves hoarse with delight. The lovers might as well have -been alone in a desert. -</p> - -<p> -"Five tranquil and hopeful years passed away," continued Diane. "I had -had only one misfortune, in the death of Enguerrand, my foster-father. -But a second one was not long in coming. The king recalled me to court, -and informed me that I was the destined bride of François de -Montmorency. I resisted this time, Gabriel, for I was no longer a child, -who did not know what she was doing. I resisted. Then my father went on -his knees to me, and pointed out to me how deeply this marriage -concerned the well-being of the realm. You had forgotten me, no doubt. -It was the king who said that, Gabriel. And then where were you, and who -were you? In short, the king persisted so, and begged me so -appealingly—it was yesterday, yes, only yesterday—that I -promised what he wished, Gabriel, but only on condition that, in the -first place, my sacrifice should be delayed for three months; and in the -second place, I should find out what had become of you." -</p> - -<p> -"But you did promise?" said Gabriel, turning pale. -</p> - -<p> -"I did, but I had not then seen you, dear; and I had no idea that the -very same day your unlooked-for appearance was to stir again in my heart -both joyful and sad emotions as soon as I recognized you. Ah, Gabriel, -handsomer and prouder than of old, but still the same! I knew all at -once that my promise to the king was of no effect, and this marriage -impossible; that my life belongs to you, and that, if you still loved -me, I would love you forever. Well, now, don't you agree that I am no -longer in debt to you, and that your life has no reproach to make to -mine?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you are an angel, Diane! And all that I have done to deserve your -love is nothing." -</p> - -<p> -"And now, Gabriel, since fate has brought us together for a little, let -us consider the obstacles which still keep us asunder. The king is -ambitious for his daughters; and the Castros and the Montmorencys -between them have made him hard to manage, alas!" -</p> - -<p> -"Make your mind easy on that score, Diane, for the family to which I -belong has nothing to ask from either of them, and it will not be the -first time either that it has been allied with the royal family of -France." -</p> - -<p> -"Really, Gabriel! you fill my cup of joy to the full, in telling me -that. I am, as you know, very ignorant in heraldic matters; I do not -know the Exmès. Down at Vimoutiers I called you Gabriel; and my heart -had no need of a sweeter name than that. That is the name that I love; -and if you think that your other name will satisfy the king, why, all is -well, and I am happy indeed. Whether you are Exmès or Guise or -Montmorency, as long as you are not called Montgommery, all is well." -</p> - -<p> -"And why, then, must I not be a Montgommery?" asked Gabriel, beginning -to be alarmed. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, the Montgommerys, our neighbors down yonder, have apparently done -the king some injury, for he hates them bitterly." -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed!" said Gabriel, who began to feel a choking sensation in his -throat; "but is it the Montgommerys who have injured the king, or is it -rather the king who has injured the Montgommerys?" -</p> - -<p> -"My father is too kind-hearted to have ever been unjust, Gabriel." -</p> - -<p> -"Kind to his daughter, yes," said Gabriel; "but where his enemies are -concerned—" -</p> - -<p> -"He may be terrible," replied Diane, "as you are against the enemies of -France and the king. But what does it matter, and what have the -Montgommerys to do with us, Gabriel?" -</p> - -<p> -"But if I were a Montgommery, Diane?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, do not say that, dear." -</p> - -<p> -"But if it should be so?" -</p> - -<p> -"In that case," said Diane, "if I found myself thus obliged to choose -between my father and you, I would throw myself at the feet of the -injured party, whichever it might be, and I would beg my father to -forgive you for my sake, or I would beg you to forgive my father for my -sake." -</p> - -<p> -"And your voice is so powerful, dear Diane, that the injured one would -surely yield to your prayers, if there had never been blood shed; for -blood can only be washed out by blood." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you frighten me, Gabriel! Come, this is far enough to carry this -test of my love; for it was nothing but a test, was it?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Diane, nothing but a test. God grant that it may prove to be -nothing more!" he murmured under his breath. -</p> - -<p> -"And there is not, there cannot be any bad blood between my father and -you?" -</p> - -<p> -"I hope not, Diane, I hope not; I should suffer too bitterly in making -you suffer." -</p> - -<p> -"That's right, Gabriel. And if you hope not, Gabriel," she added with -her lovely smile, "I hope, for my part, to induce my father to give up -this marriage which would be my death-warrant. Such a mighty king as he -ought to have enough ways of making it up to the Montmorencys." -</p> - -<p> -"No, Diane; and all his treasures and all his power could not make up to -them for losing you." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, that's your way of looking at it. But you did frighten me, Gabriel. -But never fear, dear; François de Montmorency doesn't think as you do -on this subject, thank God! and he would much prefer the bâton which -will make a marshal of him, to your poor Diane. But I, having accepted -this happy exchange, will prepare the king for it very gently. I will -remind him of the royal alliances of the D'Exmès family, and of your -own personal exploits, Gabriel." -</p> - -<p> -She interrupted herself. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, <i>mon Dieu</i>! see, the play seems to be finished." -</p> - -<p> -"Five acts, how short it has been!" said Gabriel. "But you are right, -Diane; and the epilogue is just pointing the moral of the piece." -</p> - -<p> -"Luckily," said Diane, "we have said almost all that we had to say to -each other." -</p> - -<p> -"I haven't said one thousandth part of it," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"No, nor I really," said Diane; "and the queen's advances to you." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you wretch!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, no, the wretch is she who smiles at you, and not I who grumble at -you, do you hear? Don't speak to her again this evening, will you, dear, -just to please me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Just to please you! How good you are! No, I will not speak to her -again. But, see, the epilogue is also finished, alas! Adieu! but only -for a little while, is it, Diane? Say one last word to me to sustain and -comfort me, dear Diane." -</p> - -<p> -"To meet soon again, and forever, Gabriel, my little <i>husband</i>," -whispered the beaming maiden in the ear of the delighted Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -And she disappeared in the pushing, noisy crowd. Gabriel slunk away so -as to fulfil his promise of avoiding a meeting with the queen. Such -touching fidelity to his oath! And he left the Louvre, convinced that -Antoine de Baïf was a very great man, and that he had never been -present at a performance which had given him so much pleasure. -</p> - -<p> -As he passed into the vestibule, he picked up Martin-Guerre, who was -awaiting him, all radiant in his new clothes. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Monseigneur, did you see Madame d'Angoulême?" the squire asked -his master when they were in the street. -</p> - -<p> -"I did see her," replied Gabriel, dreamily. -</p> - -<p> -"And does Madame d'Angoulême still love Monsieur le Vicomte?" continued -Martin-Guerre, who saw that Gabriel was in a good humor. -</p> - -<p> -"Rascal!" cried Gabriel, "who told you that? Where did you learn that -Madame de Castro loved me, or that I loved Madame de Castro alone? Be -good enough to hold your tongue, villain!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, well," muttered Master Martin, "Monseigneur must be beloved, else -he would have sighed and would not have insulted me; and Monseigneur -must be in love or he would have noticed my new cape and breeches." -</p> - -<p> -"Why do you prate to me of breeches and cape? But really, you didn't -have that doublet a short time ago, did you?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monseigneur, I bought it this very evening to do honor to my master -and his mistress, and I paid cash for it too,—for my wife -Bertrande did teach me order and economy, as she taught me temperance -and chastity and all the virtues. I must do her that much justice; and -if I had only been able to instil a little mildness of temper into her, -we should have made the happiest couple in the world." -</p> - -<p> -"It was well done of you, chatterbox, and I will repay your outlay, -since it was for me that you incurred it." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, how generous, Monseigneur! But if Monseigneur wishes me to hold my -peace about his secret, he should not give me this new proof that he is -loved as dearly as he loves. One never empties one's purse so readily, -when the heart is not overflowing. Besides, Monsieur le Vicomte knows -Martin-Guerre, and that he is to be trusted. Faithful and dumb as the -sword that he wears!" -</p> - -<p> -"Very true; but no more of this, Master Martin." -</p> - -<p> -"I leave Monseigneur to his dreams." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel was dreaming to such an extent that when he reached his chambers -he felt an absolute need of pouring his dreams into a sympathetic ear: -and he wrote that same night to Aloyse,— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -MY DEAR ALOYSE,—Diane loves me! But no, that is not what I ought -to say to you first of all. My dear Aloyse, come and join me here; after -six years of separation, I must embrace you once more. The main points -of my life are now fixed. I am captain of the king's Guards,—one -of the most eagerly sought of all ranks in the army; and the name I have -made for myself will help me to reinstate in honor and renown that which -I inherit from my ancestors. And I have need of you for this latter task -too, Aloyse. And then I need you because I am so happy, because, I -repeat it, Diane loves me,—yes, the Diane of former days, my child -sister, who has never forgotten her good Aloyse, although she calls the -king her father. And then, Aloyse, this daughter of the king and Madame -de Valentinois, this widow of the Duc de Castro, has never forgotten, -and still loves with her whole dear soul her obscure Vimoutiers -playmate. She has told me so within the hour, and her sweet voice still -echoes in my heart. -</p> - -<p> -So come, Aloyse, for I really am too happy to be alone in my happiness. -</p></blockquote> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap11"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XI -<br /><br /> -PEACE OR WAR?</h4> - -<p> -On the 7th of June there was a sitting of the king's council, and there -was a very full attendance of members of the council of state. About -Henri II. and the princes of the blood were this day assembled Anne de -Montmorency, the Cardinal de Lorraine and his brother Charles de Guise, -Archbishop of Reims, the chancellor Olivier de Lenville, President -Bertrand, Comte d'Aumale, Sedan, Humières, and Saint-André and his -son. -</p> - -<p> -Vicomte d'Exmès, in his capacity of captain of the Guards, stood near -the door, with bared sword. -</p> - -<p> -All the interest of the session was, as usual, centred in the -contentions between the rival ambitions of the houses of Montmorency and -Lorraine, represented on this occasion in the council by the constable -himself and the cardinal. -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," said the Cardinal de Lorraine, "the danger is imminent, and the -enemy at our gates. A formidable army is being assembled in Flanders; -and Philip II. may invade our territory to-morrow, and Mary of England -declare war against you. Sire, you have a crying need for the presence -of a gallant leader, young and vigorous, who is not afraid to act -boldly, and whose very name would incite terror in the Spaniard by -reminding him of recent defeats." -</p> - -<p> -"Like the name of your brother, Monsieur de Guise, for example," said De -Montmorency, sarcastically. -</p> - -<p> -"Like the name of my brother, to be sure," replied the cardinal, -valiantly; "like the name of the victor of Metz, of Renty, and of -Valenza. Yes, Sire, the Duc de Guise is the man whom you should summon -home at once from Italy, where men and supplies are lacking, where he is -like to be compelled to raise the siege of Civitella, and where his -presence and that of his army, which might be so useful against the -threatened invasion here, can be of no further use." -</p> - -<p> -The king turned carelessly toward Monsieur de Montmorency, as if to say, -"Now it is your turn." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," the constable replied to his glance, "recall the army, by all -means; and this absurd conquest of Italy, about which there has been so -much braggadocio, will end, as I have always said, in ridicule. But what -need have you of the general? Look at the latest intelligence from the -North: the Flemish frontier is quiet; Philip II. is quaking in his -shoes; and Mary of England hasn't a word to say. You may still renew -the truce, Sire, or dictate terms of peace, as you choose. It is no -adventurous captain of whom you now have need, but a shrewd and -experienced minister, who is not blinded by the rash impetuosity of -youth, and in whose eyes war is not the mere plaything of an insatiable -ambition, but who can lay the foundations of an honorable peace on terms -consistent with the glory and dignity of France—" -</p> - -<p> -"Like yourself, for instance, Monsieur le Connétable," interrupted the -Cardinal de Lorraine, bitterly. -</p> - -<p> -"Like myself," was Anne de Montmorency's proud reply; "and I frankly -advise the king not to trouble himself further about the chances of a -war which can take place only if he chooses, and when he chooses. -Interior affairs, the condition of the treasury, and religious interests -have a much stronger claim upon our attention; and a prudent -administrator to-day will be worth a thousand times more than the most -enterprising general." -</p> - -<p> -"And will have a thousand times greater claim upon his Majesty's favor, -eh?" was the cardinal's sharp retort. -</p> - -<p> -"His Eminence has rounded out my reflection for me," continued -Montmorency, coolly; "and since he has put the question on that ground, -I will venture to ask his Majesty for a proof that my services in behalf -of peaceful measures are gratifying to him." -</p> - -<p> -"What proof is that?" said the king, sighing. -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, I beg your Majesty to make a public declaration of the honor -which you condescend to do my house by bestowing upon my son the hand of -Madame d'Angoulême. I must have this official demonstration and solemn -promise, so that I may steadfastly pursue my present course, without -having to combat the suspicions of my friends and the clamor of my -enemies." -</p> - -<p> -This bold request was received, despite the king's presence, with signs -of applause or displeasure, according as the councillors belonged to one -or the other faction. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel turned pale and shuddered; but he recovered his courage somewhat -when he heard the Cardinal de Lorraine reply with spirit,— -</p> - -<p> -"The Holy Father's bull, annulling the marriage of François de -Montmorency and Jeanne de Fiennes, has not yet arrived, so far as I -know, and may not arrive at all." -</p> - -<p> -"Then we must get along without it," said the constable; "secret -marriages may be annulled by royal decree." -</p> - -<p> -"But a decree cannot be made retroactive," was the cardinal's retort. -</p> - -<p> -"But such an effect may be given to it, may it not, Sire? Say it aloud, -I conjure you, that those who attack me, as well as I myself, may have a -certain demonstration of your approbation of my views! Tell them that -your royal favor will go so far as to give a retroactive effect to this -just decree!" -</p> - -<p> -"No doubt I can do it," said the king, whose feeble indecision seemed to -be yielding to this firm and steady language. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel had to lean heavily upon his sword to save himself from falling. -</p> - -<p> -The constable's eyes shone with delight. The peace party seemed to be on -the verge of a decided triumph, thanks to his daring. -</p> - -<p> -But at this moment the sound of trumpets was heard in the courtyard. The -air they were playing was an unfamiliar one, and the members of the -council looked wonderingly at one another. The usher came in almost -immediately, and bowing to the ground, announced,— -</p> - -<p> -"Sir Edward Fleming, herald of England, begs the honor of being admitted -to your Majesty's presence." -</p> - -<p> -"Let the herald of England enter," said the king, marvelling, but -outwardly calm. -</p> - -<p> -He made a sign, and the dauphin and the princes came and stood about -him, while the other members of the council took their places outside -the royal circle. The herald, accompanied only by two armed attendants, -was ushered in. He saluted the king, who nodded his head slightly from -the sofa on which he remained seated. -</p> - -<p> -Then said the herald,— -</p> - -<p> -"Mary, Queen of England and France, to Henri, King of France: For having -maintained friendly relations with the English Protestants, enemies of -our religion and our State, and for having tendered and promised them -aid and protection against the just and deserved penalties incurred by -them, we, Mary of England, do declare war by land and by sea against -Henri of France. And as a gage of this defiance, I, Edward Fleming, -herald of England, do here fling down my gauntlet of battle." -</p> - -<p> -At a sign from the king the Vicomte d'Exmès stepped forward and picked -up Sir Edward's glove. Then Henri said coolly to the herald the one -word,— -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks!" -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon he took off the magnificent necklace which he wore, and gave -it to Gabriel to hand to the herald, and said, inclining his head once -more,— -</p> - -<p> -"You may now withdraw." -</p> - -<p> -The herald bowed low and left the hall. A moment later the blare of the -English trumpets was heard once more, whereupon the king broke the -silence. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, my Cousin de Montmorency," said he to the constable, "you seem to -have been a little too hasty in promising peace, and in answering for -the good intentions of Queen Mary. This alleged patronage of the English -Protestants is a mere pious pretext to conceal the love of our sister of -England for her young husband Philip II. War with the husband and wife -both! Well, so be it! A king of France need not fear all Europe; and if -the Flemish frontier will only give us a little time to look around— -Well, Florimond, again? What is it now?" -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," said the usher, re-entering, "a special courier with important -despatches from Monsieur le Gouverneur de Picardie." -</p> - -<p> -"Go and see what it is, I beg, Monsieur le Cardinal de Lorraine," said -the king, graciously. -</p> - -<p> -The cardinal returned with the despatches, which he handed to the king. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, ah, gentlemen," said the king, casting his eye upon them, "a -different sort of news this. The forces of Philip II. are assembling at -Givet, and Monsieur Gaspard de Coligny advises us that the Duke of Savoy -is at their head. A worthy foe! Your nephew, Monsieur le Connétable, -thinks that the Spanish troops are about to attack Mezières and Rocroy, -so as to cut off Marienbourg. He asks for speedy reinforcements, to -enable him to strengthen these places, and hold his own in case he is -attacked." -</p> - -<p> -The whole assemblage was in a state of great emotion and excitement. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur de Montmorency," said Henri, smiling calmly, "you are not -happy in your predictions to-day. 'Mary of England,' said you, 'has not -a word to say;' and we have only just been hearing her trumpets -sounding. 'Philip II. is afraid, and the Low Country quiet,' you added. -Now, the King of Spain seems to be no more afraid than ourselves, while -the Flemish are very far from quiet. I must say that I am convinced that -the prudent administrator will have to make way for the gallant -soldier." -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," said Anne de Montmorency, "I am Constable of France, and war -knows even more of me than peace." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true, my good cousin, and I am glad to see that you remember -Bicocque and Marignan, and that warlike impulses are coming back to you -again. Draw your sword from the scabbard, then, and I shall rejoice. All -that I wish to say is that we must think now of nothing but war, and of -honorable and glorious war. Monsieur le Cardinal de Lorraine, be good -enough to write to your brother, Monsieur de Guise, to return -immediately. As for internal affairs and family matters, they must be -postponed; and I think we shall have to wait for the Pope's -dispensation, Monsieur de Montmorency, before considering farther the -proposed marriage of Madame d'Angoulême." -</p> - -<p> -The constable made a wry face, while the cardinal smiled, and Gabriel -breathed again. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, gentlemen," added the king, who seemed to have shaken off his -indifference all at once, "come, we must collect our thoughts now with -so many serious matters to consider. The session is at an end for this -morning, but the council will meet again this evening. Till evening, -then, and God protect France!" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Vive le roi</i>!" cried the members of the council with one voice. -</p> - -<p> -And the assemblage dispersed. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap12"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XII -<br /><br /> -A TWOFOLD KNAVE</h4> - -<p> -The constable left the king's presence buried in thought. Master Arnauld -du Thill put himself in his way, and accosted him in a low voice. -</p> - -<p> -This took place in the grand gallery of the Louvre, -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, one word—" -</p> - -<p> -"Who is it?" said the constable. "Ah, you, Arnauld? What do you want -with me? I am hardly in trim to listen to you to-day." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I imagined," said Arnauld, "that Monseigneur was vexed by the turn -which the marriage project concerning Madame Diane and Monseigneur -François has taken." -</p> - -<p> -"How did you know that, you rascal? But after all, what does it matter -who knows it? The wind is from a stormy quarter, and favors the Guises, -that is sure." -</p> - -<p> -"But to-morrow it may be a fair wind for the Montmorencys," said the -spy; "and if there is none but the king against this marriage to-day, -why, he will be for it to-morrow. No, the fresh obstacle which bars our -way, Monseigneur, is a more serious one, and comes from another -quarter." -</p> - -<p> -"And whence can come a more serious obstacle than the disapprobation or -even lukewarmness of the king?" -</p> - -<p> -"From Madame d'Angoulême herself, for instance," replied Arnauld. -</p> - -<p> -"You have scented something in that quarter, have you, my keen hound?" -said the constable, drawing nearer to him, and evidently becoming -interested. -</p> - -<p> -"And how did Monseigneur suppose that I had passed the fortnight that -has elapsed?" -</p> - -<p> -"True, it is a long while since I have heard a word of you." -</p> - -<p> -"Neither directly nor indirectly, Monseigneur," replied Arnauld, -proudly; "and you, who used to reproach me for being mentioned rather -too often in the police-patrol reports, must confess, I think, that for -two weeks I have worked shrewdly and quietly." -</p> - -<p> -"True again," said the constable; "and I have been surprised that I -haven't had to intervene to get you out of trouble, you varlet, who are -always drinking when you're not gambling, and rioting when you're not -fighting." -</p> - -<p> -"And the troublesome hero of the last fifteen days has been not I, -Monseigneur, but a certain squire of the new captain of the Guards, -Vicomte d'Exmès, one Martin-Guerre." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I remember now that Martin-Guerre's name has taken Arnauld du -Thill's place in the report that I have to examine every evening." -</p> - -<p> -"For instance, who was picked up drunk by the watch the other night?" -asked Arnauld. -</p> - -<p> -"Martin-Guerre." -</p> - -<p> -"And who, after a quarrel at the gaming-table on account of dice found -to be cogged, struck with his sword the finest of the king's gendarmes?" -</p> - -<p> -"Martin-Guerre again." -</p> - -<p> -"And who only yesterday was taken in the act of trying to carry off the -wife of Master Gorju, the ironmonger?" -</p> - -<p> -"Always this same Martin-Guerre," said the constable. "An abominable -rascal, to be sure. And his master, this Vicomte d'Exmès, whom I -instructed you to keep a sharp watch on, is not likely to be of much -more worth than he; for he upholds and defends him, and vows that his -squire is the mildest and most sedate of men." -</p> - -<p> -"That is what you used to have the goodness to say of me, Monseigneur. -Martin-Guerre believes that he is possessed by the Devil, whereas in -truth it is I who possess him." -</p> - -<p> -"What! What do you mean? You are not Satan, are you?" cried the -constable, crossing himself in his terror, for he was as ignorant as a -fool, and as superstitious as a monk. -</p> - -<p> -Master Arnauld replied only with an infernal leer; but when he thought -he had alarmed Montmorency sufficiently, he said,— -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, no, I am not the Devil, Monseigneur. To prove it to you and to -reassure you, I ask you to give me fifty pistoles. Now, if I were the -Devil, should I have any need of money, and couldn't I draw myself out -of all my scrapes with my tail?" -</p> - -<p> -"That's true," said the constable; "and here are your fifty pistoles." -</p> - -<p> -"Which I have well earned, Monseigneur, by gaining the confidence of -Vicomte d'Exmès; for although I am not the Devil, I am a bit of a -sorcerer, and have only to don a certain brown doublet, and draw on -certain yellow breeches, to make Vicomte d'Exmès speak to me as if I -were an old friend and a tried confidant." -</p> - -<p> -"Hm! all this has a smack of the gallows," said the constable. -</p> - -<p> -"Master Nostradamus, just from seeing me pass in the street, predicted -for me, after one glance at my face, that I should die between heaven -and earth. So I resign myself to my destiny, and devote it to your -interests, Monseigneur. To know that one is to be hung is a priceless -advantage. A man who is sure of meeting his end on the gallows, fears -nothing, not even the gallows themselves. To begin with, I have made -myself the double of Vicomte d'Exmès's squire. I told you that I would -accomplish miracles! Now, do you know, or can you guess, who this -viscount is?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Parbleu</i>! a lawless partisan of the Guises." -</p> - -<p> -"Better than that. The accepted lover of Madame de Castro." -</p> - -<p> -"What's that you say, villain? How do you know that?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am the viscount's confidant, as I told you. It is I who generally -carry his notes to the fair one, and bring back the reply. I am on the -best of terms with the lady's maid, who is astonished only to have so -changeable a lover,—bold as a page one day, and the next day as shy -as a nun. The viscount and Madame de Castro meet at the queen's levees -three times a week, and write every day. However, you may believe me or -not, their affection is absolutely pure. Upon my word, I should be -interested for them, if I were not interested for myself. They love each -other like cherubs, and have from childhood, so far as I can make out. I -have opened their letters now and then, and they have really moved me. -Madame Diane is jealous; and of whom, do you suppose, Monseigneur? Of -the queen! But she is altogether wrong, poor child. It may be that the -queen thinks about Monsieur d'Exmès—" -</p> - -<p> -"Arnauld," the constable interposed, "you are a slanderer!" -</p> - -<p> -"And that smile of yours is quite as slanderous as my words," replied -the blackguard. "I was saying that while it might well be that the queen -was thinking about the viscount, it is perfectly certain that the -viscount is not thinking about the queen. Their young loves are Arcadian -in their simplicity and perfectly irreproachable, and move me like a -gentle pastoral of ancient Rome or of the days of chivalry; and yet it -doesn't prevent me, God help me, from betraying them for fifty -pistoles, the poor little turtle-doves! But confess, Monseigneur, that -I was right in saying, as I did at first, that I have well earned those -same fifty pistoles." -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed you have," said the constable; "but once more I ask you how you -have come to be so well informed?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Monseigneur, pardon me; that is my secret, which you may try to -guess if you choose, but which I certainly shall not disclose. Besides, -my means of information are of little consequence to you (for I alone am -responsible for them, after all) provided you attain your end. Now, your -end is to be informed as to all proceedings and plans which may tend to -injure you; and it seems to me that my revelation of to-day is not -unimportant, and may be of great use to you, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"You are quite right, you rascal; but you must continue to play the spy -on this damned viscount." -</p> - -<p> -"I will, Monseigneur; I am as devoted to you as I am to vice. You will -give me pistoles, and I will give you words, and we shall both be -content. Ah, there's some one coming into the gallery. A woman! The -devil! I must bid you adieu, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Who is it, pray?" asked the constable, whose sight was beginning to -fail. -</p> - -<p> -"Good Lord! it's Madame de Castro herself, who is going to the king, no -doubt; and it is very important that she should not see me with you, -Monseigneur, although she wouldn't know me in this dress. She is coming -this way, and I must avoid her." -</p> - -<p> -And he made his escape in the opposite direction from that in which -Diane was coming. -</p> - -<p> -The constable hesitated a moment; then, making up his mind to satisfy -himself of the accuracy of Arnauld's report, he advanced boldly to meet -Madame d'Angoulême. -</p> - -<p> -"Were you going to the king's closet, Madame?" said he. -</p> - -<p> -"I was, Monsieur le Connétable." -</p> - -<p> -"I am much afraid that you will not find his Majesty disposed to listen -to you, Madame," replied Montmorency, naturally alarmed at this step; -"and the serious news he has received—" -</p> - -<p> -"Make this just the very most opportune moment for me, Monsieur." -</p> - -<p> -"And against me, Madame, am I not right? For you have bitter enmity for -us." -</p> - -<p> -"Alas, Monsieur le Connétable, I have no enmity against anybody in the -world." -</p> - -<p> -"Have you really nothing in your heart but love?" asked De Montmorency, -in so meaning a tone that Diane Mushed and lowered her eyes. "And it is -on account of that love, no doubt, that you oppose the king's wishes and -the hopes of my son?" -</p> - -<p> -Diane in her embarrassment held her peace. -</p> - -<p> -"Arnauld has told me the truth," thought the constable; "and she does -love this handsome triumphal messenger of Monsieur de Guise." -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur le Connétable," Diane found strength to say at last, "my duty -calls upon me to yield obedience to the king, but I have the right to -implore my father." -</p> - -<p> -"And so," said the constable, "you persist in going to find the king." -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed I do." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, well! then I shall go and see Madame de Valentinois, Madame." -</p> - -<p> -"As you please, Monsieur." -</p> - -<p> -They bowed, and left the gallery by opposite doors; and as Diane entered -the king's closet, old Montmorency was ushered into the favorite's -apartments. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap13"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XIII -<br /><br /> -THE ACME OF HAPPINESS</h4> - -<p> -"Here, Master Martin," said Gabriel to his squire on the same day and -almost at the same hour, "I must go and make my rounds, and shall not -return to the house within two hours. Do you, Martin, in one hour go to -the usual place and wait there for a letter, an important letter, which -Jacinthe will hand you as usual. Don't lose a moment, but make haste to -bring it to me. If I have finished my rounds, I shall be before you, -otherwise await me here. Do you understand?" -</p> - -<p> -"I understand, Monseigneur, but I have a favor to ask of you." -</p> - -<p> -"What is it?" -</p> - -<p> -"Let me have one of the Guards to keep me company, Monseigneur, I -implore you." -</p> - -<p> -"A guard to keep you company. What is this new madness? What are you -afraid of?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am afraid of myself," replied Martin, piteously. "It seems, -Monseigneur, that I outdid myself last night! Up to then I had exhibited -myself only as a drunkard and a gambler and a bully; but now I have -become a rake! I whom all Artigues respected for the purity of my morals -and my ingenuous mind! Would you believe, Monseigneur, that I have sunk -so low as to have made an attempt at abduction last night? Yes, at -abduction! I tried by main force to carry off the wife of Gorju, the -iron-monger,—a very lovely woman, so they say. Unfortunately, or -fortunately rather, I was arrested; and if I had not been still in your -employ, and recommended by you, I should have passed the night in -prison. It's infamous!" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Martin, were you dreaming when you committed this last prank?" -</p> - -<p> -"Dreaming! Monseigneur, here is the report. When I read it, I blushed up -to my ears. Yes, there was a time when I believed that all these -infernal performances were frightful nightmares, or that the Devil -amused himself by taking on my form for the purposes of his horrible -nightly deeds. But you undeceived me; and besides, I never see now the -one that I used to take for my shadow. The holy priest in whose hands I -have placed the guidance of my conscience has also undeceived me; and he -who so persistently violates all divine and human laws, the guilty one, -the wretch, the villain, is no doubt myself, judging from what is told -me. So that is what I shall believe henceforth. Like a hen who hatches -out ducklings, my soul has given birth to honest thoughts, which have -resulted in wicked deeds. I should not dare to say except to you that I -am possessed, Monseigneur, because if I did I should be burned alive at -short notice; but it must be, as you can see, that at certain times I -really do have, as they say, the Devil in me." -</p> - -<p> -"No, no, my poor Martin," said Gabriel, laughing; "but you have been -indulging rather too freely in strong drink for some time, I fancy, and -when you are drunk, why, deuce take it! you see double." -</p> - -<p> -"But I never drink anything but water, Monseigneur, nothing but water! -Surely this water from the Seine doesn't go to the head—" -</p> - -<p> -"But, Martin, how about the evening when you were laid under the porch -dead-drunk?" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Monseigneur, that evening I went to bed and to sleep, commending -my soul to God; I rose also as virtuous as when I went to bed; and it -was from you and you only that I learned what I had been doing. It was -the same way the night when I wounded that magnificent gendarme, and the -other night of this most shameful assault. And yet I get Jérôme to -shut my door and lock me into my room, and I close the shutters and -fasten them with triple chains; but, <i>basta</i>! nothing is of any use. I -must believe that I get up, and that my vicious night-walking existence -begins. In the morning when I wake I ask myself. 'What have I been -doing, I wonder, during my absence last night?' I go down to find out -from you, Monseigneur, or from the district reports, and at once go to -relieve my conscience of these new crimes at the confessional, where I -can no longer obtain absolution, which is rendered impossible by my -everlasting backsliding. My only consolation is to fast and mortify the -flesh part of every day by severe scourging. But I shall die, I foresee -it, in final impenitence." -</p> - -<p> -"Rather believe, Martin, that this evil spirit will be appeased, and -that you will become once more the discreet and sober Martin of other -days. Meanwhile, obey your master, and faithfully discharge the -commission with which he intrusts you. But how can you ask me to allow -you to have any one with you? You know very well that all this business -must be kept secret, and that you alone are in my confidence." -</p> - -<p> -"Be sure, Monseigneur, that I will do my utmost to satisfy you. But I -cannot answer for myself, I warn you beforehand." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, this is too much, Martin! Why do you say so?" -</p> - -<p> -"Don't be impatient on account of my absence, Monseigneur. I think that -I am there, and I am here; that I will do this, and I do that. The other -day, having thirty <i>Paters</i> and thirty <i>Aves</i> to say for penance, -I determined to triple the dose so as to mortify my spirit by tiring -myself beyond endurance; and I remained or thought that I remained in -the church of St. Gervais telling my beads for two hours and more. Oh, -well! when I got back here I learned that you had sent me to carry a -letter, and that in proof of it I had brought back a reply; and the next -day Dame Jacinthe—another fine woman, alas!—complained of me -for having been rather free with her the day before. And that has happened -three times, Monseigneur; and you wish me to be sure of myself after my -imagination has played me such tricks as that? No, no, I am not -sufficiently master of myself for that; and although the blessed water -does not burn my fingers, still there are times when there is somebody -else than Master Martin in my skin." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, I will run the risk," said Gabriel, losing his patience; "and -since you have, at all events up to now, whether you have been at church -or in the Rue Froid-Manteau, skilfully and faithfully acquitted yourself -of the trust I have imposed upon you, you will do the same to-day; and -let me tell you, if you need such a stimulus to your zeal, that in this -letter you will bring me my happiness or my despair." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur, my devotion to you doesn't need to be worked upon, I -assure you; and if it wasn't for these devilish substitutions—" -</p> - -<p> -"What! are you going to begin again?" Gabriel interrupted. "I must go; -and do you start too in about an hour, and don't forget a single point -of my instructions. One word more: you know that for several days past I -have been anxiously expecting my nurse Aloyse out of Normandy; and you -understand that if she comes while I am away, you must give her the room -adjoining mine, and make her as welcome as if she were in her own house. -You will remember?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Come, then, Martin, we must be prompt to act, and discreet, and, above -all, not lose our presence of mind." -</p> - -<p> -Martin replied only with a repressed sigh; and Gabriel left his house in -the Rue des Jardins. -</p> - -<p> -He came back two hours later, as he had said, absorbed and preoccupied. -As he entered, he saw only Martin, rushed up to him, seized the letter -which he had expected with so much impatience, made a gesture of -dismissal, and read:— -</p> - -<blockquote><p> -"Let us thank God, Gabriel," said this letter; "the king has yielded, -and our happiness is assured. You must have learned of the arrival of -the herald from England, bearing a declaration of war in the name of -Queen Mary, and of the great preparations in Flanders. These events, -threatening for France, perhaps, are favorable to our love, Gabriel, -since they add to the influence of the young Duc de Guise, and tend to -lower that of old Montmorency. The king, however, still hesitated; but I -implored him, Gabriel: I said that I had found you again, and that you -were noble and valiant; and I told him your name—so much the worse! -The king, without promising anything, said that he would reflect; that -after all, when the affairs of State became less urgent, it would be cruel -in him to compromise my happiness; and that he could make some amends to -François de Montmorency with which he would have to be content. He has -promised nothing, but he will do everything, Gabriel. Oh, you will learn -to love him, as I do, this kind father of mine, who is going to bring to -pass all the dreams we have dreamed these last six years! I have so much -to say to you, and these written words are so cold! Listen, my friend, -come to-night at six o'clock during the council. Jacinthe will bring you -to me, and we will have a good long hour to talk of the bright future -which is opening before us. But I can foresee that this Flanders -campaign will claim you, and that you must make it, alas! to serve the -king and to deserve my hand,—mine, who love you so dearly. For I do -love you, <i>mon Dieu</i>, I do! Why should I try now to conceal it from -you? Come to me, then, so that I may see if you are as happy as your -Diane." -</p></blockquote> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, indeed I am happy!" cried Gabriel, aloud, when he had finished -the letter; "and what is lacking to my happiness now?" -</p> - -<p> -"The presence of your old nurse, no doubt," unexpectedly replied Aloyse, -who had been sitting motionless and silent in the shadow. -</p> - -<p> -"Aloyse!" cried Gabriel, rushing to her and embracing her: "oh, Aloyse, -my dear old nurse, if you only knew how I wanted you! How are you? You -have not changed a bit. Kiss me again. I have not changed any more than -you, in heart at least,—the heart that loves you so. I was worried to -death at your delay: ask Martin. And why have you kept me waiting so -long?" -</p> - -<p> -"The recent storms, Monseigneur, have washed away the roads; and if I -had not been in so great a state of excitement over your letter that it -made me brave enough to venture in spite of obstacles of every sort, I -should not have been here yet." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you did very well to make such haste, Aloyse, you did very well; -for really what good is it to be so happy all by one's self? Do you see -this letter I have just received? It is from Diane, your other child, and -she tells me—do you know what she tells me?—that the obstacles -which stood in the way of our love may be removed; that the king will no -longer require her to marry François de Montmorency; and last and best -of all, that Diane loves me,—yes, that she loves me! And you are at -hand to hear all this, Aloyse; so tell me, am I not really at the very -acme of happiness?" -</p> - -<p> -"But suppose, Monseigneur," said Aloyse, maintaining the grave and -melancholy tone she had assumed at first, "suppose that you had to give -up Madame de Castro?" -</p> - -<p> -"Impossible, Aloyse! and just when these difficulties have smoothed -themselves all out!" -</p> - -<p> -"Difficulties created by man may always be overcome," said the nurse; -"but not so with those which God interposes, Monseigneur. You know -whether I love you, and whether I would not give my life to spare yours -the mere shadow of trouble; well, then, suppose I say to you: 'Without -asking for the reason, Monseigneur, give up all thoughts of Madame de -Castro, cease to see her, and crush out this passion for her by every -means in your power. A fearful secret, which in your own interest I -implore you not to ask me to disclose, lies between you two, to keep you -apart.' Suppose I should say this to you, begging you on my knees to do -as I asked, what would your reply be, Monseigneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"If it were my life which you asked me to destroy, Aloyse, without -asking for the reason, I would gratify you. But my love is a matter -outside my own will, nurse, for it also comes from God." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, good Lord!" cried the nurse, joining her hands, "he blasphemes. -But you see that he knows not what he does, so pardon him, good Lord!" -</p> - -<p> -"But you terrify me; don't keep me so long in this deathly anguish, -Aloyse, but whatever you would or ought to tell me, speak, speak, I -implore you!" -</p> - -<p> -"Do you wish it, Monseigneur? Must I really reveal to you the secret -which I have sworn before God to keep, but which God Himself to-day bids -me keep no longer? Well, then, Monseigneur, you are deceived; you must -be, do you hear, it is absolutely necessary that you should be deceived -as to the nature of the sentiment which Diane inspires in you. It is not -desire and passion (oh, no! be sure that it is not), but it is a serious -and devoted affection, due to her need of the protecting hand of a -friend and brother,—nothing more tender or more absorbing than that, -Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"But you are wrong, Aloyse; the fascinating beauty of Diane—" -</p> - -<p> -"I am not wrong," Aloyse made haste to say, "and you will soon agree -with me; for the proof of what I say will soon be as clear to you as to -myself. Know, then, that in all human probability Madame de -Castro—courage, my dear boy!—Madame de Castro is your sister!" -</p> - -<p> -"My sister!" cried Gabriel, leaping from his chair as if he were on -springs. "My sister!" he repeated, almost beside himself. "How can it be -that the daughter of the king and Madame de Valentinois should be my -sister?" -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, Diane de Castro was born in May, 1539, was she not? Comte -Jacques de Montgommery, your father, disappeared in January of the same -year; and do you know of what he was suspected? Do you know what the -accusation was against him, your father? That he was the favored lover -of Madame Diane de Poitiers, and the successful rival of the dauphin, -who is to-day King of France. Now, compare the dates, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Heavens and earth!" cried Gabriel. "But let us see, let us see," he -went on, making a supreme effort to collect his senses; "my father was -accused, but who proved that the accusation had any basis in fact? Diane -was born five months after my fathers death; but how does that prove -that she is not the daughter of the king, who loves her as his own -child?" -</p> - -<p> -"The king may be mistaken, just as I too may be mistaken, Monseigneur; -remember that I didn't say, 'Diane is your sister!' But it is probable -that she is; or if you choose, it is possible that she may be. Is it any -less my duty, my horribly painful duty, to give you this information, -Gabriel? I am right to do it, am I not? for you wouldn't give her up -without it. Now let your conscience decide as to your love; and may God -guide your conscience!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, but this uncertainty is a million times more horrible than the -calamity itself," said Gabriel. "<i>Mon Dieu</i>! who can solve this doubt -for me?" -</p> - -<p> -"The secret has been known to only two persons on earth, Monseigneur," -said Aloyse; "and there have been but two human beings who could have -answered you: your father, who is buried in an unknown tomb, and Madame -de Valentinois, who will not be likely to confess, I imagine, that she -has deceived the king, and that her daughter is not his." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes; and in any event, if I do not love my own father's daughter," said -Gabriel, "I love the daughter of my father's murderer! For it is the -king, it is Henri II., on whom I must wreak vengeance for the death of -my father, is it not, Aloyse?" -</p> - -<p> -"Who knows but God?" replied the nurse. -</p> - -<p> -"Confusion and darkness, doubt and terror everywhere!" cried Gabriel. -"Oh, I shall go mad, nurse! But no," continued the brave youth, "I must -not go mad yet; I must not! I will in the first place exhaust every -possible means of learning the truth. I will go to Madame de -Valentinois, and will demand from her the secret, which I will sacredly -keep. She is a good and devout Catholic, and I will obtain from her an -oath which will make me sure of her sincerity. I will go to Catherine de -Médicis, who may perhaps know something. I will go to Diane, too, and -with my hand on my heart will ask the question of my heart-beats. I -would go to my father's tomb, if I but knew where it lies, Aloyse, and I -would call upon him with a voice so potent that he would rise from the -dead to reply to me." -</p> - -<p> -"Poor dear child!" whispered Aloyse, "so brave and strong, even after -this fearful blow; and showing such a bold front to such a cruel fate!" -</p> - -<p> -"And I will not lose a moment about going to work," said Gabriel, rising -with a sort of feverish animation. "It is now four o'clock; in half an -hour I shall be with Madame la Sénéchale; an hour later with the -queen; and at six at the rendezvous where Diane awaits me; and when I -see you again this evening, Aloyse, I may perhaps have lifted a corner -of this gloomy veil in which my destiny is now shrouded. Farewell till -evening." -</p> - -<p> -"And I, Monseigneur, can I do nothing to help you in this formidable -undertaking?" -</p> - -<p> -"You can pray to God for me, Aloyse." -</p> - -<p> -"For you and Diane, yes, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Pray for the king, too, Aloyse," said Gabriel, darkly, and he left the -room precipitately. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap14"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XIV -<br /><br /> -DIANE DE POITIERS</h4> - -<p> -The Constable de Montmorency was still with Diane de Poitiers, and was -addressing her in a loud voice, as rough and imperious with her as she -had shown herself sweet and gentle with him. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, after all, she is your daughter, isn't she?" he was saying; "and -you have the same rights and the same authority over her as the king -has. Demand that this marriage take place!" -</p> - -<p> -"But you must remember, my good friend, that having hitherto shown her -very little of a mother's affection I can hardly hope to exert a -mother's authority over her, and to chastise where I have never -caressed. We are, as you know, Madame d'Angoulême and myself, on very -cool terms with each other; and in spite of her advances at first, we -have only met at very long intervals. Besides, she has succeeded in -gaining a very great personal influence over the king's mind; and in -truth, I should find it hard to say which of us two is the more powerful -at this moment. What you ask me to do, my friend, is very difficult, not -to say impossible. Lay aside all thought of this marriage, and let us -replace it by a still more brilliant alliance. The king has betrothed -his little Jeanne to Charles de Mayenne; we will induce him to bestow -little Marguerite's hand on your son." -</p> - -<p> -"My son sleeps in a bed and not in a cradle," replied the constable; -"and how, I should like to know, could a young girl, just learning to -talk, add to the fortunes of my family? Madame de Castro, on the other -hand, has, as you have just reminded me most opportunely, a vast -personal influence over the king; and that is why I wish her for my -daughter-in-law. <i>Mon Dieu</i>! it is a most extraordinary thing that -when a gentleman who bears the name of the foremost noble in Christendom -stoops to wed a bastard, he should meet with so many obstructions in -carrying out the <i>mésalliance</i>. Madame, you are no more the king's -favorite for nothing than I am your lover for nothing. In spite of -Madame de Castro, in spite of this fop who adores her, in spite of the -king himself, I insist that this marriage shall take place,—I insist -upon it." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, very well, my friend," replied Diane de Poitiers, meekly, "I agree -to do the possible and impossible to help you to attain your ends. What -more do you want me to say? But at least tell me that you will be kinder -to me, and will not rage and storm at me so, cruel one!" -</p> - -<p> -And with her lovely red lips the beautiful duchess lightly touched old -Anne's rough grizzled beard, while he grumblingly submitted to the -caress. -</p> - -<p> -For such was this singular passion, inexplicable except on the theory of -extraordinary depravity, which was nourished by the idolized favorite of -a handsome young monarch for an old graybeard who abused her. -Montmorency's rough brutality made amends to her for Henri's -love-making; and she took more delight in being ill-treated by the one -than in being petted and caressed by the other. Prodigious caprice of -the feminine heart! Anne de Montmorency was neither clever nor -brilliant; and he was, on very good grounds, reputed to be covetous and -stingy. The inhuman punishments he had inflicted upon the rebellious -population of Bordeaux had of themselves attached a sort of hateful -notoriety to his name. He was brave, it is true; but that quality is -common in France, and he had up to this time hardly ever been fortunate -in the battles in which he had taken part. At the victories of Ravenna -and Marignan, where he had held no command, he had not made himself -conspicuous above the common herd; at Bicocque, where he was colonel of -the Swiss Guards, he had let his regiment be almost cut to pieces; and -at Pavia he was taken prisoner. His military celebrity had not since -been increased, and St. Laurent had made a pitiable ending to it. -Without the favor of Henri II., inspired, no doubt, by Diane de -Poitiers, he would not have risen above the second place in the king's -council any more than in the army; and yet Diane loved him, coddled him, -and obeyed him in everything, being at once the favorite of a manly, -handsome young monarch and the slave of a ridiculous old veteran. -</p> - -<p> -Just at this moment there was a discreet knock at the door; and a page, -entering at Madame de Valentinois's summons, announced that Vicomte -d'Exmès earnestly begged to be allowed a very brief audience of the -duchess on a most serious matter. -</p> - -<p> -"The lover himself!" cried the constable. "What can he want of you, -Diane? Can he possibly have come to ask you for your daughter's hand?" -</p> - -<p> -"Shall I allow him to come in?" meekly asked the favorite. -</p> - -<p> -"Of course, of course; this incident may help us. But let him wait a -moment. Just one word more between ourselves." -</p> - -<p> -Diane de Poitiers gave orders accordingly to the page, who left the -room. -</p> - -<p> -"If Vicomte d'Exmès comes to you, Diane," the constable went on, "it -must be because some unexpected difficulties have arisen; and it must be -a very desperate emergency to drive him to resort to so desperate a -remedy. Now, listen carefully to what I say; and if you follow my -instructions to the letter, I will answer for it that your hazardous -interference with the king in this matter will be quite unnecessary. -Diane, whatever the viscount asks at your hands, refuse it. If he asks -what path he shall take, send him in the opposite direction to that in -which he wishes to go. If he wants you to say 'yes,' say 'no;' but say -'yes' if he hopes for a negative answer. Be contemptuous with him, and -haughty and ill-tempered, the worthy daughter of the fairy Mélusine, -from whom you of the family of Poitiers are said to have descended. Do -you understand me, Diane, and will you do as I say?" -</p> - -<p> -"In every respect, my dear Constable." -</p> - -<p> -"Then my fine fellow's threads will be considerably tangled, I fancy. The -poor fool, thus to walk right into the jaws of the—" he started to -say "she-wolf," but caught himself—"into the jaws of the waives. I -leave him to you, Diane; and you must give me a good account of this -handsome claimant. Till this evening!" -</p> - -<p> -He condescended to kiss Diane's brow, and went out. Vicomte d'Exmès was -ushered in by another door. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel saluted Diane most respectfully, while she responded with an -impertinent nod. But Gabriel, buckling on his armor for this unequal -combat of burning passion against frigid vanity, began calmly -enough:— -</p> - -<p> -"Madame," said he, "the step which I have ventured to take with -reference to you is a bold one, no doubt, and may seem mad. But -sometimes in one's life circumstances come to light of such serious -moment as to lift us above the ordinary conventions and every day -scruples. Now, I am involved in one of these terrible crises of my -destiny, Madame. I, who speak to you, have come to put my life in your -hands; and if you let it fall, it will be broken forever." -</p> - -<p> -Madame de Valentinois made not the least sign of encouragement. With her -body bent forward, resting her chin on her hand, and her elbow on her -knee, she gazed at Gabriel with a look of wonder mingled with weariness. -</p> - -<p> -"Madame," he resumed, trying to shake off the gloomy effect of this -feigned indifference, "you either know or do not know that I love Madame -de Castro. I love her, Madame, with a deep, ardent, overpowering love." -</p> - -<p> -"What is that to me?" seemed to say Diane de Poitiers's careless smile. -</p> - -<p> -"I speak to you of this love which fills my whole soul, Madame, to -explain my saying that I ought to understand and excuse, yes, even -admire, the blind fatalities and insatiable demands of an engrossing -passion. So far from blaming it, as the common people do, or of pulling -it to pieces like the philosophers, or of condemning it like the -priests, I kneel before it and adore it as a blessing from the Most -High. It makes the heart into which it enters purer and more noble and -divine; and did not Jesus Himself consecrate it when He said to Mary -Magdalene that she was blessed above all other women for having loved so -well?" -</p> - -<p> -Diane de Poitiers changed her position, and with eyes half closed -stretched herself out carelessly on her couch. -</p> - -<p> -"I wonder how much longer his sermon is going to last," she was -thinking. -</p> - -<p> -"Thus you see, Madame," continued Gabriel, "that love is in my eyes a -holy thing, and more than that, it is omnipotent. If the husband of -Madame de Castro were living still, I should love her just the same, and -should not even try to overcome the irresistible impulse. It is only a -false love which can be subdued; and true love no more flees from itself -than it commands its own beginning. So, Madame, you yourself, chosen and -beloved by the greatest king in the world,—you ought not to be, on -that account, out of all danger of contracting a sincere passion; and if -you had been unable to resist it, I should pity you and envy you, but I -would not condemn you." -</p> - -<p> -Still unbroken silence on the part of the Duchesse de Valentinois. -Amused astonishment was the only emotion expressed upon her face. -Gabriel went on with still more warmth, as if to melt this brazen heart -with the flames that were seething in his own. -</p> - -<p> -"A king falls in love with your adorable beauty, as may well be -imagined. You are touched by his affection; but may it not be that your -heart does not respond to it, much as it would like to do so? Alas! yes. -But standing near the king, a handsome gentleman, gallant and devoted, -sees you and loves you; and this more obscure but not less powerful -passion meets a response in your heart, which has not opened to admit -the thought of a king. But are you not a queen too, a queen of beauty, -just as the king who loves you is king in power? Are you not as -independent and free as he? Is it titles which win hearts? Who could -prevent you from having for one day, for one hour even, in your kind and -loving heart, preferred the subject to the master? It is not I, at all -events, who would have so little sympathy with lofty sentiments as to -esteem it a crime in Diane de Poitiers that being beloved of Henri II., -she had loved the Comte de Montgommery." -</p> - -<p> -Diane, at this home-thrust, made a sudden movement and half rose from -her seat, opening her great bright eyes to their fullest extent. Too few -persons at court knew her secret for her not to have felt a shock at -these words of Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Have you any substantial proof of this love that you prate of?" she -asked, not without a shade of anxiety in her tone. -</p> - -<p> -"I have nothing but moral certainty of it, Madame," replied Gabriel; -"but I have that." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" said she, resuming her insolent pouting. "Well, then, it is all -the same to me if I confess the truth to you. Yes, I did love the Comte -de Montgommery. And what next?" -</p> - -<p> -But next, Gabriel had no more positive knowledge, and could only stumble -about in the darkness of conjecture. However, he continued:— -</p> - -<p> -"You loved Jacques de Montgommery, Madame, and I venture to say that you -still love his memory; for if he disappeared from the face of the earth, -it was on your account and for your sake. Very well! it is in his name -that I come to beg your indulgence, and to ask you a question which will -seem to you, I say again, very presumptuous; but I also repeat that your -reply, if you are good enough to reply, will arouse only gratitude and -worship in my heart, for upon your reply my life hangs. Again I repeat -that if you do not refuse to answer me, I will be henceforward at your -service, body and soul; and the most firmly established power in the -world may sometime be in need of a devoted heart and hand, Madame." -</p> - -<p> -"Go on, Monsieur," said the duchess, "and let us get at this terrible -question." -</p> - -<p> -"I ought to ask it of you on my knees, Madame," said Gabriel, suiting -the action to the word. -</p> - -<p> -And then he resumed with beating heart and faltering voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"Madame, it was in the course of the year 1538 that you loved the Comte -de Montgommery, was it not?" -</p> - -<p> -"Possibly," said Diane; "and then?" -</p> - -<p> -"It was in January, 1539, that the Comte de Montgommery disappeared, and -in May, 1539, that Madame Diane de Castro was born?" -</p> - -<p> -"Well?" asked Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Madame!" said Gabriel, so low that she could hardly hear him, -"there lies the secret which at your feet I implore you to divulge to -me,—the secret on which my fate depends, and which shall die with me, -believe me, if you will deign to reveal it to me. On the crucifix which -hangs above your head, I swear it, Madame; I will yield up my life -rather than your confidence. And besides, you will always be able to -prove me a liar, for your word would be believed before mine; and I ask -you for no proof, but for your word alone. Madame, Madame, was Jacques -de Montgommery the father of Diane de Castro?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oho!" said Diane, with a contemptuous laugh, "that is rather a bold -question; and you were quite right to precede it with such a lengthy -preamble. But never fear, Monsieur, I bear you no ill-will for it. You -have interested me like a riddle, and now you interest me still more; -for what is it to you, pray, Monsieur d'Exmès, whether Madame -d'Angoulême be the child of the king or the count? The king is supposed -to be her father, and that should satisfy your ambition, if you are -ambitious. Why do you draw me into it; and what claim have you to thus -question me about the past to no purpose? You have a reason, no doubt; -but what is the reason?" -</p> - -<p> -"I have a reason indeed, Madame," said Gabriel; "but I conjure you not -to ask it of me for mercy's sake!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes," said Diane, "you want to know my secrets and to keep yours to -yourself. That would be a very advantageous thing for you, no doubt!" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel detached the ivory crucifix which surmounted the carved oak -<i>prie-Dieu</i> behind Diane's couch. -</p> - -<p> -"By your everlasting salvation, Madame," said he, "swear to keep silent -as to what I tell you, and to make no use of it to my disadvantage!" -</p> - -<p> -"Such an oath as that!" said Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Madame, for I know you to be a zealous and devout Catholic: and if -you swear by your everlasting salvation, I will believe you." -</p> - -<p> -"And suppose I decline to swear?" -</p> - -<p> -"I shall hold my peace, Madame, and you will have refused to save my -life." -</p> - -<p> -"Do you know, Monsieur," replied Diane, "that you have strangely aroused -my woman's curiosity'? Yes, the mystery with which you so tragically -surround yourself attracts me and tempts me, I confess. You have -triumphed over my imagination to that extent, I tell you frankly; and I -did not suppose that any one could so pique my curiosity. If I swear, it -is, I give you fair warning, so that I may learn more about you. From -curiosity, pure and simple, I agree to do it." -</p> - -<p> -"And I too, Madame," said Gabriel, "I implore you thus, so that I may -learn more; but my curiosity is that of the criminal awaiting his -death-sentence. Bitter and fearful curiosity, as you see! Will you take -this oath, Madame?" -</p> - -<p> -"Say you the words, and I will say them after you, Monsieur." -</p> - -<p> -And Diane said, after Gabriel, the following words: -</p> - -<p> -"By my salvation, in this life and the next, I swear to reveal to no one -on earth the secret which you are about to impart to me, and never to -make any use of it to injure you, and to act in all ways just as if I -had never known it, and never should know it." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well," said Gabriel, "and I thank you for this first proof of your -condescension. Now, in two words, you shall know all: my name is Gabriel -de Montgommery, and Jacques de Montgommery was my father!" -</p> - -<p> -"Your father!" cried Diane, springing to her feet in a state of -stupefied excitement. -</p> - -<p> -"So that if Diane de Castro is the count's daughter," said Gabriel, -"Diane de Castro, whom I love, or whom I thought that I loved to -distraction, is my sister!" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, I see," replied Diane de Poitiers, recovering herself a -bit.—"This will be the constable's salvation," she thought to -herself. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, Madame," continued Gabriel, pale but firm, "are you willing to do -me the further favor of swearing, as before, upon this crucifix, that -Madame de Castro is King Henri II.'s daughter? You do not reply? Oh, why -do you not reply. Madame?" -</p> - -<p> -"Because I cannot take that oath, Monsieur." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, <i>mon Dieu, mon Dieu</i>! Diane is my father's child, then?" cried -Gabriel, tottering. -</p> - -<p> -"I did not say that! I will never assent to that!" cried Madame de -Valentinois; "Diane de Castro is the king's daughter." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, really, Madame? Oh, how kind you are!" said Gabriel. "But, pardon -me! Your own interest may induce you to say so. So swear it, Madame, -swear it! In the name of your child, who will bless you for it, oh, -swear it!" -</p> - -<p> -"I will not swear," said the duchess. "Why should I?" -</p> - -<p> -"But, Madame," said Gabriel, "this very moment you took the same oath -simply to gratify your vulgar curiosity, as you told me yourself; and -now, when a man's very life is at stake, when by saying these few words, -you might rescue two souls from the bottomless pit, you ask, 'Why should -I say these words?'" -</p> - -<p> -"But I will not swear, Monsieur," said Diane, coldly and decidedly. -</p> - -<p> -"And if I should marry Madame de Castro notwithstanding, Madame, and if -Madame de Castro is my sister, don't you think that the crime will -rebound upon you?" -</p> - -<p> -"No," replied Diane, "not when I have not taken my oath to it." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, horrible! horrible!" cried Gabriel. "But consider, Madame, that I -can tell everywhere that you loved the Comte de Montgommery, and were -false to the king, and that I, the count's son, am certain of it." -</p> - -<p> -"Mere moral certainty, without proofs," said Diane, with a wicked smile, -having resumed her air of impertinent and haughty indifference. "I will -say that you lie, Monsieur; and you told me yourself that when you -affirm and I deny, you will not be the one to be believed. Consider, -too, that I can say to the king that you have presumed to make love to -me, threatening to circulate slanders about me if I didn't yield to -you. And then you will be lost, Monsieur Gabriel de Montgommery. But -pardon me," said she, rising; "I must leave you, Monsieur. You have -really entertained me exceedingly, and your story is a very singular -one." -</p> - -<p> -She struck a bell, to summon a servant. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, this is infamous!" cried Gabriel, beating his brow with his -clinched fists. "Oh, why are you a woman, or why am I a man? But, -nevertheless, take care, Madame! for you shall not play with my heart -and my life with impunity; and God will punish you, and avenge me for -what you have done,—for this infamy, I say it again!" -</p> - -<p> -"Do you think so?" said Diane. And she accompanied her words with a dry, -mocking little laugh which was peculiar to her. -</p> - -<p> -At this moment, the page whom she had called raised the tapestry -curtain. She gave Gabriel a mocking salute and left the room. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, well!" said she to herself, "my good constable is decidedly in -luck. Dame Fortune is like me,—she loves him. Why the devil do we -love him?" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel followed her out, mad with rage and grief. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap15"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XV -<br /><br /> -CATHERINE DE MÉDICIS</h4> - -<p> -But Gabriel was strong and brave of heart, and filled with steadfast -resolution. After the consternation of the first moments had abated, he -shook off his despondency, held his head aloft once more, and requested -an audience of the queen. -</p> - -<p> -Catherine de Médicis had no doubt heard of this mysterious tragedy of -her husband and the Comte de Montgommery; in fact, who knows that she -did not herself play a part in it. At that time she was hardly more than -twenty years old. Was it not likely that the jealousy of a beautiful but -abandoned young wife would cause her to keep her eyes constantly open to -every act and every misstep of her rival? Gabriel relied upon her memory -to throw light upon the darkness of the path along which he was groping -his way, but where he was so much interested in having his course made -clear to him both as lover and as son, for his happiness' sake or for -his revenge. -</p> - -<p> -Catherine received Vicomte d'Exmès with that marked kindness which she -had not failed to show him on every occasion. -</p> - -<p> -"Is it you, my handsome king of the lists?" said she. "To what happy -chance do I owe this welcome visit? You very seldom honor us, Monsieur -d'Exmès; and I think this is the very first time that you have sought -an audience of us in our apartments. But you are and always will be a -welcome guest, remember that." -</p> - -<p> -"Madame," said Gabriel. "I do not know how to thank you for such -kindness; rest assured that my devotion—" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, never mind your devotion!" interposed the queen; "but let us come -to the object which brings you here. Can I serve you in any way?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Madame, I think that you can." -</p> - -<p> -"So much the better, Monsieur d'Exmès," replied Catherine, with a most -engaging smile; "and if what you ask of me lies in my power, I promise -beforehand to grant it. That may be rather a compromising agreement, -perhaps, but I know you will not make an unfair use of it, my good -friend." -</p> - -<p> -"God forbid, Madame! I have no such intention." -</p> - -<p> -"Go on, then, and tell me," said the queen, sighing. -</p> - -<p> -"It is information, Madame, that I have ventured to seek from -you,—nothing more. But to me this nothing is everything; so you will -excuse me, I know, for recalling memories which may be painful to your -Majesty. They relate to something which happened as long ago as the year -1539." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, dear, I was very young then,—almost a child," said the queen. -</p> - -<p> -"But already very lovely, and most surely worthy of being loved," -replied Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Some people used to say so," said the queen, delighted at the turn the -conversation was taking. -</p> - -<p> -"And yet," Gabriel went on, "another woman dared to encroach upon the -right which was yours by the gift of God, and by your birth and beauty; -and not content with drawing away from you, by witchery and enchantment, -no doubt, the eyes and the heart of a husband who was too young to see -clearly, this woman betrayed him who had betrayed you, and loved the -Comte de Montgommery. But in your righteous contempt you may have -forgotten all this, Madame?" -</p> - -<p> -"By no means," said the queen; "and this incident, with all the -intrigues dating from it, is very clear still in my mind. Yes, she loved -the Comte de Montgommery; and then, seeing that her passion was -discovered, she basely pretended that it was a mere feint to put the -dauphin's affection for her to the proof; and when Montgommery -disappeared, poor fellow,—made away with, perhaps, by her own -order,—she never shed a tear for him, but appeared at a ball the next -day, laughing and gay. Oh, yes, I shall always remember the first -schemes by means of which this woman undermined my new-born power; for I -was annoyed by them then, and I passed my days and my nights weeping. -But since then my pride has come to my aid. I have always fulfilled my -duty, and more too: I have compelled, by my dignified conduct, -consistent and constant respect for myself as wife, as mother, and as -queen. I have given seven children to the King of France; but now I love -my husband only with a tranquil sort of affection, as a friend and the -father of my sons, and I no longer recognize in him any right to demand -any tenderer emotion. My life has been devoted to the public good long -enough; and may I not now live a little for myself? Have I not bought my -happiness sufficiently dear? If the devotion of some young and -passionate heart should be laid at my feet, would it be a crime in me if -I did not spurn it, Gabriel?" -</p> - -<p> -Catherine's glances were quite in keeping with her words; but Gabriel's -thoughts were elsewhere. As soon as the queen had ceased to speak of his -father, he had ceased to listen, and had lost himself in thought. This -revery, which Catherine interpreted as being in accord with her own -wishes, by no means displeased her. But Gabriel soon broke the silence. -</p> - -<p> -"One last explanation, and the most serious of all," said he. "You are -so kind to me! I was sure that in coming to you I should be entirely -satisfied. You have spoken of devotion; you may count absolutely on -mine, Madame. But complete your work, for Heaven's sake! Since you knew -the details of this tragic incident in the life of the Comte de -Montgommery, do you know whether there was any doubt at the time that -Madame de Castro, who was born some months after the count's -disappearance, was really the king's daughter? Did not the tongue of -scandal, of calumny, I may say, set afloat suspicion in that direction -and ascribe to Monsieur de Montgommery the paternity of Diane?" -</p> - -<p> -Catherine de Médicis looked at Gabriel for some time without a word, as -if to satisfy herself of the feeling which had dictated his words. She -thought she had discovered it, and began to smile. -</p> - -<p> -"I have noticed," she said, "that you have been attracted by Madame de -Castro, and have been assiduously paying court to her. Now I see your -motive. Only, before you commit yourself, you wish to be sure, do you -not, that you are following no false scent, and that it is really a -daughter of the king to whom you are offering your homage? You don't -wish, after you have married the legitimatized daughter of Henri II., to -discover some fine day unexpectedly that your wife is the Comte de -Montgommery's illegitimate child? In a word, you are ambitious, Monsieur -d'Exmès. Don't protest, for it only makes me esteem you the more; and -more than that, it may be of advantage to my plans for you, rather than -detrimental to them. You are ambitious, are you not?" -</p> - -<p> -"But, Madame," replied Gabriel, in great embarrassment, "perhaps it -amounts to that—" -</p> - -<p> -"Very good; I see that I have guessed your secret, young gentleman," -said the queen. "Well, then! Are you willing to believe a friend? In the -interest of these plans of yours, lay aside your views touching this -Diane. Give up this doll-faced chit. I don't know, to tell the truth, -whose daughter she is, whether king's or count's, and the last -supposition may very well be the true one; but if she were born of the -king, she is not the woman or the support that you stand in need of. -Madame d'Angoulême's is a weak and yielding nature, all feeling and -grace, if you please, but without force or energy or courage. She has -succeeded in winning the king's good graces, I agree; but she hasn't the -tact to take advantage of them. What you need, Gabriel, to help you to -the fulfilment of your noble dreams, is a virile and courageous heart, -which will assist you as it loves you, which will serve you and be -served by you, and which will fill both your heart and your life. Such -a heart you have found without being aware of it. Vicomte d'Exmès." -</p> - -<p> -He looked at her in utter amazement; but she continued, warming to her -subject:— -</p> - -<p> -"Listen: our lofty destiny makes us queens free from the observance of -the proprieties enjoined upon the common herd; and from our supreme -height if we wish to be the object of the affection of a subject, we -must take some steps forward ourselves, and extend a welcoming hand. -Gabriel, you are handsome, brave, ardent, and proud! Since the first -moment that I saw you I have felt for you a strange sentiment, and—I -am not in error, am I?—your words and your looks, and even this very -proceeding to-day, which is perhaps only a well-planned -détour,—everything combines to make me believe that I have not to do -with an ingrate." -</p> - -<p> -"Madame!" said Gabriel, whose surprise had changed to alarm. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, you are touched and surprised, I see," continued Catherine, -with her sweetest smile. "But you do not judge me harshly, do you, for -my necessary frankness? I say again, the queen must make excuses for the -woman. You are shy, with all your ambition, Monsieur d'Exmès; and if I -had been withheld by scruples which would be beneath me, I might have -been deprived of a devotion which is very precious to me. I much -preferred to be the first to speak. Come, then! collect yourself once -more. Am I such a very terrible object?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes!" muttered Gabriel, pale and trembling. -</p> - -<p> -But the queen entirely misinterpreted the meaning of his exclamation. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, come!" said she, with a playful pretence of misgiving. "I have -not deprived you of your good sense yet, so far as to make you lose -sight of your own interests, as you proved by the questions you put to -me on the subject of Madame d'Angoulême. But set your mind at ease, for -I do not desire your abasement, I say again, but your elevation. -Gabriel, up to this time I have kept myself out of sight in the second -rank; but do you know, I shall soon shine in the first. Madame Diane de -Poitiers is no longer young enough to preserve her beauty and her -supremacy. On the day when that creature's prestige begins to wane, my -reign will begin; and mark well that I shall know how to reign, Gabriel. -The instincts of domination which I feel at work in me assure me of it; -and then, too, it is in the very Médicis blood. The king will learn -some day that he has no more clever adviser, none more skilful and more -experienced, than myself. And then, Gabriel, when that time comes, to -what heights may not that man aspire who linked his fortune with mine -when mine was still in the shadow; who loved in me the woman, not the -queen? Will not the mistress of the whole realm be able to recompense -worthily the man who devoted himself to Catherine? Will not this man be -her second self, her right arm, the real king, with a mere phantom of a -king above him? Will he not hold in his hand all the dignity and all the -might of France? A fair dream, is it not, Gabriel? Well, Gabriel, do you -choose to be that man?" -</p> - -<p> -She valiantly held out her hand to him. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel kneeled at her feet and kissed that lovely white hand; but his -nature was too frank and loyal to allow him to involve himself in the -tricks and falsehoods of a simulated passion. Between deceit and danger -he was too honest and too bold to hesitate a moment, so raising his -noble head, he said,— -</p> - -<p> -"Madame, the humble gentleman who is at your feet begs you to look upon -him as your most obedient servant and your most devoted subject; -but—" -</p> - -<p> -"But," said Catherine, smiling, "these are not the worshipful terms -which I require of you, my noble cavalier." -</p> - -<p> -"And yet, Madame," continued Gabriel, "I cannot make use of any more -tender and affectionate words in addressing you, for—pardon me, I -beg—she whom I loved dearly before I ever saw you is Madame Diane de -Castro; and no love, even though it be the love of a queen, can ever -find a resting-place in this heart, which is always filled with the -image of another." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" exclaimed Catherine, with colorless cheeks and tightly closed -lips. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, with head cast down, waited manfully for the storm of -indignation and scorn which was impending over him. Scorn and -indignation are not apt to be long in coming, and after a few moments of -silence,— -</p> - -<p> -"Do you know, Monsieur d'Exmès," said Catherine, struggling to keep -down her voice and her anger,—"do you know that I consider you very -bold, not to say impudent! Who spoke to you of love, Monsieur? Where did -you get the idea that I wished to tempt your bashful virtue? You must -have a most exalted and presumptuous opinion of your own deserts to dare -to think of such things, and to put such a hasty construction upon a -kindness of heart whose only mistake was in bestowing itself in an -undeserving quarter. You have very deeply injured a woman and a queen, -Monsieur!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Madame," replied Gabriel, "pray believe that my religious -veneration—" -</p> - -<p> -"Enough!" Catherine interposed; "I know that you have insulted me, and -that you came here to insult me! Why are you here? What purpose directed -your steps? Of what importance to me are your love and Madame de Castro, -or any of your concerns? You came to seek information from me! Absurd -pretext! You desired to make a queen of France the confidante of your -passion! It is senseless, I tell you! worse than that, it is an -outrage!" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Madame," replied Gabriel, standing proudly erect, "it is no outrage -to have met an honest man who chose to wound you rather than deceive -you." -</p> - -<p> -"Hold your peace, Monsieur!" replied Catherine; "I command you to hold -your peace and to leave me. Consider yourself lucky if I do not yet -think best to divulge to the king your audacious offence. But never let -me see you again, and henceforth consider Catherine de Médicis your -bitter enemy. Yes, I shall come across you again, be sure, Monsieur -d'Exmès! And now leave me." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel saluted the queen, and withdrew without a word. -</p> - -<p> -"Well," he reflected when he was alone again, "one hatred more! But what -difference would that make to me if I had only learned something about -my father and Diane? The king's favorite and the king's wife for -enemies! Fate may be preparing perhaps to make the king himself my -enemy. And now for Diane, for the hour has arrived; and God grant that I -may not be more sad and despairing when I part from her who loves me -than I have been on leaving those who hate me!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap16"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XVI -<br /><br /> -LOVER OR BROTHER?</h4> - -<p> -When Jacinthe ushered Gabriel into the apartment in the Louvre occupied -by Diane de Castro as the king's legitimatized daughter, she, in the -pure and honest outpouring of her heart, rushed to meet her well-beloved -without undertaking to dissemble her joy. She would not have refused to -offer her brow to be kissed; but he contented himself with pressing her -hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Here you are at last, Gabriel!" said she. "How impatiently I have been -awaiting you, dear! Lately I have not seemed to know whither to turn the -full stream of happiness that I feel within me. I talk and laugh when I -am all alone, and I am crazy with joy! But here you are, Gabriel, and we -may at least have a happy hour together! But what is the matter, my -love? You seem cold and serious and almost sad. Is it with such a solemn -face and such cool reserve that you show your love for me, and your -gratitude to God and my father?" -</p> - -<p> -"To your father? Yes, let us speak of your father, Diane. As for this -seriousness at which you wonder, it is my way to receive good fortune -with a grave face; for I distrust her gifts, in the first place, having -been unused to them heretofore, and my experience has been that she only -too often hides a sorrow under the mask of a favor. -</p> - -<p> -"I didn't know that you were such a philosopher, nor so unlucky, -Gabriel!" replied the maiden, half in fun and half in anger. "But, come! -you were saying that you wished to talk about the king; and I am very -glad. How kind and generous he is, Gabriel!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Diane; and he loves you dearly, doesn't he?" -</p> - -<p> -"With an infinite tenderness and gentleness, Gabriel." -</p> - -<p> -"No doubt," muttered Vicomte d'Exmès, "for he may very well believe, -poor dupe, that she is his child! Only one thing surprises me," he -continued aloud; "and that is, how the king, who must have felt in his -heart that he should love you thus dearly, could have allowed twelve -years to elapse without ever seeing you or knowing you, and have left -you at Vimoutiers, lost, to all intents and purposes. Have you never -asked him, Diane, for an explanation of such strange indifference? Such -utter forgetfulness, do you know, seems hardly consistent with the kind -feeling that he seems to have for you now." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh," said Diane, "it was not he who forgot me,—poor Papa!" -</p> - -<p> -"But who was it, then?" -</p> - -<p> -"Who? Why, Madame Diane de Poitiers, to be sure! I don't know if I ought -to say my mother." -</p> - -<p> -"And why did she make up her mind to abandon you thus, Diane? Ought she -not to have been glad and proud, and to have glorified herself in the -king's sight for having given birth to you, and having thus acquired one -claim the more to his affection? What had she to fear? Her husband was -dead; and her father—" -</p> - -<p> -"All that is very true, Gabriel," said Diane; "and it would be very -hard, not to say impossible, for me to justify in your eyes this -extraordinary feeling—is it of pride?—which has made Madame de -Valentinois refuse to acknowledge me formally as her child. Don't you -know, dear, that in the first place she induced the king to conceal the -fact of my birth; that she consented to my being recalled to court only -at his urgent request, which was almost a command; and that she didn't -choose even to be mentioned in the decree by which I was legitimatized? -I have no inclination to complain of her for it, Gabriel, because if it -had not been for this inexplicable pride of hers, I should never have -known you, and you would not have loved me. But, nevertheless, I have -sometimes been pained to think of the sort of repugnance which my mother -seems to feel for everything that relates to me." -</p> - -<p> -"A repugnance which may be remorse only," thought Gabriel, with terror; -"she was able to deceive the king, and it was not without hesitation and -dread—" -</p> - -<p> -"But what are you thinking about, dear Gabriel?" said Diane. "And why do -you ask me all these questions?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, for no reason at all! A misgiving of my anxious heart,—that's -all; don't worry about it, Diane. But, at all events, if your mother -does seem to feel only aversion and almost hatred for you, your father, -Diane,—your father makes up for her coldness by his affection, -doesn't he? And you, if you do feel shy and constrained with Madame de -Valentinois, your heart expands in the king's presence, does it not, and -recognizes in him a true parent?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, indeed!" said Diane; "and the very first day that I saw him, -when he spoke to me so tenderly, I felt drawn to him at once. It is not -from policy that I am affectionate and obliging with him, but from -instinct. It was not the king, not my benefactor and my patron, that I -loved so dearly,—it was my father!" -</p> - -<p> -"One can never be mistaken about such matters!" cried Gabriel, beside -himself with joy. "Dear, dear Diane, my dearest love, I am glad that you -love your father so, and that in his presence you feel the tender -emotions of gratitude and love! This lovely filial devotion does you -honor, Diane!" -</p> - -<p> -"And I am glad, too, that you understand it and approve of it," said -Diane. "But now that we have spoken of my father, and of his love for me -and mine for him, and of our obligation to him, Gabriel, suppose we talk -a little about ourselves and our own love; why not? Come, what do you -say? We are selfish creatures," added she, with the lovely ingenousness -which was hers alone. "Besides, if the king were here, he would reprove -me for not thinking at all of myself,—of ourselves; and do you know, -Gabriel, what he keeps saying to me every minute? 'My dear child, be -happy! Be happy; do you understand? And in that way you will make me -happy.' And so, Monsieur, now that our debt of gratitude is paid, let us -not be too forgetful of ourselves." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true," said Gabriel, thoughtfully,—"very true. Let us now give -ourselves up to this attachment which binds us to each other for life. -Let us look into our hearts, and see what is going on there. Let us lay -bare our very souls to each other." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, we will," said Diane; "that will be delightful!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, delightful!" responded Gabriel, in a melancholy tone. "And do you, -first, Diane, tell me what you feel for me. Don't you love me less than -your father?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, you jealous boy!" said Diane. "Be sure that my love for you is very -different, and it is not by any means easy to explain. When I am with -the king, I am calm, and my heart beats no more quickly than usual; but -when I see you, oh, then I feel a curious agitation, which pains and -delights me at the same time, and spreads over my whole being. To my -father I can say, even before the whole world, the sweet and loving -words which come to my lips; but to you, it seems to me that I should -never dare to say even the one word 'Gabriel' before another soul, not -even when I am your wife. In a word, the happiness which your presence -brings me is as restless and unquiet—I had almost said -painful—as the joy which I feel with my father is calm and -peaceful; but the pain of the one is more ecstatic than the tranquillity -of the other." -</p> - -<p> -"Say no more! oh, say no more!" cried Gabriel, in despair. "Yes, you do -love me, indeed; and it terrifies me! And yet it encourages me, too, I -must say; for surely God would not have implanted such a passion in your -heart, if it had been wrong for you to love me!" -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean, Gabriel?" asked Diane, in amazement. "Why should my -confession, which I have the best right in the world to make to you, -since you are going to be my husband,—why should it put you thus -beside yourself? What danger can be hidden in my love?" -</p> - -<p> -"None, Diane, none. Pay no attention to me. It is joy which intoxicates -me thus,—pure joy! Such supreme happiness makes me dizzy with -delight. But you didn't always love me so restlessly and with such painful -sensations. When we used to walk together under the trees at Vimoutiers, -you had only friendship for me,—fraternal friendship." -</p> - -<p> -"I was only a child then," said Diane. "I had not then been dreaming of -you for six solitary homesick years; my love had not then grown as my -body grew; I had not lived two months in the midst of a court where -licentious language and corrupt morals had made me cherish more fondly -still the thought of our pure and holy affection." -</p> - -<p> -"True, true, Diane!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"And now, do you, dear Gabriel, in your turn tell me of your devotion -and passionate love for me. Open your heart to me, as I have laid mine -bare to your gaze. If my words have sounded pleasantly in your ears, do -you let me hear your voice telling me how much you love me, and how -dearly you love me." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, as for me, I don't know," said Gabriel. "I cannot tell you that! -Don't ask me about it, don't press me to ask myself, for it is too -terrible!" -</p> - -<p> -"But, Gabriel," cried Diane, in deadly terror, "it is your words that -are terrible; don't you see that they are? What! You don't choose even -to tell me that you love me?" -</p> - -<p> -"If I love you, Diane! She asks me if I love her! Truly, then, yes, I do -love you, like a madman, perhaps like a criminal!" -</p> - -<p> -"Like a criminal!" cried Madame de Castro, beside herself with terror -and amazement. "What crime can there be in our love? Are we not both -free? Will not my father consent to our union? God and the angels must -delight in such a love." -</p> - -<p> -"Grant, oh, Lord, that she blaspheme not," cried Gabriel, in his heart, -"even as I perhaps blasphemed myself, in speaking to Aloyse!" -</p> - -<p> -"What can be the matter?" repeated Diane. "My dear, you are not sick, -are you? And you, generally so strong, whence come these fanciful fears? -For I have no fear when near you. I know that with you I am as safe as -with my father. See, to recall you to yourself, to life and happiness, I -press close to your breast without fear, my dearly beloved husband! I -press my brow against your lips without hesitation." -</p> - -<p> -Smiling bewitchingly, she approached him, her glorious face turned up to -his, and her angelic glance soliciting his pure embrace. -</p> - -<p> -But Gabriel pushed her away in terror. "Away!" he cried; "no, no! leave -me, flee from me!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, <i>mon Dieu</i>!" moaned Diane, letting her arms fall by her side. -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>! he repels me; he loves me not!" -</p> - -<p> -"I love you too well!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"If you love me, why should my proffered caresses be so terrible to -you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Are they really terrible to me, then?" said Gabriel to himself. "Is it -my instinct which repels them, and not my reason? Oh, come, Diane, let -me see you and know you, and feel your presence! Come, and let me press -my lips on your brow with a brother's kiss, in which a betrothed lover -may indulge himself." -</p> - -<p> -He strained Diane to his heart, and pressed a long burning kiss on her -hair. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, I deceived myself!" cried he, in rapture at her very touch. "It is -not the voice of blood which is crying to you from my heart; it is the -voice of love! I know it! Oh, what bliss!" -</p> - -<p> -"What did you say, dear?" replied Diane. "If you say that you love me, -you say all that I care to hear or to know." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, indeed I love you, blessed angel; I love you passionately, madly! -Yes, I love you, and to feel your heart beating against mine, like this, -is very heaven to me; or is it hell?" cried he, suddenly, releasing -himself from her embrace. "Away, away! let me fly, for I am accursed!" -</p> - -<p> -And he fled wildly from the room, leaving Diane dumb with terror, and as -if turned to stone by despair. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> -<a id="figure02"></a> -<img src="images/figure02.jpg" width="400" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"> -<p class="center">Mary Stuart and Gabriel.</p> -</div></div> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -And he, poor fellow, no longer knew where he was going or what he was -doing. He descended the stairs mechanically, reeling like a drunken man. -These three fearful experiences were too much for his reason. When he -reached the grand gallery of the Louvre, his eyes closed in spite of -him, his legs gave way, and he sank on his knees against the wall, -murmuring,— -</p> - -<p> -"I foresaw that the angel would cause me more bitter agony than the two -devils." -</p> - -<p> -He had fainted. Night had come on; and no one was passing through the -gallery. -</p> - -<p> -He was recalled to his senses by feeling a soft hand smoothing his -forehead, and hearing a sweet voice speaking to his very soul. He opened -his eyes. The little queen-dauphine, Mary Stuart, stood before him, with -a lighted taper in her hand. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, how fortunate! Another angel!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Is it you, Monsieur d'Exmès?" said Mary. "Oh, how you frightened me! I -thought you were dead. What is the matter? How pale you are! Do you feel -any better? I will call for help, if you wish." -</p> - -<p> -"Useless, Madame," said Gabriel, trying to rise. "Your voice has -restored me to life." -</p> - -<p> -"Let me help you," said Mary. "Poor fellow! Are you ill? You had -fainted, hadn't you? As I was passing, I spied you lying here, and I -hadn't strength enough to cry out. And then reflection gave me courage, -and I came nearer to you; and I was pretty brave, I think. I laid my -hand on your forehead, which was like ice. I called you, and you came to -yourself. Do you still feel better?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Madame; and may God bless you for your goodness! I remember now, I -had a fearful pain in my temples as if they were being pressed by an -iron vice; my knees shook under me; and I fell here by this drapery. But -how did the pain come on? Ah, yes, I remember now, I remember it all. -Alas, <i>mon Dieu</i>! <i>mon Dieu</i>! Too well I remember." -</p> - -<p> -"It is some terrible sorrow that oppresses you so, is it not?" asked -Mary. "It must be so, for, see, you are paler than ever again at the -mere remembrance of it. Lean on my arm, for I am willing and strong; and -I will call help, and find somebody to go home with you." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, Madame," said Gabriel, struggling to recover his strength and -his resolution. "I find I still have strength enough to go home alone. -See, I can walk without help, and with a firm step. I am no less -grateful to you; and while I live I shall never forget your simple and -touching kindness, Madame. You came to me like an angel of comfort at a -painful crisis in my life. Nothing but death, Madame, can ever efface it -from my heart." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, <i>mon Dieu</i>! what I did was the most natural thing in the world to -do, Monsieur d'Exmès; I would have done as much for any suffering -creature, and so much the more gladly for you whom I know to be the -devoted friend of my Uncle de Guise. Pray don't thank me for such a -small matter." -</p> - -<p> -"This small matter was everything, Madame, in the state of despair to -which I was reduced. You don't wish that I should thank you; but I, -Madame, wish to remember it. Adieu; I shall remember." -</p> - -<p> -"Adieu, Monsieur d'Exmès; pray take care of yourself, and try to find -comfort somewhere." -</p> - -<p> -She gave him her hand, which Gabriel kissed with deep respect. Then she -left the gallery by one door, and he by another. -</p> - -<p> -When he was outside of the walls of the Louvre, he walked along the -river-bank, and arrived at the Rue des Jardins in about half an hour. He -had but one thought in his brain, and was suffering terribly. -</p> - -<p> -Aloyse was anxiously awaiting him. -</p> - -<p> -"Well?" said she. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel struggled manfully to overcome a feeling of faintness which -dimmed his sight anew. He would have liked well to weep, but he could -not. He replied in a faltering voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"I know nothing, Aloyse! Everything has been dumb and -speechless,—these women and my heart as well. I know nothing -except that my brow is as cold as ice, and yet I am burning up. <i>Mon -Dieu</i>! <i>mon Dieu</i>!" -</p> - -<p> -"Courage, Monseigneur!" said Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -"I have had courage," said Gabriel; "but God be merciful to me, I am -dying!" -</p> - -<p> -And once more he fell backward on the floor, but this time he did not -come to himself again. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap17"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XVII -<br /><br /> -THE HOROSCOPE</h4> - -<p> -"The sick man will live, Dame Aloyse! The danger has been very great, -and his convalescence will be very slow. All this blood-letting has -weakened the poor fellow terribly; but he will live, never fear! And -thank God that the extreme debilitation of the body has lessened the -blow that his mind has received, for we cannot cure those wounds; and -this one of his might have been fatal,—indeed, it may yet be!" -</p> - -<p> -The physician who spoke thus was a man of great height, with a great -bulging forehead and deep-set and piercing eyes. The common people -called him Master Nostredame; but he signed his own name Nostradamus. He -seemed to be not more than fifty years old. -</p> - -<p> -"But, holy Jesus, look at him, Messire!" replied Dame Aloyse. "He has -been lying there since the evening of June 7; and it is now the 2d of -July, and during that whole time he has not spoken one word,—has not -even seemed to see me or to know me, and has been like one dead, alas! -Look, if you touch his hand, he doesn't appear to notice it!" -</p> - -<p> -"So much the better, I tell you, Dame Aloyse! I pray that he may be as -long as possible in awaking to the remembrance of his sorrows. If he can -continue, as I trust he will, another month in this weak state, without -knowing or thinking about anything, he will recover, beyond a doubt." -</p> - -<p> -"He will recover!" said Aloyse, raising her eyes to heaven as if -offering thanks to God. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, he will recover if there is no relapse. And you may say so to that -pretty maid who comes twice a day to get news of him; for there is an -affair with some great lady hidden under all this, is there not? -Sometimes that sort of thing is very delightful, and sometimes fatal." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, indeed, it is fatal; you are quite right, Master Nostredame," said -Aloyse; with a sigh. -</p> - -<p> -"God grant that he recover from his passion as well as from his illness, -Dame Aloyse! if indeed illness and passion haven't always the same -cause and the same effect. But I will answer for the one, and not for -the other." -</p> - -<p> -Nostradamus opened the soft and apparently lifeless hand that he held in -his, and looked very carefully and attentively at the palm; he even -lifted the skin from the fore and middle fingers. He seemed to be -racking his brain to remember something. -</p> - -<p> -"It is strange!" he said in an undertone, as if he were talking to -himself. "Several times I have examined this hand, and every time it has -seemed to me as if I had already examined it long ago. But what are the -marks which have struck me so? The mensal line is of favorable length; -the medial is a little doubtful; but the line of life is perfect. There -is nothing extraordinary about it. The predominating characteristic of -this youth should be a steadfast will, firm and unswerving as the arrow -aimed by a sure hand. That is not what has aroused my wonder heretofore. -And then my memories are too confused not to refer to some long ago -time; and your master is not more than twenty-five, is he, Dame Aloyse?" -</p> - -<p> -"He is only twenty-four, Messire." -</p> - -<p> -"He was born in 1533, then. Do you know the day?" -</p> - -<p> -"It was the 6th of May." -</p> - -<p> -"But you don't know whether it was in the morning or the evening?" -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me! I was with his mother when he was born. It was just on the -stroke of half after six in the morning." -</p> - -<p> -Nostradamus made a note of these facts. -</p> - -<p> -"I will see what was the condition of the heavens on that day at that -hour," said he. "But if Vicomte d'Exmès were twenty years older, I -would swear that I had already held his hand in mine; but that's of -little consequence, after all. It is not the sorcerer, as the people -sometimes call me, but the physician, who has work to do here; and I -tell you again, Dame Aloyse, the physician will answer now for the -invalid's welfare." -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon, Master!" said Aloyse, sadly; "you say that you will answer for -the disease, but that you will not answer for the passion." -</p> - -<p> -"The passion! Oh! But," Nostradamus replied, smiling significantly, "I -should say that the attendance of the little maid twice a day tends to -show that the passion is not altogether a hopeless one." -</p> - -<p> -"Quite the contrary, Master,—quite the contrary!" cried Aloyse, in an -accent of horror. -</p> - -<p> -"Come, come, Dame Aloyse! wealthy, gallant, young, and handsome as -Vicomte d'Exmès is, a man is in no danger of being held off for long by -the ladies in a time like ours. A brief postponement is the utmost he -has to fear." -</p> - -<p> -"But suppose that this is not the case, Master. Suppose that when -Monseigneur is restored to life and reason, the first and only thought -which his restored reason will entertain should be this: 'The woman whom -I love is irrevocably lost to me,' then what will happen to him?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, we must hope that this supposition of yours has no foundation in -fact, for that would be terrible! Such an overwhelming grief as that -would be a terrible strain for his enfeebled brain. So far as one can -judge of a man by his features and the look of his eyes, your master, -Aloyse, is no mere superficial creature; and in such a case as you -suppose, his energetic and forceful will would be only one danger more, -and being shattered by trying to do what is impossible, might shatter -his life with it." -</p> - -<p> -"Holy Jesus! my boy will die!" cried Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -"He will at least be in danger of inflammation of the brain," said -Nostradamus. "But why need it be so? There must be some way of showing -him a mere glimmer of hope. The most remote or most elusive chance it -may be, yet he will grasp it, and it will save him." -</p> - -<p> -"He shall be saved, then," said Aloyse, gloomily. "I will perjure my -soul, but he shall be saved. Messire Nostredame, I thank you." -</p> - -<p> -A week passed, and Gabriel seemed to be trying to think, even though he -did not succeed. His eyes, still wandering and expressionless, seemed to -be asking questions, nevertheless, of the faces and objects about him. -Then he began to assist himself in the changes which they had to make in -his position, to raise himself in bed alone, and to take of his own -volition the potions that Nostradamus handed him. -</p> - -<p> -Aloyse, standing unwearied at his pillow, waited. -</p> - -<p> -At the end of another week, Gabriel could speak. Light had not yet fully -evolved order out of the chaos of his mind. He could only say a few -words, incoherent and unconnected, but which had reference to the events -of his past. Aloyse fairly quaked with terror when the physician was -there, lest he should reveal some of his secrets. -</p> - -<p> -Her apprehensions were justified by the event; and one day, Gabriel, in -a feverish sleep, cried aloud before Nostradamus,— -</p> - -<p> -"They think that my true name is Vicomte d'Exmès. No, no, don't think -it! I am the Comte de Montgommery." -</p> - -<p> -"The Comte de Montgommery!" said Nostradamus, in whose brain the name -had awakened some memory. -</p> - -<p> -"Silence!" said Aloyse, her finger on her lip. -</p> - -<p> -However, Nostradamus went away without Gabriel's having said anything -further; and as he did not mention the words that had fallen from the -invalid on the next or any following day, Aloyse, thinking it over, -feared to attract his attention to something which it might be her -master's interest to conceal. So the incident appeared to have been -forgotten by both of them. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel continued to improve. He recognized Aloyse and Martin-Guerre; he -asked for whatever he needed; and he spoke with a gentle sadness which -made it possible to hope that his reason had returned. -</p> - -<p> -One morning, it was the first day that he had left his bed, he said to -Aloyse,— -</p> - -<p> -"Well, nurse, and the war?" -</p> - -<p> -"What war, Monseigneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why, the war against Spain and England." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur, I hear sad news of that. The Spaniards, reinforced by -twelve thousand English, have entered Picardy, they say, and there is -fighting going on all along the frontier." -</p> - -<p> -"So much the better," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -Aloyse attributed this reply to the remains of his delirium. But the -next morning, with perfect coolness, Gabriel said to her,— -</p> - -<p> -"I did not ask you yesterday if Monsieur de Guise had returned from -Italy." -</p> - -<p> -"He is on the way, Monseigneur," said Aloyse, in amazement. -</p> - -<p> -"That is well! What day of the month is it, nurse?" -</p> - -<p> -"Tuesday, August 4, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"It will be two months on the 7th since I have been lying on this bed of -anguish," was Gabriel's comment. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh," cried Aloyse, trembling, "how well Monseigneur remembers!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I remember, Aloyse,—I remember; but," he added sadly, "though I -have not forgotten, it seems that I have been forgotten. Has no one been -to inquire for me, Aloyse?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, indeed!" said Aloyse, in an uncertain voice, and anxiously watching -the effect of her words on the young man's face,—"yes, indeed, -Monseigneur! a maid named Jacinthe came twice a day to learn how you -were. But for the last fortnight, since you have been perceptibly and -surely improving, she has come no more." -</p> - -<p> -"She comes no more! And do you know why, nurse?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur. Because her mistress, according to what Jacinthe said -the last time she came, has obtained the king's leave to withdraw to a -convent till the end of the war at least." -</p> - -<p> -"Really!" said Gabriel, with a sweet and melancholy smile. -</p> - -<p> -And as a tear, the first he had shed for two months, rolled slowly down -his cheek, he added,— -</p> - -<p> -"Dear Diane!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur," cried Aloyse, beside herself with delight, -"Monseigneur has uttered that name! and without a shock, and without -swooning. Master Nostredame was mistaken. Monseigneur is saved! -Monseigneur will live, and I shall not need to be false to my oath." -</p> - -<p> -We can see that the poor nurse's delight had almost made her mad; but -Gabriel, luckily, did not notice her last words. He replied simply, with -a smile full of bitterness,— -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I am saved; but still, dear Aloyse, I shall not live." -</p> - -<p> -"How so, Monseigneur?" said Aloyse, trembling again in every limb. -</p> - -<p> -"My body has held out manfully," Gabriel replied; "but my soul, Aloyse, -my soul, do you think that it has not been stricken to death? I am going -to recover from this long sickness, it is true; and I am allowing myself -to be cured, as you see. But, luckily, there is fighting on the -frontier; and I am captain of the Guards, and my place is where they are -fighting. As soon as I am strong enough to mount my horse, I shall go -where my place is. And at the very first battle in which I have a hand, -Aloyse, I shall take good care so to arrange matters that I shall never -have to return." -</p> - -<p> -"You will kill yourself! Holy Virgin! And why, Monseigneur,—why, I -pray you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why? Because Madame de Poitiers refused to speak, Aloyse; because Diane -may be my sister; and because I love Diane; because it may be that the -king was responsible for my father's murder; and because I cannot wreak -my vengeance on him unless I am sure of it. And so, since I can neither -avenge my father nor marry my sister, I don't see what more there is for -me to do in this world. That is why I choose to leave it." -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monseigneur, you shall not leave it," said Aloyse, gloomy and cast -down, and in a spiritless voice. "You shall not leave it, because you -have much to do, and a terrible task, I promise you. But I shall not -speak to you of it until the day when you are entirely well again; and -Master Nostredame tells me that you may hear what I have to say, and -that you have sufficient strength to bear it." -</p> - -<p> -That day arrived on the Tuesday of the week following. Gabriel had been -out for the three days preceding, getting ready his equipments, and -preparing for his departure; and Nostradamus had said he would come once -more during the day to see his convalescent, but that it would be for -the last time. -</p> - -<p> -When Aloyse was alone with Gabriel, she said to him,— -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur, have you considered well the extreme resolution you have -taken, and do you persist in it?" -</p> - -<p> -"I do indeed," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"And you mean to kill yourself?" -</p> - -<p> -"I mean to kill myself." -</p> - -<p> -"And is it because you have no means of ascertaining whether Madame de -Castro is or is not your sister that you mean to die?" -</p> - -<p> -"For that very reason." -</p> - -<p> -"What did I say to you, Monseigneur, to put you on the track of this -fearful secret? Do you remember what I said!" -</p> - -<p> -"To be sure! That God in the other world and two persons only in this -had ever known this secret. The two human beings were Diane de Poitiers -and the Comte de Montgommery, my father. I have begged and implored and -threatened Madame de Valentinois; but when I left her, I was more -uncertain and despairing than ever." -</p> - -<p> -"But when I told you, Monseigneur," said Aloyse, "you declared that if -it were necessary for you to descend into your father's tomb to wrest -this secret from him, you would not shrink from the task." -</p> - -<p> -"But," said Gabriel, "I have no idea where that tomb is situated." -</p> - -<p> -"Nor I, but you must seek for it, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"And even if I should find it," cried Gabriel, "God would have to work a -miracle for me. The dead do not speak, Aloyse." -</p> - -<p> -"No, the dead do not; but the living do." -</p> - -<p> -"Great God! what do you mean?" said Gabriel, pale as a ghost. -</p> - -<p> -"That you are not, as you kept calling yourself in your delirium, the -Comte de Montgommery, Monseigneur, but only Vicomte de Montgommery, -because your father, the Comte de Montgommery, is still living." -</p> - -<p> -"Heaven and earth! Do you know that he is alive, my dear father?" -</p> - -<p> -"I don't know it, Monseigneur, but I believe and hope so; for his was a -strong and sturdy nature like yours, and should have resisted suffering -and misfortune as valiantly. Now, if he is alive, he is not the one to -refuse, as Madame Diane did, to reveal the secret on which your -happiness depends!" -</p> - -<p> -"But where shall we find him; of whom demand him? In Heaven's name, -Aloyse, tell me!" -</p> - -<p> -"It is a terrible story, Monseigneur! And I swore to my husband, by your -father's command, never to reveal it to you; for as soon as you know it, -you will plunge into the midst of fearful dangers, Monseigneur, and will -declare war against foes a hundred times stronger than yourself. But the -most desperate peril is preferable to certain death. You had made up -your mind to die; and I knew that you would not grow weak in that -determination. After all, I prefer to expose you to the doubtful chances -of the bitter conflict which your hither dreaded in your behalf. At all -events, your death will be less certain, and will be delayed a little. -So I am going to tell you everything, Monseigneur; and it may be that -God will pardon me for proving false to my oath." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, of course, dear Aloyse. My father! my father living! Oh, quickly! -speak!" -</p> - -<p> -But at this moment there was a soft knock at the door, and Nostradamus -appeared. -</p> - -<p> -"Aha, Monsieur d'Exmès," said he, "how bright and lively you are! I'm -glad to see it! You were not like this a month ago. You seem to be all -ready to take the field." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, indeed,—to take the field," said Gabriel, with sparkling eye, -looking meaningly at Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -"So I see that the physician has no further business here," said -Nostradamus. -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing, save to receive my grateful thanks, Master, and I dare not say -the value of your services, for under certain circumstances one's life -is not valuable." -</p> - -<p> -And Gabriel, pressing the doctor's hand, left in it a roll of -gold-pieces. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, Monsieur Vicomte d'Exmès," said Nostradamus. "But give me -leave to make you a present which I think will prove of value to you." -</p> - -<p> -"What is it, pray, Master?" -</p> - -<p> -"You know, Monseigneur," Nostradamus began, "that I do not occupy myself -entirely with men's illnesses. I have presumed to look farther and -higher. I have tried to read their destinies,—a task full of -uncertainty and obscurity; but in default of light, I have sometimes, I -think, caught glimpses of the truth. God, I am convinced, has written -twice over, in advance of his birth, the vast and mighty scheme of each -man's destiny; in the stars of heaven, his native land, to which he -raises his eyes so often, and in the lines of his hand,—an intricate -conjuring book which he carries always with him, but which he cannot -even begin to spell except at the cost of unwearying study. During many -days and nights, Monseigneur, I have dug and delved away at these two -sciences, as fathomless as the cask of the Danaïdes,—chiromancy and -astrology. I have summoned before me all future ages; and a thousand -years from now, those who are then alive may be sometimes amazed at my -prophecies. But I know that the truth only shines in streaks, for -although I sometimes see clearly, often, alas! I am in doubt. -Nevertheless I am certain that I have now and then hours of clairvoyance -which almost frighten me, Monseigneur. In one of these infrequent hours, -I saw, twenty-five years ago, the destiny of a gentleman attached to the -court of King François clearly written in the stars which watched over -his birth and in the complicated lines of his hand. This extraordinary, -curious, and perilous destiny made a strong impression on me. Fancy my -astonishment, then, when in your hand and in the stars which presided -over your birth, I seemed to read a horoscope like that which had so -surprised me long ago; but I could not distinguish it so clearly as -before and the lapse of twenty-five years had confused my memory. Last -of all, Monseigneur, last month, in the height of your fever, you -pronounced a name; I heard only the name, but it caught my attention at -once. It was the name of the Comte de Montgommery." -</p> - -<p> -"Of the Comte de Montgommery?" Gabriel cried in alarm. -</p> - -<p> -"I tell you again, Monseigneur, that I heard nothing but the name; and -the rest is of little importance, for that name was the name of the man -whose destiny had been made as clear to me as the noonday sun. I -hastened home and hunted among my old papers until I found the Comte de -Montgommery's horoscope. But a most singular circumstance, Monseigneur, -and one which I have never met with before in more than thirty years of -study, is that there must be some mysterious connection, some strange -affinity, between you and the Comte de Montgommery; and God, who never -ordained the same destiny for two men, must have reserved both of you -for the same fate. For I was not mistaken; the lines of the hand and the -constellations had the same aspect for both. I should not dare to say -that there was to be no difference in the details of your two lives; but -the predominating feature of both horoscopes is the same. I long ago -lost sight of the Comte de Montgommery; but I ascertained that one of my -predictions in his regard was fulfilled. He wounded François I. in the -face with a red-hot brand. Has the remainder of his destiny been -fulfilled? That is what I cannot say. I can only be sure that the same -misfortune and the same violent death which threatened him are impending -over you." -</p> - -<p> -"Can it be?" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Here, Monseigneur," said Nostradamus, handing to Vicomte d'Exmès a -roll of parchment, "here is the horoscope which I drew off at the time -for the Comte de Montgommery. I should make no changes in it were I to -write yours to-day." -</p> - -<p> -"Give it me, Master, give it me!" said Gabriel. "This is indeed an -inestimable gift; and you cannot imagine how precious it is to me." -</p> - -<p> -"One word more, Monsieur d'Exmès," said Nostradamus; "one last word to -put you on your guard, though God be supreme, and one can hardly turn -aside His plans. The nativity of Henri II. presaged that he would die in -a duel or in single combat." -</p> - -<p> -"But," asked Gabriel, "what connection?" -</p> - -<p> -"When you read this scroll, you will understand me, Monseigneur. -Meanwhile it remains only for me to take my leave of you, and to hope -that the catastrophe with which God menaces your life may at least be -not sought by you." -</p> - -<p> -And having saluted Gabriel, who pressed his hand warmly and escorted him -to the door, he took his leave. -</p> - -<p> -As soon as he was with Aloyse once more, Gabriel unrolled the parchment; -and having made sure that no one could interrupt him or spy upon him, he -read aloud the following lines:— -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">"En joûte, en amour, cettuy touchera</span><br /> -<span class="i11">Le front du roy,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Et cornes ou bien trou sanglant mettra</span><br /> -<span class="i11">Au front du roy.</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Mais le veuille ou non, toujours blessera</span><br /> -<span class="i11">Le front du roy.</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Enfin, l'aimera, puis, las! le tuera</span><br /> -<span class="i11">Dame du roy."<a name="FNanchor_2_1" id="FNanchor_2_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_1" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></span> -</div></div> - -<p> -"It is well!" cried Gabriel, with beaming eye and a look of triumph. -"Now, dear Aloyse, you may tell me how my father, the Comte de -Montgommery, was entombed alive by King Henri II." -</p> - -<p> -"By King Henri II.!" cried Aloyse; "how do you know, Monseigneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"I guess it! But you can tell me of the crime, since God has pointed out -to me my revenge." -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_2_1" id="Footnote_2_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_1"><span class="label">[2]</span></a></p> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"In tilting and in love-making this youth shall ever</span><br /> -<span class="i6">Be matched against the king,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">And shall in winning hearts and breaking heads</span><br /> -<span class="i6">E'en triumph o'er the king.</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Yea, though he wish it not, still shall his brand</span><br /> -<span class="i6">Wound in the face the king.</span><br /> -<span class="i0">And then, alas! shall love him and destroy him</span><br /> -<span class="i6">The lady of the king."</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap18"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XVIII -<br /><br /> -THE LAST RESORT OF A COQUETTE</h4> - -<p> -Elaborated and perfected by the aid of contemporary memoirs and -chronicles, the narrative of Aloyse, who had been informed by her -husband, Perrot Travigny, squire and confidential servant of the Comte -de Montgommery, of all the incidents of his master's life, so far as he -knew them,—the narrative of Aloyse, we say, thus perfected, gave the -following sad story of Jacques de Montgommery, Gabriel's father. His son -knew the leading details of it; but the sinister <i>dénouement</i>, which -brought it to a close, was a sealed book to him, as to everybody else. -</p> - -<p> -Jacques de Montgommery, Seigneur de Lorges, was, as all his ancestors -had been, daring and brave; and during the stormy reign of François I. -he was always to be found in the front rank when fighting was going on. -And so he became a colonel in the French infantry very early in life. -</p> - -<p> -But among his many brilliant exploits there was one untoward incident to -which Nostradamus had had reference. -</p> - -<p> -It was in 1521, when the Comte de Montgommery was barely twenty years -old, and only a captain. It was a severe winter; and the young men, -young King François at their head, were indulging in a snowball -fight,—a sport not unattended with danger, and much in vogue at the -time. They were divided into two parties, one defending a certain house -which the other assaulted with bullets of snow, Comte d'Enghien, -Seigneur de Cérisoles, was killed in just such a game. Jacques de -Montgommery was very near killing the king on this occasion. The battle -over, they set about warming themselves; the fire had been allowed to go -out, and the whole crowd of young madcaps rushed about to rekindle it. -Jacques came running in, first of all, with a blazing stick in a pair of -tongs; but on the war he encountered François, who had no chance to -protect himself, and received a violent blow on the face from the -red-hot brand. Fortunately nothing came of it but a wound, although a -very severe one; and the ugly scar left by it was the cause of the -fashion of wearing the beard long and the hair short, which was ordained -by François at that time. -</p> - -<p> -As the Comte de Montgommery atoned for this unfortunate casualty by a -thousand brilliant exploits, the king bore him no ill-will for it, and -interposed no obstacle to his rising to the first rank at court and in -the army. In 1530 Jacques married Claudine de Boissière. It was a mere -marriage de convenance; but he long mourned for his wife, who died in -1533, when Gabriel was born. Melancholy, moreover, was the most marked -trait of his character, as is the case with all those who are -predestined to some fatality. When he was left a widower and alone, he -found relief only on the battlefield, and was driven into danger by -sheer ennui. But in 1538, after the truce of Nice, when this man of war -and of action had to conform to the etiquette of the court, and to walk -up and down in the galleries of the Tournelles or the Louvre, with his -parade-sword at his side, he was near dying of disgust. -</p> - -<p> -A mad passion saved him, and was his ruin. -</p> - -<p> -The regal Circe involved this overgrown boy, sturdy and ingenuous, in -her toils. He fell in love with Diane de Poitiers. -</p> - -<p> -Three months he revolved about her, gloomy and lowering, without ever -addressing a single word to her; nor was there any need of a word for -the grande sénéchale to understand that his heart belonged to her. She -made a note of that passion in a corner of her memory as something that -might possibly be of use to her on occasion. -</p> - -<p> -The occasion came. François I. began to neglect his beautiful mistress -for Madame d'Étampes, who was less beautiful in face, but had the great -advantage of being attractive in other respects. -</p> - -<p> -When the signs that she was being superseded were unmistakable, Diane, -for the first time in her life, spoke to Jacques de Montgommery. -</p> - -<p> -This took place at the Tournelles, at a fête given by the king to the -new favorite. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur de Montgommery," said Diane, calling him by name. -</p> - -<p> -He drew near her, with heaving chest, and made an awkward salutation. -</p> - -<p> -"How very sad you are, Monsieur de Montgommery!" she said. -</p> - -<p> -"To the point of death, Madame." -</p> - -<p> -"And why, in Heaven's name!" -</p> - -<p> -"Madame, because I should like to kill myself." -</p> - -<p> -"For some one, no doubt?" -</p> - -<p> -"To kill myself for some one would be very sweet; but, <i>ma foi</i>, to do -it for nothing would be sweeter yet." -</p> - -<p> -"What a fearful state of melancholy!" said Diane; "and whence comes this -black despair, pray?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! can I say, Madame?" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, I know, Monsieur de Montgommery. You are in love with me." -</p> - -<p> -Jacques turned white as a sheet; and then, with a more tremendous -struggle than it would have cost him to cast himself headlong and alone -into the midst of a whole battalion of the enemy, he replied in a harsh -and uncertain voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then, Madame, you are right. I do love you. So much the worse for -me!" -</p> - -<p> -"So much the better, rather," replied Diane, laughing. -</p> - -<p> -"What did you say, Madame?" Montgommery cried, with his heart thumping -against his ribs. "Ah, Madame, take heed! this is no joke, but a deep -and sincere passion, whether it be a possible or an impossible one to -gratify." -</p> - -<p> -"And why should it be impossible?" asked Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Madame," was Jacques's reply, "pardon my frankness, but I never learned -to envelop facts with many words. Does not the king love you, Madame?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," sighed Diane; "he loves me." -</p> - -<p> -"And don't you see, then, that it is not for me to declare my unworthy -love, though I cannot help loving you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Unworthy of you, it is true," said the duchess. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, no, not of me!" cried the count; "and if the day should ever -come—" -</p> - -<p> -But Diane interrupted him with an air of grave melancholy and well -assumed dignity,— -</p> - -<p> -"Enough, Monsieur de Montgommery; let us put an end to this interview, I -beg." -</p> - -<p> -She bowed coldly, and turned away, leaving the poor count a prey to a -whirl of conflicting emotions,—jealousy, love, hatred, grief, and -joy. So Diane saw the adoration which made him bow down before her. But -perhaps he had wounded her! He must have seemed unjust, ungrateful, -cruel to her! He repeated to himself over and over again all the sublime -nonsense of love. -</p> - -<p> -The next day Diane de Poitiers said to François I., "You didn't know, -did you, Sire, that Monsieur de Montgommery was in love with me?" -</p> - -<p> -"What's that?" said François, laughing. "The Montgommerys are of an -ancient family, and almost as nobly born, upon my word, as I; and what's -more they are almost as brave, and now it seems that they are almost as -good at love-making." -</p> - -<p> -"And is that all the reply that your Majesty has to make to me?" Diane -asked him. -</p> - -<p> -"And what do you want me to say, my dear?" replied the king. "Do you -really think that I ought to take it ill of the Comte de Montgommery -that he has as good taste and as good eyes as I have?" -</p> - -<p> -"If Madame d'Étampes were in question," muttered Diane, wounded to the -quick, "you would not say so." -</p> - -<p> -She pursued the conversation no further, but resolved to go on with the -experiment. When she next saw Jacques some days later, she began to -question him again,— -</p> - -<p> -"How is this, Monsieur de Montgommery? Still more melancholy than -usual?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am indeed, Madame," said the count, humbly; "for I shudder to think -that I have offended you." -</p> - -<p> -"Not offended, Monsieur," said the duchess, "but grieved sorely." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Madame," cried Montgomery, "I, who would give all my blood to spare -you a tear,—how can it be that I have caused you the least grief?" -</p> - -<p> -"Did you not tell me that because I was the king's favorite I had no -right to aspire to the affection of a simple gentleman?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, I had no such idea as that, Madame," said the count; "indeed, I -could have no such idea, for I, a simple gentleman, love you with a -passion as sincere as it is profound. I only meant to say to you that -you could not love me, since the king loves you and you love him." -</p> - -<p> -"The king does not love me, nor do I love the king," replied Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"God in heaven! Then you may come to love me!" cried Montgommery. -</p> - -<p> -"I may love you," replied Diane, calmly; "but I can never tell you that -I love you." -</p> - -<p> -"And why not, Madame?" -</p> - -<p> -"To save my father's life," said Diane, "I consented to become the -mistress of the King of France; but the way to restore my honor is not -to become the mistress of the Comte de Montgommery." -</p> - -<p> -She accompanied this half-refusal with so passionate and so languishing -a glance that the count could not restrain himself. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Madame," said he to the coquettish duchess, "if you love me as I -love you—" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, what then?" -</p> - -<p> -"What then! Why, what matters the world, or the prejudices of family or -of honor? For me you are the universe. For three months I have seen -nothing but your face. I love you with all the blind devotion and all -the ardor of a first passion. Your sovereign beauty intoxicates me and -distracts me. If you love me as I love you, be Comtesse de -Montgommery,—be my wife." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, Count," said Diane, triumphantly. "I will remember these noble -and generous words. Meanwhile you know that green and white are my -colors." -</p> - -<p> -Jacques in a transport of delight kissed Diane's hand, prouder and -happier than if the crown of the whole world had been on his head. -</p> - -<p> -And when François I., the following day, called Diane's attention to -the fact that her new adorer had begun to wear her colors in public,— -</p> - -<p> -"Has he not a right to, Sire?" said she, fixing her keen glance upon -the king. "And may I not allow him to wear my colors when he offers to -let me wear his name?" -</p> - -<p> -"Is it possible?" the king asked. -</p> - -<p> -"There is no doubt about it, Sire," the duchess replied, with -confidence, thinking for a moment that her plan had succeeded, and that -the jealousy of her unfaithful lord would reawaken his love. -</p> - -<p> -But after a moment of silence, the king, rising to put an end to the -interview, said to Diane, gayly,— -</p> - -<p> -"If that is so, Madame, we will give the office of grand -sénéchal—which has been vacant since the death of Monsieur de -Brézé, your first husband—to Monsieur de Montgommery as a wedding -present." -</p> - -<p> -"And Monsieur de Montgommery will accept it," was Diane's proud reply; -"for I will be a faithful and loyal wife to him, and I would not be -false to my troth to him for all the kings in Christendom." -</p> - -<p> -The king bowed and smiled, without making any reply, and left the room. -</p> - -<p> -Unquestionably Madame d'Étampes's star was in the ascendant. -</p> - -<p> -The same day Diane the ambitious, with bitter anger at her heart, said -to the enraptured Jacques,— -</p> - -<p> -"My gallant Count, my noble Montgommery, I love you with all my heart." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap19"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XIX -<br /><br /> -HOW HENRI II. BEGAN TO ENJOY HIS INHERITANCE<br /> -DURING HIS FATHER'S LIFE</h4> - -<p> -The marriage of Diane and the Comte de Montgommery was appointed to take -place in three months; and it was currently rumored in that -scandal-mongering and licentious court that Diane de Poitiers, in her -eager desire for revenge, had given earnest-money to her future husband. -</p> - -<p> -The three months passed. The Comte de Montgommery was more infatuated -than ever; but Diane postponed the performance of her promise from day -to day, on one pretext or another. -</p> - -<p> -A very short time after she had given this promise, she had noticed that -the young Dauphin Henri was in the habit of feasting his eyes upon her -when no one was by. Thereupon a new ambition awoke in the heart of the -imperious Diane. The title of Comtesse de Montgommery was only of use to -conceal a defeat, while the title of favorite of the dauphin would be -almost a triumph. What! Madame d'Étampes, who was always prating -contemptuously about Diane's age, was loved by the father only; that was -nothing. She, Diane, would be loved by the son! For her a youthful -passion; for her hope; for her the future! Madame d'Étampes had -succeeded her; but she would succeed Madame d'Étampes. She would keep -always before her, waiting patiently and calmly for her time to come, a -constant, living menace. For Henri would some day be king; and Diane, -always beautiful, would be queen once more. It would be in truth a -notable triumph. -</p> - -<p> -Henri's character made her still more certain of her game. He was only -nineteen at this time, but had taken part in more than one war; for four -years he had been married to Catherine de Médicis, but remained none -the less an uncouth and muddle-headed boy. He was as awkward and -embarrassed at the fêtes at the Louvre, and in the presence of the -other sex, as he was accomplished and daring in horsemanship, in feats -of arms, or at tilting,—in all directions, in short, where skill and -address were requisite. Being dull intellectually, and slow-witted, he -was an easy prey to anybody who cared to take him up. Anne de -Montmorency, who was not on good terms with the king, devoted his -attention to the dauphin, and had no difficulty in enforcing his views -upon him, and bringing his tastes to conform to his own, which were -those of a man of mature years. He led him hither and thither according -to his will and caprice. Ultimately he succeeded in planting in that -weak and yielding mind the wide-spreading roots of an all-powerful -influence, and obtained such control over Henri that thenceforth -seemingly nothing but the ascendency of some woman could disturb his -power. -</p> - -<p> -But he was horrified before long to see that his pupil was on the verge -of falling in love. Henri abandoned the friends with whom the constable -had shrewdly surrounded him. Henri became melancholy and dreamy where he -had been shy before. Montmorency looked around, and thought that he -could see that it was Diane de Poitiers who was enthroned in his fancy. -This rough gendarme preferred that it should be Diane rather than -another, for in his vulgar fashion he estimated the royal courtesan much -more nearly at her true worth than did the chivalrous Montgommery. He -based his plans upon the low motives which he attributed to her, judging -her by himself; and with his mind once more at ease, he left the dauphin -to hover sighing about the grande sénéchale. -</p> - -<p> -It was indeed her beauty which aroused Henri's sluggish heart. She was -roguish and provoking and lively; her finely-shaped head moved very -prettily and quickly hither and thither; her glance shone with promise; -and her whole person had a sort of magnetic attraction (they called it -magic in those days) which easily led poor Henri astray. It seemed to -him that this fair creature would unveil to him the secret of a new -life. The siren was to him, strange and innocent savage that he was, as -fascinating and dangerous as the hidden mysteries of a cavern. -</p> - -<p> -Diane saw all this; but she still hesitated to incur the risk of this -new future, through fear of the past in the shape of François I., and -of Comte de Montgommery in the present. -</p> - -<p> -But one day when the king, always courteous and attentive to the other -sex, even to those with whom he was not in love, and to those whom he -had ceased to love, was talking with Diane de Poitiers in the embrasure -of a window, he noticed the dauphin watching them with a sly and jealous -look. -</p> - -<p> -François called him. -</p> - -<p> -"Aha, Monsieur my son, what are you doing there? Come this way," he -said. -</p> - -<p> -But Henri, pale and ashamed, after hesitating a moment between his duty -and his fear, instead of replying to his father's invitation, adopted -the expedient of running away as if he had not heard him. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, well, what a boorish, shy dog!" said the king. "Can you -understand such bashfulness, Madame Diane? Have you, goddess of the -forests, ever seen a fallow deer more terrified? Ah, what a wretched -failing?" -</p> - -<p> -"Is it your Majesty's pleasure that I should undertake to amend -Monseigneur le Dauphin's ways?" asked Diane, smiling. -</p> - -<p> -"Surely," said the king, "it would be hard to imagine a prettier teacher -or a more delightful apprenticeship." -</p> - -<p> -"Consider his education completed, then, Sire," replied Diane; "I will -take charge of it." -</p> - -<p> -She soon hunted up the fugitive. -</p> - -<p> -The Comte de Montgommery, being on duty that day, was not at the Louvre. -</p> - -<p> -"I frighten you terribly, Monseigneur, do I not?" -</p> - -<p> -Diane began the conversation thus; and the conversation thus begun was -continued. -</p> - -<p> -How she concluded it; how she seemed not to notice the prince's -blunders, but hung upon his lightest word; how he left her with the -conviction that he should soon be clever and fascinating; and how he did -gradually become clever and fascinating with her; how, in short, she -became his mistress in every sense of the word, ordering him about, -giving him lessons, and humoring him all at the same time,—it was the -same old, untranslatable comedy over again, which will always be played, -but never has been and never will be written. -</p> - -<p> -And Montgommery? Oh, Montgommery loved Diane too well to suspect her, -and had devoted himself to her too blindly to have any clearness of -vision left. Everybody at court was already gossiping about Madame de -Poitiers's latest love-affair, as to which the noble count was in a -state of blissful ignorance which Diane took good care not to dispel. -The structure she was building was too fragile as yet for her not to -dread the least shock, or any outburst; so while her ambition led her to -maintain her hold on the dauphin, prudence kept her from breaking with -the count. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap20"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XX -<br /><br /> -OF THE USEFULNESS OF FRIENDS</h4> - -<p> -Now let us allow Aloyse to go on and finish her tale, having narrated -these preliminary facts by way of explanation of what is to come. -</p> - -<p> -"My husband, brave Perrot," she said to Gabriel, who was all rapt -attention, "had not failed to hear the reports which were on everybody's -lips about Madame Diane, and all the sport that was made of Monsieur de -Montgommery; but he did not know whether it was his duty to warn his -master, who he saw continued trustful and happy, or whether he should -hold his peace about the shameful plot in which this ambitious woman had -involved him. He told me of his hesitation, for I used to give him very -good advice, and he had put my discretion and my loyalty to the proof; -but in this matter I was as undecided as he as to what course we should -take. -</p> - -<p> -"One evening we were sitting in this very room, Monseigneur and Perrot -and I; for the count never treated us as servants, but as friends, and -had chosen to retain, even here in Paris, the patriarchal custom of -passing winter evenings current in Normandy, where the master and his -retainers used to warm themselves at the same fire after working -together through the day. The count, buried in thought, his head resting -on his hand, was sitting before the fire. He used commonly to pass the -evening with Madame de Poitiers; but for some time she had very -frequently sent word to him that she was ill and could not receive him. -He was thinking about her, no doubt, while Perrot was fitting the straps -of a cuirass, and I was spinning. -</p> - -<p> -"It was the 7th of January, 1539, a cold and rainy evening, and the day -after the Epiphany. Remember that ill-omened date, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel nodded to show that no word escaped him, and Aloyse -continued,— -</p> - -<p> -"All at once Monsieur de Langeais, Monsieur de Boutières, and the Comte -de Sancerre were announced,—three gentlemen of the court, friends of -Monseigneur, but much closer friends of Madame d'Étampes. All three -were wrapped in great dark cloaks; and although they came in laughing, I -seemed to feel that they brought disaster with them; and my instinct, -alas! was not far out of the way. -</p> - -<p> -"The Comte de Montgommery rose and advanced to greet the new-comers with -the hospitable and courtly manner which became him so well. -</p> - -<p> -"'Welcome, my friends!' said he to the three, as he shook hands with -them. -</p> - -<p> -"At a sign from him I came forward to take their cloaks, and all of them -sat down. -</p> - -<p> -"'What good fortune brings you to my poor quarters?' the count asked. -</p> - -<p> -"'A threefold bet,' replied Monsieur de Boutières; 'and your presence -here, my dear Count, wins mine for me on the spot.' -</p> - -<p> -"'As for mine,' said Monsieur de Langeais, 'it was won before we came -here.' -</p> - -<p> -"'And mine,' said the Comte de Sancerre, 'I shall win in a moment, as -you will see.' -</p> - -<p> -"'What were your bets, pray, gentlemen?' said Montgommery. -</p> - -<p> -"'Well,' said Monsieur de Boutières, 'Langeais here made a bet with -D'Enghien that the Dauphin would not be at the Louvre this evening. We -have been there, and have duly decided that D'Enghien has lost.' -</p> - -<p> -"'As for De Boutières,' said the Comte de Sancerre, 'he bet with -Monsieur de Montejan that you would be at home this evening, my dear -Count; and you see that he has won.' -</p> - -<p> -"'And you have won, too, Sancerre, I'll warrant,' said Monsieur de -Langeais; 'for in fact the three bets were really but one, and we must -win or lose together. Sancerre, Monsieur de Montgommery, bet one hundred -pistoles with D'Aussun that Madame de Poitiers was ill this evening.' -</p> - -<p> -"Your father, Gabriel, turned fearfully pale. -</p> - -<p> -"'You have won, too, Monsieur de Sancerre,' said he, with a trembling -voice; 'for Madame la Grande Sénéchale just now sent word to me that -she could receive no one this evening on account of a sudden -indisposition.' -</p> - -<p> -"'There,' cried Monsieur de Sancerre, 'just as I said! You will bear -witness for me to D'Aussun, gentlemen, that he owes me a hundred -pistoles.' -</p> - -<p> -"Then they all fell to laughing like madmen; but the Comte de -Montgommery remained very grave. -</p> - -<p> -"'Now, my good friends,' said he, with an accent not free from -bitterness, 'will you kindly explain this riddle for me?' -</p> - -<p> -"'With all my heart, upon my word!' said Monsieur de Boutières; 'but -first send these good people away.' -</p> - -<p> -"We were already at the door, Perrot and I; but Monseigneur motioned for -us to remain. -</p> - -<p> -"'These are devoted friends of mine,' he said to the young gentlemen; -'and as I have nothing to blush for, I have nothing to conceal.' -</p> - -<p> -"'As you choose!' said Monsieur de Langeais; 'it seems rather -provincial, but the matter concerns you more than us, Count. And I am -sure, too, that they must know the great secret, for it has made the -circuit of the whole town; and you will be the last one to hear it, as -is generally the case.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Tell me, I beg you!' exclaimed Monsieur de Montgommery. -</p> - -<p> -"'My dear Count,' resumed Monsieur de Langeais, 'we are going to tell -you, because it pains us deeply to see a brave and courteous gentleman -like yourself so deceived; but if we do tell you, it is only on -condition that you accept the revelation philosophically,—that is to -say, with a laugh,—for the whole matter is not worth your anger, I -assure you; and then, too, any outburst of wrath would be disarmed -beforehand.' -</p> - -<p> -"'We shall see! I am waiting,' replied Monseigneur, coldly. -</p> - -<p> -"'Dear Count,'—Monsieur de Boutières it was who spoke now, the -youngest and most heedless of the three,—'you are acquainted with -mythology, are you not? No doubt you know the story of Endymion? But -what do you think was Endymion's age at the time of his liaison with -Diane Phœbé? If you imagine that he was in the neighborhood of forty, -you are mistaken, my dear fellow, for he was less than twenty, and hadn't -a sign of a beard even. I know that from my governor, who has the -whole story at his tongue's end. And that is how it happens that -Endymion on this particular evening is not at the Louvre; and that Dame -Luna is in bed and not to be seen, probably on account of the storm; and -lastly, that you are at home, Monsieur de Montgommery,—whence it -follows that my governor is a great man, and that we have won our three -bets. <i>Vive la joie</i>!' -</p> - -<p> -"'Your proofs?' asked the count, coldly. -</p> - -<p> -"'Proofs!' replied Monsieur de Langeais, 'why, you can go and seek those -for yourself. Don't you live within two steps of La Luna?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Very true. Thanks!' was the count's only reply. -</p> - -<p> -"He rose from his chair; and the three friends had to rise too, chilled -and rather alarmed by Monsieur de Montgommery's stern and forbidding -demeanor. -</p> - -<p> -"'Come, come, Count,' said Monsieur de Sancerre, 'don't go and do -anything foolish or imprudent! And remember that it is as dangerous to -rub against the lion's whelp as against the lion himself.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Don't be alarmed,' replied the count. -</p> - -<p> -"'At least you don't intend to do yourself any harm?' -</p> - -<p> -"'That's as it may be,' said he. -</p> - -<p> -"He showed them to the door, or rather almost pushed them out, and then, -coming back, said to Perrot,— -</p> - -<p> -"'My cloak and my sword.' -</p> - -<p> -"Perrot brought them to him. -</p> - -<p> -"'Is it true that you knew this thing, you two?' asked the count, -adjusting his sword. -</p> - -<p> -"'Yes, Monseigneur,' replied Perrot, looking at the floor. -</p> - -<p> -"'Why didn't you give me some warning of it, Perrot?' -</p> - -<p> -"'But, Monseigneur—' my husband began falteringly. -</p> - -<p> -"'Oh, it's all right; you are not my friends, you two, but just good -people, that's all.' -</p> - -<p> -"He tapped his squire on the shoulder good-naturedly. He was very pale, -but spoke with a sort of solemn calmness. Again he said to Perrot,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Is it a long while that these reports have been circulating?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Monseigneur,' said Perrot, 'it is five months that you have been in -love with Madame de Poitiers; and your marriage was arranged to take -place in November. I am assured that Monseigneur le Dauphin has been in -love with Madame Diane since about a month after she welcomed your -addresses. However, it is hardly more than two months since it has been -talked about, and personally I have known of it for only a fortnight. -The rumors did not take definite shape until the postponement of the -wedding, and the talk has been mostly under the rose, for fear of -Monseigneur le Dauphin. Only yesterday I whipped one of Monsieur de la -Garde's people for having the face to laugh about it in my hearing; and -Monsieur de la Garde didn't dare to say a word.' -</p> - -<p> -"'They shall not laugh any more about it,' said Monseigneur, in a tone -that made me fairly shudder. -</p> - -<p> -"When he was ready to depart, he passed his hand across his forehead, -and said,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Aloyse, bring Gabriel to me; I want to kiss him.' -</p> - -<p> -"You were sleeping, Monseigneur Gabriel,—sleeping calmly like a -little cherub; and you began to cry when I woke you and took you from -your bed. I wrapped you in a blanket, and thus carried you to your -father. He took you in his arms, gazed at you for some time without a -word, as if to take his fill of the sight of you, then pressed a kiss -upon your half-closed eyes. At the same time a tear fell on your rosy -cheek,—the first tear which he, the strong proud man, had ever -shed before me. He gave you back to my arms, saying,— -</p> - -<p> -"'I commend my child to you, Aloyse.' -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! they were the last words he ever said to me. They have remained -where they fell, and I seem to hear them always. -</p> - -<p> -"'I am going with you, Monseigneur,' said my good Perrot then. -</p> - -<p> -"'No, Perrot. I must go alone. Do you stay here.' -</p> - -<p> -"'But, Monseigneur—' -</p> - -<p> -"'I wish it so,' said he. -</p> - -<p> -"It was useless to protest further, when he spoke thus, and Perrot -therefore remained silent. The count took our hands. -</p> - -<p> -"'Adieu, my dear friends,' said he; 'no, not adieu! <i>au revoir</i>' -</p> - -<p> -"And then he went away, calmly and with a firm step, as if he were going -to return in a quarter of an hour. -</p> - -<p> -"Perrot said not a word; but as soon as his master was out of the house, -he too took down his cloak and his sword. We didn't exchange a word, -and I made no attempt to prevent his going; he did but his duty in -following the count, though it were to his death. He held out his arms -to me, and I threw myself weeping into them; then having kissed me most -tenderly, he followed Monsieur de Montgommery's footsteps. All this had -not taken a minute, and we had not exchanged one word. -</p> - -<p> -"Left alone, I fell upon a chair, sobbing and praying. The rain outside -was falling with redoubled violence, and the wind was howling dismally. -But you, Monseigneur Gabriel, you had fallen off again into a peaceful -sleep, from which you were to awake an orphan." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap21"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXI -<br /><br /> -WHEREIN IT IS SHOWN THAT JEALOUSY SOMETIMES ABOLISHED<br /> -TITLES EVEN BEFORE THE FRENCH REVOLUTION</h4> - -<p> -"As Monsieur de Langeais had said, the Hôtel de Brézé, where Madame -Diane then lived, was in the Rue du Figuier St. Paul, only two steps -from us, and there it still stands,—this abode of disaster. -</p> - -<p> -"Perrot followed his master at a distance, saw him stop at Madame -Diane's door, knock, and then go in. He drew near to the house. Monsieur -de Montgommery was speaking haughtily and with much confidence to the -valets, who were trying to prevent his entrance, declaring that their -mistress was ill in her chamber; but the count forced his way in, and -Perrot took advantage of the confusion to creep softly in behind him, as -the door remained half open. He knew his way about the house very well, -having carried more than one message to Madame Diane. He went upstairs -in the darkness behind Monsieur de Montgommery, unopposed, either -because nobody saw him, or because the squire's presence was of trifling -consequence when the master had broken through all rules. -</p> - -<p> -"At the top of the staircase the count found two of the duchess's women, -terrified and weeping, who asked him what he wanted at such an -unseasonable hour. Ten o'clock was just striking on all the clocks in -the neighborhood. Monsieur de Montgommery replied firmly that he must -see Madame Diane at once; that he had something of importance to tell -her without delay, and that if she could not receive him, he would wait. -</p> - -<p> -"He spoke loud enough to be heard in the duchess's bedroom, which was -close at hand. One of the women went in, and came back at once to say -that Madame de Poitiers had retired; but that she would come and speak -with the count, who was to wait for her in the oratory. -</p> - -<p> -"The dauphin was not there then, or else he was acting very timorously -for a son of France. Monsieur de Montgommery followed the two women -without objection as they lighted him into the oratory. -</p> - -<p> -"Perrot then who had been crouching in the darkness of the stairway, -went on to the floor above, and hid behind a high curtain in a corridor -which separated Madame de Poitiers's bedroom from the oratory where -Monsieur de Montgommery was awaiting her. At the ends of this wide -passage-way were two disused doors, one of which had formerly led into -the oratory, and the other into the bedroom. Perrot found to his great -delight that by slipping behind the hangings of one or the other of -these doors, which had been allowed to remain for symmetry's sake, -though no longer in use, and by listening attentively, he could hear -almost every word that was said in either apartment. Not that my brave -husband was influenced by mere idle curiosity, Monseigneur; but the -count's last words as he parted from us, and an undefinable instinct, -warned him that his master was running some risk, and that at this very -moment they were setting a trap for him perhaps; so he determined to -remain at hand to assist him in case of need. -</p> - -<p> -"Unfortunately, as you will see, Monseigneur, not one of the words that -he heard and afterward repeated to me threw the least ray of light upon -the obscure and fatal question which is in our minds to-day. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur de Montgommery had not waited two minutes when Madame de -Poitiers entered the oratory rather hurriedly. -</p> - -<p> -"'What is the trouble, Monsieur?' said she; 'and why this nocturnal -invasion after my request that you would not come to-day?' -</p> - -<p> -"'I will tell you frankly in a word, Madame; but send these women away -first. Now listen to me. I will be very brief. I have been told that I -have a rival in your affection; that my rival is the dauphin, and that -he is with you here this very evening.' -</p> - -<p> -"'And you must have believed it, since you came running here to make -sure?' said Madame Diane, haughtily. -</p> - -<p> -"'I was in agony, Diane, and I came here hoping to find a cure for my -suffering.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Very well; and now you have seen me,' replied Madame de Poitiers, 'you -know that your informants lied to you; so leave me to get some rest. In -Heaven's name, go, Jacques!' -</p> - -<p> -"'No, Diane,' said the count made suspicious, no doubt, by her haste to -get rid of him; 'for if they did lie in claiming that the dauphin was -here now, they may not have lied in assuring me that he will be here -before the evening is over; and I shall be very glad to prove them -slanderers at every point.' -</p> - -<p> -"'And so you will remain, Monsieur?' -</p> - -<p> -"'I will remain, Madame. Do you go and lie down if you are ill, Diane. I -will keep watch over your slumber, if you are willing.' -</p> - -<p> -"'But by what right will you do this, Monsieur?' cried Madame de -Poitiers. 'What title have you? Am I not free still?' -</p> - -<p> -"'No, Madame,' replied the count, steadily, 'you are no longer free to -make a loyal gentleman whose attentions you have accepted the -laughing-stock of the whole court.' -</p> - -<p> -"'At all events, I will not accept this last attention,' said Madame -Diane. 'You have no more right to remain here than other people have to -laugh at you. You are not my husband, are you? And I don't bear your -name, so far as I am aware.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Oh, Madame,' cried the count, in despair, 'what does it matter to me how -much they laugh at me? That is not the question? <i>Mon Dieu</i>, no! and -you know it, Diane; and it is not my honor that lies bleeding and crying -to you for pity, but my love. If I had been offended by the gibes of -those three idiots, I would have drawn my sword on them, and that would -have been the end of it. But my heart was torn, Diane, and I came flying -to you. My dignity! my reputation! it is not about those that I am -troubled, not in the least; it is because I love you, and am raving mad -with jealousy; because you have told me and proved to me that you love -me; and because I will kill any one who dares to interfere with this -love which is my all, whether he be dauphin or the king himself, Madame! -I don't worry about the shape my vengeance shall take, I assure you. But -as God lives, I will be revenged!' -</p> - -<p> -"'And revenged for what, pray? and why?' demanded an imperious voice -behind Monsieur de Montgommery. -</p> - -<p> -"Perrot shivered with fear of what was to come; for across the dimly -lighted corridor he saw Monsieur le Dauphin, who is to-day king, and in -his wake the harsh and mocking features of Monsieur de Montmorency. -</p> - -<p> -"'Heaven help me!' cried Madame Diane, falling upon a couch and wringing -her hands; 'this is just what I feared.' -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur de Montgommery at first gave only a short sharp cry of dismay. -Then Perrot heard him say with a marvellously calm voice,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Monseigneur le Dauphin, just one word, by your leave! Tell me that you -have not come here because you love Madame de Poitiers, and because -Madame de Poitiers loves you.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Monsieur de Montgommery,' replied the dauphin, restraining his rising -anger, 'just one word, by my command! Tell me that I do not find you -here because Madame Diane loves you, and because you love Madame Diane.' -</p> - -<p> -"Matters having reached this stage, the actors were no longer the heir -of the mightiest throne in the world and a simple gentleman, his -subject, but two men, angered and jealous rivals, two suffering hearts, -two distraught minds. -</p> - -<p> -"'I was Madame Diane's chosen and accepted husband, as everybody knew, -and as you knew,' replied Monsieur de Montgommery, altogether omitting -the title by which the prince had a claim to be addressed. -</p> - -<p> -"'A mere promise in the air, a forgotten promise,' cried Henri; 'and -although perhaps of more recent date than yours, the rights of my love -are no less sure, and I will maintain them.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Ah, the villain! he speaks of his rights!' cried the count, already -drunk with rage and jealousy. 'Do you dare to say, then, that this woman -belongs to you?' -</p> - -<p> -"I say that she doesn't belong to you, at all events,' replied Henri; 'I -say that I am at Madame's house with Madame's approbation, and I fancy -that you can hardly say the same. So I am impatiently awaiting your -departure, Monsieur.' -</p> - -<p> -"'If you are so impatient, well and good! let us go together; that's -very simple.' -</p> - -<p> -"'A challenge!' cried Montmorency, coming forward at this. 'Do you dare, -Monsieur, to offer a challenge to the Dauphin of France?' -</p> - -<p> -"'There is no Dauphin of France in the case at all,' replied the count; -'there is only a man who claims to be beloved by the woman whom I love, -that's all.' -</p> - -<p> -"He must have made a pass at Henri at this juncture, for Perrot heard -Diane cry out,— -</p> - -<p> -"'He means to insult the prince! he will murder the prince! Help!' -</p> - -<p> -"Embarrassed, no doubt, by the strange part she was playing, she rushed -out of the room, notwithstanding Monsieur de Montmorency's efforts to -detain her by assuring her that she need not be afraid, for they were -two against one, and had a strong escort below. Perrot saw Madame Diane -cross the corridor and burst into her own room, weeping violently and -calling aloud for her women and the dauphin's people. -</p> - -<p> -"But her flight had no tendency to allay the heat of the two -adversaries, far from it; and Monsieur de Montgommery repeated with -bitter meaning the word 'escort' which had just been uttered. -</p> - -<p> -"'It is with the swords of his retainers, doubtless,' said he, 'that -Monseigneur le Dauphin intends to avenge these insults?' -</p> - -<p> -"'No, Monsieur,' replied Henri, proudly, 'my sword alone will suffice to -punish an insolent villain.' -</p> - -<p> -"Each already had his hand upon his sword-hilt, when Monsieur de -Montmorency interposed. -</p> - -<p> -"'Pardon, Monseigneur,' said he; 'but he who may be king to-morrow has -no right to put his life in jeopardy to-day. You are not a man, -Monseigneur; you are a whole nation. A dauphin of France draws his sword -only for France herself.' -</p> - -<p> -"'But in that case,' cried Monsieur de Montgommery, 'a dauphin of -France, who has everything at command, should not filch from me the one -on whom my whole life depends, who is in my eyes dearer than my honor, -than my native country, than my child in its cradle, even than my immortal -soul itself; for she had made me forget all these,—this woman -who has perhaps been false to me. But no, she is not false to me; it -cannot be, for I love her too dearly! Monseigneur, pardon my violence -and my madness, I beg, and condescend to tell me that you do not love -Diane. Of course you would not come to the house of one you loved -accompanied by Monsieur de Montmorency and a mounted escort of eight or -ten! I ought to have thought of that.' -</p> - -<p> -"'I chose,' said Monsieur de Montmorency, 'to attend Monseigneur with an -escort this evening, despite his objections, because I had been secretly -warned that a trap would be laid for him to-day. However, I meant to go -no farther than the door of the house; but your loud voice, Monsieur, -reached my ears, and was the cause of my coming farther than I intended, -and thus becoming convinced of the accuracy of the intelligence afforded -by the unknown friends who put me upon my guard so opportunely.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Ah, I know who they are, these unknown friends!' said the count, -laughing bitterly. 'They are the same ones, no doubt, who notified me -also that the dauphin would be here this evening; and their plans have -succeeded to admiration, to their delight no doubt, and to hers who set -them about it. For Madame d'Étampes, I presume, had no object except to -compromise Madame de Poitiers by a public scandal. So Monsieur le -Dauphin, in coming to pay his visit with an army in attendance, has -marvellously helped on this marvellous scheme! Aha! so you have no -longer to show the least discretion, Henri de Valois, in your relations -with Madame de Brézé? So you label her publicly as your declared -favorite, do you? She is really yours by a certified and authenticated -title; and I can no longer doubt or hope? You have surely stolen her -from me beyond recall, and with her my happiness and my life? Well, -then, by heaven and earth! I have no more occasion to be discreet -either'. Because you are the son of France, Henri de Valois, is no -reason why I should cease to be a gentleman; and you shall give me -satisfaction for this insult, or you are nothing but a coward!" -</p> - -<p> -"'Scoundrel!' cried the dauphin, drawing his sword and springing at the -count. -</p> - -<p> -"But Monsieur de Montmorency again threw himself between them. -</p> - -<p> -"'Monseigneur, once more I say that in my presence the heir to the -throne shall not cross swords about a woman with a —' -</p> - -<p> -"'With a gentleman of more ancient race than you, foremost baron in -Christendom though you be!' the count burst in, fairly beside himself. -'Besides, every noble is as good as the king; and kings have not always -been so discreet, as you undertake to claim, and for very good reasons. -Charles of Naples challenged Alphonse of Arragon, and François I., not -so very long ago, challenged Charles V. "That was king against king," -you say. 'Very well! Monsieur de Nemours, the king's nephew, called out -an humble Spanish captain. The Montgommerys are every whit as good as -the Valois; and as they have many times intermarried with the royal -children of France and England, there is no reason why they should not -fight with them. The Montgommerys of old bore the arms of France pure in -the second and third quarterings. After their return from England, -whither they followed William the Conqueror, their arms were azure, a -lion, or, armed, and <i>lampassé</i> argent, with the motto <i>Garde -lieu</i>! and three <i>fleurs-de-lis</i> on a field gules. Come, then, -Monseigneur, our arms are like our swords, a fitting guarantee of our -knightly prowess. Ah, if you loved this woman as I do, and if you hated -me as I hate you! But no, you are a mere timid boy, happy in being able -to hide behind your preceptor.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Monsieur de Montmorency, let me go!' cried the dauphin, struggling -fiercely with Montmorency, who was holding him back. -</p> - -<p> -"'No, by Heaven!' said Montmorency, 'I will not let you fight with this -madman! Below there! Help! help!' he shouted at the top of his voice. -</p> - -<p> -"And Diane, too, leaning over the stairway, could be distinctly heard -crying with all her might,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Help! Come up, you fellows! Are you going to let your masters be -murdered?' -</p> - -<p> -"This Delilah-like perfidy—for, after all, they were two to one -against Monsieur de Montgommery—undoubtedly excited the count's -blind fury to the highest pitch. Perrot, paralyzed with terror, heard -him say,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Does it need, then, the last insult of all to convince you,—you and -your go-between,—Henri de Valois, that you <i>must</i> give me -satisfaction?' -</p> - -<p> -"Perrot supposed that he then approached the dauphin and threatened to -strike him with his hand, for Henri roared like a tiger. But Monsieur de -Montmorency had evidently caught the count's arm, for while he was -shrieking louder than ever, 'Help! help!' Perrot, who could see nothing, -heard the prince cry out,— -</p> - -<p> -"'His glove touched my face! He must die by no other hand than mine, -now, Montmorency!' -</p> - -<p> -"All this took place with the rapidity of lightning. Just at that moment -the escort came in; then ensued a savage combat, and a tremendous noise -of trampling, and clashing steel. Monsieur de Montmorency cried, 'Bind -the madman!' And the dauphin, 'Don't kill him! In Heaven's name, don't -kill him!' -</p> - -<p> -"This one-sided battle didn't last a moment. Perrot hadn't time even -to rush to his master's assistance. He got as far as the threshold; and -there he saw one of the escort lying on the floor, and two or three -others covered with blood. But the count was disarmed, and already bound -and tightly held by five or six armed men who had attacked him at once. -Perrot, who was not noticed in the confusion, thought he could be of -more use to Monsieur de Montgommery by remaining free, and in condition -to let his friends know, or to rescue him on some more favorable -occasion. So he returned noiselessly to his post, and there, on the -alert and with his hand on his sword, he waited—since his master was -not killed, or even wounded—until it was time to show himself, and -perhaps save him; for you will soon see, Monseigneur, that neither -resolution nor daring was lacking in my good husband; But he was as -prudent as he was valiant, and knew how to make skilful use of his -opportunities. For the moment his cue was to watch; and that is what he -did, carefully and with perfect self-possession. -</p> - -<p> -"Meanwhile Monsieur de Montgommery, tightly pinioned, was still crying -out,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Didn't I tell you, Henri de Valois, that you would have to fight with -ten swords against my one, and meet my insult with the obedient courage -of your soldiers?' -</p> - -<p> -"'You hear, Monsieur de Montmorency!' said the trembling dauphin. -</p> - -<p> -"'Let him be gagged!' was Monsieur de Montmorency's only reply. 'I will -soon give you your instructions,' said he to the men, 'as to what is to -be done with him. Meanwhile keep careful watch on him; you shall answer -for him to me with your heads.' -</p> - -<p> -"And he left the oratory, taking the dauphin with him. They passed -through the corridor, where Perrot was hiding behind the hangings, and -went into Madame Diane's apartment. -</p> - -<p> -"Perrot thereupon went over to the other wall, and applied his ear to -the other disused door. -</p> - -<p> -"The scene of which he had already been an auditor was on the whole less -terrible than that to which he was now to listen." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap22"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXII -<br /><br /> -DESCRIBES THE MOST CONVINCING PROOF THAT A WOMAN<br /> -CAN GIVE THAT A MAN IS NOT HER LOVER</h4> - -<p> -"'MONSIEUR de MONTMORENCY,' said the dauphin, as he entered the room, -angry and cast down, 'if you had not held me back, I should be better -content with myself and you than I am at present.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Permit me to say, Monseigneur,' Montmorency replied, 'that you talk -like a hot-headed youth, and not like the king's son. Your days do not -belong to you; they belong to your people, Monseigneur, and crowned -heads have different duties from other men.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Why, then, should I be so angry with myself, and so ashamed?' said the -prince. 'Ah! there you are, Madame,' he added, addressing Diane, whom he -had just espied. -</p> - -<p> -"And for the moment his wounded self-esteem got the better of his -jealous passion. -</p> - -<p> -"'It is at your house and through your connivance,' said he, 'that I -have been insulted for the first time in my life.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Alas! at my house, yes; but do not say through my connivance, -Monseigneur,' replied Diane. 'Haven't I suffered quite as much as -you,—yes, more than you? Am I not innocent of all this? Do you -suppose that I care for that man, pray? Or that I have ever cared for him?' -</p> - -<p> -"Having betrayed him, she now disowned him; it was very simple. -</p> - -<p> -"'I love you and only you, Monseigneur, she went on; 'my heart and soul -are yours only and absolutely; and my existence dates only from the day -when you accepted this heart which is devoted to you. But before that it -may be—yes, I remember vaguely that I did allow this Montgommery to -entertain some hope. Never anything positive, and no definite -engagement. But you came; and all else was forgotten. Since that time I -swear to you—and you may believe my words rather than the jealous -slanders of Madame d'Étampes and her friends—since that blessed time -I have not had a single thought or a single heart-beat that has not been -for you, Monseigneur. That man lies; that man is acting in concert with -my enemies; that man has no right over her who belongs so completely to -you, Henri. I hardly know the man; and not only do I not love him, but, -Great Heaven, I hate and despise him! See, I don't even ask you if he be -dead or alive. I think only of you. And as for him, I hate him!' -</p> - -<p> -"'Is this true, Madame?' said the dauphin, still with something of -gloomy distrust in his tone. -</p> - -<p> -"'It will be very easy and a very short matter to prove it,' replied -Monsieur de Montmorency. 'Monsieur de Montgommery is living, Madame; but -he is securely bound and in no condition to do any harm. He has put a -shameful outrage upon the prince. But to accuse him before the ordinary -tribunals is not to be thought of; to punish him for such a crime would -be more dangerous than the crime itself. On the other hand, it is still -more utterly out of the question that Monseigneur le Dauphin should -engage in single combat with this insolent scoundrel. Now what do you -suggest, Madame? What shall we do with this man?' -</p> - -<p> -"There was a moment of painful silence. Perrot held his breath so that -he might not lose a syllable of the words which were so slow in coming. -But it was evident that Madame Diane was in fear for herself as well as -for what she was going to say. She hesitated about uttering her own -sentence. -</p> - -<p> -"But at last she had to speak; and with a voice that was still -reasonably firm, she said,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Monsieur de Montgommery has been guilty of the crime of -<i>lèse-majesté</i>. Monsieur de Montmorency, to what penalty are they -liable who commit that crime?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Death,' the constable replied. -</p> - -<p> -"'Then,' said Madame Diane, coldly, 'my opinion is that this man should -die.' -</p> - -<p> -"Both the others stood aghast at these words; and there was another -pause before Monsieur de Montmorency replied,— -</p> - -<p> -"'You mean by that, Madame, that you do not love Monsieur de -Montgommery, and never have loved him.' -</p> - -<p> -"'For my part,' said the dauphin, 'I am less desirous than ever now that -he should die.' -</p> - -<p> -"'I hold the same views,' said Montmorency, 'but on different grounds -from yours, I take it, Monseigneur. The opinion which generosity moves -you to express, I hold for prudential reasons. Monsieur de Montgommery -has many friends and powerful allies in France and England; it is known -at court that he was likely to meet us here to-night. If they come to us -and ask us boldly and clamorously for news of him to-morrow, it must not -be that we are able to produce only a dead body. Nobles cannot be -treated like serfs and put to death without ceremony. We must be able to -reply,—"Monsieur de Montgommery has absconded;" or, "Monsieur de -Montgommery is wounded and ill;" but in any event, "Monsieur de -Montgommery is alive!" 'And if we are pushed to the last extremity, and -if they persist in clamoring for him to the end, well, then we must be -in a position where if worst comes to worst, we can take him from his -prison or his bed and produce him to the slanderers. But I hope that -this precaution, necessary though it be, will nevertheless be useless. -Monsieur de Montgommery will be sought for and inquired for to-morrow -and the day after; but in a week's time the matter will begin to die -out, and in a month he will not be mentioned at all. Nothing is -forgotten so speedily as a friend; and we must help to change the -subject of common gossip. My conclusion is, then, that the culprit must -neither die nor live; he must disappear.' -</p> - -<p> -"'So be it!' said the dauphin. 'Let him go; let him leave France! He -has property and connections in England; let him take refuge there.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Not by any means, Monseigneur,' Montmorency replied. 'Death is too -much; but banishment is not enough. Would you like,' he added in a lower -tone, 'to have this fellow tell in England rather than in France how he -threatened you with an insulting gesture?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Oh, don't remind me of that!' cried the dauphin, grinding his teeth. -</p> - -<p> -"'Yet I must remind you of it, Monseigneur, to fortify you against a -perilous decision. It is essential, I say again, that the count should -tell no tales, living or dead. The men of our escort can be depended -upon; and, besides, they have no idea with whom they are dealing. The -governor of the Châtelet is a friend of mine; more than that, he is as -deaf and dumb as his prison, and devoted to his Majesty's service. Let -Monsieur de Montgommery be carried to the Châtelet this very night. A -good strong dungeon will keep him for us, or give him back to us, as we -choose. To-morrow he will have disappeared; and we will take pains to -spread most contradictory and inconsistent reports as to his -disappearance. If these rumors do not die out of themselves, and if the -count's friends are too persistent in making search for him, which is -hardly probable; and if they institute a rigorous and thorough inquiry, -which would greatly surprise me,—why, then we can justify ourselves -in one word by producing the register of the Châtelet, which will prove -that Monsieur de Montgommery, accused of the crime of <i>lèse-majesté</i>, -is held in prison pending the regular decree of the courts. Then, when -this fact is once established, will it be our fault if the prison is -unhealthy; and if grief and remorse have taken too strong a hold on -Monsieur de Montgommery, and if he dies before he has had time to appear -to answer to the charge?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Oh, Monsieur!' cried the dauphin, in horror. -</p> - -<p> -"'Never fear, Monseigneur,' replied the prince's adviser; 'we shall have -no need to go to such lengths. The rumors caused by the count's -disappearance will die away. His friends will be consoled, and will soon -forget; and Monsieur de Montgommery will live, if he chooses, the life -of a prisoner from the moment that he dies to the world.' -</p> - -<p> -"'But has he not a son?' asked Madame Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"'Yes, a very young boy, who will be told that no one knows what has -become of his father, and who will, when he has grown up, if he lives to -grow up, poor little orphan, have interests and passions of his own, and -will not trouble himself to unearth a story fifteen or twenty years -old.' -</p> - -<p> -"'That is all very true, and well thought of,' said Madame de Poitiers. -'Come, I am inclined to accept it; nay, more, I approve of it, and -marvel at it.' -</p> - -<p> -"'You are really too kind, Madame,' replied Montmorency, much flattered, -'and I am very glad to see that we are suited to appreciate each other.' -</p> - -<p> -"'But I neither approve of it nor marvel at it, for my part,' cried the -dauphin; 'on the contrary, I oppose it and disclaim it.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Disclaim it, Monseigneur, and you will do quite right,' said Monsieur -de Montmorency. 'Disclaim it; but do not oppose it. Find fault with it; -but let it go on. All this doesn't concern you at all; and I take the -whole responsibility of the affair upon my shoulders, before God and -man.' -</p> - -<p> -"'But henceforth we shall be bound together by fellowship in crime, -shall we not,' said the dauphin, 'and you will no longer be my friend -simply, but my accomplice?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Oh, Monseigneur, perish the thought!' cried the crafty minister. 'You -ought not to compromise yourself by punishing the culprit any more than -by fighting him. Is it your pleasure that we refer the whole matter to -the king your father?' -</p> - -<p> -"'No, no; let my father know nothing of all this,' said the dauphin, -quickly.' -</p> - -<p> -"'But my duty,' said Monsieur de Montmorency, 'will compel me to inform -him, nevertheless, Monseigneur, if you persist in thinking that the time -for chivalrous deeds is to last forever. Come, let us not hasten the -affair, if you prefer not, and let us wait for time to ripen our -judgment. Only let us make sure of the count's person, as an essential -part of our final plans, whatever they may be; and then we will postpone -for a time any final conclusion on the subject.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Very well,' said the dauphin, whose feeble will was quick to grasp at -this pretended adjournment of the painful subject. 'Monsieur de -Montgommery will thus have time to reconsider his first unreflecting -impulse, and I also may reflect at my leisure on what my conscience and -my dignity demand that I should do.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Let us go back to the Louvre, then, Monseigneur,' said Monsieur de -Montmorency, 'and leave no doubt of our presence there. I will send him -back to you to-morrow, Madame,' he continued, turning to Madame de -Poitiers with a smile; 'for I can see that you love him with a real, -heartfelt passion.' -</p> - -<p> -"'But is Monseigneur le Dauphin convinced of it?' said Diane; 'and have -I his forgiveness for this unfortunate meeting, so entirely unforeseen -by me?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Yes, indeed you must love me,—in truth, with a mighty love, Diane,' -replied the dauphin, thoughtfully; 'and I am in too great need of -believing it to doubt it. And as the count very truly said, I felt too -keenly the pang which cut my heart when I fancied I had lost you, so -that your love is henceforth necessary to my existence; and when I loved -you once, it was for life.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Ah, God grant that you speak the truth!' cried Diane, passionately, -covering with kisses the hand that the dauphin held out to her in token -of forgiveness. -</p> - -<p> -"'And now let us be off without more delay,' said Monsieur de -Montmorency. -</p> - -<p> -"'<i>Au revoir</i>, Diane.' -</p> - -<p> -"'<i>Au revoir</i>, my dear Lord,' said the duchess, with a most -captivating accent upon the last words. -</p> - -<p> -"She went with him to the door of the room. While the dauphin was -descending the stairs, Monsieur de Montmorency opened the door of the -oratory where Monsieur de Montgommery was still lying, guarded and -bound, and said to the leader of the men-at-arms,— -</p> - -<p> -"'I will send hither at once one of my people, who will instruct you -what to do with your prisoner. Until then watch his every movement, and -don't lose sight of him for one moment. You shall answer to me, all of -you, with your lives.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Very well, Monseigneur,' replied the soldier. -</p> - -<p> -"'Besides, I shall be on the watch too,' said Madame de Poitiers, from -the door where she was still standing. -</p> - -<p> -"They all disappeared, and Perrot from his hiding-place could hear -nothing but the regular tread of the sentinel stationed just within the -oratory to guard the door, while his comrades guarded the prisoner." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap23"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXIII -<br /><br /> -USELESS DEVOTION</h4> - -<p> -Aloyse, having rested a few moments, for she could hardly breathe as she -recalled this mournful story, collected herself once more, and at -Gabriel's earnest entreaty finished her narrative in these words:— -</p> - -<p> -"One o'clock in the morning was striking when the dauphin and his -unscrupulous mentor took their leave. Perrot saw that his master was -lost beyond all hope of rescue if he gave Monsieur de Montmorency's -messenger time to arrive. The moment for him to act was at hand. He had -noticed that Monsieur de Montmorency had not mentioned any countersign -or any signal by which his envoy could be recognized; so after waiting -about half an hour, to give Monsieur time to have given him his -instructions, Perrot crept carefully out of his hiding-place, went down -a few stairs on his toes, and then ascended them again, making his tread -distinctly audible, and knocked at the door of the oratory. -</p> - -<p> -"The scheme that he had formed on the spur of the moment was an -audacious one; but its very audacity gave it some chance of success. -</p> - -<p> -"'Who's there?' asked the sentinel. -</p> - -<p> -"'A messenger from Monseigneur le Baron de Montmorency.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Open,' said the leader of the party to the sentinel. -</p> - -<p> -"The door opened, and Perrot entered boldly and confidently. -</p> - -<p> -"'I am,' said he, 'the squire of Monsieur Charles de Manffol, who is -attached to Monsieur de Montmorency's service, as you know. We were just -going off guard at the Louvre, my master and I, when we met on the -Grève Monsieur de Montmorency with a tall young man wrapped in a cloak. -Monsieur de Montmorency recognized Monsieur de Manffol, and called him. -After talking together a few moments, they both ordered me to come here -to Madame Diane de Poitiers's house, Rue du Figuier. I should find here, -they said, a prisoner, as to whom Monsieur de Montmorency has given me -certain directions which I am about to carry out. I asked him for a -small escort; but he told me that there was already a sufficient force -here, and I see that there are more of you than I need to assist me in -executing the conciliatory mission with which I am intrusted. Where is -the prisoner? Ah, there he is! Remove the gag, for it is necessary that -I should speak to him, and that he should be able to reply to me.' -</p> - -<p> -"The conscientious leader of the men-at-arms still hesitated, despite -Perrot's deliberate speech. -</p> - -<p> -"'Have you no written order to give me?' he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"'Does one write orders on the Place de Grève at two in the morning?' -replied Perrot, shrugging his shoulders. 'Monsieur de Montmorency told -me that you would expect me.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Very true.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Well, then, what game are you trying to play on me, my good fellow? -Come, leave the room, you and your people; for what I have to say to -this gentleman must be kept secret between ourselves. What! don't you -hear me? Leave us, I say!' -</p> - -<p> -"They did finally leave; and Perrot walked coolly up to Monsieur de -Montgommery, who had been relieved of his gag. -</p> - -<p> -"'My brave Perrot!' said the count, who had recognized his squire at -once, 'how do you happen to be here?' -</p> - -<p> -"'You shall know, Monseigneur; but we have not a moment to lose now. -Listen.' -</p> - -<p> -"In a few words he told him of the scene which had transpired in Madame -Diane's apartment, and of the determination which Monsieur de -Montmorency seemed to have taken of burying forever the terrible secret -of the insult with the insulter. Thus it was necessary to escape this -fatal captivity by a bold and desperate stroke. -</p> - -<p> -"'And what do you mean to do, Perrot?' asked Monsieur de Montgommery. -'See, there are eight of them against us two, and here we are not in the -house of our friends,' he added bitterly. -</p> - -<p> -"'Never mind that!' said Perrot; 'do you just let me do all the acting -and the talking, and you are saved, you are free.' -</p> - -<p> -"'What's the use, Perrot?' said the count, gloomily. 'What more have I -to do with life or liberty? Diane does not love me! Diane hates me and -betrays me!' -</p> - -<p> -"'Put by all remembrance of that woman, and think of your child, -Monseigneur.' -</p> - -<p> -"'You are right, Perrot; I have already neglected him too much, poor -little Gabriel, and God is just to punish me for it. For his sake, then, -I ought and I will try to avail myself of this last chance of safety -which you hold out to me, my friend. But, in the first place, listen to -me: if this chance fails me, if this undertaking, audacious to the point -of madness, which you are about to venture on, fails, I do not wish to -bequeath to the orphan for his inheritance, Perrot, the results of my -unhappy fate; I do not wish to subject him after my disappearance from -among the living to the powerful hatred to which I have been forced to -yield. Swear to me, then, that if the prison or the tomb opens its doors -to me, and you survive me, Gabriel shall never know from you the -circumstances of his father's disappearance from the world. If he should -come to know this terrible secret, he would try some day either to -avenge me or to rescue me, and would ruin himself. I shall have a bitter -enough reckoning to settle with his mother, without adding that burden -to it. Let my son live in happiness, free from anxiety about his -father's past! Swear this for me, Perrot, and do not consider yourself -relieved from the obligation of this oath unless the three actors in the -scene you have described to me die before I do, and the dauphin (who -will be king then, no doubt), Madame Diane, and Monsieur de Montmorency -carry their potent hatred with them to the grave, and can no longer harm -my child. Then, in that very improbable concurrence of events, let him -try, if he will, to learn of my whereabouts and to find me. But until -then, let him know as little as everybody else—yes, less than anybody -else—of his father's end. Do you promise me this, Perrot! Do you -swear it? I will not give myself up to your rash and, I greatly fear, -fruitless devotion, except on that one condition, Perrot.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Do you wish it so, Monseigneur? Then I swear it.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Upon the cross of your sword-hilt, Perrot, Gabriel shall never know -from you of this perilous mystery?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Upon the cross of my sword-hilt, Monseigneur!' said Perrot, his right -hand held aloft. -</p> - -<p> -"'Thanks, my dear friend. Now do with me as you will, my faithful -servant. I place my reliance on your courage and the favor of God.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Be self-possessed and confident, Monseigneur,' replied Perrot. 'You -will soon see.' -</p> - -<p> -"Recalling the leader of the men-at-arms, he said,— -</p> - -<p> -"'What the prisoner has said to me is satisfactory, and you may unbind -him and let him go.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Unbind him! Let him go!' rejoined the astounded leader. -</p> - -<p> -"'To be sure! Such are Monsieur de Montmorency's orders.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Monsieur de Montmorency,' replied the man-at-arms, shaking his head, -'ordered us to keep this prisoner in sight, and said as he went away -that we should answer for it with our lives. How can it be that Monsieur -de Montmorency now wishes us to set the gentleman at liberty?' -</p> - -<p> -"'So that you refuse to obey me, who speak in his name, do you?' said -Perrot, abating nothing of his assurance. -</p> - -<p> -"'I hesitate. See here, if you were to order me to kill the man, or to -throw him into the river, or to take him to the Bastille, we would obey, -but to let him go!—that, you see, is not the sort of thing we're -accustomed to.' -</p> - -<p> -"'So be it!' replied Perrot, in no whit disconcerted. 'I have given you -the orders that I received, and I wash my hands of the rest of it. You -will answer to Monsieur de Montmorency for the consequences of your -disobedience. As for me, there's nothing more for me to do here. -Good-evening!' -</p> - -<p> -"And he opened the door, as if to take his leave. -</p> - -<p> -"'Ho, there, one moment!' said the leader; 'how quick you are! So you -mean to declare that it is Monsieur de Montmorency's will that we should -let this prisoner go? You are quite sure that it was Monsieur de -Montmorency who sent you?' -</p> - -<p> -"'You idiot!' replied Perrot; 'how else should I know that he had a -prisoner under guard here? Has any other person gone out to tell of it, -if it was not Monsieur de Montmorency himself?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Well, your man shall be unbound!' said the soldier, as surly as a -tiger whose prey has been torn from his grasp. 'How changeable these -great lords are, <i>corps Dieu</i>!' -</p> - -<p> -"'Good! I will await you,' said Perrot. -</p> - -<p> -"He remained outside, nevertheless, on the topmost step of the -staircase, with his face turned toward the stairs, and his drawn sword -in his hand. If he saw the real messenger from Montmorency coming up, he -must see to it that he came no farther. -</p> - -<p> -"But he neither saw nor heard behind him Madame de Poitiers, who, -aroused by the sound of voices, had come out of her chamber, and gone -along to the open door of the oratory. She saw that they were releasing -Monsieur de Montgommery, who was transfixed with horror as he saw her -there. -</p> - -<p> -"'Wretches!' she cried, 'what are you doing there?' -</p> - -<p> -"'We are obeying the orders of Monsieur de Montmorency, Madame,' said -the leader, 'and releasing the prisoner.' -</p> - -<p> -"'It cannot be possible!' replied Madame de Poitiers. 'Monsieur de -Montmorency can never have given such orders. Who brought you this -order?' -</p> - -<p> -"The men pointed out Perrot, who had turned about, stupefied with -terror, on hearing Madame Diane's voice. A ray of light from the lamp -fell full upon poor Perrot's pale face, and Madame Diane recognized him -at once. -</p> - -<p> -"'That man?' said she; 'that man is the prisoner's squire! Just see what -you were about to do!' -</p> - -<p> -"'That's a lie!' replied Perrot, still trying to deny his identity. 'I -am Monsieur de Manffol's squire, and am sent here by Monsieur de -Montmorency.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Who says that he was sent by Monsieur de Montmorency?' chimed in the -voice of a new arrival, who was the real envoy himself. 'My good -fellows, this man lies! Here are the Montmorency ring and seal; and you -ought to know me too. I am the Comte de Montausier.<a name="FNanchor_3_1" id="FNanchor_3_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_1" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> What! you dared -to take away the prisoner's gag, and were in the very act of releasing -him? Wretches! Gag him again, and bind him tighter still!' -</p> - -<p> -"'As you please!' said the chief of the guards; 'but the orders he gave -us sounded all right, and were easy to understand.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Poor Perrot!' was all the count said. -</p> - -<p> -"He did not stoop to utter a word of reproach to Madame de Poitiers, -though he would have had time enough before the handkerchief they put -between his teeth was in place. It may be, too, that he feared to -compromise his true-hearted squire any further; but Perrot, unluckily, -wasn't as discreet as he, and said to Madame Diane indignantly,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Well, Madame, you don't stop halfway in a felony, at least! Saint -Peter denied his Lord three times, but Judas only betrayed him once. You -have betrayed your lover three times within an hour. To be sure, Judas -was only a man, while you are a woman and a duchess.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Seize that man!' cried Madame Diane, in a perfect fury of rage. -</p> - -<p> -"'Seize that man!' the Comte de Montausier echoed. -</p> - -<p> -"'Ah, but I am not taken yet!' cried Perrot. -</p> - -<p> -"And in so desperate a plight he took a desperate step; with one leap he -was at Monsieur de Montgommery's side, and began to cut his bonds with -his poniard, crying,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Help yourself, Monseigneur, and let us sell our lives as dearly as we -can!' -</p> - -<p> -"But he had only time to free his left arm; for he could defend himself -only partially while trying to cut the count's cords at the same time. -Ten swords clashed with his. Surrounded, and struck at on all sides at -once, a powerful blow that he received between the shoulders laid him at -his master's feet, and he fell unconscious, and like a dead man." -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p class="nind"><a name="Footnote_3_1" id="Footnote_3_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_1"><span class="label">[3]</span></a>This exploit of the young Comte de Montausier, the -apprehension of Montgommery, was a fitting prelude to the assassination -of Lignerolles. It is well-known that Monsieur de Lignerolles having -informed Charles IX. that the Duc d'Anjou, his master, had confided to -him his secret scheme for getting rid of the leading Huguenots, the king -induced his brother (D'Anjou) to have Lignerolles put out of the way as -a precaution against any possible indiscretion on his part. The Comte de -Montausier took charge of the execution, with four or five other -gentlemen-executioners, all of whom eventually came to a wretched end. -"Wherefore," says Brantôme, "we ought to take great care that we slay -no man unjustly; for one scarcely ever hears of such a murder which has -not been avenged with the sanction of God, who has put a sword at our -side for use, and not to be abused."</p></div> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap24"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXIV -<br /><br /> -SHOWS THAT BLOOD-STAINS CAN NEVER BE COMPLETELY<br /> -WASHED OUT</h4> - -<p> -"Perrot knew nothing of what happened after that. -</p> - -<p> -"When he came to himself, his first sensation was of bitter cold. Then -he collected his thoughts, opened his eyes, and looked about him; it was -still profoundly dark. He was lying on the moist earth, and a dead body -lay beside him. By the light of the little lamp which is always burning -in the recess of the image of the Virgin, he saw that he was in the -Cemetery of the Innocents. The body that had been thrown down by his -side was that of the guard who had been killed by Monsieur de -Montgommery. They had undoubtedly supposed that my husband was dead. -</p> - -<p> -"He tried to rise, but the terrible pain from his wounds prevented him. -However, putting all his strength into an almost superhuman effort, he -succeeded in standing up and taking a few steps. Just then the black -darkness was relieved by the light of a lantern; and Perrot saw two -evil-looking men approaching with spades and mattocks. -</p> - -<p> -"'They told us we should find them at the foot of the image of the -Virgin,' said one of them. -</p> - -<p> -"'Here are the sparks,' said the other, spying the soldier. 'But, no, -there's only one.' -</p> - -<p> -"'Well, we must find the other, then.' -</p> - -<p> -"The two grave-diggers turned the light of their lantern upon the ground -near them; but Perrot had made shift to drag himself behind a tomb at -some distance from the place where they were looking for him. -</p> - -<p> -"'The Devil must have carried one man off,' remarked one of the men, who -seemed to be in a joking mood. -</p> - -<p> -"'In God's name, don't say such things,' cried the other, shuddering, -'at such an hour, and in such a place!' -</p> - -<p> -"And he crossed himself, with every indication of terror. -</p> - -<p> -"'Well, at all events, there's only one here,' said the first who had -spoken. 'What's the odds? Bah! we will bury the one that is here, and -then say that his friend had escaped; or it may be that they didn't -count right.' -</p> - -<p> -"They set about digging a grave; and Perrot, who was tottering away -little by little, was glad to hear the jovial digger say to his -companion,— -</p> - -<p> -"'It has just occurred to me that if we admit that we found only one -body, and dig only one grave, the man will give us only five pistoles, -perhaps, instead of ten. Wouldn't it be better for our pockets to say -nothing about this extraordinary escape of the second corpse?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Yes, faith!' replied his devout companion. 'Let us content ourselves -with saying that we have accomplished our task; and then we shall have -told no lie.' -</p> - -<p> -"Meanwhile, Perrot, faint as death, had got as far as Rue -Aubry-le-Boucher. There he hailed a market gardener's wagon, returning -from market, and asked the driver where he was going. -</p> - -<p> -"'To Montreuil,' was the reply. -</p> - -<p> -"'Then will you be kind enough to give me a lift as far as the corner of -Rue Geoffroy L'Asnier and Rue St. Antoine, where I live?' -</p> - -<p> -"'Get in,' said the gardener. -</p> - -<p> -"In this way Perrot made the greater part of the journey to our lodgings -without much fatigue; and yet ten times on the way he thought that he -was dying. At last the wagon stopped at Rue Geoffroy L'Asnier. -</p> - -<p> -"'Well, here you are at home, my friend,' said the gardener. -</p> - -<p> -"'Thank you, my kind fellow!' said Perrot. -</p> - -<p> -"He got down with much stumbling, and was obliged to lean against the -first wall that he came to. -</p> - -<p> -"'My comrade has had a little too much to drink,' remarked the peasant, -starting up his horse. -</p> - -<p> -"And away he went, singing the new <i>chanson</i> just written by Master -François Rabelais, the jolly curé of Meudon:— -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">"'O Dieu, père Paterne,</span><br /> -<span class="i4">Qui muas l'eau en vin,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Fais de mon cul lanterne</span><br /> -<span class="i4">Pour luire à mon voisin!'<a name="FNanchor_4_1" id="FNanchor_4_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_1" class="fnanchor">[4]</a></span> -</div></div> - -<p> -"It took Perrot an hour to get from Rue St. Antoine to Rue des Jardins. -Luckily the January nights are long. He didn't meet a soul, and arrived -home about six o'clock. -</p> - -<p> -"My anxiety had kept me all night at the open window, Monseigneur, -notwithstanding the cold. At Perrot's first call I rushed to the door -and opened it. -</p> - -<p> -"'Not a sound, on your life!' were his first words to me. 'Help me up -to my room, but not a cry, not a word!' -</p> - -<p> -"He went upstairs, leaning on my arm; while I, seeing that he was -wounded and bleeding, didn't dare to speak, because he had forbidden -me, but wept silently. When we finally got to our room, and I had taken -off his coat and relieved him of his weapons, the poor soul's blood -covered my hands, and I saw the great gaping wounds. He forbade my cry -of horror by a stern gesture, and assumed the easiest position possible -on the bed. -</p> - -<p> -"'At least, let me call a surgeon, for God's sake!' I sobbed. -</p> - -<p> -"'Useless!' was his answer. 'You know that I have a little skill in -surgery. One of my wounds at least—the one just below the -neck—is mortal; and I should not be alive now, I think, if -something stronger than pain had not sustained me, and if God, who -punishes assassins and traitors, had not prolonged my life for a few -hours to serve His future plans. Soon the fever will seize me, and all -will be over. No physician in the world can prevent that.' -</p> - -<p> -"He spoke with such painful effort that I begged him to rest a little. -</p> - -<p> -"'I must do so,' said he, 'and carefully husband what strength I have. -But give me writing materials.' -</p> - -<p> -"I brought what he asked for; but he had not then discovered that a -sword-cut had mangled his right hand. At his best it was a hard matter -for him to write, so he threw pen and paper aside. -</p> - -<p> -"'Well, then, I must speak,' said he; 'and God will let me live long -enough to finish what I have to say. For if it should ever come to pass -that He, the just and merciful God, should aim a blow at my master's -three enemies, in their omnipotence or in their life, which are the -perishable goods of the wicked, then Monsieur de Montgommery may be -saved by his son.' -</p> - -<p> -"Then, Monseigneur," continued Aloyse, "Perrot began and told me the -whole mournful story which I have fully detailed to you. There were long -and frequent interruptions; and when he felt too exhausted to continue, -he told me to leave him, and go down and show myself to the people in -the house. I pretended, and without much pretence either, to be very -anxious about the count and my husband. I sent everybody to make -inquiries at the Louvre, and among Monsieur le Comte de Montgommery's -friends one by one, and then among his acquaintances. Madame de Poitiers -sent word that she had not seen him, and Monsieur de Montmorency that he -didn't understand why they came to bother him. -</p> - -<p> -"So all suspicion was diverted from me, as Perrot wished; and his -murderers might well believe that their secret was hidden in the -master's dungeon and the squire's grave. -</p> - -<p> -"When I had thus put the servants off the scent for some time, and had -intrusted you to one of them, Monseigneur Gabriel, I went back to my -poor Perrot, who bravely resumed his narrative. -</p> - -<p> -"About midday the fearful agony which had racked him up to that time -seemed to abate somewhat. He spoke with less difficulty and with some -animation. But as I was taking heart over this improvement, he said to -me, smiling mournfully,— -</p> - -<p> -"'This apparent change for the better means simply that the fever is -coming on, as I told you it would. But, God be praised! I have finished -describing this frightful plot. Now you know what no other but God and -these three assassins know; and your loyal heart, always steadfast and -strong, will enable you, I am sure, to keep this secret of death and -blood until the day when, as I hope and pray, you may reveal it to him -who has the right to know it. You have heard the oath that Monsieur de -Montgommery required of me; and you must repeat the same oath to me, -Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -"'So long as it is dangerous for Gabriel to know that his father is -living,—so long as the three all-powerful enemies who have slain my -master shall be left in this world by God's wrath,—do you keep -silent, Aloyse. Swear it to your dying husband.' -</p> - -<p> -"Weeping, I swore it; and it is that sacred oath which I am now proving -false to, Monseigneur, for your three foes, more powerful and more to be -dreaded than ever, are still living. But you were about to die yourself; -and if you make a wise and discreet use of my revelation, that which -threatens to destroy you may be your father's salvation and yours. But -tell me again, Monseigneur, that I have not committed an unpardonable -sin, and that because of my good intentions, God and my dear Perrot will -forgive my perjury." -</p> - -<p> -"There is no perjury in all this, blessed creature," replied Gabriel; -"and there has been throughout your conduct naught but heroic devotion. -But tell me the rest! tell me the rest!" -</p> - -<p> -"Perrot," continued Aloyse, "went on to say,— -</p> - -<p> -"'When I shall be no more, dear wife, you will do wisely to close this -house, dismiss the servants, and betake yourself to Montgommery with -Gabriel and our child. And even at Montgommery don't live in the -château, but in our little house; and bring up the heir of the noble -counts, if not in absolute secrecy, still without any luxury or display, -so that his friends may know him, and his enemies forget him. All our -good people down yonder, both the intendant and the chaplain, will -assist you in fulfilling the important duty which the Lord has put upon -you. It would be much better that Gabriel himself until he is eighteen -at least should be ignorant of the name he bears, but should know only -that he is of gentle birth. You will see. Our worthy chaplain and -Monsieur de Vimoutiers, the child's guardian, will assist you with their -advice; but even from these loyal friends you must conceal the tale that -I have told you. Confine yourself to saying that you fear that Gabriel -may be in danger from his father's powerful enemies.' -</p> - -<p> -"Perrot also gave me all manner of cautions, which he repeated in a -thousand different forms until his suffering began again, accompanied by -weakness which was no less grievous to look upon; and yet he employed -every moment of comparative ease to cheer me up and comfort me. -</p> - -<p> -"He also mentioned to me and made me promise one thing which required by -no means the least display of energy on my part, I confess, and was not -the least potent cause of suffering to me. -</p> - -<p> -"'In Monsieur de Montmorency's mind,' said he, 'I am buried in the -Cemetery of the Innocents; so I must have disappeared with the count. If -any sign of my return here should be discovered, you would be lost, -Aloyse, and Gabriel too, perhaps! But your arm is strong and your heart -is brave. When you have closed my eyes, collect all the strength of your -soul and body, wait till the middle of the night when everybody here is -sound asleep after the labors of the day, and then take my body down -into the old burial-vault of the lords of Brissac, to whom this hotel -formerly belonged. No one ever enters that abandoned tomb; and you will -find the key to it, all rusty, in the great clothes-press in the count's -room. Thus I shall have consecrated burial; and although a simple squire -may be unworthy to lie among so many great nobles, still after death we -are all nothing but Christians, are we?' -</p> - -<p> -"As my poor Perrot seemed to be growing weaken and insisted on having my -word, I promised all that he asked. Toward evening he became delirious, -and to that, frightful agony succeeded. I beat my breast in despair at -my inability to relieve him; but he made a motion that it was of no -avail. -</p> - -<p> -"At last, burning up with fever, and racked by terrible agony, he -said,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Aloyse, give me some water,—just a drop.' -</p> - -<p> -"I had already offered, in my ignorance, to give him something to quench -the burning thirst from which he said he was suffering, but he had -persistently declined it; so I hastened to find a glass, which I handed -to him. -</p> - -<p> -"Before he took it, he said,— -</p> - -<p> -"'Aloyse, one last kiss and one last adieu! and remember; remember!' -</p> - -<p> -"I covered his face with kisses and tears. Then he asked me for the -crucifix, and placed his dying lips upon the nails of the cross of -Jesus, saying only, 'Oh, <i>mon Dieu</i>! oh, <i>mon Dieu</i>!' He pressed -my hand with a last trembling grasp, and took the glass which I offered -him. He took but one swallow, trembled violently all over, and fell back -upon the pillow. -</p> - -<p> -"He was dead. -</p> - -<p> -"I passed the rest of the evening praying and weeping. However, I went, -as I usually did, to superintend your retiring, Monseigneur. You can -well believe that no one wondered at my grief. Terror reigned in the -house; and all the faithful servants were grieving over the probable -fate of their master and their good comrade Perrot. -</p> - -<p> -"However, about two in the morning, everything was quiet, and I alone -was awake. I washed away the blood with which my husband's body was -covered, wrapped it in a cloth, and putting myself in God's hands, I set -about taking down the dear burden, which weighed still heavier at my -heart than in my arms. When my strength gave out, I knelt by the body -and prayed. -</p> - -<p> -"At last, after what seemed an interminable half-hour, I reached the -door of the vault. When I opened it, not without considerable -difficulty, an icy blast came rushing out and extinguished the lamp -which I carried, and almost suffocated me. But I revived speedily, and -laid my husband's body in a tomb which was open and empty, and which -seemed as if it were waiting to receive him; then having kissed his cold -lips once more and for the last time, I let down the heavy marble slab, -which separated me forever from the beloved husband of my bosom. The -noise of the stone falling upon stone frightened me so that, scarcely -taking time to close the door of the vault, I fled like a mad woman, and -never stopped until I reached my own room, where I fell upon a chair, -completely exhausted. However, it was necessary that I should burn up -the bloody cloths and bandages before daybreak, so that they might not -betray me. When the first ray of light appeared, my weary task was done, -and not a single trace remained of the events of the preceding day and -night. I had put everything out of sight with the great care displayed -by a criminal who means to leave nothing to bear witness to or to recall -his crime. -</p> - -<p> -"But such long and wearisome toil prostrated me completely, and I fell -ill. However, it was my duty to live for the sake of the two orphans -whom Providence had intrusted to my sole protection; and I did live, -Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Poor woman! poor martyr!" said Gabriel, taking her hand in his. -</p> - -<p> -"A month later," continued the nurse, "I carried you to Montgommery, in -obedience to my husband's dying instructions. -</p> - -<p> -"In the sequel it turned out as Monsieur de Montmorency had predicted. -The inexplicable disappearance of the Comte de Montgommery and his -squire made a noise at court for about a week; then the talk began to -die out; and finally, the expected arrival of the Emperor Charles V., -who was on his way through France to chastise the people of Ghent, -became the universal subject of conversation. -</p> - -<p> -"It was in May of the same year, five months after your father's -disappearance, that Diane de Castro was born." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," rejoined Gabriel, thoughtfully; "and did Madame de Poitiers -belong to my father? Did she love the dauphin after him or -simultaneously?—sombre questions these, which cannot be answered -satisfactorily by the slanderous gossip of an idle court. But my father -is alive! He must be alive! And Aloyse, I will find him. There are two -men living in me now,—a son and a lover, who will find a way to -discover his living tomb." -</p> - -<p> -"God grant it!" said Aloyse. -</p> - -<p> -"And have you learned nothing since, nurse," said Gabriel, "as to the -prison where these wretches may have buried my father?" -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing, Monseigneur; and the only clew that we have on that point is -the remark of Monsieur de Montmorency as reported by Perrot,—that the -governor of the Châtelet was a devoted friend of his, and could be -depended upon." -</p> - -<p> -"The Châtelet!" cried Gabriel; "the Châtelet!" -</p> - -<p> -For like a flash of lightning his memory brought before him all at once -the gloomy, desolate old man, who might never utter a word, and whom he -had seen with such a strange agitation of the heart, in one of the -deepest dungeons of the royal prison. -</p> - -<p> -Bursting into tears, Gabriel threw himself into the arms of his faithful -and true-hearted nurse. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_4_1" id="Footnote_4_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_1"><span class="label">[4]</span></a></p> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Oh, God, our Heavenly Father,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Who changedst water to wine,</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Make of my breech a lantern</span><br /> -<span class="i2">To light this friend of mine!"</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap25"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXV -<br /><br /> -AN HEROIC RANSOM</h4> - -<p> -The next day, August 12, it was with an unfaltering step and a tranquil -face that Gabriel de Montgommery took his way to the Louvre to ask -audience of the king. -</p> - -<p> -He had debated long and earnestly in his own mind, and with Aloyse, as -to what he should do and say. Convinced that a violent course would have -no other result with an adversary who wore a crown than to subject him -to his father's fate, Gabriel had resolved to speak plainly and with -dignity, but in a tone of moderation and with due respect. He would ask, -not demand. Would there not still be time for him to adopt a more lofty -demeanor, and ought he not in the first place to ascertain if the lapse -of eighteen years had not softened Henri's bitter enmity? -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, in forming this resolution, showed as much discretion and -shrewdness as were consistent with the bold step he had determined on. -</p> - -<p> -Circumstances moreover lent him aid from an unexpected quarter. -</p> - -<p> -As he entered the courtyard of the Louvre, attended by -Martin-Guerre,—the real Martin-Guerre on this occasion,—Gabriel -noticed an extraordinary commotion; but his mind was too deeply absorbed -in his own affairs to pay much attention to the busily talking groups -and sad faces which he passed at every step. -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, he could but recognize on his way a litter with the Guise -arms, and salute the cardinal, who was just leaving it in a state of -great excitement. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah! is it you, Monsieur Vicomte d'Exmès," said Charles de Lorraine, -"and are you quite yourself again? So much the better! so much the -better! Monsieur my brother was asking for news of you in his last -letter with much interest." -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur is so very kind!" responded Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"You have well earned it by your gallantry," said the cardinal. "But -where are you going so fast?" -</p> - -<p> -"To seek the king, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Hm! The king has other business on hand than receiving you, my young -friend. But wait a moment! I am going to his Majesty also, for he just -sent for me. Let us go up together; I will be your sponsor, and you -shall lend me the support of your strong arm. One good turn for another. -In fact, that is just what I was going to say to his Majesty; for you -have heard the sad news, I suppose?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, indeed," Gabriel replied; "for I have just come from home; and I -only noticed that there seemed to be something exciting in the air." -</p> - -<p> -"I should say as much!" said the cardinal. "Monsieur de Montmorency has -been up to his old tricks down yonder with the army. He undertook to fly -to the relief of St. Quentin, which was in a state of siege, did the -gallant constable! Don't go so fast, I beg you, Monsieur d'Exmès, for I -no longer have the sprightly legs of twenty years. I was saying that he -offered battle to the enemy, the intrepid general! It was day before -yesterday, August 10, St. Laurent's Day. He had almost as many troops as -the Spaniards, a superb body of cavalry,—the very pick and flower of -the French nobility. Oh, well! he had so skilfully arranged matters, -experienced commander that he is, that he sustained a most overwhelming -defeat in the plains of Gibercourt and Lizerolles; that he was himself -wounded and made prisoner, and with him all the leading officers and -generals who did not remain on the field. Monsieur d'Enghien is among -the latter; and of the whole infantry not a hundred men have come back. -And that explains why everybody is so absorbed, Monsieur d'Exmès, and -why his Majesty needs me, no doubt." -</p> - -<p> -"Great God!" cried Gabriel, appalled, even in the depths of his own -sorrow, by this great public calamity; "Great God! are the days of -Poitiers and Agincourt returning upon poor France? But St. Quentin, -Monseigneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"St. Quentin," the cardinal replied, "was still holding out when the -courier left; and the constable's nephew, Monsieur l'Amiral Gaspard de -Coligny, who is defending the town, has sworn to lessen the result of -his uncle's defeat by allowing himself to be buried in the ruins of the -place rather than surrender it. But I am much afraid that he may be -buried already, and the last rampart which kept the enemy out carried." -</p> - -<p> -"In that case the kingdom is lost!" said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"May God protect France!" rejoined the cardinal. "But here we are at the -king's apartments; and we will see what steps he proposes to take to -protect himself." -</p> - -<p> -The guards, as well they might, allowed the cardinal to pass with a bow, -for they saw in him the man necessary for the emergency, and whose -brother was the only man who could save the country. Charles de -Lorraine, followed by Gabriel, entered unopposed the king's apartments, -where they found him alone with Madame de Poitiers, and a prey to most -profound dismay. Henri, as he saw the cardinal, rose and came eagerly -forward to meet him. -</p> - -<p> -"Your Eminence has arrived most opportunely," said he. "Well, well, -Monsieur de Lorraine, what a frightful disaster! Who could have imagined -it, I ask you?" -</p> - -<p> -"I, Sire," replied the cardinal, "if your Majesty had asked me the -question a month ago, at the time of Monsieur de Montmorency's -departure—" -</p> - -<p> -"No useless recrimination, cousin!" said the king; "we have not to do -with the past, but with the threatening future and the dangerous -present. Monsieur le Duc de Guise is on his way from Italy, is he not?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Sire; and he should be at Lyons now." -</p> - -<p> -"God be praised!" cried the king. "Well, Monsieur de Lorraine, I intrust -the welfare of the realm to the care of your illustrious brother. You -and he, do you henceforth assume full power and sovereign authority to -forward this glorious result. Be kings like me, and more truly kings -than I am. I have just written with my own hand to Monsieur le Duc de -Guise, to hasten his return. Here is the letter. Will your Eminence -kindly write as well, and point out to your brother our horrible -position and the necessity of not losing a moment, if France is to be -saved. Say to Monsieur de Guise that I put myself entirely in his hands. -Write, Monsieur Cardinal, and write at once, I beg. You have no need to -go away from here. See, here in this closet you will find all you need. -The courier, booted and spurred, is waiting below, already in the -saddle. Hasten, Monsieur Cardinal, I pray you; hasten! A half-hour more -or less may save or ruin everything." -</p> - -<p> -"I obey your Majesty," replied the cardinal, going toward the closet, -"and my noble brother also will obey, for his life belongs to the king -and the kingdom; but whether he succeed or fail, your Majesty will -remember later that you have intrusted him with power in a desperate -situation." -</p> - -<p> -"Say dangerous," rejoined the king, "but do not say desperate. But do my -good city of St. Quentin and Monsieur de Coligny, its brave defender, -still hold their own?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, or they were holding out two days ago, at all events," said -Charles; "but the fortifications were in a pitiable condition, and the -starving inhabitants were talking of capitulation; and with St. Quentin -in the hands of the Spaniard to-day, Paris will be his in a week. Never -mind, Sire! I will write to my brother, and you need not to be told that -whatever man can do, Monsieur de Guise will do." -</p> - -<p> -And the cardinal, saluting the king and Madame Diane, entered the closet -to write the letter which Henri desired. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel had remained apart, thinking deeply and unnoticed. His generous -young heart was deeply moved by contemplation of the terrible extremity -to which France was reduced. He forgot that it was Monsieur de -Montmorency, his bitterest enemy, who had been beaten, wounded, and -captured. For the moment he saw in him only the commander of the French -forces. In fact, he thought almost as much of his country's danger as of -his father's suffering. The noble youth had a sympathetic heart, which -was easily aroused by deep feeling, and he pitied all who were in -distress; and when the king, after the cardinal had left the room, sank -back despairingly upon his couch, with his head in his hands, crying -aloud,— -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, St. Quentin! on thee now hangs the destiny of France! St. Quentin, -my noble city! If thou canst still resist but for one short week, -Monsieur de Guise will have time to return, and the defence of thy -faithful walls be organized anew! Whereas if they fall, the foe will -march upon Paris, and all will be lost. St. Quentin, oh, I would give -thee a new privilege for each hour of resistance, and a diamond for each -of thy crumbling stones, if thou couldst hold out only one week more!" -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, it shall hold out, and more than a week!" said Gabriel, coming -forward. -</p> - -<p> -He had made his resolution; and a sublime resolution it was! -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur d'Exmès!" cried Henri and Diane, in the same breath,—the -king in wonder, and Diane with contempt. -</p> - -<p> -"How did you come here, Monsieur?" asked the king, sternly. -</p> - -<p> -"Sire, I entered with his Eminence." -</p> - -<p> -"That's a different matter," said Henri; "but what were you saying, -pray, Monsieur d'Exmès?—that St. Quentin might hold out, I think." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Sire; and you said, did you not, that if it did hold out, you -would endow it with freedom and wealth?" -</p> - -<p> -"I say it again," said the king. -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, Sire; and would you refuse to the man who should make its -holding out possible what you would accord to the town which held out? -To the man whose energetic will should infect the whole city, and who -would not surrender it until the last piece of the wall crumbles under -the enemy's cannon? The favor which this man shall ask at your hands, -this man who shall have given you this week's respite, and thus -preserved your kingdom, shall he ask it in vain, Sire, and will you -chaffer about an act of mercy with, him who has given you back an -empire?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, by Heaven!" cried the king; "and whatever a king has to give that -man shall have." -</p> - -<p> -"A bargain, Sire; for not only can a king give, but he can forgive as -well. And it is a pardon, and not titles or gold which this man will ask -at your hands." -</p> - -<p> -"But who is he? Where is this deliverer?" said the king. -</p> - -<p> -"He stands before you, Sire. It is I, the humble captain of your Guards, -but who feel in my heart and my arm a superhuman strength, which shall -help me to prove that I make no vain boast in undertaking to save at one -and the same time my country and my father." -</p> - -<p> -"Your father, Monsieur d'Exmès!" said the astonished king. -</p> - -<p> -"I am not Monsieur d'Exmès," said Gabriel. "I am Gabriel de -Montgommery, son of Comte Jacques de Montgommery, whom you ought to -remember, Sire." -</p> - -<p> -"The son of the Comte de Montgommery!" cried the king, rising and -turning pale. -</p> - -<p> -Madame Diane too fell back upon her couch with a gesture of terror. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Sire," replied Gabriel, calmly; "I am the Vicomte de Montgommery, -who, in exchange for the service which he will render you by maintaining -the defence of St. Quentin for a week, asks you for nothing but his -father's liberty." -</p> - -<p> -"Your father, Monsieur!" said the king. "Your father is dead, has -disappeared. What do I know about him? I don't know, I'm sure, where -your father is." -</p> - -<p> -"But I do, Sire; I know," replied Gabriel, choking down a terrible -dread. "My father has been in the Châtelet for eighteen years past, -awaiting the divine gift of death; or the royal gift of mercy. My father -is alive; I am certain of it. As to his crime, of that I know nothing." -</p> - -<p> -"You know nothing of it?" the king asked, frowning darkly. -</p> - -<p> -"I know nothing of it, Sire; but surely it should have been a serious -offence to have deserved so long an imprisonment. But it could not have -been an unpardonable one, since it did not merit death. Sire, listen. In -eighteen years justice has had time to slumber and clemency to awake. -Human passions, whether evil or good, do not resist so long as that. My -father, who was a vigorous man when he entered his prison, will come out -of it old and feeble. However guilty he may have been, has not his -expiation been ample? And even if it should happen that his punishment -was too severe, is he not too weak to remember? Restore to liberty, -Sire, a poor prisoner, who will henceforth be of no consequence in the -world. Remember, O Christian king, the words of the Christian creed, and -forgive the sins of another that your own sins may be forgiven!" -</p> - -<p> -These last words were uttered in a meaning tone which caused the king -and Madame de Valentinois to look at each other in anxious and terrified -inquiry. -</p> - -<p> -But Gabriel chose only to touch delicately upon this sore spot in their -consciences, and made haste to continue,— -</p> - -<p> -"Please take notice, Sire, that I address you as an obedient and devoted -subject. I have not said to you, 'My father was not tried; my father was -secretly condemned without an opportunity to be heard in his own -defence; and such injustice seems much like revenge. So I, his son, am -about to appeal boldly to the nobility of France from this secret -judgment which has been pronounced upon him. I am about to declare from -the house-tops to every one who wears a sword the insult which has been -offered to us all in the person of one gentleman—'" -</p> - -<p> -Henri moved uneasily in his seat. -</p> - -<p> -"I have not said this, Sire," Gabriel went on. "I know that there are -emergencies stronger than law and right, and where an arbitrary act is -the least perilous. I respect, as my father undoubtedly would respect, -the secrets of a past which lies so far behind us. I ask you simply to -allow me to commute the balance of my father's punishment by a glorious -exploit of deliverance. I offer you by way of ransom for him to hold St. -Quentin for a week against the enemy; and if that is not enough, why, to -make up for the eventual loss of St. Quentin by capturing some other -town from the Spaniards or the English! Surely that will be worth the -gift of freedom to an old gray-headed man. Well, I will do all this and -more too! for the cause which strengthens my arm is a pure and holy one. -My will is strong and daring: and I know that God will be with me." -</p> - -<p> -Madame Diane could not restrain a smile of incredulity at this heroic -exhibition of youthful enthusiasm and confidence such as she had never -seen and could not appreciate. -</p> - -<p> -"I understand your smile, Madame," rejoined Gabriel, with a sad glance -at her; "you think that I shall fall under this great task, do you not? -<i>Mon Dieu</i>! it may be so. It may be that my presentiments mislead me. -But what then? Why, then I shall die. Yes, Madame, yes, Sire, if the -enemy enters St. Quentin before the end of the eighth day, I shall die -in the breach for the town which I have failed to defend. Neither God -nor my father nor you can ask more of me than that. My destiny will then -have been fulfilled as the Lord has seen fit: my father will die in his -dungeon, and I upon the field of battle; and you,—you will be -relieved by natural means of the debt and of your creditor at the same -time. Then you can be easy in your mind." -</p> - -<p> -"That last remark of his is very true, at all events," whispered Diane, -in the ear of the king, who was absorbed in thought. -</p> - -<p> -However, she said aloud to Gabriel, while Henri maintained a dreamy -silence,— -</p> - -<p> -"Even supposing that you fall, Monsieur, leaving your work half done, it -is easy to imagine that you will leave some inheritor of your name -behind you, or some confidant of your secret." -</p> - -<p> -"I swear to you by my father's safety," said Gabriel, "that when I die -everything shall die with me, and that no one will then have the right -to importune his Majesty on this subject. I put myself in God's hands in -advance, I say again; and you ought, in like manner, Sire, to recognize -His intervention, if He shall endow me with the strength to fulfil my -vast design. But here and now, if I die, I relieve you from all -obligation and from all responsibility, Sire,—at least before men; -but the rights of the Most High are not lost by prescription." -</p> - -<p> -Henri shuddered. His naturally irresolute mind did not know what course -to decide upon; and the vacillating prince turned to Madame de Poitiers -as if to ask for aid and advice. -</p> - -<p> -She, understanding fully his hesitation, to which she was well used, -responded to his glance with a peculiar smile. -</p> - -<p> -"Is it not your opinion, Sire, that we ought to rely upon the word of -Monsieur d'Exmès, who is a loyal gentleman, and, I believe, of a -chivalrous and knightly character? I know not whether his request is or -is not well founded; and your Majesty's silence in that regard affords -no ground upon which I or any one can allege anything, and leaves the -whole question in uncertainty. But in my humble opinion, Sire, you -should not reject so generous a proffer; and if I were in your place, I -would gladly pledge my royal word to Monsieur d'Exmès to grant him, if -he fulfil his heroic and daring promise, whatever favor he might choose -to ask at my hands on his return." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Madame, I ask no more than that," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Just one word more," resumed Diane. "How," she added, fixing a piercing -glance upon the young man,—"how and why did you make up your mind to -speak of a mysterious affair, which seems to be of some consequence, -before me,—before a woman who may be anything but discreet for aught -you know of her, and an entire stranger to this whole matter?" -</p> - -<p> -"I had two reasons, Madame," replied Gabriel, with perfect sang-froid. -"In the first place, I imagined that there neither could be nor should -be any secret in his Majesty's heart so far as you are concerned. In -that case, it was only disclosing to you what you were sure to know -sooner or later, or what you already knew. In the second place, I hoped, -as indeed has come to pass, that you would deign to support my request -to the king; that you would urge him to put me to this proof; and that -you, a woman, would be found, as you always have been, on the side of -clemency." -</p> - -<p> -It would have been impossible for the closest scrutiny to detect in -Gabriel's tone the least inflection of irony, or upon his calm and -unmoved features the slightest symptom of a disdainful smile; and Madame -Diane's penetrating gaze was thrown away. -</p> - -<p> -She responded to a speech which might after all have been meant to be -complimentary by a slight inclination of the head. -</p> - -<p> -"Allow me one more question," she said, "just as to one circumstance -which has aroused my curiosity, that is all. How is it that you who are -so young happen to be in possession of a secret that is eighteen years -old?" -</p> - -<p> -"I reply so much the more willingly, Madame," said Gabriel, gravely and -sombrely, "because my reply may serve to convince you of God's -intervention in the matter. My father's squire, one Perrot Travigny, who -was killed in the transactions which preceded the disappearance of the -count, has risen from the tomb, by the grace of God, and has revealed to -me what I have told you." -</p> - -<p> -At this reply, delivered in a tone of the utmost solemnity, the king -arose, pale and breathless, and even Madame de Poitiers, despite her -nerves of steel, could not repress a shudder of terror. At that -superstitious epoch, when apparitions and ghosts were freely believed -in, Gabriel's words, uttered with the conviction of truth personified, -might well have had a terrifying effect upon two tormented consciences. -</p> - -<p> -"Enough, enough, Monsieur!" said the king, hastily, with trembling -voice; "and everything that you ask is granted. Leave us! leave us!" -</p> - -<p> -"And I may set out for St. Quentin, then, within the hour, relying upon -your Majesty's word?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes, Monsieur, set out at once!" said the king, who, -notwithstanding Diane's warning glances, had great difficulty in -mastering his distress; "set out at once! Do what you have promised; and -I give you my word as king and gentleman that I will do what you wish." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, with joy at his heart, bent low before the king and duchess, -and took his leave without another word, as if, having obtained his -desire, he had not a moment more to lose. -</p> - -<p> -"At last! He is not here now!" said the king, breathing deeply, as if -relieved of a heavy burden. -</p> - -<p> -"Sire," said Madame de Poitiers, "be calm, and try to regain your -self-command. You came very near betraying yourself before that man." -</p> - -<p> -"That is no man, Madame," said the king, as one dreaming; "that is my -ever-living remorse: it is my reproachful conscience." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Sire," said Diane, who was herself again, "you have done very -well to accede to this Gabriel's request, and to send him where he is -now going; for I am very much mistaken, or your remorse will soon die -before St. Quentin, and you will then be rid of your conscience." -</p> - -<p> -The Cardinal de Lorraine returned at this moment with the letter he had -been writing to his brother, and the king had no time to reply. -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile Gabriel, leaving the king with a light heart, had only one -thought and one wish in the world: it was to see once more, with hope -beating high in his breast, her whom he had left with death in his soul; -to say to Diane de Castro all that he hoped from the future, and to draw -from her loved glances the courage of which he should stand so much in -need. -</p> - -<p> -He knew that she had gone into a convent; but into what convent? It -might be that her women had not gone with her; and he turned his steps -in the direction of her former apartment at the Louvre, to question -Jacinthe. -</p> - -<p> -Jacinthe was with her mistress; but Denise, the second waiting-maid, had -stayed behind; and it was she who received Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Monsieur d'Exmès!" she cried. "You are such a welcome visitor; for -it may perhaps be that you have come to give me some news of my dear -mistress." -</p> - -<p> -"On the contrary, Denise, I have come to learn of her from you," said -Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Holy Virgin! I know nothing at all, and I am terribly frightened -about her." -</p> - -<p> -"But why so anxious, Denise?" asked Gabriel, who began to be anxious -himself. -</p> - -<p> -"Why!" replied the maid; "why, you must know where Madame de Castro is -now! -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed, no! I know nothing about it, Denise; and it is just what I -hoped to learn from you." -</p> - -<p> -"Holy Virgin! and didn't you know, Monseigneur, that she asked leave of -the king to enter a convent a month ago?" -</p> - -<p> -"I know that; and then?" -</p> - -<p> -"And then! Ah, that is the terrible part of it. For do you know what -convent she chose? That of the Benedictines, of which her old friend, -Sister Monique, is superior, at St. Quentin, Monseigneur,—at St. -Quentin, at this very moment besieged and perhaps taken by these English -and Spanish heathens. She had not been there a fortnight, Monseigneur, -when the siege began." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh," cried Gabriel, "the hand of God is in all this! He awakens the son -in me to new life, by arousing the lover anew, and thus doubles my -courage and my strength. Thanks, Denise. This for your good news," he -added, placing a purse in her hand. "Pray to Heaven for your mistress -and for me." -</p> - -<p> -In hot haste he went down once more into the courtyard of the Louvre, -where Martin-Guerre was awaiting him. -</p> - -<p> -"Where do we go now, Monseigneur?" asked the squire. -</p> - -<p> -"Where the cannon is echoing, Martin,—to St. Quentin! to St. Quentin! -We must be there day after to-morrow, so we start within the hour, my -fine fellow." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, so much the better!" cried Martin. "Oh, mighty Saint Martin, my -patron saint," he added, "I am content now to be a drunkard and a -gambler and a rake; but I give you fair warning that I would throw -myself into the midst of the enemy's battalions if ever I were a -coward!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap26"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXVI -<br /><br /> -JEAN PEUQUOY THE WEAVER</h4> - -<p> -A general council of the military leaders and prominent citizens was -being held in the St. Quentin town-hall. It was the 15th of August -already, and the town had not yet capitulated; but there was much talk -about capitulation. The suffering and destitution of the inhabitants -were at their height; and since there was no hope of saving the place, -and since the enemy, some day, sooner or later, were sure to gain -possession, would it not be better to put an end to so much misery? -</p> - -<p> -Gaspard de Coligny, the gallant admiral, whom the Constable de -Montmorency, his uncle, had intrusted with the defence of the place, had -determined not to admit the Spaniard until the last extremity. He knew -that each day's delay, terrible though it was to the suffering people, -might be the salvation of the kingdom. But what could he do against the -discouragement and mutterings of the whole population? The war outside -the walls gave no time for fighting within; and if the people of St. -Quentin should refuse some day to perform the labor which was required -of them as well as of the troops, further resistance would be useless, -and it would remain but to deliver the keys of the town, and with them -the key of France, to Philip II. and his general, Philibert Emmanuel of -Savoy. -</p> - -<p> -However, he had resolved, before contemplating such a disastrous step, -to make one last supreme effort; and with that in view he had convoked -this assembly of the principal men of the town, whom we will now allow -to complete our information as to the desperate condition of the -fortifications, and, above all, as to the condition of the brave hearts -of their defenders;—the most important fortifications of all. -</p> - -<p> -The speech with which the admiral opened the sitting appealing -eloquently to the patriotism of his hearers, was received with -depressing silence. Then Gaspard de Coligny directly questioned Captain -Oger, one of the valiant gentlemen who served under him. He hoped by -beginning with the officers to urge the citizens on to further -resistance. But Captain Oger's advice unluckily was not what the admiral -anticipated. -</p> - -<p> -"Since you have done me the honor to ask my opinion, Monsieur l'Amiral," -said he, "I will say what I have to say frankly, but with much sorrow: -St. Quentin can hold out no longer. If we had any hope of maintaining -ourselves for a week even, or for four days, or for two days, I would -say, 'These two days may afford time for the army to be reorganized; -these two days may save our country,—therefore let us not surrender -until the last stone in the walls has crumbled, and the last man has -fallen.' But I am convinced that the next assault, which may be made -within an hour, will be the last. Is it not, then, better, while there -is still time, to save what can be saved of the town by capitulation, -and escape pillage at least, if we cannot escape defeat?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes, that is true! Well said! that is the only reasonable course -to take," muttered those who heard him. -</p> - -<p> -"No, gentlemen, no!" cried the admiral; "we are not dealing with reason -now, but with sentiment. Besides, I do not believe that one single -assault will let the Spaniards into the town, when we have already -repelled five. Come, Lauxford, you know the present condition of the -works and the countermines: are not the fortifications sufficiently -strong to hold out for a long time to come? Speak frankly, and don't -represent matters any more or less favorable than they really are. We -have come together to learn the truth; and it is the truth I ask of -you." -</p> - -<p> -"I will tell it to you," replied the engineer Lauxford, "or rather I -will let the facts speak for themselves; they will tell you the truth -better than I, and without flattery. For this purpose, all you need to -do is to go over with me in your mind the vulnerable points of these -fortifications. Monsieur l'Amiral, at the present moment there are four -practicable openings for the enemy; and I must confess that I am much -surprised that he has not already made use of them. In the first place, -there is a breach in the wall at the Boulevard St. Martin wide enough -for twenty men to pass through abreast. We have lost there more than two -hundred men,—living walls, who cannot, however, supply the lack of -walls of stone. At the Porte St. Jean, the great tower alone is still -standing, and the best curtain is battered to pieces. There is a -countermine at that point, all closed and ready; but I fear that if we -fire it, we shall cause the destruction of the great tower; which alone -holds the assailants in check, and the ruins of which would serve them -as ladders. At the hamlet of Remicourt, the Spanish trenches have cut -through the outer wall of the moat, and they have taken up a position -there under cover of a mantlet, behind which they are battering away at -the walls without intermission. Finally, on the Faubourg d'Isle side, -you know, Monsieur l'Amiral, that the enemy is in possession not only of -the moats, but of the boulevard and the abbey; and they are so firmly -lodged there that it is no longer possible to inflict any damage -on them at that point, while, step by step, they are scaling the -parapet,—which is only five or six feet thick,—attacking in -flank with their batteries the men at work on the Boulevard de la Reine, -and worrying them so that it has been impracticable to keep them at -work. The remainder of the fortifications will perhaps stand out; but -there are the four mortal wounds, and they will soon sap the life of the -city, Monseigneur. You have asked me for the truth, and I have given it -to you in all its melancholy details, leaving to your wisdom and -foresight to say what use shall be made of it." -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon the mutterings of the throng began again, and although no one -dared to say it aloud, every one was saying under his breath,— -</p> - -<p> -"The best thing to do is to capitulate, and not risk the disastrous -chances of an assault." -</p> - -<p> -But the admiral rejoined, undismayed,— -</p> - -<p> -"Hold, gentlemen, another word! As you say, Monsieur Lauxford, if our -walls are wreak, we have, to supplement their weakness, our gallant -soldiers,—living ramparts. With them, and with the earnest -concurrence of the citizens, is it not possible to postpone the taking -of the town for a few days? (And what would be a shameful act to-day -will cover us with glory then.) Yes, the fortifications are too weak, I -agree; but we have troops in sufficient numbers, have we not, Monsieur -de Rambouillet?" -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur l'Amiral," said the captain who was addressed, "if we were -down in the square, in the midst of the crowd, who are awaiting the -result of our deliberations, I would say yes; for we should do our -utmost to inspire hope and confidence in every breast. But here, in -council, before those whose courage needs no proof or stimulus, I do not -hesitate to tell you that we have not men enough for the difficult and -dangerous work to be done. We have given arms to every one who was able -to carry them. The rest are employed in the defensive works, and -children and old men are doing their share there. Even the women are -assisting in the good work by saving and nursing the wounded. In short, -not one arm is idle, and yet arms are sadly needed. There is not a spot -on the ramparts where there is one man too many, and there are -frequently not enough. Multiply as we will, it is impossible to arrange -our forces so that fifty more men are not absolutely necessary at the -Porte St. Jean, and at least fifty others at the Boulevard St. Martin. -The disaster of St. Laurent has deprived us of reinforcements that we -had reason to anticipate; and unless you expect succor from Paris, -Monseigneur, it is for you to consider if, in such dire extremity, you -ought to risk the lives of the small number of men we have left, and of -this remnant of our gallant gendarmerie, who may still do much good -service in helping to defend other places, and perhaps to save our -country." -</p> - -<p> -The whole assembly murmured approval of these words; and the distant -shouting of the people who were crowding around the building on the -outside was a still more eloquent commentary upon them. -</p> - -<p> -But at this moment a voice of thunder cried,— -</p> - -<p> -"Silence!" -</p> - -<p> -Every voice was hushed; for he who spoke in such a commanding and steady -voice was Jean Peuquoy, the syndic of the guild of weavers,—a citizen -who was held in the highest esteem and consideration, and was a little -feared by the people. -</p> - -<p> -Jean Peuquoy was a type of the sturdy bourgeoisie, who loved their city -as a mother and as a child, worshipped her and grumbled at her, lived -always for her, and would die for her if need were. For the honest -weaver there was no world but France, and in all France naught but St. -Quentin. No one was so well versed as he in the history and traditions -of the town, its ancient customs, and old-time legends. There was not a -quarter, not a street, not a house, which in its present or its past had -any secrets from Jean Peuquoy. He was in himself the municipality -personified. His shop was a second Grand'place, and his wooden house in -the Rue St. Martin another town-hall. This venerable mansion was made -noticeable by a very peculiar coat-of-arms,—a shuttle crowned between -the antlers of a full-grown stag. One of Jean Peuquoy's ancestors (for -Jean Peuquoy reckoned up his ancestors like any gentleman)—a weaver -like himself, it need not be said, and in addition an archer of -renown—had put out the two eyes of this fine stag with two shafts at -more than a hundred paces. These superb antlers are still to be seen at -St. Quentin in the Rue St. Martin. Every one for ten leagues around knew -the antlers and the weaver. Jean Peuquoy was thus the city itself; and -every dweller in St. Quentin listened to the voice of his country -speaking through him. -</p> - -<p> -And so no one stirred when the weaver's voice, rising above the -grumbling and the muttering, shouted, "Silence!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, be silent!" he continued, "and lend me your ears for one moment, -my fellow-citizens and good friends, I beseech you. Let us look over -together, with your leave, what we have already done, and we may perhaps -learn from that what we have still to do. When the enemy sat down before -our walls; when we saw this swarm of Spaniards, English, Germans, and -Walloons, under the redoubtable Philibert Emmanuel of Savoy, swooping -down like locusts around our town,—we bravely accepted our lot, did -we not? We did not murmur, nor did we accuse Providence of having cruelly -selected St. Quentin as the expiatory sacrifice of France. Far from it; -and Monsieur l'Amiral will do us the justice to say that from the very -hour of his arrival, bringing us the mighty succor of his experience and -valor, we did our best to forward his plans with our persons and our -property. We have furnished supplies and money, and have ourselves -shouldered the cross-bow and wielded the pick and shovel. Those of us -who have not acted as sentinels on the walls have been digging in the -town. We have helped to discipline and restore order among the -rebellious peasants in the suburbs, who refused to work in payment for -the protection we had afforded them. In short, we have done, I honestly -believe, everything that could possibly be asked of men whose trade is -not war. So we hoped that our lord the king would speedily remember his -loyal subjects in St. Quentin, and would send us without delay the -succor that we needed; and so it happened. Monsieur de Montmorency came -hurrying hither to drive the forces of Philip II. from our gates, and we -thanked God and the king; but the fatal day of St. Laurent dashed our -hopes to the ground in a few short hours. The constable was taken, his -army cut to pieces, and we were left in a more hopeless state than ever. -Five days have passed since then, and the enemy have made good use of -them. Three fierce assaults have cost us more than two hundred men and -whole sections of the walls. The cannon thunders unceasingly. Listen! it -echoes my very words. But we do not wish to hear it, and listen only on -the side where Paris lies, to hear if we cannot distinguish some sound -to announce the arrival of further reinforcement. But no; and our last -resources are, so far as we can see, exhausted. The king abandons us, -and has many other things to do than to think of us. He must collect -around him at Paris all that remains of his forces, and must save the -kingdom rather than one poor town; and if he does turn his eyes and his -thoughts toward St. Quentin now and then, it is only to ask if its -death-agony will last long enough to give France time to recover. But as -to hope or chance of relief, there is no more now for us, dear -countrymen and friends. Monsieur de Rambouillet and Monsieur de Lauxford -have spoken the truth. We lack fortifications and troops; our city is -dying; we are abandoned, despairing, and lost!" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes!" cried the whole assembly, with one accord; "we must -surrender! we must surrender!" -</p> - -<p> -"Not so," rejoined Jean Peuquoy; "we must die!" -</p> - -<p> -An amazed silence followed this unexpected conclusion. The weaver -profited by it to proceed with increased animation. -</p> - -<p> -"We must die. What we have already done points out to us what remains -for us to do. Messieurs Lauxford and de Rambouillet say that we cannot -hold out; but Monsieur de Coligny says that we must hold out! And let us -do it! You know whether I am devoted to our good town of St. Quentin, my -dear brothers. I love her as I loved my old mother, in very truth. Every -bullet that strikes her venerable walls seems to pierce my heart; and -yet now that the general has spoken, I feel that he must be obeyed. Let -not the arm rebel against the head, and St. Quentin perish! Monsieur -l'Amiral knows what he is doing and what he means to do. He has weighed, -in his wisdom, the fate of one city against the fate of France. He has -decided that St. Quentin must die, like a sentinel at his post; so be -it. The man who murmurs is a coward; and he who disobeys, a traitor. The -walls are crumbling: let us make new walls with our dead bodies; let us -gain a week, let us gain two days, or an hour even, at the price of all -our blood and all our property. Monsieur l'Amiral knows the worth of all -this; and since he asks it of us, we must do it. He will have to answer -for it to God and to the king; but that doesn't concern us. As for us, -our business is to die when he says, 'Die!' Let Monsieur de Coligny's -conscience look out for the rest. He is responsible, and we must -submit." -</p> - -<p> -After these solemn, mournful words, every tongue was still, every head -lowered, Gaspard de Coligny's like the others, and even to a greater -degree than the others. It was in truth a heavy burden which the syndic -of weavers put upon him; and he could not forbear a shudder as he -thought of all these lives with which he was thus made chargeable. -</p> - -<p> -"I see by your silence, my friends and brothers," continued Jean -Peuquoy, "that you understand and approve what I have said; but one -cannot expect husbands and fathers to pronounce sentence aloud upon -their wives and children. To say nothing is to make a favorable reply. -You will allow Monsieur l'Amiral to make orphans of your children and -widows of your wives; but you cannot pronounce their sentence -yourselves, is it not so? It is quite right too. Say nothing and die. No -one would be so brutal as to require you to cry: 'Meure St. Quentin!' -But if your patriotic hearts beat, as I believe they do, in unison with -mine, you can at least cry, 'Vive la France!'" -</p> - -<p> -"Vive la France!" echoed a few voices, as feeble as the wailing of -children, and as mournful as sobs. -</p> - -<p> -Then Gaspard de Coligny, deeply moved, and in a state of intense -agitation, rose hastily from his seat. -</p> - -<p> -"Listen to me; listen!" he cried: "I will not accept such a fearful -responsibility alone. I was able to resist you when you wished to yield -to the enemy, but when you do yield to me, I can no longer discuss the -question; and since every soul in this assembly is of a contrary opinion -to that which I hold, and since you all deem the sacrifice useless—" -</p> - -<p> -"I believe, may God forgive me," broke in a loud voice from the crowd, -"that even you are about to speak of giving up the town, Monsieur -l'Amiral." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap27"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXVII -<br /><br /> -GABRIEL AT WORK</h4> - -<p> -"Who dares thus to interrupt me?" demanded Gaspard de Coligny, with a -gathering frown. -</p> - -<p> -"I!" said a man, attired in the costume of a peasant of the suburbs of -St. Quentin, making his way forward through the crowd. -</p> - -<p> -"A peasant!" exclaimed the admiral. -</p> - -<p> -"No, not a peasant," rejoined the stranger, "but Vicomte d'Exmès, -captain of the king's Guards, who comes in his Majesty's name." -</p> - -<p> -"In the king's name!" exclaimed the throng of astonished citizens. -</p> - -<p> -"In the king's name," repeated Gabriel; "and you see that he has not -abandoned his noble people of St. Quentin; on the contrary, he is still -anxious about them. I came in, disguised as a peasant, three hours -since; and during these three hours I have examined the walls and -listened to your deliberations. But let me say that what I have heard -hardly agrees with what I saw. Whence this discouragement, suitable for -none but women, which seems to have stricken with panic the stoutest -hearts? How comes it that you thus suddenly lose all hope, and leave -yourselves a prey to imaginary fears? What! have you sunk so low that -you can only rebel against the will of Monsieur l'Amiral, or bend your -necks to the yoke in resignation? Show your face, by the living God, not -to your leaders, but to the enemy; and if you cannot overcome them, at -least let your defeat be more glorious than a triumph. I come from the -ramparts; and I tell you that you can hold them two weeks yet, and the -king only asks you to keep the enemy at bay one week to insure the -salvation of France. To all that you have listened to in this hall I -will make answer in two words, and will point out to you a remedy for -your ills and a ray of hope to calm your fears." -</p> - -<p> -The officers and notables crowded around Gabriel, already under the -magic spell of his powerful and sympathetic will. -</p> - -<p> -"Hear him! hear him!" they cried. -</p> - -<p> -It was amid a breathless stillness that Gabriel continued,— -</p> - -<p> -"In the first place, Monsieur Engineer Lauxford, what did you -say,—that four weak spots in the fortifications were like open -gates for the enemy to come in? Well, let us see. The Faubourg d'Isle -side is in the greatest danger; the Spaniards are masters of the abbey, -and from that point they are keeping up such a well-directed fire that -our workmen don't dare to show themselves. Allow me, Monsieur Lauxford, -to point out to you a very simple and very excellent way to protect -them, which I saw put in practice by the besieged at Civitella this very -year. It consists simply in screening our workmen from the Spanish -batteries by placing old flatboats across the boulevard, piled upon one -another, and filled with bags of earth. The cannon-balls waste their -force in the soft soil; and behind that shelter our workmen will be as -safe as if they were out of range of the cannon. At the hamlet of -Remicourt, the enemy, under cover of a mantlet, are calmly undermining -the wall, you say? I have with my own eyes verified the fact. But that -is the place, Monsieur Engineer, where we must locate a countermine, and -not at the Porte St. Jean, where the great tower makes your countermine -not only useless but dangerous. So remove your sappers and miners from -the western to the southern side, Monsieur Lauxford, and you will find -great advantage in so doing. But the Porte St. Jean, you will ask, and -the Boulevard St. Martin, are they to be left undefended? Fifty men at -the first, and fifty at the second point will be enough; so Monsieur de -Rambouillet himself has told us. But," he added, "these hundred men are -not forthcoming. Very well! I will furnish them." -</p> - -<p> -A murmur of glad surprise was heard all over the room. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," resumed Gabriel, in a steadier tone, as he saw that their hearts -were somewhat encouraged by his words, "I left Baron de Vaulpergues with -his company of three hundred lancers three leagues from here. We -understand each other. I agreed to come here, risking all the perils of -passing through the enemy's camp, in order to satisfy myself as to the -most favorable points for him to make his way into the town with his -men. I am here, as you see; and my plans are made. I shall now return to -Vaulpergues. We shall divide his company into three. I shall take -command in person of one of these detachments; and at nightfall, there -being no moon, we propose to march from three different directions, each -toward a postern designated beforehand. Surely we shall be very -unfortunate if only one of our three detachments eludes the enemy, when -their attention is called off by the other two. In any event, there will -surely be one; and a hundred determined men will be thrown into the -town, where, fortunately, there is no lack of provisions. These hundred -men will be posted, as I said, at the Porte St. Jean and the Boulevard -St. Michel; and now tell me, Monsieur Lauxford and Monsieur de -Rambouillet,—tell me, I beg, what spot in the walls will then offer -an easy entrance to the enemy." -</p> - -<p> -With universal acclamation the assembly received these stirring words, -which so powerfully awakened new hope in their despondent hearts. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh," cried Jean Peuquoy, "now we can fight, and we can conquer." -</p> - -<p> -"Fight, yes; but as for victory, I dare not hope it," rejoined Gabriel, -with an air of authority. "I have no desire to make matters appear -better than they really are, but only that they should not be made to -appear worse. I wished to prove to every one of you, and first of all, -to you, Master Jean Peuquoy, who have given utterance to such noble but -gloomy words,—I wished to prove to you, in the first place, that the -king does not abandon you, and in the second place, that your fall might -be glorious, but obstinate resistance must be of the greatest service. -You said a moment since, 'Let us offer ourselves as a sacrifice;' and -now you say, 'Let us fight.' It is a great step forward. Yes, it is -possible, nay, it may be probable that the sixty thousand men who are -now besieging your frail ramparts will end by carrying them. But in the -first place, do not imagine that the noble struggle you will have -maintained will expose you to cruel reprisals. Philibert Emmanuel is a -brave soldier, who loves and honors bravery in others, and will never -punish you for your valor. And last of all, think that if you can hold -out ten or twelve days more, you will perhaps have lost your town, but -you will surely have saved your country. A sublime and noble end! Towns, -like men, have their patents of nobility; and the mighty deeds that they -accomplish are their titles and their ancestors. Your little children, -men of St. Quentin, will some day be proud of their fathers. Your walls -may be destroyed; but who can ever destroy the glorious memory of this -siege? Courage, then, heroic sentinels of a kingdom! Save the king, and -save your country. But a moment ago, with heads bowed down, you seemed -to have resolved to die, the willing victims of stern necessity. Lift up -your heads! If you perish, let it be as willing heroes, and your memory -shall never perish! Thus you can heartily join me in the cry: 'Vive la -France!' and 'Vive St. Quentin!'" -</p> - -<p> -"Vive la France! Vive St. Quentin! Vive le roi!" burst enthusiastically -from a hundred throats. -</p> - -<p> -"And now," said Gabriel, "to the ramparts and to work! and encourage by -your example your fellow-citizens, who await you. To-morrow a hundred -pairs of arms more, I swear, shall be here to aid you in your work of -salvation and of glory." -</p> - -<p> -"To the ramparts!" cried the throng. -</p> - -<p> -And out they rushed, carried away with joy and hope and pride, and -inspiring with their words and their enthusiasm those who had not heard -the words of the unhoped-for liberator, who had been sent by God and -the king to the disheartened town. -</p> - -<p> -Gaspard de Coligny, the worthy and high-minded commander, had listened -to Gabriel in silence born of wonder and admiration. When the whole -assemblage had dispersed with triumphant shouts, he left the seat he had -occupied, went up to the young man, and pressed his hand with an air of -amazement. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, Monsieur," said he; "you have saved St. Quentin and myself from -disgrace, and it may be France and the king from destruction." -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! I have done nothing as yet, Monsieur l'Amiral," said Gabriel. "I -must now go back to Vaulpergues; and God alone can enable me to go out -as I came in, and to introduce the hundred men I have promised into the -town. It is God and not I to whom thanks must be rendered, ten days from -now." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap28"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXVIII -<br /><br /> -WHEREIN MARTIN-GUERRE IS NOT CLEVER</h4> - -<p> -Gabriel de Montgommery remained in conversation with the admiral more -than an hour. -</p> - -<p> -Coligny could but marvel at the firmness and boldness and knowledge -displayed by this youth, who talked of strategy like a commanding -general, of defensive works like an engineer, and of moral influence -like a gray-headed sage. Gabriel, on his side, admired the upright and -noble character of Gaspard, and the kind-heartedness and honesty of -conscience which made him perhaps the purest and most loyal gentleman of -the age. Certainly the nephew bore but little resemblance to the uncle! -At the end of an hour the two men, one with hair that was already -turning gray, while the locks of the other were still of the hue of the -raven, understood and appreciated each other as if their acquaintance -were of twenty years' standing. -</p> - -<p> -When they had fully agreed upon the measures to be taken to facilitate -the entrance of Vaulpergues's troops on the following night, Gabriel -took leave of the admiral, saying to him confidently: "Au revoir!" He -carried with him the countersigns and necessary signals. -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre, disguised as a peasant, like his master, awaited him at -the foot of the staircase in the town-hall. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, there you are, Monseigneur!" cried the worthy squire. "I am very -glad indeed to see you again; for a whole hour I have heard nothing from -every passer-by but the name of Vicomte d'Exmès, accompanied with -exclamations of wonder and extravagant praise! You have upset the whole -town. What talisman did you bring, Monseigneur, to make such a -revolution in the hearts of the whole population?" -</p> - -<p> -"The word of a resolute man, Martin,—nothing more. But talking is not -enough, and now we must act." -</p> - -<p> -"Let us act, then, Monseigneur,—for my part, actions suit me better -than words. We are going, I see, to take a walk in the fields under the -noses of the enemies' sentinels. Well, Monseigneur, I am ready." -</p> - -<p> -"Don't be in too great haste, Martin," rejoined Gabriel; "it is too -light, and I must wait for the dusk before leaving the town, by -agreement with the admiral. We have therefore almost three hours before -us. Then too I have something to do meanwhile," he added, with some -embarrassment. "Yes, a very important matter to look after,—some -information to seek." -</p> - -<p> -"I understand," said Martin-Guerre, "something about the strength of the -garrison, is it not, or about the weak spots in the fortifications? What -untiring zeal!" -</p> - -<p> -"You don't understand anything at all about it," said Gabriel, smiling. -"No, I know all that I want to know about the ramparts and the troops; -and it is with a matter more—more personal that I am occupied just -now." -</p> - -<p> -"Speak, Monseigneur; and if I can help you in any way—" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Martin, you are, I know, a faithful servant and a devoted friend, -so I have no secrets from you except those which do not belong to me. If -you don't know whom I am seeking for anxiously and fondly in this town, -after my duties are done, Martin, it must be because you have -forgotten." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, pardon, Monseigneur, I know now!" cried Martin. "It is, is it not, -a—a Benedictine?" -</p> - -<p> -"It is, Martin. What can have become of her in this panic-stricken town. -In truth, I didn't dare to ask Monsieur l'Amiral for fear of betraying -myself by my distress. And then, too, would he have been able to answer? -Diane changed her name, no doubt, when she entered the convent." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," rejoined Martin; "for I must say that which she bore, and -which is a lovely name in my opinion, has a slightly heathenish sound, -because of Madame de Poitiers, I suppose. Sister Diane! The fact is that -that name is as offensive as my other self when he is tipsy." -</p> - -<p> -"What shall I do, then?" said Gabriel. "The best way would be perhaps to -inquire, in the first place, about the Benedictine convent in a general -way." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," said Martin-Guerre; "and then we will go from the general to the -particular, as my old curé used to say when he was suspected of being a -Lutheran. Well, Monseigneur, I am at your orders to make these -inquiries, as for every other purpose." -</p> - -<p> -"We must go about it separately, Martin; and then we shall have two -chances instead of one. Be careful and reserved, and try above all -things not to drink, you incorrigible tippler! We need all our -self-possession." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur knows that since we left Paris I have regained my -former sobriety, and drink nothing but pure water. I have only seen -double once." -</p> - -<p> -"I am glad to hear it," said Gabriel. "Well, then, Martin, in two hours -meet me at this spot." -</p> - -<p> -"I will be here, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -And they separated. -</p> - -<p> -Two hours later they met as they had agreed. Gabriel was radiant, but -Martin-Guerre very sheepish. All that the latter had learned was that -the Benedictines had chosen to share with the other women of the town -the labor and honor of nursing and watching the wounded; that every day -they were scattered about among the ambulances, and did not return to -the convent till evening; and that soldiers and citizens alike were -unsparing of their admiration and veneration for them. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, by good luck, had learned something more. When the first person -he met had told him all that Martin-Guerre had learned, Gabriel asked -the name of the superior of the convent. It was, if his memory served -him, Mother Monique, Diane de Castro's friend. Gabriel then inquired -where the saintly woman was to be found. -</p> - -<p> -"In the place where the danger is greatest," was the reply. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel made his way to the Faubourg d'Isle, and actually found the -superior there. She knew already by the public reports who the Vicomte -d'Exmès was, what he had said at the town-hall, and what part he was -going to play at St. Quentin. She received him as the envoy of the king -and the savior of the city. -</p> - -<p> -"You will not be surprised, Mother," said Gabriel, "that coming in the -king's name, I ask you for news of his Majesty's daughter, Madame Diane -de Castro. I have sought her in vain among the nuns whom I have met on -my way. She is not ill, I trust?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monsieur le Vicomte," replied the superior; "but I required her to -remain at the convent to-day, and take a little rest, for not one of us -has equalled her in devotion and courage. She has been everywhere, and -always ready, practising at all times and in all places, and with a sort -of joy and eagerness, her sublime charity, which is our gallantry. Ah, -she is the worthy daughter of the blood of France! And yet she is -unwilling that her title and her rank should become known; and she will -take it very kindly of you, Monsieur le Vicomte, to respect her noble -incognito. But no matter! if she does hide her noble birth, she shows -her kind heart; and all those who are suffering rejoice to see her -angel's face pass like a ray of celestial hope in the midst of their -pain. She is called, from the name of the order, Sister Benedicta; but -our poor wounded fellows, who do not know Latin, call her the Sister -Bénie." -</p> - -<p> -"And well the name fits Madame la Duchesse!" cried Gabriel, who felt -tears of joy gathering in his eyes. "And may I see her to-morrow, -Mother,—that is, if I return?" -</p> - -<p> -"You will return, brother," replied the superior; "and in that spot -where you hear the most pitiful groans and shrieks of pain, there you -will find Sister Bénie." -</p> - -<p> -Thus it was that Gabriel rejoined Martin-Guerre, with his heart full to -overflowing with renewed courage, and certain now, as the superior was, -that he would come safe and unscathed through the perils of the night. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap29"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXIX -<br /><br /> -WHEREIN MARTIN-GUERRE IS A BUNGLER</h4> - -<p> -Gabriel had acquired sufficiently accurate information about the suburbs -of St. Quentin to avoid going astray in a region where he was an utter -stranger. Under cover of nightfall he and Martin-Guerre left the town by -the least carefully guarded postern without hindrance. Wrapped in long -dark cloaks, they glided into the moat-like shadows, and thence by the -breach in the wall into the fields. -</p> - -<p> -But they were not beyond the greatest danger. Small bodies of the enemy -patrolled the suburbs day and night; encampments were scattered here and -there about the besieged town, and any encounter might be fatal to our -peasant-soldiers. The least risk that they ran was to be delayed a day; -that is to say, to make the projected expedition entirely useless. -</p> - -<p> -And so when after a half-hour of travelling they arrived at a -cross-roads, Gabriel stopped and seemed to reflect. Martin-Guerre also -stopped, but he did not reflect. That task he ordinarily left to his -master. Martin-Guerre was a brave and loyal squire, but he had no desire -or ability to be anything more than the hand; Gabriel was the head. -</p> - -<p> -"Martin," Gabriel began, after a moment's thought, "here are two roads, -both of which lead to the forest of Angimont, where Baron de Vaulpergues -is waiting for us. If we keep together, Martin, we may be taken -together; while if we separate, we have a double chance of carrying out -our plans and of finding Madame de Castro. Let us each take a different -road. Do you take this one; it is the longest, but the safest, according -to Monsieur l'Amiral. You will, however, have to go near the Walloon -encampment, where Monsieur de Montmorency is probably a prisoner. You -must avoid it by making a detour, as we did last night. Use all your -assurance and self-possession. If you fall in with any troops, you must -pass yourself off for a peasant of Angimont, and say that you have been -carrying provisions to the Spanish camp at St. Quentin, and were delayed -on your return. Do your best to imitate the Picardy patois, which will -not be very difficult with foreigners. But, above all things, err rather -on the side of audacity than timidity. Assume an air of confidence, for -if you hesitate, you are lost." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, be quite easy, Monseigneur," said Martin-Guerre, with a very -self-satisfied mien. "I am not so simple as I seem, and I will give a -good account of myself." -</p> - -<p> -"Well said, Martin. I will take this other road; it is shorter, but more -dangerous, for it is the main highway from Paris, which is watched more -carefully than all the others. I shall run across more than one hostile -party, I fear, and I shall have to drown myself in the ditches, or flay -myself in the thickets, more than once; and when all is said and done, -it is very possible that I may not accomplish my purpose. But no matter, -Martin! Wait for me just half an hour; if I do not join you in that -time, let Monsieur de Vaulpergues set out without delay. It will then be -about midnight, and the danger will not be so great as in the evening. -Nevertheless, Martin, advise him from me to adopt every possible -precaution. You know what is to be done,—to divide his company into -three detachments, and approach the town as quietly as possible from -three opposite directions. It is too much to hope that all three -detachments should succeed in getting into the place; but the failure of -one may very well be the salvation of the others. But it's all the same! -It is quite possible that we shall meet no more, my good Martin; but we -must think only of the welfare of the country. Your hand! And may God -keep you!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I pray only for you, Monseigneur!" rejoined Martin. "If He will -only preserve you, He may do what He pleases with me; for I am good for -nothing except to worship you and serve you. So I hope to have some fine -sport with these infernal Spaniards to-night." -</p> - -<p> -"I like to see you in this frame of mind, Martin. Well, adieu! Good luck -to you, and keep cool, above all things!" -</p> - -<p> -"Good luck, Monseigneur, and don't be too rash!" -</p> - -<p> -The master and squire then separated. Everything went well at first with -Martin; and although it was scarcely possible for him to lose his way, -he nevertheless showed considerable skill in avoiding some -suspicious-looking armed men from whom the darkness hid him. But as he -drew near the Walloon encampment, the sentinels became much more -numerous. -</p> - -<p> -At the fork of two roads, Martin-Guerre suddenly found himself between -two parties of soldiers, one on foot, and the other mounted; and a sharp -<i>Qui vive</i>? told the unlucky squire that he was discovered. -</p> - -<p> -"Well," said he, "now the time has come to show the impudence which my -master recommended to me so forcibly." -</p> - -<p> -And struck with an almost providentially bright idea, he began to sing -at the top of his voice, and very opportunely, the following ballad of -the siege of Metz:— -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">"Le vendredi de la Toussaint,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Est arrivé la Germanie</span><br /> -<span class="i2">À la belle croix de Messain</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Pour faire grande boucherie."<a name="FNanchor_5_1" id="FNanchor_5_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_1" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></span> -</div></div> - -<p> -"Hola! qui va la?" cried a harsh voice with an accent and pronunciation -almost unintelligible, but which we will not undertake to describe lest -we become unintelligible ourselves. -</p> - -<p> -"A peasant from Angimont," replied Martin-Guerre, in a no less -nondescript patois. -</p> - -<p> -And he kept on his way and his song with increasing vigor and -spirit,— -</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i2">"Se campant au haut des vignes</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Le duc d'Albe et sa compagnie,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">À Saint-Arnou, près nos fossés,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">C'était pour faire l'entreprise</span><br /> -<span class="i2">De reconnaître nos fossés—"<a name="FNanchor_6_1" id="FNanchor_6_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_1" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></span> -</div></div> - -<p> -"Ho, there! Will you hold your noise and stop, wretched peasant, with -your cursed song?" shouted the same harsh voice. -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre reflected that these importunate fellows who hailed him -were ten against one; that, thanks to their horses, they could overtake -him with ease, and that he might do an immense amount of harm by running -away. So he stopped short. After all, he was not altogether disappointed -at having an opportunity to display his self-possession and his -cleverness. His master, who seemed sometimes to doubt the existence of -those qualities in him, would have no excuse for it henceforth, if he -should succeed in extricating himself with address from such a perilous -position. -</p> - -<p> -At first he assumed an air of most perfect self-confidence. -</p> - -<p> -"By Saint Quentin the martyr!" he muttered, approaching his captors, -"this is a fine business for you, keeping a poor belated peasant away -from his wife and little ones at Angimont. Come, tell me, pray, what you -want of me." -</p> - -<p> -He meant to say this in Picardy patois; but he really said it in the -dialect of Auvergne with the accent of a Provençal. -</p> - -<p> -The man who had hailed him had a similar intention of replying in -French, but the best he could do was Walloon with a German accent. -</p> - -<p> -"What do we want of you? To question you and search you, night-prowler; -for how do we know that there isn't a spy hidden under your peasant's -smock?" -</p> - -<p> -"Go on, then; question me and search me," was Martin-Guerre's response, -accompanied with a hoarse and most unnatural laugh. -</p> - -<p> -"We will take you to camp with us." -</p> - -<p> -"To camp!" exclaimed Martin. "Oh, well, that's all right. I will speak -to the general. Ah, you choose to arrest an unfortunate peasant on his -way back from carrying supplies to your comrades down yonder at St. -Quentin! May I be damned if I ever do it again! I will let your whole -army die of hunger first. I was going to Angimont after more supplies; -but you stop me on the way. Ah, you don't know me yet. I'll be even with -you for this! 'Saint Quentin, tête de kien,' says the Picardy proverb. -Take me for a spy indeed! I propose to complain to your chief. Let us go -to your camp!" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mordieu</i>! What gibberish!" retorted the commander of the scouting -party. "I am the chief, my friend; and it is with me that you will have -to reckon when we can see you plainly, if you please. Do you suppose we -are going to rouse the generals for a blackguard like you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, I do; and it is to the generals that I propose to be taken!" cried -Martin-Guerre, volubly. "I have something to say to the generals and the -marshals. I propose to say to them that a man who is supplying you and -your people with food is not to be arrested thus without once crying, -'Look out!' I have done nothing wrong. I am an honest inhabitant of -Angimont. I mean to demand an indemnity for my trouble; and you shall be -hung for yours, you wretches!" -</p> - -<p> -"Comrade, he seems sure of his ground, do you know!" said one of the -soldiers to his chief. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," replied the other; "and I would let him go if it didn't seem to -me every little while that I recognize his figure and his voice. Come -forward; everything will be explained in camp." -</p> - -<p> -Martin-Guerre, placed between two of the horsemen for safe-keeping, -never ceased to swear and grumble during the whole journey. As he -entered the tent to which they escorted him in the first place, he swore -and grumbled still more. -</p> - -<p> -"So this is the way you treat your allies, is it? Oh, well, just wait -till we furnish any more oats for your horses, or meal for you! I give -you up. As soon as you have recognized me and let me go, I will go back -to Angimont, and not leave the place again; or better still, I will -leave it, and enter a complaint against you to Monseigneur Philibert -Emmanuel in person, the first thing to-morrow morning. He is not the man -to allow such an affront to be put upon me." -</p> - -<p> -At this moment the ensign who was in command of the party held a torch -to Martin-Guerre's face. He fell back three steps in wonder and horror. -</p> - -<p> -"By the devil!" he cried, "I was not mistaken. It is he, the miserable -villain! Don't you recognize him now, you fellows?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, indeed we do!" repeated each of the troops in turn, as he examined -Martin-Guerre's features with a curiosity which in every case changed at -once to rage. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, you do recognize me at last, then?" rejoined the poor squire, who -began to be seriously alarmed. "You know who I am? Martin Cornouiller of -Angimont. And you are going to release me, are you not!" -</p> - -<p> -"We release you, you villain, you rake, you gallows-bird!" cried the -ensign, with flaming eyes and threatening fists. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, well, what the deuce is the matter, my friend?" said Martin. -"Perhaps I am no longer Martin Cornouiller?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, you are not Martin Cornouiller," replied the ensign; "and to unmask -you and prove you a liar, here are ten men standing around you, who know -you well. My friends, tell this impostor his name, to convict him of -deceit and infernal falsehood." -</p> - -<p> -"It's Arnauld du Thill! it's that scoundrel, Arnauld du Thill!" the ten -voices shouted in chorus with terrifying unanimity. -</p> - -<p> -"Arnauld du Thill! What do you mean?" asked Martin, turning pale. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, deny yourself now, you villain!" cried the ensign. "But -luckily here are ten witnesses to contradict you. Before them, -notwithstanding your peasant's dress, have you the face to declare that -I didn't take you prisoner at the battle of St. Laurent in attendance -upon the constable?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, no, I am Martin Cornouiller," stammered Martin, who was beginning -to lose his head. -</p> - -<p> -"You are Martin Cornouiller?" said the ensign, with a contemptuous -laugh; "you are not that coward Arnauld du Thill, who promised me a -ransom, whom I treated with every consideration, and who only last night -made his escape, carrying with him not only the little money that I -possessed, but my dearly-loved Gudule, the lovely <i>vivandière</i>? -Villain! what have you done with Gudule?" -</p> - -<p> -"What have you done with Gudule?" echoed his companions, in ominous -chorus. -</p> - -<p> -"What have I done with Gudule?" said Martin-Guerre, completely crushed. -"How can I tell, miserable wretch that I am! Ah, well, do you really all -recognize me? Are you perfectly sure that you are not mistaken? Can you -swear that my name is—Arnauld du Thill; that this fine fellow took me -prisoner at the battle of St. Laurent; and that I have treacherously -carried off his Gudule? Can you swear to all this?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes, yes!" cried the ten voices, vigorously. "Very well. I am not -surprised," said Martin-Guerre, piteously (he was apt to wander a -little, we remember, when this matter of his twofold existence was -touched upon). "No, indeed, I am not surprised. I would have insisted -until to-morrow that my name is Martin Cornouiller; but you know me as -Arnauld du Thill. I was here yesterday, it seems; so I say no more. -Expect no more resistance from me, for I submit. From the moment that -this turns out to be so, my feet and hands are tied. I did not foresee -this. It has been such a long time since my alibis ceased to trouble me. -Come on! it's all right. Do with me as you will; carry me off; imprison -me; strangle me; what you tell me of Gudule puts the finishing touch to -my conviction that you are right. Yes, I recognize my own hand in that! -But I am very glad to know that my name is Arnauld du Thill." -</p> - -<p> -Poor Martin-Guerre thenceforth confessed everything that they chose, -allowed himself to be overwhelmed with insults and reproaches, and -offered his all to God by way of penance for the new offences that they -charged him with. As he could not tell what had become of Gudule, they -loaded him with chains, and subjected him to all varieties of -ill-treatment, but without wearing out his angelic patience. All that he -regretted was that he had not had time to fulfil his commission to Baron -de Vaulpergues; but who could have imagined that new crimes would rise -to confront him, and reduce to nothing his splendid schemes for -exhibiting his address and presence of mind? -</p> - -<p> -"One thing that consoles me, however," he reflected, in the damp corner -where they had flung him down upon the ground, "is that perhaps Arnauld -du Thill may enter St. Quentin triumphantly with a detachment of -Vaulpergues's company. But no, no! that is a delusive hope too; and what -I know of the blackguard would lead me rather to guess that the monster -is at some inn on the road to Paris with the fair Gudule. Alas, alas! I -can't help thinking that I could put more heart into my penance if I had -at least some little knowledge of the sin." -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_5_1" id="Footnote_5_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_1"><span class="label">[5]</span></a></p> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"On Friday after All Saints</span><br /> -<span class="i2">All Germany came down</span><br /> -<span class="i0">With fire and sword and rapine</span><br /> -<span class="i2">To sack our well-loved town."</span> -</div></div></div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_6_1" id="Footnote_6_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_1"><span class="label">[6]</span></a></p> -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Encamped above the vineyards,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Bold Alva and his band</span><br /> -<span class="i0">Came spying round St. Arnou,</span><br /> -<span class="i2">Our trenches to—"</span> -</div></div></div> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap30"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXX -<br /><br /> -THE STRATEGY OF WAR</h4> - -<p> -Fanciful as it appeared to him, Martin-Guerre's hope was realized -nevertheless. When Gabriel after a thousand narrow escapes reached the -forest where Baron de Vaulpergues was awaiting him, the first face that -he saw was that of his squire, and the first words he uttered were, -"Martin-Guerre!" -</p> - -<p> -"Here I am, Monseigneur," was the squire's reply, in a steady voice. -</p> - -<p> -This Martin-Guerre needed nobody to advise or urge him to be impudent. -</p> - -<p> -"Were you much ahead of me, Martin?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"I have been here an hour, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Have you really? But it seems to me that you have changed your dress, -for surely you hadn't on that doublet when you left me three hours -ago." -</p> - -<p> -"No, Monseigneur; I obtained this one of a peasant who was more -appropriately dressed than I, as I thought, and gave him mine in -exchange." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well! and you had no unfortunate encounter?" -</p> - -<p> -"Not one, Monseigneur." -</p> - -<p> -"Quite the contrary," said the Baron de Vaulpergues, coming up to them, -"for the blackguard, when he arrived here, was accompanied by a very -charming little maiden, upon my word,—a Flemish <i>vivandière</i>, -so far as we could judge from her speech. She seemed to be very sad, poor -creature; but he very roughly though with much discretion dismissed her -at the edge of the forest before coming to this spot, despite her tears. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, Monsieur d'Exmès," he continued, "if your idea and the admiral's -agree with mine, we shall not start for half an hour. It is not yet -midnight; and in my judgment we ought not to reach St. Quentin till -toward three o'clock. That is the time when sentinels get weary and -relax their vigilance somewhat. Don't you think with me, Monsieur le -Vicomte?" -</p> - -<p> -"Most decidedly I do; and Monsieur de Coligny's instructions are in -perfect accord with your opinion. At three in the morning he will expect -us; and we ought to arrive then if we are ever to arrive." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, we shall get there, Monseigneur, allow me to assure you!" said -Arnauld-Martin. "I made good use of my opportunity to examine the -surroundings of the Walloon camp when I came by; and I can guide you by -that road as safely as if I had been in the neighborhood for a -fortnight." -</p> - -<p> -"This is most marvellous, Martin!" cried Gabriel,—"such wonders -accomplished in so short a time! Why, I shall have as much confidence -henceforth in your intelligence as in your loyalty!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monseigneur, if you will rely on my zeal and my discretion, I ask -for nothing more!" -</p> - -<p> -The crafty fellow's plot was so well contrived, and so favored by luck -and his audacity, that since Gabriel's arrival the impostor had spoken -nothing but the truth. -</p> - -<p> -While Gabriel and Vaulpergues were deliberating aside as to what road -they should take, he, for his part, was completing the details of his -plan, so as not to interfere with the miraculous chances which had -served him so well thus far. -</p> - -<p> -This is what actually occurred. Arnauld, having escaped with Gudule's -assistance from the camp where he was held a prisoner, had prowled about -in the neighboring woods for eighteen hours, not daring to leave their -shelter for fear of falling into the hands of the enemy. Toward evening -he thought that he saw in the forest of Angimont the tracks of horsemen -who must, he judged, be anxious to keep out of sight, or they would not -have resorted to such impracticable paths. Therefore they must be -Frenchmen lying in ambush, so Arnauld tried to overtake them, and -succeeded. It was then that he dismissed Gudule with all possible speed; -and the poor child returned, weeping, to the tents, expecting, no doubt, -to find another lover there to take the place of the one she had lost. -The first one of Vaulpergues's soldiers whom Arnauld fell in with called -him Martin-Guerre; and for very good reasons he did not undeceive him. -Listening with all his ears, and saying very little himself, he soon -learned everything. Vicomte d'Exmès was expected to return that very -night, after having notified the admiral at St. Quentin of Vaulpergues's -approach, and bringing with him the necessary plans and instructions to -facilitate throwing the detachment into the place. Martin-Guerre was -with him, they said; so they naturally took Arnauld to be Martin, and -questioned him about his master. -</p> - -<p> -"He will soon be here," was his reply. "We came by different roads." -</p> - -<p> -In his own mind he was considering what a fine thing it would be for him -if he could attach himself to Gabriel. In the first place, his means of -subsistence in these hard times would be assured; then he knew that his -master, the constable, at present Philibert Emmanuel's prisoner, was -suffering less, possibly, from the disgrace of his defeat and captivity -than from the thought that his detested rival, the Duc de Guise, would -soon be omnipotent at court, and would exercise unbounded influence over -the king's mind. To dog the steps of a friend of Guise, then, would be -to establish himself at the very fountain-head of information, which he -could sell at a high price to the constable. Last of all, was not -Gabriel personally an enemy of the Montmorencys, and the principal -obstacle in the way of the marriage of Duc François with Madame de -Castro? -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld remembered all this, but could not avoid the reflection at the -same time that the return of the true Martin-Guerre to his master's side -might well upset all his fine plans. In order to avoid being convicted -of imposture, he lay in wait for Gabriel's coming, hoping to be able to -keep the credulous Martin-Guerre out of the way, or to get rid of him -altogether. Imagine his delight, then, when Gabriel came up to him -alone, and at once recognized him as his squire. Arnauld had spoken the -truth without knowing it. After that he left everything to chance, and -relying upon his patron the devil having led poor Martin into the toils -of the Spaniards, he boldly assumed the rôle of the absentee, in which -he succeeded admirably, as we have seen. -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile the conference between Gabriel and Vaulpergues came to an end; -and when the three detachments were under arms, and ready to start on -their respective routes, Arnauld insisted on accompanying Gabriel on the -road which led by the Walloon camp. It was the road which the real -Martin-Guerre was to have taken; and if they should happen to meet him, -Arnauld wanted to be on the spot, so that he might make him disappear, -or disappear himself, as need required. -</p> - -<p> -But they passed the camp without seeing anything of Martin; and the -thought of that trifling danger was soon lost sight of in the more -serious peril which awaited him, as well as Gabriel and the little band -of whom they made part, before the closely invested walls of St. -Quentin. -</p> - -<p> -Within the town the anxiety was no less acute, as may well be imagined; -for the salvation or destruction of all depended almost entirely on the -bold <i>coup-de-main</i> to be undertaken by Gabriel and Vaulpergues. So at -two o'clock in the morning the admiral in person made the round of the -points agreed upon between himself and Gabriel, enjoining upon the -picked men, who were posted as sentinels at these important spots, the -most watchful attention. Then he mounted to the belfry tower, whence he -could overlook the whole town and all the neighborhood; and there, dumb -and motionless, scarcely breathing, he listened in the silence, and -looked out upon the night. But he heard only the deadened, far-off sound -of the Spanish miners and the French counterminers; he saw naught but -the tents of the enemy, and, farther away, the gloomy forest of Origny -standing darkly out in the black night. -</p> - -<p> -Unable to overcome his restlessness, the admiral determined to go to the -spot where the fate of St. Quentin was to be decided. He came down from -the tower, and on horseback, attended by several officers, rode to the -Boulevard de la Reine, and up to one of the posterns at which -Vaulpergues might be expected, and waited, standing on an angle of the -ramparts. -</p> - -<p> -Just as three o'clock was striking from La Collégiale, the hoot of an -owl was heard from the heart of the marshes of the Somme. -</p> - -<p> -"God be praised! there they are!" cried the admiral. -</p> - -<p> -Monsieur du Breuil, at a sign from Coligny, using his hands as a -speaking-trumpet, imitated distinctly the cry of the osprey. -</p> - -<p> -Then a deathly silence followed. The admiral and his companions stood as -if made of stone, their ears on the alert, and their hearts heating -fast. -</p> - -<p> -Suddenly a musket-shot was heard in the direction from which the cry had -come; and almost at the same moment there was a general discharge, -accompanied by sharp cries and a terrible uproar. -</p> - -<p> -The first detachment was discovered. -</p> - -<p> -"A hundred brave men gone already!" cried the admiral. -</p> - -<p> -He came rapidly down from the boulevard, remounted his horse, and -without another word rode in the direction of the Boulevard St. Martin, -where he expected another part of Vaulpergues's company. -</p> - -<p> -There he was seized again with the same anguish of soul. Gaspard de -Coligny at this moment resembled a gambler who has staked his fortune -upon three casts of the dice: the first cast was lost; what luck awaited -him in the second? -</p> - -<p> -Alas! the same cry was heard outside the ramparts, and the same answer -made from the town; then, as if this second scene were merely a fatal -repetition of the first, a sentinel gave the alarm again, and the rattle -of musketry and the heart-rending shrieks told the terrified people of -St. Quentin that a second combat—say rather, a second butchery had -occurred. -</p> - -<p> -"Two hundred martyrs!" said Coligny, in a grief-stricken voice. -</p> - -<p> -And again throwing himself upon his horse, in two minutes he was at the -postern of the faubourg, which was the third of the posts agreed upon -between Gabriel and himself. He rode so quickly that he was the first -man on the rampart; and his officers joined him there one by one. But -listen as eagerly as they might, they could hear nothing but the groans -of the dying in the distance and the shouts of the victors. -</p> - -<p> -The admiral thought that all was lost. The enemy's camp was aroused. -There could not be a Spanish soldier who was not awake now. He who was -in command of the third party might well have thought best not to march -right upon such deadly peril, and had probably withdrawn without -hazarding a blow. Thus the third and last throw had failed the ruined -gambler. Coligny kept saying to himself that very probably the last -detachment had been surprised with the second, and that the noise of the -two massacres had been combined. -</p> - -<p> -A tear—a burning tear of despair and rage—rolled down the -admiral's swarthy cheek. In a few hours the people, discouraged anew by -this last calamity, would demand in loud tones that the place be -surrendered; and even were they not to make such a demand, Gaspard de -Coligny no longer deceived himself with the hope that with troops so -exhausted and demoralized as his, the first assault would not open the -gates of St. Quentin and of France to the Spaniards. And surely the -assault would not be long in coming, and the signal for it would -probably be given as soon as day broke, if not even at once during the -darkness, while these thirty thousand men, bursting with pride over the -slaughter of three hundred, were still drunk with their magnificent -exploit. -</p> - -<p> -As if to confirm Coligny's apprehensions, Du Breuil, the governor of the -town, uttered the word <i>alerte</i> in his ear in a stifled voice; and as -he turned toward him, he pointed out a body of men in the moat, dark and -noiseless, who seemed to be marching out of the darkness toward the -postern. -</p> - -<p> -"Are they friends or foes?" asked Du Breuil, in a low voice. -</p> - -<p> -"Silence!" whispered the admiral; "let us be on our guard in any event." -</p> - -<p> -"How can they make so little noise?" said the governor. "I seem to see -horses, and yet there is not a sound, and the very earth seems deadened -beneath their steps! Really, they seem like phantoms!" -</p> - -<p> -The superstitious Du Breuil crossed himself as a precautionary measure; -but Coligny, grave and thoughtful, carefully watched the dumb black mass -without fear and without sign of emotion. -</p> - -<p> -When the new-comers were hardly fifty paces away, Coligny himself -mimicked the cry of the osprey. -</p> - -<p> -The hoot of the owl replied. -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon the admiral, beside himself with joy, rushing to the guard at -the postern, ordered it to be opened immediately; and a hundred -horsemen, enveloped, men and beasts, in ample black cloaks, rode into -the town without a sound. Then it could be seen that the hoofs of the -horses, which beat so softly upon the ground, were wrapped in pieces of -cloth filled with sand. It was due to their adoption of this expedient, -which was suggested to them only when the two other detachments had been -betrayed by the noise they made, that the third party had succeeded in -making their way in unobstructed; and the man who had thought of this -expedient, and who was in command of the party, was no other than -Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -It was a small matter, no doubt, this reinforcement of a hundred men; -but it would suffice to keep the two threatened positions defended for a -few days, and, above all, it was the first happy circumstance of this -siege, which had been so fruitful in disasters. The news of such good -augury went through the town like the wind. Doors were thrown open, -windows illuminated, and universal acclamations welcomed Gabriel and his -men as they passed. -</p> - -<p> -"No, no!—no rejoicing," said Gabriel, gravely and sadly. "Remember -the two hundred poor fellows who fell down there." -</p> - -<p> -He raised his hat as if to salute the heroic dead, among whom was the -noble Vaulpergues. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," responded Coligny, "we pity them and honor them. But, Monsieur -d'Exmès, what shall we say to you? How shall we thank you? At least, my -friend, let me fold you in my arms, for you have already twice saved St. -Quentin." -</p> - -<p> -But Gabriel, pressing his hand warmly, again rejoined,— -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur l'Amiral, tell me that in ten days' time." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap31"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXI -<br /><br /> -ARNAULD DU THILL'S MEMORY</h4> - -<p> -It was full time that the successful stroke should be accomplished, and -the welcome succor be thrown into the town. Day was beginning to break; -and Gabriel, completely worn out from having hardly closed his eyes for -four days, was taken to the town-hall by the admiral, who gave him the -next room to the one he himself occupied. There Gabriel threw himself -upon the bed, and slept as if he would never wake. -</p> - -<p> -It was four o'clock in the afternoon before his refreshing slumber, of -which the poor youth, with all his anxiety, stood so much in need, was -broken by Coligny's entrance. An assault had been made by the enemy -during the day and gallantly repulsed, but another was threatened for -the next day; and the admiral, who had had every reason thus far to. -think well of Gabriel's advice, had come to ask it once more. Gabriel -was soon out of bed and ready to receive Coligny. -</p> - -<p> -"Just a word to my squire, Monsieur l'Amiral," said he, "and I am at -your service." -</p> - -<p> -"At your convenience, Vicomte d'Exmès," rejoined Coligny. "As the -Spanish flag would be flying over this building at this moment but for -you, I may well say to you, 'You are at home.'" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel went to the door, and called Martin-Guerre. He came at once, and -Gabriel led him aside. -</p> - -<p> -"My good Martin," said he, "I told you yesterday that I should have -hereafter as much confidence in your intelligence as in your loyalty, -and I will prove it to you. You must go at once to the ambulance at the -Faubourg d'Isle. There you will inquire, not for Madame de Castro, but -for the superior of the Benedictines, good Mother Monique; and it is she -alone whom you must ask to say to Sister Bénie—you understand, to -Sister Bénie—that Vicomte d'Exmès, on a mission at St. Quentin from -the king, will call upon her within an hour, and that he entreats her to -await him there. You see, Monsieur de Coligny is likely to keep me here -some time; and in a matter of life and death, you know, one must always -put duty before pleasure. So go, and let her know at least that my heart -is with her." -</p> - -<p> -"She shall know it, Monseigneur," said Martin, eagerly; and he was off -on the moment, leaving his master somewhat less impatient, as well as -easier in his mind. -</p> - -<p> -He made the best of his way to the ambulance at the Faubourg d'Isle, and -asked for Sister Monique on all sides with much earnestness of manner. -</p> - -<p> -The superior was pointed out to him. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Mother!" said the cunning scamp, approaching her. "I am very glad -to find you at last; my poor master would have been so cast down if I -had not been able to execute my commission to you and Madame de Castro." -</p> - -<p> -"Who are you, pray, my friend, and whence do you come?" asked the -superior, surprised as well as grieved to find that Gabriel had kept so -ill the secret she had confided to him. -</p> - -<p> -"I come on behalf of Vicomte d'Exmès," rejoined the false -Martin-Guerre, affecting a sort of simple-minded artlessness. "You must -know Vicomte d'Exmès, I should think! The whole town is talking of -nothing but him." -</p> - -<p> -"To be sure!" said the superior; "I know our deliverer. We have prayed -heartily for him. I had the honor of seeing him here yesterday; and I -counted on seeing him again to-day after what he said." -</p> - -<p> -"He is coming; yes, his Lordship is coming," continued Arnauld-Martin. -"But Monsieur de Coligny delays him; and in his impatience he sent me on -in advance to you and to Madame de Castro. Don't be astonished, Mother, -that I know that name and pronounce it. Long time loyalty, put to the -proof over and over again, justifies my master in trusting as implicitly -in me as in himself; and he has no secrets from his trusty and devoted -servant. I have only wit and intellect enough, so people say, to love -him and protect him; but I have that instinct in good measure, at least, -and no one can deny it me, by the relics of Saint Quentin! Oh, pardon -me, Mother, for swearing so before you. I didn't realize what I was -doing; and habit, you know, and the impulse of the heart—" -</p> - -<p> -"It's all right!" said Mother Monique, smiling; "so Monsieur d'Exmès is -coming, is he? He will be very welcome. Sister Bénie is very anxious to -see him, to have news of the king, who sent him hither." -</p> - -<p> -"Ha, ha!" Martin laughed in an idiotic way, and said, "The king, who -sent him to St. Quentin, but not to Madame Diane, I suppose." -</p> - -<p> -"What do you mean?" asked the superior. -</p> - -<p> -"I say, Madame, that I, who love Vicomte d'Exmès as a master and as a -brother, am truly glad that you, a woman so worthy of respect and -endowed with such abundant authority, should interest yourself a little -in the love-affairs of Monseigneur and Madame de Castro." -</p> - -<p> -"The love-affairs of Madame de Castro!" cried the horrified superior. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, to be sure," responded the treacherous scoundrel. "Madame Diane -must surely have confided everything to you, her real mother and her -only friend?" -</p> - -<p> -"She has spoken to me in a vague way of suffering in which her heart was -involved," said the nun; "but of an unhallowed love, and of the -viscount's name, I know nothing, absolutely nothing." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes, you deny it from modesty, no doubt," rejoined Arnauld, shaking -his head very knowingly. "In truth, for my part, I think your conduct is -very estimable; and I am very grateful to you for it. You are acting -very bravely too! 'Ah!' you said to yourself, 'the king is opposed to -the love of these children. Diane's father would be furiously angry if -he should suspect that they ever saw each other! Oh, well! I, holy and -upright woman that I am, will defy his royal Majesty and his paternal -authority, and will lend the poor lovers the sanction of my approval and -my character; I will arrange interviews for them, and will give new life -to their hope and bid their remorse be still.' Indeed, the assistance -you are rendering them is superb, is magnificent, do you understand?" -</p> - -<p> -"Holy Virgin!" was all the superior could say, clasping her hands in -terror and amazement, for her heart was timid and her conscience easily -alarmed. "Holy Virgin! a father and a king defied, and my name and my -life entangled in these intrigues!" -</p> - -<p> -"Hold!" said Arnauld; "I see my master down there now, hurrying to thank -you in person for your kind offices, and to ask you, the impatient -youth, when and how he can, thanks to you, see his adored mistress once -more." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel did come up at this moment, breathless and eager; but before he -reached her side, the superior stopped him with a motion of her hand, -and said, drawing herself up to her full height,— -</p> - -<p> -"Not a step farther, and not a word, Monsieur le Vicomte! I know now by -what title, and with what intentions, you desire to see Madame de -Castro. Do not imagine that hereafter I shall lend a hand to forward -your schemes, which are, I fear, unworthy of a gentleman. Besides, not -only ought I to decline, but I do not choose, to listen to you any more; -furthermore, I intend to use my authority to deprive Diane of every -opportunity and every excuse for meeting you, whether in the parlor of -the convent or in the ambulances. She is her own mistress, I know, and -has not taken the vows which bind her to us; but so long as she thinks -fit to remain in the convent, her chosen asylum, she may rely upon my -protection to keep her honor safe, and not her love." -</p> - -<p> -With a frigid bow the superior saluted Gabriel, who stood transfixed -with astonishment; and then she withdrew without waiting for his reply, -and without once turning toward him. -</p> - -<p> -"What does all this mean?" asked the young man of his pretended squire, -after a moment of speechless stupefaction. -</p> - -<p> -"I know no more about it than you do, Monseigneur," replied Arnauld, who -imposed a mask of consternation upon the delight he really felt. "Madame -la Supérieure received me very ill, if I must say so, and declared that -she was thoroughly acquainted with your designs, but that it was her -duty to oppose them, and to do her best to advance the views of the -king, and that Madame Diane no longer loved you, even if she had ever -done so." -</p> - -<p> -"Diane loves me no longer!" cried Gabriel, turning pale. "Alas! alas!" -he continued, "so much the better perhaps! Meanwhile I wish to see her -again, and to prove to her that I am neither indifferent to her nor -guilty in her regard. This last interview, which I need to encourage me -in my task, it is absolutely necessary that you should help me to -obtain, Martin-Guerre." -</p> - -<p> -"Monseigneur knows," replied Arnauld, with humility, "that I am the -devoted instrument of his will, and that I obey him in all things, as -the hand obeys the head. I will use every effort, as I have done up to -this very moment, to procure for Monseigneur the interview which he -craves with Madame de Castro." -</p> - -<p> -Thereupon, laughing behind his cape, the crafty scamp followed Gabriel, -as he returned in deep dejection to the town-hall. -</p> - -<p> -In the evening, when the false Martin-Guerre, after making a circuit of -the fortifications, found himself alone in his room, he drew from his -breast a paper which he perused with an appearance of the liveliest -satisfaction. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="hanging2"> -Arnauld du Thill's account with Monsieur le Connétable de -Montmorency, from the day when he was forcibly separated -from Monseigneur. (This account comprises public as well -as private services.) -</p> - -<p class="hanging2"> -For having (while held a prisoner after the battle of St. -Laurent, and being taken before Philibert Emmanuel) -advised that general to release the constable without -ransom, upon the specious pretext that Monseigneur -would do less harm to the Spaniards with his sword than -good by his advice to the king. . . . fifty crowns. -</p> - -<p class="hanging2"> -For having escaped by a clever trick from the camp where -he was held, and having thus saved Monsieur le Connétable -the expense of his ransom, which in his generosity -he would not have hesitated to pay in order to recover so -faithful and valuable a servant . . . one hundred crowns. -</p> - -<p class="hanging2"> -For having skilfully guided by little-known paths the -detachment which Vicomte d'Exmès was leading to -the relief of St. Quentin and of Monsieur l'Amiral -de Coligny, the well-loved nephew of Monsieur le -Connétable . . . . . . . . . . . twenty livres. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -There was more than one other item in Master Arnauld's list quite as -impertinently greedy as these. When he had read them all through, he -took his pen, and added the following:— -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p class="hanging2"> -For having, under the name of Martin-Guerre, entered the -service of Vicomte d'Exmès, and while in such service denounced -said viscount to the superior of the Benedictines -as the lover of Madame de Castro, and thus insured the separation -of these two young people, according to the best interests -of Monsieur le Connétable . . . two hundred crowns. -</p> - -<p><br /></p> - -<p> -"That is not very dear," said Arnauld; "and this last item quite outdoes -all the others. The sum total is very satisfactory. It amounts nearly to -a thousand livres, and with a little imagination we can put it up to two -thousand; and when I have my hand on them, <i>ma foi</i>! I will go out of -business, take a wife, and be a good father to my children, and -church-warden of my parish somewhere in the provinces, and thus fulfil -the dream of my whole life, and the honorable end of all my wicked -deeds." -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld went to bed and slept on these virtuous reflections. -</p> - -<p> -The next day he was commissioned by Gabriel to go in search of Diane -once more; and we can guess how he acquitted himself of the commission. -Leaving Monsieur de Coligny, Gabriel himself began to investigate and -make inquiries. But about ten in the morning the enemy made a furious -assault; and he had to hasten to the boulevards. As usual, Gabriel -performed prodigies of valor, and acted as if he had two lives to lose. -</p> - -<p> -He did have two to save; besides, if he made himself conspicuous by his -gallantry, doubtless Diane would hear his name talked of. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap32"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXII -<br /><br /> -THEOLOGY</h4> - -<p> -Gabriel was returning in a state of utter exhaustion from the point -where the assault had taken place, with Gaspard de Coligny, when two -men, passing very near him, mentioned the name of Sister Bénie. He left -the admiral, and running after the men, asked them eagerly if they knew -anything of her whose name they had mentioned. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, <i>mon Dieu</i>! no, Captain, no more than yourself," replied one of -them, who was no other than Jean Peuquoy. "In fact, I was just -expressing some anxiety about her to my companion here; for no one has -seen the lovely brave girl all day long, and I was just saying that -after such a brisk engagement as we have just had, there are many poor -wounded fellows who are much in need of her nursing and her heavenly -smile. But we shall soon know if she is seriously ill; for it will be -her turn to do night duty with the ambulance to-morrow. She has never -missed her turn yet; and there are too few of the nuns, and they relieve -one another too frequently, to be willing or able to get along without -her except in case of absolute necessity. We shall see her to-morrow -evening, then, no doubt; and I shall thank God for one poor invalid's -sake, for she knows how to comfort and encourage them like a real Notre -Dame." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, my friend, thanks!" said Gabriel, pressing Jean Peuquoy's hand -warmly, and leaving the good man much surprised at being so honored. -</p> - -<p> -Gaspard de Coligny had heard Jean Peuquoy, and noticed Gabriel's -delight. When they were walking together again, he said nothing to him -on the subject at first; but when they were once in the house and by -themselves in the room where the admiral kept his papers and issued his -orders, he said to Gabriel with his pleasant smile,— -</p> - -<p> -"You take a very lively interest, I see, my friend, in this nun, Sister -Bénie." -</p> - -<p> -"The same interest that Jean Peuquoy takes," replied Gabriel, blushing; -"the same interest that you take yourself, no doubt, Monsieur l'Amiral, -for you must have noticed, as I have, how sorely our wounded need her, -and what a beneficial influence her words and her very presence exert -upon them and upon all the combatants." -</p> - -<p> -"Why do you try to deceive me, my friend?" said the admiral. "You must -have very little confidence in me that you try thus to lie to me." -</p> - -<p> -"What, Monsieur l'Amiral!" responded Gabriel, more and more embarrassed; -"who has been able to make you believe—" -</p> - -<p> -"That Sister Bénie is no other than Madame Diane de Castro, and that -you are deeply in love with her?" -</p> - -<p> -"You know that?" cried Gabriel, amazed beyond measure. -</p> - -<p> -"Why should I not know it?" rejoined the admiral. "Is not Monsieur le -Connétable my uncle! Is there anything at court that he doesn't know -all about? Has not Madame de Poitiers the king's ear, and has not -Monsieur de Montmorency Diane de Poitiers's heart? As very weighty -interests of our family are apparently involved in all this, I was -naturally informed of the whole business, so that I might be on my -guard, and render every aid to forward the schemes of my noble relative. -I had not been a day at my post in St. Quentin, to defend the place or -to die here, when I received an express from my uncle. It was not, as I -supposed at first, to inform me of the movements of the enemy and the -constable's proposed operations. By no means! The messenger had risked a -thousand dangers to notify me that Madame Diane de Castro, the king's -daughter, was at the convent of the Benedictines at St. Quentin under an -assumed name, and that I must keep a strict watch over her movements. -Then again, yesterday a Flemish messenger, bribed by Monsieur de -Montmorency in his captivity, inquired for me at the southern gate. I -fancied that he had come from my uncle to tell me to take courage; that -it was for me to re-establish the glory of the Montmorencys, sullied by -the defeat of St. Laurent; and that the king would infallibly add other -reinforcements to those brought hither by you, Gabriel; and that I must -in any event die in the breach rather than deliver St. Quentin. But no, -no! the purchased messenger came not to bring me any such stirring words -to encourage and sustain me; and I was grievously mistaken. The man was -only instructed to notify me that Vicomte d'Exmès, who had come in the -night before upon the pretence of fighting and dying here, was in love -with Madame de Castro, who is betrothed to my cousin, François de -Montmorency, and that the meeting of the lovers might have a bad effect -upon the vast plans being matured by my uncle; but that luckily I was -governor of St. Quentin, and it was my duty to devote all my energies to -the task of keeping Madame Diane and Gabriel d'Exmès apart; and, above -all, to prevent their having any conversation together, and thus to -contribute to the elevation and power of my house!" -</p> - -<p> -All this was said with a bitterness and melancholy that were very -perceptible; but Gabriel thought of nothing but the blow aimed at his -hopes. -</p> - -<p> -"And so, Monsieur," he said to the admiral, with bitter anger at his -heart, "it was you who denounced me to the superior of the Benedictines, -and who, faithful to your uncle's instructions, count, no doubt, upon -taking from me, one by one, all the chances which I may still have of -finding Diane and seeing her again." -</p> - -<p> -"Hold your peace, young man!" cried the admiral, with an unspeakably -proud expression. "But I forgive you," he added more gently; "for your -passion blinds you, and you have not yet had time to know Gaspard de -Coligny." -</p> - -<p> -There was so much noble and dignified kindness in the tone in which -these words were uttered that all Gabriel's suspicions vanished like -mist, and he was deeply ashamed that he had entertained them for one -moment. -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me!" he said, stretching out his hand to Gaspard. "How could I -ever have thought that you would allow yourself to be led into such -intrigues? A thousand pardons, Monsieur l'Amiral!" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, it's all right, Gabriel!" rejoined Coligny; "and I know that your -impulses are youthful and pure. No, indeed, I do not mingle in such -underhand practices; on the contrary, I despise them and those who have -conceived them. In such performances I can see no glory, but only shame -for my family; and far from wishing to profit by them, I blush at them. -If these men, who build up their fortune by such means, scandalous or -not; who, in their haste to gratify their ambition and their greed, -never heed the sorrow and the desolation of those who are as good as -they; who would even, to arrive a little sooner at their goal, pass over -the dead body of their mother-land,—if these men are my kinsmen, it -must be the punishment which God inflicts upon me for my pride, and with -which He recalls me to humility; it is an encouragement to me to show -myself harsh toward myself and just to my neighbors, as a means of -redeeming the sins of my relatives." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," rejoined Gabriel, "I know that the honor and virtue of the days -of the apostles dwell in your breast, Monsieur l'Amiral; and I beg your -pardon once more for having for one moment spoken to you as to one of -the fine gentlemen without faith or law whom I have learned too well to -despise and detest." -</p> - -<p> -"Alas!" said Coligny, "we should rather pity them,—these poor fools -who are ambitious of nothing, these wretched, blinded Papists. But," he -continued, "I forget that I am not speaking to one of my brothers in -religious matters. Never mind, Gabriel; you are worthy of being one of -us, and you will come to us sooner or later. Yes; God, in whose hands -all means are holy, will lead you to the right, I foresee, through this -very passion; and this unequal conflict in which your love will cause -you to hurl yourself against a corrupt court will end in bringing you -into our ranks some day. I shall be happy to sow in your breast, my -friend, the first seeds of the divine harvest." -</p> - -<p> -"I knew, Monsieur l'Amiral," said Gabriel, "that you were of the -Reformed religion; and that very fact has led me to esteem the -persecuted sect. Nevertheless, you see, I am weak in mind, being feeble -in heart; and I am sure that I shall always profess the same religion -that Diane does." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, well!" said Gaspard, in whom, as in most of his sect, the fever of -proselytism was at its height,—"oh, well! if Madame de Castro is of -the religion of virtue and truth, she is of our faith, and so will you be, -Gabriel. So will you be, I say again, because that dissolute court, rash -youth, against which you are taking up arms, will overcome you; and you -will burn to be revenged. Do you believe that Monsieur de Montmorency, -who has set his heart upon the king's daughter for his son, will consent -to give up that rich prize to you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Alas! perhaps I shall not dispute it with him," said Gabriel. "Only let -the king remain true to his sworn promise to me—" -</p> - -<p> -"Sworn promise!" exclaimed the admiral. "Do you talk of sworn promises -in connection with the man who, after he had commanded the parliament to -discuss the question of liberty of conscience freely before him, had -Anne Dubourg and Dufaur burned at the stake for having pleaded the cause -of the reform, relying upon the royal word?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, don't say so, Monsieur l'Amiral!" cried Gabriel. "Don't tell me -that King Henri will not keep the solemn promise that he has given me; -for in that event not my faith alone would rise in rebellion, but my -sword too, I fear: I would not become a Huguenot, but a murderer." -</p> - -<p> -"Not if you become a Huguenot," rejoined Gaspard. "We may be martyrs, -but shall never be assassins. But your vengeance, though it be not a -bloody one, may be none the less terrible, my friend. You will assist us -with your youthful ardor and your zealous devotion in a work of -renovation which is likely to be more depressing to the king than a -thrust of the sword. Remember, Gabriel, that it is our purpose to wrest -from him his iniquitous and monstrous privileges; remember that it is -not in the Church alone, but in the government that we are striving to -introduce reforms which will be helpful to the worthy, but a menace to -the wicked. You have seen whether I love France and serve her. Well, -then, I am for these reforms partly because I see in them the true -greatness of my country. Oh, Gabriel, Gabriel, if you had but read once -the convincing arguments of our Luther, you would see how soon the -spirit of investigation and liberty which breathes in them would put a -new soul in your body, and open a new life before you." -</p> - -<p> -"My life is my love for Diane," was Gabriel's response; "and my soul is -in the sacred task which God has imposed upon me, and which I trust to -accomplish." -</p> - -<p> -"The love and the task of a man," said Gaspard, "which may surely be -reconciled with the love and the task of a Christian. You are young, and -do not see clearly, my friend; but I foresee only too plainly, and my -heart bleeds to say it to you, that your eyes will be opened by -misfortune. Your generosity and your purity of soul will sooner or later -bring grief upon you in that licentious and scandalous court, just as -tall trees attract the lightning in a storm. Then you will call to mind -what I have said to you to-day. You will learn to know our -books,—this one, for instance;" and the admiral took up a volume -that was lying open on the table. "You will understand these outspoken -and stern, but just and noble words, which are spoken to us by one as -young as yourself, a councillor of the Bordeaux parliament, named -Étienne de la Boétie. And then you will say, Gabriel, in the words of -this vigorous work, 'La Servitude Volontaire': 'What a misfortune, or -what a crime it is to see an infinite number of men not obeying, but -servilely following,—not being governed, but tyrannized over by -one individual, and not by a Hercules or a Samson, but by one little -man, generally the most faint-hearted and effeminate in the whole -land.'" -</p> - -<p> -"Those are indeed not only dangerous, but bold words, and stimulating to -the intellect," said Gabriel. "You are quite right, too, Monsieur -l'Amiral; it may be that rage will some day drive me into your ranks, -and that oppression will lead me to espouse the cause of the oppressed. -But until that time comes, you see, my life is too full to admit these -new ideas which you have laid before me; and I have too much to do to -leave me time to read books." -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, Gaspard de Coligny continued to urge upon him warmly the -doctrines and ideas which were then fermenting in his mind like new -wine, and the conversation was prolonged to great length between the -passionate young man and his earnest elder,—the one as determined and -impetuous as action, the other grave and serious as thought. -</p> - -<p> -Moreover, the admiral was hardly at fault in his gloomy forebodings; and -misfortune was preparing to fertilize the seeds which this interview had -sown in Gabriel's ardent soul. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap33"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXIII -<br /><br /> -SISTER BÉNIE</h4> - -<p> -It was a calm and beautiful August evening. In the sky, which was of a -deep blue studded with stars, the moon had not yet risen; but the night -was so much the more full of mystery, more dreamy, and more enchanting. -</p> - -<p> -This mild tranquillity was in striking contrast with the commotion and -uproar which had lasted through the day. The Spaniards had made two -assaults in quick succession, and had been twice beaten back; but not -before they had killed and wounded a larger number than the few -defenders of the town could afford to lose. The enemy, on the other -hand, had a strong reserve of fresh troops to replace those who were -wearied in the contests of the day. So that Gabriel, always on his -guard, feared that the two assaults were intended simply to exhaust the -strength of the garrison and relax their vigilance, and that a third -assault or a nocturnal surprise might have more chance of success. -Meanwhile ten o'clock struck from La Collégiale, and nothing took place -to confirm his suspicions. Not a light was to be seen among the Spanish -tents. In the camp, as in the town, nothing could be heard but the -monotonous cry of the sentinels; and the camp itself, like the town, -seemed to be reposing after the severe labors of the day. -</p> - -<p> -Consequently Gabriel, after making one last tour of the fortifications, -thought that he might for a moment relax the unintermitted watch which -he had kept over the town, like a son over his dying mother. St. Quentin -had already held out four days since the young man's arrival. Four days -more, and he will have kept the promise he made the king; and it will -remain only for the king to be true to his. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel had ordered his squire to attend him, but without saying where -he was going. Since his ill-luck of a day or two before with the -superior, he had begun to have some suspicions of Martin-Guerre's -intelligence, if not of his loyalty. So he had forborne to tell him of -the precious information he had procured from Jean Peuquoy; and the -false Martin-Guerre, who supposed he was accompanying his master merely -on a circuit of the walls, was surprised to see him turn his steps -toward the Boulevard de la Reine, where the principal ambulance had been -established. -</p> - -<p> -"Are you going to see some wounded man, Monseigneur?" said he. -</p> - -<p> -"Silence!" was Gabriel's only reply, placing his finger to his lips. -</p> - -<p> -The principal ambulance, which Gabriel and Arnauld reached at this -moment, was quite near the ramparts, and not far from the Faubourg -d'Isle, which was the most dangerous point, and the one consequently -where relief was most essential. It was a large building which had been -used before the siege as a storehouse for provisions, but had been -placed at the disposal of the surgeons when the need became urgent. The -mild summer night made it possible to leave the door in the centre open, -to renew and freshen the air. From the foot of the steps, which led up -to an outside gallery, Gabriel was able to look into this abode of -suffering, where lamps were always kept burning. -</p> - -<p> -It was a heart-rending spectacle. Here and there were a few -blood-stained beds prepared in great haste; but such luxuries were -reserved for the privileged few. The greater part were stretched on the -floor, on mattresses or coverlets, or in some cases on straw simply. -Sharp or plaintive moans were continually calling the surgeons or their -assistants from all sides; but they, in spite of their zeal, could not -hear them all. They attended to dressing those wounds which were most in -need of it, and performed the most pressing amputations; the others had -to wait. The trembling of fever or the convulsions of agony made the -poor wretches twist and turn on their pallets; and where in some corner -one of them lay at full length, motionless and without a sound, the -winding-sheet laid upon his face told only too plainly that he would -nevermore move or complain. -</p> - -<p> -Before this sad and heart-rending picture the strongest and hardest -hearts would have lost their courage and their callousness. Even Arnauld -du Thill could not repress a shudder; and Gabriel's face became as pale -as death. -</p> - -<p> -But all at once a sad smile appeared upon the young man's pallid -countenance. In the midst of this Inferno overflowing with suffering, -like that described by Dante, a calm and radiant angel, a sweet and -lovely Beatrix, burst upon his sight. Diane, Sister Bénie rather, -passed tranquilly and sadly in and out among these poor sufferers. -</p> - -<p> -Never had she seemed more beautiful to the dazzled Gabriel. Indeed, at -the fêtes of the court, gold and diamonds and velvet did not so well -become her as did the coarse woollen dress and white nun's stomacher in -that dismal ambulance. With her lovely profile, her modest demeanor, and -her look of consolation and encouragement, she might have been taken for -the very incarnation of Pity, descending to this home of suffering. The -most vivid imagination of a Christian soul could not picture her in more -admirable guise; and nothing could be so affecting as to see this -peerless beauty lean over the emaciated faces disfigured by anguish, and -this king's child holding out her lovely hand to these nameless, dying -soldiers. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel involuntarily thought of Madame Diane de Poitiers, engrossed at -that moment, no doubt, with extravagant trifling and shameless amours; -and marvelling at the marked contrast between the two Dianes, he said to -himself that God had surely endowed the daughter with such virtues to -redeem the faults of the mother. -</p> - -<p> -While Gabriel, who was not ordinarily addicted to the habit of dreaming, -thus lost himself in his reflections and his comparisons without taking -heed of the flight of time, within the ambulance quiet gradually -succeeded to the former confusion. The evening was already well -advanced; the surgeons completed their rounds; and the bustle and the -noise ceased. Silence and repose were enjoined upon the wounded men; and -soothing draughts made it easier for them to obey the injunction. Here -and there a pitiful moan would be heard, but no more of the almost -incessant, heart-rending shrieks of pain. Before another quarter of an -hour had elapsed, everything became as calm and quiet as such suffering -can be. -</p> - -<p> -Diane had said her last words of comfort and hope to her patients, and -had urged rest and patience upon them after the physicians, and more -effectively than they. All did their best to obey her voice, so sweet in -its imperiousness. When she saw that the prescriptions ordered for each -one were at hand, and that for the moment there was no further need of -her, she drew a long breath, as if to relieve her breast from its -oppressive burden, and drew near the exterior gallery, meaning, no -doubt, to take a breath or two of fresh air at the door, and to obtain a -little surcease of the wretchedness and weakness of man by gazing upon -the stars in God's heaven. -</p> - -<p> -She leaned upon a sort of stone balustrade; and her look, bent upward to -the sky, failed to perceive at the foot of the steps, and within ten -feet of her, Gabriel in a perfect ecstasy of delight at the sight of -her, as if he were standing before some heavenly apparition. -</p> - -<p> -A sharp movement on the part of Martin-Guerre, who did not seem to share -in his ecstasy, brought our lover back to earth again. -</p> - -<p> -"Martin," said he, in a low voice to his squire, "you see what a -marvellous chance is within my grasp. I must and will take advantage of -it, and speak—alas! perhaps for the last time—to Madame -Diane. Do you meanwhile see that no one interrupts us, and keep watch a -little apart, remaining nevertheless within call. Go, my faithful -fellow; go." -</p> - -<p> -"But, Monseigneur," Martin began to object, "are you not afraid that -Madame la Supérieure—" -</p> - -<p> -"She is in another room probably," said Gabriel. "At all events, I must -not hesitate, in view of the necessity which may hereafter separate us -forever." -</p> - -<p> -Martin seemed to yield, and moved away, swearing to himself. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel drew a little nearer Diane; and restraining his voice so as to -arouse the attention of no one else, he called her name softly,— -</p> - -<p> -"Diane! Diane!" -</p> - -<p> -Diane was startled; and her eyes, which had hardly got used to the -darkness, did not detect Gabriel at first. -</p> - -<p> -"Did some one call me?" she said. "Who is it?" -</p> - -<p> -"I," Gabriel replied, as if Medea's monosyllable were enough to reveal -his identity to her. -</p> - -<p> -In good sooth it was; for Diane, without pursuing her inquiries any -further, rejoined in a voice trembling with feeling and surprise:— -</p> - -<p> -"You, Monsieur d'Exmès! Is it really you? And what do you want of me in -this place and at this hour? If, as I have been told, you bring me news -of the king my father, you have delayed it long, and you have chosen -place and time very ill; if not, you know that there is nothing I can -listen to from you, and nothing I want to hear. Well, Monsieur d'Exmès, -you do not reply. Do you not understand me? You say nothing? What does -this silence mean, Gabriel?" -</p> - -<p> -"'Gabriel!' It is well with us, then!" cried the youth. "I made no -reply, Diane, because your cold words froze my blood, and because I hadn't -the strength to call you 'Madame,' as you called me 'Monsieur.'" -</p> - -<p> -"Do not call me 'Madame,' and call me 'Diane' no more. Madame de Castro -is no longer here. It is Sister Bénie who stands before you. Call me -'sister,' and I will call you my brother." -</p> - -<p> -"What! What do you say?" cried Gabriel, recoiling in terror. "I call you -my sister! Why in God's name do you ask me to call you my sister?" -</p> - -<p> -"Why, it is the name by which every one knows me now," said Diane. "Is -it such a terrible name, pray?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes, indeed it is! Or rather, no! Forgive me; I am mad. It is a -lovely and dear name. I will accustom myself to it, Diane; I will -accustom myself to it—my sister." -</p> - -<p> -"You must," Diane responded with a sad smile. "Besides, it is the real -Christian title which will be suitable for me henceforth; for although I -have not yet taken the vows, I am even now a nun at heart, and I soon -shall be one in fact, I hope, when I shall have obtained the king's -consent. Do you bring me that consent, my brother?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh!" exclaimed Gabriel, in a tone wherein reproach and grief were -mingled. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>!" said Diane, "there is not the least bitterness in my -words, I assure you. I have suffered so much recently among men that I -have naturally sought shelter with God. It is not anger which rules my -actions and my words, but sorrow." -</p> - -<p> -Indeed, there was in Diane's speech an accent that told of sadness and -suffering; and yet in her heart that sadness was mingled with an -involuntary joy which she could not conceal at the sight of Gabriel, -whom she had long ago believed to be lost to her love and to the world, -and whom she found to-day vigorous and manly, and, it might be, still -fond of her. -</p> - -<p> -And so, without wishing, almost without knowing it, she had descended -two or three steps, and drawn on by an invincible power, had come so -much nearer to Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Listen," said he. "This cruel misunderstanding which is rending our -hearts must come to an end. I can no longer bear the thought that you do -not understand me, that you believe in my indifference to you or (who -knows?) in my hatred for you. That terrible suspicion worries me even in -the midst of the sacred and difficult task which it is for me to -accomplish. But come a little apart, my sister. You still trust in me, -do you not? Let us move away from this spot, I beg you. Even if we -cannot be seen, we may be overheard; and I have reason to fear that some -one may desire to interrupt our interview,—this interview which, I -tell you, my sister, is essential to my reason and my peace of mind." -</p> - -<p> -Diane reflected no longer. Such words from such lips were omnipotent -with her. She ascended two steps to look into the hall and see if she -was needed; and finding everything quiet, she at once went back to -Gabriel, resting her hand confidingly in the loyal one of her faithful -knight. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks," said Gabriel. "Moments are precious; for what I fear, do you -know, is that the superior, who knows of my love now, would object to -our having this explanation, deep and pure though my love for you is, my -sister." -</p> - -<p> -"That explains, then," said Diane, "why, after having told me of your -arrival and of your wish to see me, good Mother Monique, informed by -some one, no doubt, of the past, which I confess I had partly concealed -from her, has kept me from leaving the convent for three days, and would -have kept me in this evening too if my turn to do night duty in the -ambulance had not arrived, and I had not insisted upon fulfilling my sad -duty. Oh, Gabriel, is it not wrong in me to deceive her,—my sweet and -venerable friend?" -</p> - -<p> -"Must I then tell you again that with me it is as if you were with your -brother, alas! that I ought to and will hush the impulses of my heart, -and speak to you only as a friend should speak, but a friend who is ever -devoted to you, and would gladly die for you, but who will listen to his -melancholy rather than his love, never fear?" -</p> - -<p> -"Speak, then, my brother!" said Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"My brother!"—that horrible and yet delightful name always reminded -Gabriel of the strange and mysterious alternative which his destiny had -laid before him, and like a magic word drove away the burning thoughts -which the silent night and the ravishing beauty of his beloved might -well have awakened in the young man's heart. -</p> - -<p> -"My sister," said he, in a steady voice, "it was absolutely necessary -that I should see you and speak with you, so that I might address two -prayers to you. One relates to the past, the other to the future. You -are kind and obliging, Diane; and I know you will grant them both to a -dear friend who may perhaps never meet you more on his path through -life, and whom a fatal and perilous mission exposes to the risk of death -at every moment." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, don't say that! don't say that!" cried Madame de Castro, almost -fainting, and proving the extent of her love in her distraction and -horror at the thought. -</p> - -<p> -"I say it to you, my sister," Gabriel responded, "not to alarm you, but -that you may not refuse me a pardon and a favor. The pardon is for the -terror and grief which my delirious utterances must have caused you the -day when I saw you last at Paris. I cast terror and desolation into your -poor heart. Alas, my sister, it was not I who spoke to you; it was the -fever in my blood. I did not know what I said, upon my word! And a -terrible revelation, which had been made to me that very day, and which -I could scarcely keep to myself, filled my soul with madness and -despair. Perhaps you remember, my sister, that it was just after leaving -you that I was stricken with that long and painful illness which almost -cost me my life or my reason?" -</p> - -<p> -"Do I remember it, Gabriel!" cried Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Do not call me Gabriel, if you please! Call me always your brother, as -you did just now,—call me your brother! That name, which terrified me -at first, I find it necessary to hear now." -</p> - -<p> -"As you choose, my brother," said Diane, with amazement. -</p> - -<p> -At that moment, fifty paces from them, the regular tramp of a body of -men on the march was heard, and Sister Bénie, full of terror, pressed -close to Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Who is that? <i>Mon Dieu</i>! they will see us!" she exclaimed. -</p> - -<p> -"It is one of our patrols," answered Gabriel, much disturbed. -</p> - -<p> -"But they will pass very near us, and will recognize me or hail us. Oh, -let me go in, quick, before they come any nearer! Let me go, I pray!" -</p> - -<p> -"No; it is too late!" said Gabriel, detaining her. "To attempt to fly -now would be to expose yourself. Come this way, rather,—come up here, -my sister!" -</p> - -<p> -And followed by the trembling Diane, he hastily mounted a stairway, -hidden by a stone buttress, which led to the very walls. There he -ensconced Diane and himself between an untenanted sentry-box and the -battlements. -</p> - -<p> -The patrol passed within twenty paces without seeing them. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, this certainly is a poorly guarded point!" said Gabriel, in whom -his dominant thought was always on the alert. -</p> - -<p> -But his mind at once reverted to Diane, who was hardly at her ease yet. -</p> - -<p> -"You may feel safe now, my sister," said he; "the danger is over. But -now listen to me, for time passes, and my two burdens are still heavy on -my heart. In the first place, you have not told me that you forgive my -madness, and so I am still carrying this weary load of the past." -</p> - -<p> -"Does one forgive the madness of fever and the ravings of despair?" said -Diane. "No, my brother, we must pity and comfort them rather. I bore you -no ill-will; no, I wept for you. And now that I see that you are -restored to life and reason, I am resigned to the will of God." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, my sister, it is not resignation alone that you should feel!" cried -Gabriel; "you must be hopeful too. That is why I was anxious to see you. -You have lifted my burden of remorse for the past, and I thank you; but -you must also remove the weight of anguish which weighs upon my heart -for your future. You are, as you well know, one of the principal objects -for which I live. It is necessary that my mind should be tranquillized -as to that object, so that I may only have to concern myself, as I go my -way, with the perils of the road; it must be that I may count upon -finding you waiting for me at the end of my journey with a welcoming -smile, sad if I fail, and joyous if I succeed, but in any event with the -welcoming smile of a friend. With that object in view, there should be -no misunderstanding between us. Meanwhile, my sister, it will be -necessary that you should trust my word, and have a little confidence in -me; for the secret which lies at the root of all my actions does not -belong to me. I have sworn not to reveal it; and if I wish that the -promises made to me should be kept, I must in my turn keep the promises -that I have made to others." -</p> - -<p> -"Explain yourself," said Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Ah," rejoined Gabriel, "you see how I hesitate and beat around the -bush, because I am thinking of the garb that you wear, and of the name -of sister, by which I am calling you, and, more than all else, of the -profound respect for you that dominates my heart; and I do not wish to -say one word to awake distressing memories or elusive hopes. And yet I -must say to you that your beloved image has never been effaced, has -never even faded in my soul, and that no person and no event can ever -weaken it." -</p> - -<p> -"My brother!" Diane interrupted, confused and delighted at the same -time. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, hear me to the end, my sister!" said Gabriel. "I say again, nothing -has changed, and nothing will ever change, this ardent—devotion -which I have consecrated to you; and more than that, I am only too happy to -think and to say that whatever happens to me, it will always be not only -my blessed privilege, but my bounden duty, to love you. But what is the -nature of this sentiment? God only knows, alas! but we shall soon know -too, I hope. Meanwhile, this is what I have to ask of you, my sister: -trusting in the Lord and your father, do you leave everything to -Providence and my friendship, hoping nothing, but not despairing either. -Understand me, pray! You told me long ago that you loved me; and pardon -my presumption, but I seem to feel in my heart that you can love me -still if our fate so wills. Now, my wish is to lessen the too -distressing effect of my mad words when I parted from you at the Louvre. -We must not deceive ourselves with vain imaginings, nor, on the other -hand, believe that everything is over for us in this world. We must -wait. In a short time I shall come to you and say one of two things. -Either this: 'Diane, I love you; remember our childhood and your -promises. You must be mine, Diane; and we must resort to every possible -means to obtain the king's consent.' Or else I shall say to you: 'My -sister, an irresistible fatality stands in the way of our love, and -opposes our happiness; we are in no way to blame for it, and it is -something more than human—yes, almost divine—which stands -between us, my sister. I give you back your promise; you are free. Give -your life to another; you cannot be blamed for it, nor even, alas! are you -to be pitied. No; our tears, even, would be out of place. Let us bow our -heads without a word, and accept with resignation our inevitable destiny. -You will always be dear and holy in my eyes; but our two lives, which may -still, thank God! be lived side by side, can never be united.'" -</p> - -<p> -"What a strange and fearful enigma!" Madame de Castro, lost in terrified -thought, could not refrain from saying. -</p> - -<p> -"An enigma," responded Gabriel, "of which I can give you the key-word at -that time, no doubt. Until then it will be in vain that you seek to -discover the secret, my sister; so be patient, and pray. Promise me, at -least, that you believe in my loyalty to you, and that you will no -longer cherish the purpose of renouncing the world to bury yourself in a -cloister. Promise me that you will have faith and hope, even as you have -already had charity." -</p> - -<p> -"Faith in you and hope in God; yes, I can readily promise that now, my -brother. But why do you wish me to promise to return to the world if I -am not to go thither in your company? Is not my heart enough? And why do -you wish that I should give my life to you as well, when, after all, it -may not be to you that I devote it? Within and without, everything is -dark, O God!" -</p> - -<p> -"Sister," said Gabriel, in his deep, solemn tones, "I ask this promise -of you that I may go forward in peace of mind and resolution upon my -perilous and perhaps fatal path, and that I may be sure of finding you -free and waiting for me at the rendezvous which I have appointed for -you." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, my brother; and I will obey you," said Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, thanks, thanks!" cried Gabriel. "Now the future belongs to me. Will -you place your hand in mine as a pledge of your promise, my sister?" -</p> - -<p> -"Here it is, my brother." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, now I am sure of being victorious!" cried the impetuous youth. -"Henceforth it seems to me as if nothing could contravene my wishes and -my plans." -</p> - -<p> -At this moment, as if to give the lie twice over to this hopeful dream, -voices were heard from the direction of the town calling Sister Bénie; -and at the same time Gabriel thought that he heard a slight noise in the -moat behind him. But at first he concerned himself only with Diane's -terror. -</p> - -<p> -"They are looking for me and calling me. Holy Virgin! if they should -find us together! Adieu, my brother! Adieu, Gabriel!" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Au revoir</i>, my sister; <i>au revoir</i>, Diane! And now go! I will -stay here. You wandered out by yourself to take the air. We shall meet soon -again; and once more I thank you." -</p> - -<p> -Diane hastily descended the steps and ran to meet the people, who with -torches in their hands were calling her name everywhere with all their -might, Mother Monique at their head. -</p> - -<p> -Who, by seemingly foolish hints, had aroused the superior? Who, if not -Master Arnauld, who with the most grief-stricken air was among those who -were hunting for Sister Bénie? No one had such an ingenuous air as this -rascal could assume, wherein he resembled the true Martin-Guerre so much -the more. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel, reassured as to Diane's safety when he saw her join Mother -Monique and her search-party unharmed, was making ready to leave the -fortifications himself, when suddenly a dark form rose from the ground -behind him. -</p> - -<p> -A man, an enemy, armed from head to foot, was just bestriding the wall. -</p> - -<p> -To rush at this man and prostrate him with one blow of his sword, crying -in a sonorous voice, "Alarm! alarm!" to spring to the top of the ladder, -covered with Spaniards, which was placed against the wall,—was the -work of but an instant for Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -It was an attempted night surprise, and Gabriel had not erred: the enemy -had made the two day assaults in quick succession to enable them to make -this bold attempt at night with better chance of success. -</p> - -<p> -But Providence or, to speak more accurately, if perhaps with less -religious feeling, love had led Gabriel to the spot. Before another man -had time to follow upon the platform the one he had already killed, he -seized with his strong hands the two uprights of the ladder and -overturned it, with the ten men who were upon it. -</p> - -<p> -Their cries as they struck the ground were confused with Gabriel's -unceasing shouts, "To arms!" But at a distance of twenty paces another -ladder was already against the wall; and at that point there was no -footing for Gabriel. Luckily he spied in the shadow a large rock; and -the imminent peril increasing his strength, he succeeded in raising it -upon the parapet, whence he had only to push it over upon the second -ladder. The great weight broke it in two at a blow; and the poor -wretches who were swarming up fell into the moat, bruised or dying, -their agonizing shrieks causing their companions to hesitate. -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile Gabriel's shouts had given the alarm; the sentinels had taken -it up; the drums were beating to arms; the alarm-bell on La Collégiale -was ringing lustily. Five minutes had not elapsed ere more than a -hundred men had joined Vicomte d'Exmès, and were ready to assist him in -repulsing any assailants who might still dare to show their heads, and -likewise firing upon those who were in the moat, and unable to respond -to the volleys from their arquebuses. -</p> - -<p> -Thus this bold <i>coup de main</i> of the Spaniards failed. Its only chance -of success, in truth, was to find that the point of attack was -undefended, as they supposed that it was; but Gabriel, happening to be -on the spot, had baffled their scheme. The assaulting party had no -choice but to withdraw, which they did as quickly as possible, leaving, -however, a number of dead behind them, and carrying away a number of -injured men. -</p> - -<p> -Again the town had been saved, and again by Gabriel's hand. -</p> - -<p> -But it was necessary that it should still hold out for four long and -weary days, before the promise he had made to the king would be -fulfilled. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap34"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXIV -<br /><br /> -A VICTORIOUS DEFEAT</h4> - -<p> -The first effect of the unexpected check they had received was to -discourage the besiegers; and they seemed to realize that they could -never gain possession of the town except by dealing with the remaining -resources of resistance one by one, and thus making each of them -unavailable. For three days they made no fresh assault; but all their -batteries were kept in play, and all their mines were working without -rest or intermission. The men who defended the place, seemingly endowed -with more than human energy and courage, appeared to be invincible; the -Spaniards assailed the walls, and found them less solid than the breasts -of those who manned them. The towers crumbled; the trenches were filled -with the debris; and the fortifications were levelled, bit by bit. -</p> - -<p> -At last, four days after the abortive night attack, the Spaniards once -more hazarded an assault. It was the eighth and last day of the allotted -time. If the attack of the enemy was unsuccessful once more, Gabriel -would have saved his father as well as the town; if not, all his trouble -and all his labor had been thrown away, and the old man, Diane, and -himself would be all lost. -</p> - -<p> -Therefore it can well be imagined that it would be more than impossible -to describe the superhuman, god-like valor and courage displayed by him -on that day of days. One would hardly have believed that so much -strength and untiring vigor could exist in the soul and body of one man. -He saw not danger or death, but thought only of his father and his -betrothed; and he hurled himself against the pikes, and moved hither and -thither amid the thickly flying cannon-balls and bullets as if he were -invulnerable. A piece of stone struck him in the side, and a lance-head -in the face; but he felt not the wounds. He seemed intoxicated with -daring; he ran to and fro, waving his sword, and encouraging his men not -only with his words, but by his example. He was to be seen wherever the -peril was most imminent. As the soul gives life to the whole body, so -did he to the whole town. He was in himself ten men, twenty,—yes, a -hundred; and yet in his superb exaltation his coolness and -clear-headedness never failed him. With a glance swifter than light he -saw where danger threatened, and was on the spot in the twinkling of an -eye; and when the assailants fell back, and our brave fellows, -electrified by his contagious gallantry, had clearly regained the -advantage, like a flash Gabriel was off to some other threatened point, -and began again his heroic work, an utter stranger to weariness or -weakness. -</p> - -<p> -This lasted six hours, from one o'clock to seven. -</p> - -<p> -At seven it grew dark; and the Spaniards fell back on all sides. Behind -a few crumbling pieces of stone-work, with a few fragments of towers and -a handful of exhausted and wounded soldiers, St. Quentin had again added -one day more, several days, it might be, to the record of her glorious -resistance. -</p> - -<p> -When the last man of the enemy had left the last of the points of -assault, Gabriel fell back into the arms of those who were near him, -utterly worn out with fatigue and with joy. -</p> - -<p> -They bore him in triumph to the town-hall. -</p> - -<p> -His wounds were but slight, and his swoon could not be of long duration. -When he regained his senses, Admiral de Coligny was at his side, his -face radiant with pleasure. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur l'Amiral," were Gabriel's first words, "it's not a dream, is -it? There has been a fierce assault to-day, which we succeeded in -repelling?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, my friend, and thanks to you in great measure," replied Gaspard. -</p> - -<p> -"And the week that the king allotted me has passed!" cried Gabriel. "Oh, -thank God! thank God!" -</p> - -<p> -"And to complete your satisfaction, my dear fellow," rejoined the -admiral, "I bring you some glorious news. Under cover of our obstinate -defence of St. Quentin, the preparations for the defence of the whole -kingdom have apparently been perfected; one of my spies, who succeeded -in seeing the constable and entering the town again during the confusion -to-day, has given me every reason to hope for the best in that regard. -Monsieur de Guise has arrived at Paris with the Italian army, and in -concert with the Cardinal de Lorraine, is engaged in raising men, and -putting towns in a posture of defence. St. Quentin, in her dismantled -and depopulated condition, could not beat back another assault; but her -work and ours is done, and France is saved, my friend. Yes, behind our -faithful ramparts every one is under arms: the nobility and all the -orders of the State have arisen; recruits abound; the free gifts from -the clergy are pouring in; and two troops of German auxiliaries have -been retained. When the enemy shall have made an end of us, and that -cannot now be long delayed unfortunately, he will at least find others -ready to challenge him. France is saved, Gabriel!" -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Monsieur l'Amiral, you cannot imagine how much good you have done -me," Gabriel responded. "But allow me to ask one question; it is from no -vain feeling of conceit that I ask it; you know me too well now to -believe that. No, there is beneath my question a very serious and very -deep meaning, believe me. Monsieur l'Amiral, in two words, do you think -that my presence here during the last week has counted for anything in -the fortunate result of the siege of St. Quentin?" -</p> - -<p> -"For everything, my friend, for everything!" the admiral replied with -generous frankness. "The day of your arrival you saw yourself that -except for your unexpected intervention I should have yielded; that my -courage was giving way under the terrible weight of responsibility with -which my conscience was burdened; and that I should then have delivered -to the Spaniard the keys of this city with which the king had intrusted -me. The next day did you not succeed in carrying out your undertaking of -throwing reinforcements into the town,—weak reinforcements, to be -sure, but sufficient nevertheless to rekindle the courage of the besieged? -I say nothing of the sagacious advice which you gave to our miners and -engineers. I say nothing of the superb gallantry which you have -displayed all the time and at all points during every assault. But who -almost miraculously saved the town from being surprised by a night -attack four days since? And this very day, who, with unheard-of temerity -and success, succeeded in prolonging still farther a resistance which I -confess I believed to be impossible? You, always you, my friend, who, -being everywhere present and unfailingly ready at every corner of the -fortifications, seemed in very truth to have acquired the angels' gift -of ubiquity; so that our soldiers know no other name for you than -Captain <i>Five-Hundred</i>, Gabriel, I say to you with sincere delight and -profound gratitude that you are the first and sole deliverer of this -town, and consequently of France." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, many, many thanks, Monsieur l'Amiral, for your too kind and -flattering words! But pardon me! are you willing to repeat them in his -Majesty's presence?" -</p> - -<p> -"It is not my wish simply, my friend," the admiral replied; "it is my -duty; and you know that Gaspard de Coligny never proves recreant to his -duty." -</p> - -<p> -"What good fortune!" said Gabriel; "and what do I not owe you for it, -Monsieur l'Amiral? But are you willing to make my obligation still -greater? Say nothing to any one, I beseech you, not even to Monsieur le -Connétable, in fact, to any one rather than to him, of what I have been -able to do to assist you in your glorious task. Let the king alone know -it. His Majesty will see from that I was influenced by no thirst -for glory or for reputation, but only by my wish to keep a promise I -made to him; and it lies in his power to give me, if he chooses, a -reward a thousand times more precious in my sight than all the honors -and dignities of his realm. Yes, Monsieur l'Amiral, let this reward but -be bestowed upon me, and Henri's debt to me, if debt there be, will be -paid a hundred times over." -</p> - -<p> -"It should be a magnificent recompense, then," rejoined the admiral. -"God grant that the king's gratitude may not disappoint you! However, I -will do as you wish, Gabriel; and although it costs me a pang to keep -silent as to your deserts, since you ask me, I will say nothing." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah!" cried Gabriel, "what a long and weary time it has been since I -have felt such peace as reigns in my heart at this moment! How pleasant -it is to be able to hope and believe, even though it be but a little, in -the future! Now I will go upon the walls and fight with a light heart, -and it seems as if I should be unconquerable. Can it be that iron or -lead will dare to wound a man in whose heart hope is born?" -</p> - -<p> -"Do not rely too much upon that, my friend, I pray you!" said Coligny, -smiling. "For I can already say to you without hesitation that you are -deceived by your conviction of victory. The town is almost entirely open -on all sides; a few cannon-balls will soon level the last fragments of -her walls and her towers. More than that, we have scarcely one -able-bodied man left; and the troops who have so gallantly supplied the -place of fortifications hitherto are now in their turn lacking. The next -assault will make the enemy masters of the place; and we must cherish no -delusions in that direction." -</p> - -<p> -"But may it not be that Monsieur de Guise will send us reinforcements -from Paris?" asked Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Monsieur de Guise," Gaspard answered, "will not expose his precious -forces for the sake of a town three quarters taken; and he will be quite -right. Let him keep his men in the heart of France, for there they are -most needed. St. Quentin is sacrificed. The expiatory victim has -struggled long enough, thank God! and it only remains for her to fall -nobly; and in that we will try still to help her, will we not, Gabriel? -We must make the triumph of the Spaniard before St. Quentin cost him -more than a defeat. We will fight no longer for our own salvation, but -for the sake of fighting." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes, for pleasure, for sport!" said Gabriel, joyfully,—"a -hero's pleasure, Monsieur l'Amiral, and sport worthy of you! Well, then, -so be it! let us amuse ourselves by holding the town two or three or -four days more, if we can. Let us hold Philip II., Philibert Emmanuel, -Spain, England, and Flanders all in check before a few pieces of -crumbling stone. It will be a little more time gained for Monsieur de -Guise, and an entertaining spectacle for us. What do you say?" -</p> - -<p> -"I say, my friend, that your pleasantry is sublime, and that there is -glory hidden in your jokes." -</p> - -<p> -The event justified the hope of Gabriel and Coligny. In fact, Philip II. -and his general, Philibert Emmanuel, being furiously indignant at being -delayed so long before one town, and at having already made ten -fruitless assaults, determined not to hazard an eleventh without being -assured of success. As they had done before, they allowed three days to -pass without an assault, and made use of their batteries instead of -their soldiers, since it had been abundantly proved that in that heroic -town the walls were not so enduring and steadfast as the hearts of its -defenders. The admiral and Vicomte d'Exmès spent the three days in -having the damage inflicted by the batteries and mines repaired as fast -as possible by their workmen; but unfortunately arms were wanting. On -the 26th of August, at noon, not a single section of the walls remained -standing. The houses were left without protection, as in an open town, -and the soldiers were so few that they could not even form a single line -at the principal posts. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel himself had to admit this; and before the signal for the assault -was given,—the town was apparently at the besiegers' mercy. -</p> - -<p> -At all events it was not taken at the breach defended by Gabriel. With -him there were Monsieur du Breuil and Jean Peuquoy; and all three fought -so well, and showed such marvellous prowess, that they drove back the -assailants three times. Gabriel, above all, gave himself up to the work -with a joyous heart; and Jean Peuquoy was so astounded at the mighty -blows of the sword which he saw him dealing to right and left that he -came very near being killed himself in his openmouthed admiration, and -Gabriel was compelled on two different occasions to save his admirer's -life. -</p> - -<p> -So the worthy bourgeois swore upon the spot an everlasting worship and -devotion for the viscount. He even exclaimed in his enthusiasm that he -regretted his native town a little less because he should have another -attachment to cherish; and that although it was true that St. Quentin -had given him his life, Vicomte d'Exmès had preserved it for him! -</p> - -<p> -Nevertheless, despite his noble efforts, the town absolutely could hold -out no longer; the ramparts were no more than one unbroken breach; and -Gabriel, Du Breuil, and Jean Peuquoy were still fighting away, while the -streets behind them were filled with the enemy, who had gained -possession of the town. -</p> - -<p> -But the gallant little city had nobly held out for seventeen days, and -had successfully resisted eleven assaults. -</p> - -<p> -Twelve days had passed since Gabriel's arrival; and he had surpassed the -terms of his promise to the king by twice forty-eight hours! -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap35"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXV -<br /><br /> -ARNAULD DU THILL IS STILL UP TO HIS LITTLE TRICKS</h4> - -<p> -At first, pillage and slaughter were the order of the day; but Philibert -issued a very strict prohibition, and put a speedy end to the confusion; -and Admiral de Coligny having been taken before him, Philibert -complimented him in the highest terms. -</p> - -<p> -"I cannot punish gallantry; and the town of St. Quentin will be treated -no more harshly than if she had capitulated the day that we sat down -before the walls." -</p> - -<p> -And the victor, as high-minded as the vanquished, allowed the admiral to -discuss with him the conditions which should be imposed. -</p> - -<p> -St. Quentin was naturally declared a Spanish town; but those of the -people who preferred not to accept the domination of the stranger were -at liberty to withdraw, giving, up all claim to their houses, however. -Moreover, everybody, soldiers and citizens, were free from that moment; -and Philibert retained only fifty prisoners of all ages and conditions -and both sexes, selected by him or his captains, for the purpose of -holding them to ransom, and thus procuring means wherewith to pay the -arrears due to the troops. The property and persons of all others were -to be respected; and Philibert gave his personal attention to the -prevention of disorder. However, as Coligny had exhausted all his -personal fortune in maintaining the siege, he was courteous enough to -ask no ransom for him. The admiral would be free the next day to join -his uncle, the Constable de Montmorency, at Paris, who had not found his -conquerors so disinterested after the battle of St. Laurent, but had -furnished ransom in a round sum, which France would eventually pay in -one way or another, no doubt; but Philibert Emmanuel considered it an -honor to become the friend of Gaspard, and did not choose to put a price -upon his freedom. His principal officers and the wealthiest citizens -would suffice to pay the expenses of the siege. -</p> - -<p> -These terms, which were certainly more favorable than he had any right -to expect, were accepted submissively by Coligny, and by the citizens -with mingled sentiments of joy and fear. The important question to be -solved was, upon whom would the dreaded choice of Philibert Emmanuel and -his officers fall? That was what the next day would bring forth; and -when that day came, the proudest became very lowly, and the wealthiest -made a great deal of talk about their poverty. -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld du Thill, who was a very expert and ingenious haggler, passed -the night thinking over matters, and finally hit upon a combination -which might, he thought, turn out very profitably for him. He arrayed -himself as handsomely as possible, and from an early hour in the morning -walked proudly up and down the streets, which were filled to overflowing -with the victorious besiegers of all nations,—German, English, -Spaniards, etc. -</p> - -<p> -"What a Tower of Babel!" said Arnauld, anxiously, hearing nothing but -foreign jargon. "With the few English words that I know I shall never be -able to enter into negotiations with any of these jabberers. Some say, -'Carajo'!' others, 'Goddam!' and others still, 'Tausend saperment!' and -not one —" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Tripes et boyaux</i>! Will you halt, you villain?" shouted a harsh -voice behind Arnauld at this moment. -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld turned hurriedly about toward the man, who, despite his very -marked English accent, seemed thus familiar with the niceties of the -French tongue. -</p> - -<p> -He was a great fellow, with a pale face and sandy hair, who had the -appearance of being a sharp trader and a stupid man. Arnauld du Thill -recognized an Englishman at the first glance. -</p> - -<p> -"What can I do for you?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"I make you my prisoner; that's what you can do for me," replied the -man, who embellished his discourse with English slang, which Arnauld -tried hard to imitate, so as to make himself more intelligible to his -interlocutor. -</p> - -<p> -"Why do you make me your prisoner rather than another?" he -continued?—"rather than that weaver over there, for instance?" -</p> - -<p> -"Because you are fitted out better than the weaver," was the -Englishman's reply. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, yes!" Arnauld retorted. "And by what right, please, do you arrest -me?—you who are only a simple archer, I think." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I am not acting on my own account, but in the name of my master, -Lord Grey, who commands the English archers, and to whom Duke -Philibert Emmanuel has allotted, as his share in the prize, three -prisoners,—two noblemen and one bourgeois,—with whatever -ransom he may be able to get for them. Now, my master, who knows that I -have two hands and a pair of eyes, instructed me to follow the chase and -ferret out three prisoners of value for him. You are the best game I -have fallen in with yet; so I take you by the collar, Messire -Bourgeois." -</p> - -<p> -"It is a great honor for a poor squire," retorted Arnauld, modestly. -"Will your master feed me well, do you think?" -</p> - -<p> -"Blackguard! Do you suppose he proposes to feed you for long?" said the -archer. -</p> - -<p> -"Until it pleases him to set me at liberty, I imagine that he surely -will not let me die of hunger." -</p> - -<p> -"Hm!" said the archer. "Can it be that I have taken a poor old naked -wolf for a fox with a magnificent pelt?" -</p> - -<p> -"I am afraid so, my lord archer," said Arnauld; "and if Lord Grey, your -master, has promised you a commission according to the value of the -prizes you obtain for him, I fear that twenty or thirty blows with a -club will be the only benefit you will derive from me. What I say is not -for the purpose of deceiving you, and I advise you to try it." -</p> - -<p> -"You rascal! It may well be that you are right!" rejoined the -Englishman, examining the sly fellow more closely; "and I may lose with -you what Lord Grey promised to give me,—one livre in every hundred -that he realizes from his prisoners." -</p> - -<p> -"This is the man for me," thought Arnauld. "Hallo, then," said he, -aloud, "my hostile friend, if I put you in a way to lay your hand on a -very rich prize,—on a prisoner worth ten thousand Tours livres, for -instance,—would you be the man to show some little gratitude to me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Ten thousand Tours livres!" cried the Englishman. "Prisoners of that -sort are pretty scarce. Why, I should get a hundred livres then,—not -a bad nest-egg." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes; but you would have to give fifty to the friend who put it in your -way. That's fair, is it not?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, well, I'll do it," said Lord Grey's archer, after a momentary -hesitation. "But take me to the man at once, and give me his name." -</p> - -<p> -"We need not go far to find him," Arnauld responded. "Just a few steps -this way! See, I don't wish to show myself with you on the square; let -me hide behind the corner of this house. There; now you go on. Do you -see on the balcony of that house a gentleman talking with a citizen?" -</p> - -<p> -"I do," said the Briton. "Is that my man?" -</p> - -<p> -"That is our man." -</p> - -<p> -"His name?" -</p> - -<p> -"Vicomte d'Exmès." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, indeed!" rejoined the archer. "So that is Vicomte d'Exmès. He is -very handsomely spoken of at the camp. Is he as wealthy as he is -gallant?" -</p> - -<p> -"I will answer to you for that." -</p> - -<p> -"Do you know him very well, then, Master?" -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Pardieu</i>! I am his squire." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, Judas!" The archer could not restrain the exclamation. -</p> - -<p> -"No," was Arnauld's unmoved comment; "for Judas was hanged, and I shall -not be." -</p> - -<p> -"It may be that you will find it difficult to escape," said the archer, -who had his jocose moments. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, we shall see," retorted Arnauld; "but no more talk. Do you hold -to our bargain,—yes or no?" -</p> - -<p> -"It's done!" the Englishman replied; "and I will escort your master to -my lord. Afterward you shall point out to me another nobleman and some -substantial citizen, if you know any such." -</p> - -<p> -"I know the right ones at the same price,—half of your commission." -</p> - -<p> -"You shall have it, you emissary of the devil!" -</p> - -<p> -"I am yours rather," said Arnauld. "But, come, no trickery! Between two -rascals each must be careful of his footing. Besides, I should find you -again sure. Will your master pay cash?" -</p> - -<p> -"Cash in advance; you shall come with us to my lord upon the pretext of -accompanying your viscount; I shall get my pay, and will give you your -share at once. But you in return, being very grateful, as you should be, -will help me to find my second and third prizes, won't you?" -</p> - -<p> -"We'll see about that," said Arnauld. "Let us attend to the first one -now." -</p> - -<p> -"That's a very short matter," said the archer. "Your master is too rough -in time of war not to be mild and gentle in time of peace; we know that. -Take two minutes' start of me, and take up your station behind him; you -will see that I know my business." -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld left his worthy pupil, entered the town-hall, and with a smile -on his false face went into the room where Gabriel was talking with Jean -Peuquoy, and asked him if he had need of him. He was still speaking when -the archer came in with an apologetic air. He went straight up to the -viscount, who looked at him with much amazement, and bowing low,— -</p> - -<p> -"Have I the honor of speaking to Monseigneur le Vicomte d'Exmès?" he -asked with such a look as every merchant has for his merchandise. -</p> - -<p> -"I am Vicomte d'Exmès," Gabriel replied with increasing wonder; "what -do you want with me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Your sword, Monseigneur," said the archer, bowing almost to the floor. -</p> - -<p> -"You!" exclaimed Gabriel, recoiling from him with a motion of -inexpressible contempt. -</p> - -<p> -"In the name of my master, Lord Grey, Monseigneur," replied the modest -archer, "you are named as one of the fifty prisoners whom Monseigneur -l'Amiral is to put in the hands of the victors. Don't blame poor me for -being forced to be the bearer of this unpleasant information." -</p> - -<p> -"Blame you for it!" said Gabriel, "no! But Lord Grey, a gentleman, -forsooth! might have taken the trouble to ask me for my sword himself. -It is to him that I desire to hand it; do you understand?" -</p> - -<p> -"As Monseigneur pleases." -</p> - -<p> -"And I am glad to believe that he will accept a ransom for me?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, never fear, never fear, Monseigneur!" said the archer, eagerly. -</p> - -<p> -"I am at your service, then," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"But this is an indignity," cried Jean Peuquoy. "You do wrong to submit -thus, Monseigneur. Refuse to go; for you are not of St. Quentin,—you -are not of the town!" -</p> - -<p> -"Master Jean Peuquoy is right," Arnauld du Thill earnestly interposed, -stealthily making a sign to the archer to denounce the citizen to him. -"Yes, Master Jean Peuquoy has put his finger upon the truth: Monseigneur -is not of St. Quentin; and Master Jean Peuquoy knows it. Yes, indeed, he -knows the whole town! He has been burgher for forty years, and syndic of -his guild, and captain of the bowmen! What have you to say to that, -Englishman?" -</p> - -<p> -"I have just this to say," replied the Briton, who had taken his -cue,—"that if this is Master Jean Peuquoy, I have an order to arrest -him too, for his name is on my list." -</p> - -<p> -"Me!" ejaculated the worthy burgher. -</p> - -<p> -"Even you, Master," was the response. -</p> - -<p> -Peuquoy looked inquiringly at Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Alas, Messire Jean," said Vicomte d'Exmès, sighing in spite of -himself, "I think that our best plan, after having done our duty as -soldiers during the battle, will be to bow to the rights of the victors, -now that the battle is done. Let us submit, Master Jean Peuquoy." -</p> - -<p> -"And go with this fellow?" asked Peuquoy. -</p> - -<p> -"To be sure, my good friend; and glad am I in this latest trial not to -be separated from you." -</p> - -<p> -"That is very true, Monseigneur," said Peuquoy, with emotion; "and you -are very kind to say it. Besides, when such a noble and gallant captain -as yourself accepts his lot with equanimity, ought an unfortunate -burgher like myself to complain? Let us go. Varlet," he went on, -addressing the archer, "it is done; and I am your prisoner or your -master's." -</p> - -<p> -"Remember that you are going with me to Lord Grey's quarters," rejoined -the archer, "where you will remain, if you please, until you have -furnished a handsome ransom." -</p> - -<p> -"Where I will remain forever, son of the evil one!" cried Jean Peuquoy. -"Your English master shall never know the color of my crowns; I will die -first. If he is a Christian, he will have to support me until my last -hour; and I forewarn you that I am a very hearty eater." -</p> - -<p> -The archer cast a terrified glance in the direction of Arnauld du Thill; -but the latter reassured him with a nod, and pointed to Gabriel, who was -laughing at his friend's outburst. The Englishman knew how to take a -joke, and began to laugh heartily. -</p> - -<p> -"As to that, Monseigneur," said he, "and you, Messire, I am going to -take—" -</p> - -<p> -"You are going to precede us to Lord Grey's quarters," Gabriel -interrupted haughtily; "and we will arrange details with your master." -</p> - -<p> -"As Monseigneur pleases," said the archer, with humility. -</p> - -<p> -Walking in front of them, but taking good care to keep an eye on them, -he escorted the gentleman and the burgher to Lord Grey's quarters, while -Arnauld du Thill followed at some distance. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Grey was a dull-witted, phlegmatic soldier, bored to death, and -himself a bore, for whom war was mere trafficking, and who was in a very -bad humor at receiving no pay for himself and his troops except such as -he might get from the ransom of three unfortunate prisoners. He received -Gabriel and Jean Peuquoy with cold dignity. -</p> - -<p> -"So it is Vicomte d'Exmès whom I have the honor to have for my -prisoner," said he, looking at Gabriel with curiosity. "You have given -us a good deal of trouble, Monsieur; and if I were to demand for your -ransom all that you have cost King Philip II., I fancy that King Henri's -France could hardly pay it." -</p> - -<p> -"I did my best," said Gabriel, simply. -</p> - -<p> -"Your best is very good; and I congratulate you!" retorted Lord Grey. -"But that is not the question now. The chances of war, although you did -wonders to prevent it, have put you in my power, you and your mighty -sword. Oh, keep it, Monsieur, keep it," he added, as he saw that Gabriel -made a movement as if to hand it to him. "But what can you offer to -redeem my right to your service? Let us arrange that matter. I am well -aware that gallantry and wealth do not always go together, unluckily. -However, I cannot afford to forego my right entirely. Would five -thousand crowns seem a fitting price for you to pay for your liberty?" -</p> - -<p> -"No, my Lord," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"No? You think it too much?" rejoined Lord Grey. "Ah, but this accursed -war! And such a poor country! Come, four thousand crowns is not too -much, by Heaven!" -</p> - -<p> -"It is not enough, my Lord," replied Gabriel, coolly. -</p> - -<p> -"What, Monsieur! what did you say?" cried the Englishman. -</p> - -<p> -"I say," Gabriel replied, "that you misunderstood my words, my Lord. You -asked me if five thousand crowns seemed to me a reasonable ransom, and I -said no; for in my own opinion I am worth twice that, my Lord." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well!" rejoined Lord Grey; "and in truth, your king may very well -spare that amount to retain such a gallant soldier as you." -</p> - -<p> -"I trust I shall not be obliged to call upon the king," said Gabriel; -"for my private fortune, I am sure, will enable me to meet this -unforeseen expenditure, and to deal directly with you in this matter." -</p> - -<p> -"So much the better!" said Lord Grey, somewhat surprised. "That makes -ten thousand crowns that you are to account to me for, then; and I beg -your pardon, but when may I expect the payment?" -</p> - -<p> -"You will readily understand," said Gabriel, "that I brought no such sum -with me to a besieged town; on the other hand, the resources of Monsieur -de Coligny and his friends, I believe, like my own, have run pretty low, -therefore I do not wish to trouble them by requesting a loan. But if you -will allow me a little time, I can send for it from Paris—" -</p> - -<p> -"Very well!" said Lord Grey; "meanwhile I will content myself with your -word, which is as good as gold. But as business is business, and as a -certain misunderstanding that exists between my soldiers and the -Spaniards may oblige me to return to England, you will not take it ill -if I keep you in custody until the full quittance of the sum agreed -upon,—not in this Spanish town of St. Quentin, which I am on the -point of leaving, but at Calais, which is in English hands, and of which my -brother-in-law, Lord Wentworth, is governor. Does that arrangement meet -your views?" -</p> - -<p> -"To admiration!" said Gabriel, on whose pale lips a bitter smile -appeared. "I only ask your leave to send my squire to Paris to procure -the gold, so that neither my captivity nor your confidence may be -protracted any further than is necessary." -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing could be more reasonable," Lord Grey replied; "and pending the -return of your emissary, be assured that you will be treated by my -brother-in-law with all the consideration that is due you. You will have -all possible freedom at Calais, the more so because it is a strong -fortified town; and Lord Wentworth will take good care of you, for he is -more addicted to feasting and debauchery than he ought to be. But that -is his own affair; fortunately his wife, who was my sister, is dead. I -only wished to tell you that you would not be likely to be bored." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel bowed without replying. -</p> - -<p> -"And now, Master," resumed Lord Grey, turning to Jean Peuquoy, who had -shrugged his shoulders in wonder more than once during the foregoing -scene,—"now for you. You are, I see, the burgher who has been -allotted to me with two gentlemen." -</p> - -<p> -"I am Jean Peuquoy, my Lord." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, Jean Peuquoy, what ransom may we ask for you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, I am going to dicker with you, Monseigneur! Trader against trader, -as they say. Oh, you may knit your brows! I am not proud, my Lord, and -in my own opinion I am not worth ten livres." -</p> - -<p> -"Nonsense!" said Lord Grey, scornfully. "You shall pay a hundred livres; -that is hardly as much as I promised the archer who brought you here." -</p> - -<p> -"A hundred livres! So be it, my Lord, if you value me so high," retorted -the shrewd captain of the bowmen. "But you don't want a hundred livres -cash, do you?" -</p> - -<p> -"What! Haven't you that petty sum, even?" -</p> - -<p> -"I had it, my Lord," said Peuquoy, "but I gave it all to the poor and -the wounded during the siege." -</p> - -<p> -"But you have friends, surely, or kinsmen?" -</p> - -<p> -"Friends? Ah, we mustn't rely too much upon friends, my Lord. And -kinsmen? No, I have none: my wife died childless, and I have no brother; -only a cousin—" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, and this cousin?" asked Lord Grey, with some signs of losing -patience. -</p> - -<p> -"This cousin, my Lord, who will undoubtedly pay the sum you ask of me, -happens to live at Calais." -</p> - -<p> -"Ah, indeed!" said Lord Grey, suspiciously. -</p> - -<p> -"<i>Mon Dieu</i>! yes, my Lord," added Jean Peuquoy, with every appearance -of absolute sincerity; "my cousin's name is Pierre Peuquoy, and he has been -for more than thirty years a gunsmith at the sign of the God Mars, Rue -du Martroi." -</p> - -<p> -"And he is devoted to you, is he?" asked Lord Grey. -</p> - -<p> -"I believe him to be, my Lord! I am the last of the Peuquoys of my -branch; so that it goes without saying that his feeling for me amounts -to veneration. More than two centuries ago, one of our ancestral -Peuquoys had two sons, one of whom became a weaver and settled at St. -Quentin, while the other adopted the armorer's trade, and took up his -abode at Calais. Ever since that time the St. Quentin Peuquoys have been -weavers, and the Calais Peuquoys have continued to forge arms and armor. -But although separated, distance has never cooled their mutual -affection; and they have always assisted each other, as occasion arose, -and as befits those bound together by ties of blood, and descendants of -the same ancestor. I am sure that Pierre will loan me the sum necessary -to redeem my freedom; nevertheless, I have not seen this good cousin of -mine for ten years,—for you English are by no means free with your -permission to us Frenchmen to enter your strong towns." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes," said Lord Grey, pleasantly, "for more than two hundred and -ten years the Calais Peuquoys have been Englishmen." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh!" cried Jean, warmly, "the Peuquoys—" -</p> - -<p> -Then he suddenly interrupted himself. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, well," Lord Grey rejoined in surprise, "the Peuquoys—" -</p> - -<p> -"The Peuquoys, my Lord," said Jean, twirling his cap about in an -embarrassed way,—"the Peuquoys do not concern themselves with -politics, that is what I was about to say. Whether they are English or -French, so long as they possess an anvil with which to earn their daily -bread at Calais, and a shuttle here in St. Quentin, the Peuquoys have no -fault to find." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, who knows?" said Lord Grey, jocosely; "perhaps you will set up -for yourself as a weaver in Calais, and thus become a subject of Queen -Mary. Then the Peuquoys will be united at last after so many years." -</p> - -<p> -"Upon my word! that may very well be," said Jean, artlessly. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel could not conceal his surprise at hearing the gallant burgher, -who had taken such an heroic part in the defence of his town, talk as -calmly about becoming an Englishman as of changing his helmet; but a -wink which Jean Peuquoy bestowed upon him while Lord Grey was looking -the other way reassured Gabriel as to his friend's loyalty, and -convinced him that some mystery lay hidden under his joking. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Grey soon dismissed them both. -</p> - -<p> -"To-morrow we will leave St. Quentin for Calais together," he said. -"Meanwhile you are at liberty to make such preparations as you choose, -and to take your leave of your friends. I allow you to go on your parole -so much the more readily," said he, with his peculiar delicacy, "because -you will be challenged at the gates, and no one is allowed to leave the -town without a permit from the governor." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel saluted Lord Grey without a word, and left the house with Jean -Peuquoy, without noticing that his squire, Martin-Guerre, remained -behind instead of following him. -</p> - -<p> -"What is your intention, my friend?" he said to Peuquoy, when they were -in the street. "Is it possible that you haven't a hundred crowns to pay -your ransom with at once? Why do you persist in making this journey to -Calais? Does this armorer cousin really exist? What strange object have -you in all this?" -</p> - -<p> -"Hush!" replied Jean Peuquoy, mysteriously. "In this Spanish atmosphere -I hardly dare to risk a word. You can rely upon your squire, -Martin-Guerre, can you not?" -</p> - -<p> -"I will answer for him," Gabriel answered; "notwithstanding some lapses -of memory and occasional backsliding, his is the most faithful heart in -the world." -</p> - -<p> -"Good!" said Peuquoy. "We must not send him at once from here, to obtain -the money for your ransom at Paris, but take him to Calais with us, and -let him start from there. We cannot have too many pairs of eyes." -</p> - -<p> -"But what do these precautions mean, pray?" asked Gabriel. "I see: you -have no relative at all in Calais?" -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed I have," replied Peuquoy, eagerly. "Pierre Peuquoy really -exists, and just as really has he been brought up to love and sigh for -his former country, France; and like me, he stands ready to strike a -blow in case of need, if you should chance to conceive while in that -city some such heroic plan as you have put in execution here so many -times." -</p> - -<p> -"My noble friend," Gabriel responded, pressing the burgher's hand, "I -divine your meaning; but you estimate my abilities too high, and judge -me by your own measure. You know not how much selfishness there is in -what you call my heroism; nor do you know that in the future, a sacred -duty—even more sacred, if that can be, than my country's -glory—has the first and only claim upon me." -</p> - -<p> -"Well, then," said Jean Peuquoy, "you will fulfil that duty as you have -all your other duties! And among the others," he added, lowering his -voice, "there may be an opportunity afforded which will call upon you to -take your revenge at Calais for St. Quentin." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap36"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXVI -<br /><br /> -CONTINUATION OF MASTER ARNAULD DU THILL'S HONORABLE<br /> -NEGOTIATIONS</h4> - -<p> -Let us now leave the young captain and the old burgher to their dreams -of conquest, and return to the squire and the archer settling their -accounts in Lord Grey's house. -</p> - -<p> -The archer, after the two prisoners had taken their leave, asked for his -promised commission from his master, who gave it to him without much -demur, being well-satisfied with the skilful selection his emissary had -made. -</p> - -<p> -Arnauld du Thill, in turn, waited for his share, which, we must do the -Englishman the justice to say, he brought him in good faith. He found -Arnauld in a corner scrawling some fresh lines on the Constable de -Montmorency's endless account, and muttering to himself,— -</p> - -<p> -"For having cleverly arranged to have Vicomte d'Exmès included among -the prisoners of war, and having thus relieved Monseigneur le -Connétable from said viscount for a time—" -</p> - -<p> -"What are you doing there, my friend?" said the archer, seizing him by -the shoulder. -</p> - -<p> -"What am I doing? Making out an account," replied the false -Martin-Guerre. "How does ours stand?" -</p> - -<p> -"Here is what I owe you," said the archer, putting the crowns in -Arnauld's hands, which he proceeded to count very carefully. -"You see that I have kept my promise, and don't regret parting with -the money. You have put me on the track of two unexceptionable -prisoners.—especially your master, who never chaffered or haggled, -but did just the opposite. Old Graybeard made some trouble, to be sure; but -he was not very bad for a citizen, and without your help I have no doubt -I should have fared worse." -</p> - -<p> -"I believe you," said Arnauld, pocketing the coins. -</p> - -<p> -"But come now," said the archer, "our work isn't all done yet. You see -that I am good pay; and you must stir yourself to point out my third -prize now,—the second noble prisoner to whom we are entitled." -</p> - -<p> -"By the mass!" Arnauld replied, "I have nothing more to say, and you -have only to choose." -</p> - -<p> -"I know that very well; and what I want you to do is to help me choose -among all the men and women, old men and children of noble birth, whom -we may lay our hands upon in this good town." -</p> - -<p> -"What!" asked Arnauld, "do women count too?" -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed they do," said the Englishman, "and better than all; and if you -know one who is young and beautiful as well as noble and rich, we shall -have a pretty plum to divide, for Lord Grey will dispose of her at a -large advance to his brother-in-law, Lord Wentworth, who likes female -prisoners much better than male, so far as one can judge." -</p> - -<p> -"Unfortunately I know of none," said Arnauld du Thill. "And yet! but no, -no, it isn't possible." -</p> - -<p> -"Why so, comrade? Are we not masters and victors here! And besides, -nobody but the admiral was exempted by the terms of the capitulation." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true," said Arnauld; "but the fair damsel whom I have in mind must -not come near my master or even see him again; and to keep them in -captivity in the same town would be but a poor way to keep them apart." -</p> - -<p> -"Bah! do you suppose that my Lord Wentworth won't know enough to keep -his pretty bird out of sight, and for himself alone?" asked the archer. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, at Calais," said Arnauld, meditating; "but on the way? My master -will have ample opportunity to see her and speak with her." -</p> - -<p> -"Not if I order otherwise," was the response. "We shall travel in two -sections, one of which will be in advance of the other at least two -hours, consequently there will be ample distance between the knight and -his lady, if that will please you." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, but what will the old constable say?" asked Arnauld, aloud. "If he -knows that I have had a hand in this transaction, he will hang me up at -short notice!" -</p> - -<p> -"Why should he know? Why need any one know?" was the suggestion of the -tempter. "You surely will not be the one to talk about it; and as surely -your money will not tell whence it came—" -</p> - -<p> -"And the money would be forthcoming, eh?" asked Arnauld. -</p> - -<p> -"There will be half of it for you." -</p> - -<p> -"What a pity!" rejoined the squire; "for it would be a handsome sum, I -fancy, and I don't imagine the father would haggle about it." -</p> - -<p> -"Is he a duke or a prince?" asked the archer. -</p> - -<p> -"He is a king, comrade, and is called Henri, the second of that name." -</p> - -<p> -"A daughter of the king here!" cried the Englishman. "Upon my soul, if -you don't tell me at once where I can find the gentle dove, I shall feel -obliged to strangle you, my good fellow! A daughter of the king!" -</p> - -<p> -"And a pearl of beauty too," said Arnauld. -</p> - -<p> -"Oho! My Lord Wentworth will lose his head over her," the archer -replied. "Comrade," he added in a solemn tone, drawing forth his purse, -and opening it before Arnauld's fascinated eyes, "this and its contents -are yours in exchange for the name and abode of the fair one." -</p> - -<p> -"Done!" said Arnauld, unable to resist, and seizing the purse. -</p> - -<p> -"Her name?" asked the archer. -</p> - -<p> -"Diane de Castro, called Sister Bénie." -</p> - -<p> -"And her abode?" -</p> - -<p> -"The Benedictine convent." -</p> - -<p> -"I fly," cried the Englishman, disappearing. -</p> - -<p> -"That's all right," said Arnauld to himself, turning about to seek his -master,—"that's all right; I shall not put this down on the -constable's account." -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap37"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXVII -<br /><br /> -LORD WENTWORTH</h4> - -<p> -Three days later, on the 1st of September, Lord Wentworth, governor of -Calais, having received final instructions from his brother-in-law, Lord -Grey, and having seen him off for England, mounted his horse and rode -back to his hotel, where Gabriel and Jean Peuquoy were then quartered, -as well as Diane, who was in another part of the house. -</p> - -<p> -Madame de Castro had no idea that her lover was so near; and in -conformity with the promise given to Arnauld by Lord Grey's minion, she -had not had the least opportunity of communicating with him after -leaving St. Quentin. -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth offered a most striking contrast to his brother-in-law; -for the former was as affable and approachable and open-handed as the -latter was arrogant and cold and covetous. He was a tall, fine-looking -man, with most refined manners. He was apparently about forty; a few -white hairs were already scattered here and there among his profuse -black locks, which were naturally curly. But his youthful air and the -eager fire in his gray eyes showed that the impetuous passion of a young -man was still dominant within him; and he led as joyous and active a -life as if he were still only twenty. -</p> - -<p> -He went first into the hall where Vicomte d'Exmès and Jean Peuquoy were -awaiting him, and saluted them affably and smilingly as his guests and -not his prisoners. -</p> - -<p> -"Welcome to my house, Monsieur, and you too, Master," said he. "I am -very much indebted to my dear brother-in-law for having brought you -here, Monsieur le Vicomte; and I have double cause to rejoice in the -taking of St. Quentin. Pardon me; but in this gloomy abode of war, where -I am confined, agreeable distractions are of such rare occurrence, and -society is so limited, that I am very happy to find some one from time -to time whom it is a pleasure to converse with; and I fear that my own -selfishness will lead me to wish that your ransom may be delayed as long -as possible." -</p> - -<p> -"It is likely to be delayed longer than I supposed, my Lord," Gabriel -replied. "Lord Grey may have told you that my squire, whom I intended to -send to Paris to bring the money, fell into a dispute <i>en route</i>, -being drunk at the time, with one of the escort, and received a wound in -the head, slight, it is true, but which I fear will detain him at Calais -longer than I hoped." -</p> - -<p> -"So much the worse for the poor fellow, and so much the better for me," -said Lord Wentworth. -</p> - -<p> -"You are too kind, my Lord," said Gabriel, with a sad smile. -</p> - -<p> -"No, indeed; upon my word, there's no kindness about it. True kindness, -no doubt, would move me to allow you to start for Paris yourself at -once, on parole. But I tell you again, I am too selfish and too bored to -think of that; and I have no difficulty, although from different -motives, in entering into the suspicious intentions of my -brother-in-law, who made me solemnly promise not to give you your -liberty except in exchange for a bag of crowns. What do you say? Shall -we be prisoners together, and do our best to sweeten the tedium of -captivity for each other?" -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel bowed without saying a word. He would have liked much better -that Lord Wentworth should have accepted his parole and left him free to -go about his task. But could he, a perfect stranger, expect such -confidence? -</p> - -<p> -He comforted himself a little with the thought that Coligny was probably -with Henri II. at that moment. He had enjoined upon him to report to the -king what he had been able to do toward prolonging the resistance of St. -Quentin. Surely his noble friend could not have failed him! And Henri, -true to his royal word, was perhaps waiting but-for the son's return to -fulfil his promise with regard to the father. -</p> - -<p> -It was not surprising that Gabriel was not altogether able to master his -uneasiness, because of its twofold character; he had not even succeeded -in catching a glimpse of another person equally dear to him before -leaving St. Quentin. So he heartily cursed the mishap that had befallen -that incorrigible drunkard, Martin-Guerre, and was far from sharing Jean -Peuquoy's satisfaction on that point; for the worthy burgher was -secretly delighted to find his mysterious schemes forwarded by this very -delay which caused Gabriel so much sorrow. -</p> - -<p> -Meanwhile Lord Wentworth, not choosing to notice his prisoner's gloomy -distraction, continued,— -</p> - -<p> -"Moreover, Monsieur d'Exmès, I shall do my best not to be too harsh a -jailer; and to prove to you at once that my actions are directed by no -insulting suspicion, I will cheerfully give you permission to go in and -out at your will, and to go wherever you please in the town, if you will -give me your parole that you will not attempt to escape." -</p> - -<p> -At this, Jean Peuquoy could not restrain a movement of unequivocal -satisfaction; and to communicate it to Gabriel, he gave a sharp twitch -at the young man's coat-tail, and thereby considerably surprised him. -</p> - -<p> -"I accept gratefully, my Lord," Gabriel replied to the governor's -courteous offer; "and you have my word of honor that I will not think of -any such attempt." -</p> - -<p> -"That is quite satisfactory, Monsieur," said Lord Wentworth; "and if the -hospitality which it is in my power, and which duty and pleasure prompt -me, to offer you (although my temporary quarters are but ill adapted to -your proper entertainment) seems burdensome and perchance tiresome, why, -you must not feel at all constrained to accept it; rest assured I shall -not take it ill of you in the least if you prefer more free and more -convenient quarters, such as you can easily find in Calais, to the poor -accommodations which I can place at your disposal." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, Monsieur le Vicomte," said Jean Peuquoy, in a tone of entreaty, "if -you would only condescend to accept the best chamber in the house of my -cousin, Pierre Peuquoy the armorer, you would make him very proud, and -you would fill my cup of happiness, I swear to you!" -</p> - -<p> -And the worthy man accompanied these words with a meaning gesture; for -good Peuquoy was all mystery and reticence now, and had become so -obscure as almost to inspire fear. -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, my friend," said Gabriel; "but really, to take advantage of -such permission would be perhaps to abuse it." -</p> - -<p> -"No, I assure you," said Lord Wentworth, warmly, "you are entirely at -liberty to accept this lodging at Pierre Peuquoy's. He is a rich -bourgeois, energetic and skilful at his trade, and the honestest fellow -imaginable. I know him well, for I have often bought arms of him; and he -has a very pretty creature at his house too,—his daughter or his -wife, I am not very clear which." -</p> - -<p> -"His sister, my Lord," said Jean Peuquoy,—"my cousin Babette. Oh, -yes, she is very comely; and if only I were not so old! But the Peuquoys -won't die out after all; Pierre has lost his wife, but she left him two -sturdy boys, who will amuse you, Monsieur le Vicomte, if you choose to -accept my cousin's very cordial hospitality." -</p> - -<p> -"I not only authorize you to accept it, but engage that you will do so," -added Lord Wentworth. -</p> - -<p> -Indeed, Gabriel began to think, and not unreasonably, that the handsome -and courtly governor of Calais was very willing to disencumber himself, -for private reasons, of a companion who would be always in his house, -and who, by virtue of the very freedom that he allowed him, might -interfere with his own. In fact, Lord Wentworth did reason thus; for as -Lord Grey had expressed it elegantly to Arnauld, he preferred female -prisoners to male. -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel no longer had any scruples, and said, turning to Jean Peuquoy -with a smile,— -</p> - -<p> -"Since Lord Wentworth permits me, my friend, I will stay at your -cousin's." -</p> - -<p> -Jean Peuquoy almost leaped for joy. -</p> - -<p> -"Upon my word, I really think that you do very wisely," said Lord -Wentworth. "Not that I should not have been delighted to entertain you -as best I could; but in a house guarded night and day by soldiers, and -where my tedious authority requires me to maintain strict rules, you -might not have found yourself always at your ease, as you will with the -brave armorer. And a young man has need to be at his ease, we all know." -</p> - -<p> -"You seem to know it, at all events," said Gabriel, laughing; "and I can -see that you know the full value of independence." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, indeed I do!" rejoined Lord Wentworth, in the same playful tone; -"I am not yet old enough to despise liberty." -</p> - -<p> -Then, turning to Jean Peuquoy,— -</p> - -<p> -"Do you rely upon your cousin's purse, Master Peuquoy," said he, "in -your own behalf, as you rely upon his house when Monsieur d'Exmès's -welfare is in question? Lord Grey told me that you expected to borrow -the hundred crowns agreed upon for your ransom." -</p> - -<p> -"Whatever Pierre owns belongs to Jean," was the burgher's sententious -reply; "it is always so with the Peuquoys. I was so sure beforehand that -my cousin's house was mine that I have already sent Monsieur d'Exmès's -wounded squire there; and I am so sure too that his purse is as open to -me as his door that I beg you to send one of your people with me to -bring back the sum agreed upon." -</p> - -<p> -"Useless, Master Peuquoy," said Lord Wentworth; "and you also are free -to go on parole. I will come and call upon Vicomte d'Exmès at Pierre -Peuquoy's to-morrow or the next day; and I will select, as an equivalent -of the sum due my brother-in-law, one of the beautiful suits of armor -which your cousin makes so well." -</p> - -<p> -"As you please, my Lord," said Jean. -</p> - -<p> -"Meanwhile, Monsieur d'Exmès," said the governor, "need I say to you -that as often as you choose to knock at my door you will be as welcome -as you are at liberty not to do it at all? I repeat, life is rather dull -at Calais, as you will soon discover, no doubt; and you will enter into -an alliance with me, I trust, against our common enemy, ennui. Your -presence is a very great boon, by which I desire to profit as much as -possible. If you keep away from me, I shall importune you, I give you -fair warning; and remember too, that I only give you a sort of half -liberty, and that the friend ought to bring the prisoner here with him -often." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks, my Lord," said Gabriel; "I accept with gratitude all your -kindness. By way of revenge," he added, smiling; "for war has its sudden -changes, and the friend of to-day may become the enemy of to-morrow." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh," said Lord Wentworth, "I am safe, too safe, alas! behind these -impregnable walls. If the French were fated to recapture Calais, they -would not have waited two hundred years for it. I am quite tranquil -about it; and if it ever falls to your lot to do the honors of Paris to -me, it will be in time of peace, I fancy." -</p> - -<p> -"Let us leave it in God's hands, my Lord," said Gabriel. "Monsieur de -Coligny, whom I have just left, used to say that man's wisest course was -to wait." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true; and meanwhile to live as happily as possible. Apropos, -Monsieur, it has occurred to me that you must be badly off for funds; -you know that my purse is at your disposal." -</p> - -<p> -"Thanks again, my Lord; my own, though not sufficiently well lined to -allow me to pay my ransom on the spot, is at least amply furnished to -defray the cost of my stay here. My only real anxiety, I confess, is -lest your cousin's house, Master Peuquoy, cannot open its doors thus -unexpectedly to three new guests without inconvenience; and in that case -I should much prefer to go in search of another lodging, where for a few -crowns—" -</p> - -<p> -"You are joking," interrupted Jean, eagerly; "for Pierre's house is -large enough, thank God, to hold three whole families, if necessary. In -the provinces they don't build so stingily and in such narrow places as -in Paris." -</p> - -<p> -"Very true," said Lord Wentworth; "and I promise you, Monsieur d'Exmès, -that the armorer's dwelling is not unworthy of a captain. A more -numerous suite than yours could easily be accommodated there; and two -trades might be carried oil under its roof without inconvenience. Was it -not your intention, Master Peuquoy, to settle there and carry on your -occupation of weaving? Lord Grey said something of such a plan, which I -shall be very glad to see carried out." -</p> - -<p> -"And which very possibly will be carried out," said Jean. "If Calais and -St. Quentin are to belong to the same masters, I should prefer to be -near my family." -</p> - -<p> -"Yes," rejoined Lord Wentworth, who misunderstood the meaning of the -cunning burgher's words; "yes, it may be that St. Quentin will be an -English town before long. But I am keeping you," he added; "and after -the fatigues of the journey, you must be in need of rest, Monsieur -d'Exmès. Once more I tell you both you are free. <i>Au revoir</i>; we shall -soon meet again, shall we not?" -</p> - -<p> -He escorted the captain and the burgher to the door, shaking the hand of -one and nodding amicably to the other, and left them to make the best of -their way to the Rue du Martroi. On that street, if our readers -remember, Pierre Peuquoy lived, at the sign of the God Mars, and there -we shall soon find Gabriel and Jean again, if God so wills it. -</p> - -<p> -"Upon my word!" said Lord Wentworth, when he had seen the last of them, -"I believe that I was very shrewd in thus getting rid of having to -entertain Vicomte d'Exmès in my house. He is a gentleman, and has lived -at court; and if he has ever seen the fair prisoner who is in my grasp, -he surely would never cease to remember her. Yes, indeed; for even I, -who have not yet talked with her, was dazzled by her when she merely -passed before me two hours since. How fair she is! I love her! I love -her! Poor heart, so long dumb in this gloomy solitude, how you are -beating now! But this youth, who seems to me so gallant and brave, might -well have interfered unpleasantly, on recognizing his king's daughter, -in the relations which I calculate upon establishing with Madame Diane. -The presence of a fellow-countryman, perhaps a friend, would no doubt -have delayed Madame de Castro's avowals, or encouraged her in her -refusal. Let us have no third party in our affairs. Even if I have no -disposition to have recourse in all this to means unworthy of myself, it -is unnecessary for me to create obstacles." -</p> - -<p> -He struck a peculiar stroke upon a bell. In a moment a lady's maid -appeared. -</p> - -<p> -"Jane," said Lord Wentworth, in English, "have you offered your services -to this lady, as I told you?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, my Lord." -</p> - -<p> -"How is she now, Jane?" -</p> - -<p> -"She appears sad, my Lord, but not overwhelmed. She has a proud look, -and speaks firmly, and gives her orders mildly, but as if she were used -to being obeyed." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well," said the governor. "Has she partaken of the refreshment -which you put before her?" -</p> - -<p> -"She has scarcely touched a piece of fruit, my Lord; under the confident -air that she affects, it is not difficult to detect a good deal of -anxiety and suffering." -</p> - -<p> -"That will do, Jane," said Lord Wentworth. "Go you back to the lady, and -ask her in my name—in the name of Lord Wentworth, governor of Calais, -on whom Lord Grey's rights have devolved—if she is willing to receive -me. Go, and come back at once." -</p> - -<p> -In a few minutes, which seemed ages to Lord Wentworth, the maid -reappeared. -</p> - -<p> -"Well?" he asked. -</p> - -<p> -"Well, my Lord," Jane replied, "the lady not only consents, but desires -to see you at once." -</p> - -<p> -"Indeed! everything goes as well as possible," said Lord Wentworth to -himself. -</p> - -<p> -"But she has kept old Mary with her," added Jane, "and told me to come -right back again." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well, Jane, go. She must be obeyed in everything, you understand. -Go, and say that I am but a moment behind you." -</p> - -<p> -Jane went out; and Lord Wentworth, with his heart beating like a lover -of twenty, began to mount the stairs which led to Diane de Castro's -apartments. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, what bliss!" he said. "I love her! And she whom I love, a king's -daughter too, is in my power!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap38"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXVIII -<br /><br /> -THE AMOROUS JAILER</h4> - -<p> -Diane de Castro received Lord Wentworth with the calm and modest dignity -which lent an irresistible potency and charm to her angelic expression -and her lovely features. Beneath her apparent calmness there was, -however, much anguish of mind; and the poor girl trembled inwardly as -she acknowledged the governor's salutation, and with a queenly gesture -motioned him to take his seat on a couch a few paces away from her. -</p> - -<p> -Then she signed to the two maids, who were apparently preparing to -withdraw, to remain in the room; and as Lord Wentworth, lost in -admiration, said nothing, she determined to break the silence herself. -</p> - -<p> -"It is to Lord Wentworth, governor of Calais, that I am speaking, I -believe?" said she. -</p> - -<p> -"Lord Wentworth, Madame, your obedient servant, awaits your commands." -</p> - -<p> -"My commands!" She repeated his words bitterly. "Oh, my Lord, do not say -so, or I must think that you mock me! If my prayers and my -supplications, in no sense commands, had been listened to, I should not -be here. You know who I am, my Lord, and of what family?" -</p> - -<p> -"I know, Madame, that you are Madame de Castro, the beloved daughter of -King Henri II." -</p> - -<p> -"Why, then, have I been made a prisoner?" asked Diane, whose voice -faltered rather than became stronger as she put the question. -</p> - -<p> -"For the very reason that you were a king's daughter, Madame," Wentworth -replied; "because by the terms of the capitulation agreed to by Admiral -de Coligny, it was stipulated that fifty prisoners should be placed in -the hands of the victors, to be selected by them from all ranks, and of -any age or either sex, and because they very naturally chose the most -illustrious, the most dangerous, and if you will permit me to say so, -those who could afford to pay the heaviest ransom." -</p> - -<p> -"But how was it known," Diane rejoined, "that I was in hiding at St. -Quentin under the name and in the garb of a Benedictine nun? Besides the -superior of the convent, only one person in the whole town knew my -secret." -</p> - -<p> -"Very well! then it must have been that person who betrayed -you,—that's all," said Lord Wentworth. -</p> - -<p> -"Oh, no, indeed; I am sure it was not!" cried Diane, with such earnest -conviction that Lord Wentworth felt stung to the heart by jealousy, and -could find nothing to say in reply. -</p> - -<p> -"It was the day after the capitulation of St. Quentin," continued Diane, -with renewed animation. "I had fled for refuge, trembling and afraid, to -the inmost corner of my cell. Some one in the parlor asked for Sister -Bénie, which was my name as a novice, my Lord. It was an English -soldier who inquired for me. I dreaded some misfortune, some terrible -news. Nevertheless, I went down to the parlor, a prey to that dreadful -curiosity which makes us even in our suffering so anxious to ascertain -what causes our tears to flow. The archer, whom I had never seen before, -announced that I was his prisoner. I was indignant and resisted; but -what could I do against force? There were three of them; yes, my Lord, -three soldiers to arrest one poor woman. I ask your pardon if this hurts -you; but I am simply telling you what happened. These men seized me, and -called upon me to confess that I was Diane de Castro, daughter of the -King of France. I denied it at first; but as they were dragging me away, -despite my denials, I asked to be taken to Monsieur l'Amiral de Coligny; -and as the admiral did not know Sister Bénie, I avowed that I was she -whom they named. Perhaps you believe, my Lord, that upon my avowal they -yielded to my prayer and granted me the very simple favor of being taken -to Monsieur l'Amiral, who would have recognized me and demanded my -freedom! By no means! They simply exulted over their capture, pushed and -dragged me along more quickly, and put me, or rather threw me, weeping -and in despair, into a closed litter; and when, almost suffocated with -sobs, and utterly overcome with grief, I nevertheless made an effort to -learn whither I was being taken, I had already left St. Quentin and was -on the road to Calais. Then Lord Grey, who, I was told, was in command -of the escort, refused to listen to me; and I learned from a common -soldier that I was his master's prisoner, and was being taken to Calais -pending the payment of my ransom. Without any further information than -that, I was brought here, my Lord." -</p> - -<p> -"Unfortunately I can add nothing more, Madame," responded Lord -Wentworth, thoughtfully. -</p> - -<p> -"Nothing, my Lord!" continued Diane. "You cannot tell me why I was not -allowed to speak to the superior of the Benedictines, nor to Monsieur -l'Amiral! You cannot tell me for what purpose I am wanted, pray, when I -was not allowed to go near those who might have announced my captivity -to the king, and have sent the amount of the ransom you demand from -Paris! Why this sort of secret abduction! Why was I not allowed even to -see Lord Grey, who gave orders for all this, as I was informed?" -</p> - -<p> -"You did see Lord Grey, Madame, a short time ago, when you passed us. It -was he with whom I was talking, and who saluted you when I did." -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me, my Lord; I knew not in whose presence I was," said Diane. -"But since you have talked with Lord Grey, who is your kinsman, so this -maid informs me, he must have informed you of his intentions toward me." -</p> - -<p> -"In fact, Madame, before taking ship for England, he did explain them to -me,—indeed, he was just doing so when you were being escorted to this -house. He informed me that you had been mentioned to him at St. Quentin -as being the king's daughter; and that having three prisoners allotted -to him for his share, he had eagerly seized upon so valuable a prize -without notifying a soul, thus avoiding all dispute. His simple object -was to get the largest possible ransom for you, Madame; and I was -jokingly applauding my covetous brother-in-law when you passed through -the room where we were talking. I saw you, Madame; and I at once -realized that if you were the king's daughter by right of birth, you -were a very queen by right of loveliness. From that moment, to my shame -be it said, I entirely changed my opinion as to Lord Grey's plans for -the future at least, if not as to what he had already done. Yes; and I -no longer approved his design of holding you to ransom. I urged upon him -that we might hope for much greater things,—that England and France -being at war, you might be very useful as an exchange for some important -prisoner, and that you might even be worth a town. In short, I at last -persuaded him not to abandon so rich a prize for a few paltry crowns. -You are at Calais,—a town that belongs to us, and is impregnable; we -must therefore keep you in our hands and wait." -</p> - -<p> -"What!" exclaimed Diane. "You gave Lord Grey such advice as that, and -boast about it to my face! Oh, my Lord, why did you thus set yourself -against my being set at liberty? What had I ever done to you? You had -seen me only for a moment. Did you hate me, pray?" -</p> - -<p> -"I had seen you for but one moment, and I loved you, Madame," said Lord -Wentworth, desperately. -</p> - -<p> -Diane recoiled, shuddering and turning pale. -</p> - -<p> -"Jane! Mary!" she cried, calling the two attendants, who were standing -apart in the embrasure of a window. -</p> - -<p> -But Wentworth made an imperious sign to them, and they did not stir. -Then he continued, sighing sadly,— -</p> - -<p> -"Be not alarmed, Madame. I am a gentleman; and it is not you, but I, who -should fear and tremble. Yes, I love you, and could no longer refrain -from telling you so; yes, when I saw you pass, so sweet and lovely, and -so like a goddess, my whole heart went out to you. Yes, besides, you are -in my power here; and I have but to raise my hand to be obeyed. But -never mind; fear nothing, for I am more in your power, alas! than you -are in mine; and of the two, you are not the real prisoner. You are the -queen, Madame, and I your faithful slave. Command, and I obey." -</p> - -<p> -"Then, Monsieur," said Diane, with palpitating heart, "send me back to -Paris, whence I will send you such sum by way of ransom as you choose to -name." -</p> - -<p> -Lord Wentworth hesitated a moment before he replied,— -</p> - -<p> -"Anything but that, Madame: for I feel that sacrifice is beyond my -strength. I tell you that one glance from your eyes has bound my life to -yours forever! Here, in this place of banishment where I am caged up, it -is long since my ardent heart has entertained a passion worthy of -itself. As soon as I saw you, so beautiful and noble and proud, I felt -that all the stored-up energy of ray soul had henceforth an object and -an end. I have loved you for but two hours; but if you knew me, you -would know that it is as if I had loved you ten years." -</p> - -<p> -"But in Heaven's name, what is your wish, my Lord?" said Diane. "What do -you hope for? What do you expect? What is your purpose?" -</p> - -<p> -"I wish to see you, Madame, and to revel in your lovely and fascinating -presence,—that is all. Do not for a moment suspect me of designs -unworthy a gentleman. But it is my right, my blessed right, to keep you -near me; and I profit by it." -</p> - -<p> -"And do you suppose, my Lord," said Madame de Castro, "that such -violence will drive my heart into responding to yours?" -</p> - -<p> -"I do not suppose so," said Lord Wentworth, gently; "but when you see -from day to day how submissive I am, and how respectful, and how eagerly -I come to learn of your welfare, and to be able to feast my eyes upon -you for a moment, perhaps you will be touched by the resignation of one -who begs where he might command." -</p> - -<p> -"And then the daughter of France, moved to pity, would become the -mistress of Lord Wentworth?" was Diane's rejoinder, with a contemptuous -smile. -</p> - -<p> -"Then," responded the governor, "Lord Wentworth, the last scion of one -of the wealthiest and most illustrious families in England, on his knees -will offer his name and his life to Madame de Castro. My passion, you -see, is as honorable as it is sincere." -</p> - -<p> -"Is he ambitious, I wonder?" thought Diane. -</p> - -<p> -"Listen, my Lord," she rejoined aloud, trying to force a smile. "I -advise you to let me go, and send me to my father the king; and I will -not consider myself out of your debt by the mere payment of a ransom. -When the war between the two countries is at an end, as it must be -sooner or later, if I cannot give you myself, I will at least obtain for -you,—I give you my word,—as many, yes, more and greater, honors -and dignities than you could hope for if you were my husband. Be generous, -my Lord, and my gratitude shall be yours." -</p> - -<p> -"I divine your thoughts, Madame," said Wentworth, bitterly; "but I am -more disinterested than you think, and more ambitious as well. Of all -the treasures in the whole universe, I hope only for you." -</p> - -<p> -"One word more, then, my Lord, which you will perhaps understand -better," said Diane, embarrassed but proud at the same time. "I am -beloved by another, my Lord." -</p> - -<p> -"And do you suppose I am going to deliver you to this rival by letting -you go?" cried Wentworth, fairly beside himself. "No! he shall at least -be as wretched as I,—more wretched, indeed, for he cannot see you, -Madame. From this day only three events can deliver you: either my -death,—and I am still young and vigorous; or peace between France -and England,—but wars between those countries usually last a -hundred years, as you know; or the taking of Calais,—but Calais is -impregnable. In default of the occurrence of one of these three almost -hopeless events, I fancy you will be my prisoner for a long time; for I -have purchased all Lord Grey's rights over you, and I would not receive -a ransom for you, even though it were an empire! As for flight, it will -be better for you not to think of it; for I shall watch you, and you -will see what a careful and cautious jailer a man makes who is in love." -</p> - -<p> -With these words Lord Wentworth bowed low and withdrew, leaving Diane a -prey to bitter despair. -</p> - -<p> -Her only consolation, and that but a slight one, lay in the reflection -that death was a sure refuge, which was always open for the unfortunate -when danger was at its height. -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4><a id="chap39"></a></h4> - -<h4>CHAPTER XXXIX -<br /><br /> -THE ARMORER'S HOUSE</h4> - -<p> -Pierre Peuquoy's house was located at the corner of the Rue du Martroi -and the market-place. On both sides it stood upon broad wooden pillars, -such as are still to be seen in the Central Market at Paris. It had two -stories, besides one in the roof. On its front wood and brick and stone -were arranged in curious arabesques which were symmetrical, though they -seemed to have been formed at hazard. In addition the supports of the -windows and the great beams showed extraordinary figures of animals -twisted into all sorts of amusing shapes. The whole was homely and -unpretentious, but not devoid of invention and taste. The broad, high -roof projected sufficiently to afford a covering for an outside gallery -with a railing, which extended around the whole second floor as in Swiss -châlets. -</p> - -<p> -Above the glass door of the shop hung the sign, a sort of wooden banner, -so to speak, upon which was a warrior, painted in all the panoply of -war, to represent the God Mars, in which undertaking he was assisted no -doubt by the following inscription: "Au Dieu Mars. Pierre Peuquoy, -Armurier." -</p> - -<p> -On the doorstep stood a complete suit of armor, helmet, breastplate, -armlets, and leggings, which served as a realistic sign to such -customers as were unable to read. -</p> - -<p> -Moreover, through the leaded panes of the shop-front, other outfits and -arms of all sorts, offensive and defensive, could be distinguished, -notwithstanding the darkness of the interior. The display of swords, -above all, was remarkable for the number and variety and magnificence of -the specimens. -</p> - -<p> -Two apprentices, seated under the pillars, were hailing the passers-by, -and making most enticing offers of their wares. -</p> - -<p> -Pierre Peuquoy himself was commonly to be found in all his majesty -either in his back shop, which looked out on the courtyard, or at his -forge, which was set up in a shed at the end of the courtyard. He only -appeared when some customer of importance, attracted by the cries of the -apprentices, or it may be by Peuquoy's reputation, asked to see the -master. -</p> - -<p> -The back shop, which was better lighted than the one in front, served as -parlor and dining-room in one. It was wainscoted in oak throughout, and -had for furniture a square table with twisted feet, chairs covered with -tapestry, and a superb chest of drawers on which was Pierre Peuquoy's -chef d'œuvre, executed by himself under his father's eye, when he had -served his apprenticeship; it was a beautiful miniature suit of armor, -all inlaid with gold, and of the finest and most delicate workmanship. -No one could imagine the amount of skill and patience necessary to -perfect such a work of art. -</p> - -<p> -Opposite the chest, in a niche in the wainscot, stood a plaster image of -the Virgin with a consecrated box. Thus the thought of God was always on -guard in the family's living-room. -</p> - -<p> -Another room at right angles to this was almost wholly occupied by a -straight wooden stairway which led to the floors above. -</p> - -<p> -Pierre Peuquoy, delighted beyond measure to receive Vicomte d'Exmès and -Jean beneath his roof, had actually given up the whole first floor to -Gabriel and his cousin; so that there were the guest-chambers. He -himself occupied the second floor with his young sister Babette and his -children. The wounded squire, Arnauld du Thill, was also accommodated on -the second floor; while the apprentices lodged in the attic. In all the -rooms, which were convenient and snug, there was an air, if not of -wealth, at least of comfort and modest abundance suited to the -old-fashioned citizen of every age. -</p> - -<p> -It is at table that we renew our acquaintance with Gabriel and Jean -Peuquoy, just as their worthy host has finished doing the honors of a -bountiful supper. Babette was waiting upon the guests; and the children -were seated at a respectful distance from their elders. -</p> - -<p> -"Great Heaven, Monseigneur," said the armorer, "how little you eat, if -you will allow me to say so! You are all anxiety, and Jean is lost in -thought; but if the repast is but modest, the heart that offers it is in -the right place. At least, have a few of these grapes, for they are very -scarce in our country. I learned from my grand-father, who had it from -his, that in old days, when the French were masters here, the vineyards -of Calais yielded bountifully, and the grapes were golden; but alas! -since the town has been English, the grape deceives itself by fancying -that it is in England, where it isn't accustomed to grow ripe." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel could but smile at the strange reasoning in which brave Pierre's -patriotism found vent. -</p> - -<p> -"Come," said he, raising his glass, "I drink to the ripening of the -grapes of Calais!" -</p> - -<p> -We may readily believe that the Peuquoys responded warmly to such a -toast! Supper at an end, Pierre offered thanks while his guests -listened, standing bareheaded. Then the children were sent to bed. -</p> - -<p> -"Now you may retire, Babette," said the armorer to his sister. "See that -the apprentices don't make too much noise; and before you go to your -room, go with Gertrude and inquire if Monsieur le Vicomte's squire is in -need of aught." -</p> - -<p> -Pretty Babette blushed, and left the room with a courtesy. -</p> - -<p> -"Now, my dear friend and cousin," said Pierre to Jean, "here we are -alone, we three; and if you have any private communication to make to -me, I am ready to hear it." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel looked at Jean in amazement, but he replied with his most -serious expression,— -</p> - -<p> -"I did tell you, Pierre, that I had some matters of importance to talk -over with you." -</p> - -<p> -"I will withdraw," said Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Pardon me, Monsieur le Vicomte," said Jean, "your presence at our -interview is not only useful, but necessary; for without your -concurrence the projects which I am about to confide to Pierre will have -no chance of success." -</p> - -<p> -"I will listen to you in that case, my friend," said Gabriel, relapsing -into his dreamy melancholy. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, Monseigneur," said the bourgeois, "yes, listen to us; and as you -listen, you will raise your head once more with hope, and perhaps (who -knows?) with joy." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel smiled mournfully at the thought that joy would be an unknown -friend to him while he remained powerless to do aught to obtain his -father's liberty or to make clear his right to Diane's love. -Nevertheless, the brave youth turned toward Jean, and motioned to him to -proceed. -</p> - -<p> -Then Jean looked gravely at Pierre. -</p> - -<p> -"Cousin," said he, "and more than cousin,—brother,—it is for -you to speak first, in order to show Monsieur d'Exmès what reliance may be -placed upon your patriotism. So tell us, Pierre, in what sentiments -toward France your father brought you up, and was himself reared by his -father. Tell us whether you have ever become English at heart, even -though you have been English by force of events for above two hundred -years. Tell us, last of all, whether if the emergency should arise, you -would consider that you owed your blood and your assistance to the old -country of your ancestors, or to the new allegiance which has been -forced upon you." -</p> - -<p> -"Jean," replied the other bourgeois, with as solemn a mien as his -cousin, "I do not know what I should think or how I should feel if I -bore an English name, and came of English stock; but I do know by -experience that when a family has once been French, whether for a moment -only or for more than two centuries, every other domination becomes -insupportable to the members of that family, and seems to them as hard -and bitter as slavery or banishment; furthermore, that one of my -forefathers, Jean, who saw Calais fall into English hands, never spoke -of France before his son without weeping, or of England without bitter -hate. His son did the same with his own son; and this twofold sentiment -of regret and detestation has been handed down from generation to -generation without losing any of its strength or changing its form. The -air of our old bourgeois houses is a great preservative. The Pierre -Peuquoy of two centuries ago lives again in the Pierre Peuquoy of -to-day; and with the same French name, I have the same French heart, -Jean. The insult as well as the grief is as of yesterday. Say not that I -have two countries, Jean; there is, and there can ever be, but one! And -if the time comes when I must choose between the country to which men -have made me submit and the country which God has given me, be sure that -I shall not hesitate." -</p> - -<p> -"You hear, Monseigneur!" cried Jean, turning to Vicomte d'Exmès. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, my friend, yes, I hear; and it is grand, it is noble!" was -Gabriel's reply, albeit he seemed still a little distraught. -</p> - -<p> -"One word, Pierre," said Jean; "unfortunately all our fellow-countrymen -here do not think with you, do they? No doubt you are the only child of -France to be found in Calais at the end of two hundred years, who has -not turned his back upon his mother-country." -</p> - -<p> -"You are wrong, Jean," replied the armorer; "I spoke in general, and not -for myself alone. I do not say that every one who bears a French name, -as I do, has not forgotten his origin; but many bourgeois families never -have ceased to love France, and deeply regret their separation from her; -and it is among these families that the Peuquoys like to select their -wives. In the civic guard, of which I am a member against my will, there -is many a citizen who would break his halberd in twain rather than turn -it against a French soldier." -</p> - -<p> -"That's a very good thing to know," muttered Jean Peuquoy, rubbing his -hands; "and you must hold some rank in this same civic guard? So well -thought of and respected as you are, that goes without saying." -</p> - -<p> -"No, Jean; I have persistently refused all rank, so as to avoid all -responsibility." -</p> - -<p> -"So much the worse, and yet so much the better! Is the duty you have to -perform a hard one, Pierre? And does your turn come often?" -</p> - -<p> -"Well, yes," said Pierre, "the service is both frequent and hard, -because in a place like Calais, the garrison is never large enough. My -turn comes the 5th of every month." -</p> - -<p> -"The 5th of every month regularly, Pierre? It seems to me that the -English are not prudent to fix every man's day of service in advance." -</p> - -<p> -"Oh," said the armorer, shaking his head, "there is not much danger -after holding the place for two centuries. Besides, they can't help -being a little suspicious at all times of the civic guard, and take care -to station them only at points which are naturally impregnable; for -instance, I always do sentry duty on the platform of the Octagonal -Tower, which is much more efficiently protected by the sea than by me, -and where none but sea-gulls can approach, I think." -</p> - -<p> -"Aha! so you are always on sentry duty on the platform of the -Octagonal Tower on the 5th of the month, Pierre?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes; from four to six in the morning. I was allowed to select my own -time, and I prefer that because during three fourths of the year I can -see the sun rise out of the ocean at that hour; and that is a divine -spectacle even for a poor trader like myself." -</p> - -<p> -"A spectacle so divine, in fact, Pierre," said Jean Peuquoy, lowering -his voice, "that if, despite the strength of the position, some bold -adventurer should try to scale the side of your Octagonal Tower, you -would not see him, I'll wager, so deeply absorbed would you be in -contemplating it." -</p> - -<p> -Pierre looked wonderingly at his cousin. -</p> - -<p> -"I should not see him, to be sure," he replied after a moment's -hesitation, "for I should know that no one but a Frenchman could have -any interest in getting into the city; and since I am under constraint, -I have no duty toward those who constrain me,—in tact, rather than -repulse the assailant, I might perhaps assist him to get in." -</p> - -<p> -"Well said, Pierre!" cried Jean. "You see, Monseigneur, that Pierre is a -devoted Frenchman," he added, addressing Gabriel. -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, indeed I do, Master," replied the latter, still paying little heed -in spite of himself to an interview which seemed to him of no use. "I -see that he is; but alas! what is the good of his devotion?" -</p> - -<p> -"What good? I am going to tell you," was Jean's response; "for I think -it is my turn now to speak. Well, then, Monsieur le Vicomte, if you -choose, we can take our revenge for St. Quentin here at Calais. The -English, relying upon their two centuries of possession, are slumbering -in false security; this sleepy confidence will be their ruin. -Monseigneur can see that we have auxiliaries within the town always -ready. Let us carefully mature plans; let your intervention with the -powers that he come to our aid, and my reason, even more surely than my -instinct, tells me that a bold stroke will make us masters of the town. -You understand me, do you not, Monseigneur?" -</p> - -<p> -"Yes, yes, to be sure!" Gabriel replied, having actually heard nothing, -but being aroused by this direct appeal from his revery. "Yes, your -cousin wishes to return, does he not, to our fair kingdom of -France,—to be transferred to some French town, Amiens, for -instance? Very well; I will speak to my Lord Wentworth about it, and to -Monsieur de Guise as well. The thing may easily be arranged; and my -assistance, which you request, shall not fail you. Go on, my friend; I -am quite at your service. Certainly I am listening." -</p> - -<p> -And again he relapsed into his omnipotent distraction. For the voice he -was listening to at that moment was not, in truth, Jean Peuquoy's; no, -it was the voice of King Henri in his own heart, giving the order, upon -hearing the admiral's account of the siege of St. Quentin, to release -the Comte de Montgommery on the spot. Again, it was the voice of his -father, proving to him (for he was still gloomy and jealous) that Diane -was indeed the daughter of his becrowned rival. Finally, it was the -voice of Diane herself, which, after so many bitter trials, was able to -say to him, and which he could hear give forth those divine words of -sweetest meaning, "Truly I love you!" -</p> - -<p> -It is easy to understand that while dreaming such delightful dreams as -these, he could hardly listen to the daring and confident schemes of the -worthy Jean. -</p> - -<p> -The solemn burgher appeared somewhat hurt that Gabriel had vouchsafed so -little attention to a scheme which certainly did not lack grandeur and -courage, and it was with some chagrin that he rejoined. -</p> - -<p> -"If Monseigneur had condescended to lend a somewhat less preoccupied ear -to what I was saying, he would have noticed that our ideas, Pierre's and -mine, were not so personal and less contemptible than he seems to think -them." -</p> - -<p> -Gabriel made no response. -</p> - -<p> -"He does not hear us, Jean," said Pierre Peuquoy, calling his cousin's -attention to the fresh absorption of his guest. "Perhaps he has some -plan, some personal passion of his own." -</p> - -<p> -"At all events, his cannot be less selfish than ours," retorted Jean, in -a tone not free from bitterness. "I should even say that this gentleman -was indeed selfish had I not seen him defying danger with a sort of -fury, and actually exposing his life too, to save mine; still, he ought -to have listened when I was earnestly looking for the glory and welfare -of our common country. Without him, however, with all our zealous ardor, -we shall be only helpless tools, Pierre. So far we possess the right -feeling! We lack brain and power." -</p> - -<p> -"Never mind! the sentiment is a good one, for I heard it and understood -it, brother," said the armorer. -</p> - -<p> -And the two cousins solemnly grasped each other's hands. -</p> - -<p> -"Meanwhile, we must give up our idea, or at least postpone trying to -carry it out," said Jean; "for what can the arm do without the head, or -the people without the nobility?" -</p> - -<p> -And then this burgher of the olden time added with a meaning smile,— -</p> - -<p> -"Until the day when the people shall be the arm and the head at once!" -</p> - -<p><br /><br /><br /></p> - -<h4>END OF VOL. 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