"That report is mistaken; I have not yet consented."

"But your mind is made up?"

"That is to say, I am deliberating. When one is twenty and almost a
king, _ventre saint gris_! there are many things well worth a mass."

"And among other things life, for instance!"

Henry could not repress a fleeting smile.

"You do not tell me your whole thought," said Marguerite.

"I have reservations for my allies, madame; and you know we are but
allies as yet; if indeed you were both my ally--and"--

"And your wife, sire?"

"Faith! yes, and my wife"--

"What then?"

"Why, then, it might be different, and I perhaps might resolve to remain
King of the Huguenots, as they call me. But as it is, I must be content
to live."

Marguerite looked at Henry in such a peculiar manner that it would have
awakened suspicion in a less acute mind than his.

"And are you quite sure of succeeding even in that?" she asked.

"Why, almost; but you know, in this world nothing is certain."

"It is true," replied Marguerite, "your majesty shows such moderation
and professes such disinterestedness, that after having renounced your
crown, after having renounced your religion, you will probably renounce
your alliance with a daughter of France; at least this is hoped for."

These words bore a significance which sent a thrill through Henry's
whole frame; but instantaneously repressing the emotion, he said:

"Deign to recollect, madame, that at this moment I am not my own master;
I shall therefore do what the King of France orders me. If I were
consulted the least in the world on this question, affecting as it does
my throne, my honor, and my life, rather than build my future on this
forced marriage of ours, I should prefer to enter a monastery or turn
gamekeeper."

This calm resignation, this renunciation of the world, alarmed
Marguerite. She thought perhaps this rupture of the marriage had been
agreed upon by Charles IX., Catharine, and the King of Navarre. Why
should she not be taken as a dupe or a victim? Because she was sister of
the one and daughter of the other? Experience had taught her that this
relationship gave her no ground on which to build her security.

So ambition was gnawing at this young woman's, or rather this young
queen's heart, and she was too far above vulgar frailties to be drawn
into any selfish meanness; in the case of every woman, however mediocre
she may be, when she loves her love has none of these petty trials