istened and he heard! You admit it yourself, De Mouy, tactless
conspirator that you are! Had I said one word you would have been lost,
for I did not know, I merely suspected that he was there, or if not he,
someone else, the Duc d'Anjou, Charles IX., or the queen mother, for
instance. You do not know the walls of the Louvre, De Mouy; it was for
them that the proverb was made which says that walls have ears; and
knowing these walls you expected me to speak! Well, well, De Mouy, you
pay a small compliment to the common sense of the King of Navarre, and I
am surprised that not esteeming him more highly you should have offered
him a crown."

"But, sire," said De Mouy, "could you not even while refusing this crown
have given me some sign? In that case I should not have considered
everything hopeless and lost."

"Well! _Ventre saint gris!_" exclaimed Henry, "if one can hear cannot
one see also? and is not one lost by a sign as much as by a word? See,
De Mouy," continued the king, looking around him, "at the present
moment, so near to you that my words do not reach beyond the circle of
our three chairs, I still fear I may be overheard when I say: De Mouy,
repeat your proposal to me."

"But, sire," cried De Mouy in despair, "I am now engaged with Monsieur
d'Alencon."

Marguerite angrily clasped and unclasped her beautiful hands.

"Then it is too late?" said she.

"On the contrary," murmured Henry, "know that even in this, God's hand
is visible. Continue your arrangement, De Mouy, for in Duc Francois lies
our safety. Do you suppose that the King of Navarre would guarantee
your heads? On the contrary, wretched man, I should have you all killed
to the last one, and on the least suspicion. But with a son of France it
is different. Secure proofs, De Mouy, ask for guarantees; but, stupid
that you are, you will be deeply involved, and one word will suffice for
you."

"Oh, sire, it was my despair at your having left us, believe me, which
threw me into the arms of the duke; it was also the fear of being
betrayed, for he kept our secret."

"Keep his, now, De Mouy; it rests with you. What does he wish? To leave
court? Furnish him with means to escape. Work for him, De Mouy, as if
you were working for me, turn the shield so that he may parry every blow
they aim at us. When it is time to flee, we will both flee. When it is
time to fight and reign, I will reign alone."

"Do not trust the duke," said Marguerite, "he is gloomy and a