e Louvre, and word was brought to the Queen
of Navarre that Madame la Duchesse de Nevers begged the honor of an
audience. Marguerite was receiving a call from Madame de Sauve. It was
the first time the beautiful baroness had been out since her pretended
illness. She knew that the queen had expressed to her husband great
anxiety on account of her indisposition, which for almost a week had
been court gossip, and she had come to thank her.

Marguerite congratulated her on her convalescence and on her good
fortune at having recovered so quickly from the strange malady, the
seriousness of which as a daughter of France she could not fail to
appreciate.

"I trust you will attend the hunt, already once postponed," said
Marguerite. "It is planned positively for to-morrow. For winter, the
weather is very mild. The sun has softened the earth, and the hunters
all say that the day will be fine."

"But, madame," said the baroness, "I do not know if I shall be strong
enough."

"Bah!" exclaimed Marguerite, "make an effort; moreover, since I am one
of the hunters, I have told the King to reserve a small Bearnese horse
which I was to ride, but which will carry you perfectly. Have you not
already heard of it?"

"Yes, madame, but I did not know that it was meant for your majesty. Had
I known that I should not have accepted it."

"From a feeling of pride, baroness?"

"No, madame, from a feeling of humility, on the contrary."

"Then you will come?"

"Your majesty overwhelms me with honor. I will come, since you command
me."

At that moment Madame la Duchesse de Nevers was announced. At this name
Marguerite gave a cry of such delight that the baroness understood that
the two women wanted to talk together. She rose to leave.

"Until to-morrow, then," said Marguerite.

"Until to-morrow, madame."

"By the way," continued Marguerite holding the baroness by the hand,
"you know that in public I hate you, for I am horribly jealous of you."

"But in private?" asked Madame de Sauve.

"Oh! in private, not only do I forgive you, but more than that, I thank
you."

"Then your majesty will permit me"--

Marguerite held out her hand, the baroness kissed it respectfully, made
a low courtesy and went out.

While Madame de Sauve ascended her stairway, bounding like a deer whose
tether has been broken, Madame de Nevers was exchanging a few formal
words with the queen, which gave time to the gentlemen who had
accompanied her to retire.