stand it because they wished to appear as though they did.

Marguerite made a gracious courtesy to the gallant Sarmatian; then
fixing her eyes on De Mouy, began her reply in these words:

"_Quod nunc hac in aula insperati adestis exultaremus, ego et
conjux, nisi ideo immineret calamitas, scilicet non solum fratris
sed etiam amici orbitas._"[15]

These words had a double meaning, and, while intended for De Mouy, were
apparently addressed to Henry of Anjou. The latter, therefore, bowed in
token of gratitude.

Charles did not remember having read this sentence in the address which
had been submitted to him some days before; but he attached no
importance to Marguerite's words, which he knew were merely
conventional. Besides, he understood Latin very imperfectly.

Marguerite continued:

"_Adeo dolemur a te dividi ut tecum proficisci maluissemus. Sed
idem fatum quo nunc sine ulla mora Lutetia cedere juberis, hac in
urbe detinet. Proficiscere ergo, frater; proficiscere, amice;
proficiscere sine nobis; proficiscentem sequuntur spes et desideria
nostra._"[16]

It may easily be imagined that De Mouy listened with the closest
attention to these words which, although addressed to the ambassadors,
were intended for him alone. Two or three times Henry had glanced
indifferently over his shoulder to intimate to the young Huguenot that
D'Alencon had refused; but the act, which appeared involuntary, would
have been insufficient for De Mouy, had not Marguerite's words confirmed
it.

While looking at Marguerite and listening with his whole soul, his
piercing black eyes beneath their gray brows struck Catharine, who
started as if she had had a shock of electricity, and who did not remove
her eyes from him.

"What a strange face!" thought she, continuing to change her expression
according as the ceremony required it. "Who is this man who watches
Marguerite so attentively and whom Marguerite and Henry on their part
look at so earnestly?"

The Queen of Navarre went on with her address, which from that point was
a reply to the courtesies of the Polish ambassador. While Catharine was
racking her brain to discover the name of this fine old man the master
of ceremonies came up behind her and handed her a perfumed satin bag
containing a folded paper. She opened the bag, drew out the paper, and
read these words:

"_By the aid of a cordial which I have just administered to him
Maurevel