On the entrance of the king, who was ceremoniously announced by the chamberlain, Bourbon, aided by his physician, arose, and bowing, thanked his majesty for his gracious visit.
I am sorry to find you so unwell, cousin, replied the king, regarding him as closely as the gloom of the chamber would permit, and coming to the conclusion that his illness was simulated.
Bourbon bore the scrutiny without embarrassment.
The saints be praised that your majesty has come at a time when the fit has just left me, he said, and when I am secure from the attack lor a few hours. But I am greatly prostrated, he added, feebly greatly prostrated.
The king bade him be seated, adding, that he desired to confer with him in private, whereupon Bourbon signed to his attendants to withdraw.
Before quitting the chamber, Jean de lHôpital observed, in an undertone to the king, His highness has been dangerously ill, sire, and is not yet out of danger.
Then making an obeisance, he retired.
The chamberlain having placed a chair for the king near Bourbons couch, likewise bowed and withdrew.
After glancing round to make sure they were quite alone, François said,
I will deal plainly with you, cousin. Some disclosures have been made to me respecting your practices which I would willingly not believe, and before taking any steps to ascertain the truth of the reports, I have resolved to give you an opportunity of explanation.
My enemies have been at work, I perceive, sire, said Bourbon, without manifesting the slightest uneasiness. What has been told your majesty?
I have been informed, replied François, that, forgetful of your allegiance to me, you have entered into a treasonable league with my enemies the Emperor and Henry VIII. This is what I have been told, cousin, but, as I have said, I am unwilling to believe it.
Sire, replied Bourbon, you have not been misinformed. Overtures have been made me by the Emperor and the King of England, who thought, not unnaturally, that the treatment I have experienced from your majesty must have deeply dissatisfied me.
They thought you were prepared to become a traitor, cried François. Foi de gentilhomme! I scarcely expected you to make so frank an avowal. They knew you to be ready to revolt ha!
They knew I had endured wrongs enough to make me a rebel, rejoined Bourbon. But they were mistaken, sire they were mistaken.
Then you rejected the offers? said the king.
I still indulged hopes that your majesty would render me justice.
Justice you shall have, cousin strict justice, rejoined the king. Now listen to me. I suspect nay, I am certain that you are engaged in a conspiracy against me, and against the state. The two young Norman seigneurs, Matignon and DArgouges, have disclosed the treasonable proposition made to them on your part by Lurcy. You look confounded, as well you may. You see I have ample proof of your guilt, but I can obtain plenty more by arresting all your principal adherents who are now assembled in this château. Not one of them can escape me.
Be not too sure of that, sire, said Bourbon.
You fancy you can protect them, rejoined the king. Learn that I am master of your castle. Its courts are filled with my archers its walls are surrounded by my troops its keys are in my possession. I have only to give the word to cause your arrest.
Your majesty will never give that word, rejoined Bourbon, calmly.
Wherefore not? cried François, striding towards the door, as if with the design of putting his threat into execution. What ho, there! who waits?
But the door was shut, and no one answered the summons, though the king repeated it still more lustily.
What means this? he cried, glancing furiously at Bourbon, who had risen from his couch, and thrown off his loose robe, showing that he was armed..
It means, sire, replied the Constable, that the door will not be opened save at my order. Your majesty may be assured, he added, with stern significance, that those who enter this chamber will not arrest me.
Ha, traitor! do you mean me mischief? exclaimed the king.
Your majesty has come hither alone. I did not invite you. But you are perfectly safe, provided you pledge your royal word that no arrests shall be made.
François hesitated for a moment, and then returned his half-drawn sword to the scabbard.
Let us understand each other, Bourbon, he said. I had no design to proceed to extremities with you. Had it been so, I should have ordered your immediate arrest on my arrival at the château. My wish, as you must have perceived, was to confer amicably with you. I do not desire your destruction on the contrary, I am well disposed towards you ay, well disposed. Abandon your fatal design prove to me that you are faithful and loyal as heretofore, and you shall find me forgiving and generous. Be true to your sovereign, and we will be true to you. Whatever may be the decree of the Parliament, you shall keep your possessions. The utmost wish of your soaring ambition shall be gratified. You shall accompany me to Italy, and shall share with me the command of the army. Will this content you?
Sire, it is far more than I could expect, replied Bourbon. I thought I had entirely forfeited your favour.,
Ingrate! how could you think so, when I but lately appointed you lieutenant-general of the kingdom? That appointment ought to have convinced you that, in spite of our misunderstanding, I still had the greatest regard for you. I know your merits as a leader, and am certain you will add to your renown in this campaign. You shall help me to re-conquer the Milanese, as you helped me at Marignan to win it.
I hope to convince your majesty that I am worthy of the distinguished honour you propose to confer upon me, said Bourbon.
The appointment shall be announced at once, and will set at rest all rumours to your disadvantage, said François. To-morrow you shall set out with me for Lyons.
Alas! sire, I am utterly unable to travel in my present state. I could not even enter a litter. My physicians will tell you so.
Tis a strange disorder that afflicts you, cousin, observed François, with an incredulous look. You appear strong enough for service in the field.
You must not judge me by my looks, sire. When the fit seizes me, I am utterly prostrated. But I shall be better in a few days.
You think so? cried the king. Well, then, I will wait for you at Lyons.
I would not have your majesty delay the expedition on my account. As soon as I am able to move, I will follow you to Italy.
No, no, I will not start without you, rejoined the king, suspiciously. You shall join me at Lyons as speedily as you can.
At this moment a side-door was opened, and a young dame, richly attired, and of surpassing beauty, entered the chamber.
VI. DIANE DE POITIERS
On seeing the king, she would have instantly retreated, but he commanded her to stay.
Do not let my presence alarm you, fair lady, he said. And do not suppose you interrupt me, for I have finished my conference with the Lord Constable.
The young dame, who seemed much embarrassed, made a profound obeisance, but did not advance. As we have said, she was exquisitely beautiful. Her features might have been modelled by Praxiteles, and her figure was tall and admirably proportioned. She was attired in green velvet, embroidered with flowers of damask, gold, and pearls, with the sleeves puffed and quilted, and her head-dress, which was very becomingly fashioned, was ornamented with pearls and other precious stones.
I am trying to recal your features, fair lady, said the king, approaching her, and regarding her with undisguised admiration, but I do not think I can have seen you before. Such a lovely face as yours such lustrous eyes and such a form must have made a lasting impression upon me. Yet you must have been at court.
No, sire, my father, the Comte de Saint-Vallier, never took me to court, she replied.
How? exclaimed François, surprised. Are you the charming Diane de Poitiers, who, by bestowing your hand upon the Comte de Maulévrier, have made him the most enviable of mortals?
It is my misfortune, sire, to be the wife of the Comte de Maulévrier, she replied.
Your misfortune! ha! exclaimed the king. Are you aware that your husband is here?
Here, sire? exclaimed Diane, uneasily.
Nay, be not alarmed, replied François, smiling. He has not come for the purpose of taking you back to the Château de Brézé. He brought me some important intelligence from Normandy.
Tis Maulévrier, then, who has revealed the plot, mentally ejaculated Bourbon.
I should not return with him, if he desired it, said Diane, Your majesty must understand that the comte and I have quarrelled.
Quarrelled! ah! exclaimed François. And so you took refuge from the husband you hate with the Duke de Bourbon eh?
I do not hate my husband, sire, though he has compelled me to leave him. I came to the Château de Moulins with my father.
And you expected to find your father with the Constable when you entered so suddenly just now, eh? remarked the king, dryly.
I did, sire. I came to inform them of your arrival at the château little expecting to find your majesty here. I trust I may infer from your gracious and kindly aspect that the Constable is restored to favour?
He is fully restored, replied the king. You will be pleased, I am sure, to learn that I have just promised him the command of half my Italian army.
You have done well, sire, she rejoined. With Bourbon in joint command with your majesty, victory will be assured. You will accompany the king? she added to the Constable, with evident anxiety.
I hope to do so, he replied. At all events, I will follow as soon as my strength will permit me.
Nay, I must have you with me, said the king.
Right, sire do not leave him behind, she whispered.
I know the way to enforce obedience on the Constables part, said the king. I shall take you with me to Lyons, fair Diane. He will follow quickly then.
Sire! exclaimed Bourbon, with ill-concealed vexation, the countess is here with her father!
What of that? I shall not ask his consent, replied the king. The only person who has any right to object is Maulévrier, and he is not likely to interfere. The Comtesse de Châteaubriand and a large party of court dames are in my train, he added to Diane. You shall accompany them. He then continued in a low voice: I cannot doubt the great influence you possess over Bourbon. What you say to him he will obey. Charge him, therefore, to join me a week hence at Lyons.
And he moved towards the other side of the chamber, as if to examine the portrait of the beautiful Clara de Gonzaga.
Diane instantly took advantage of the opportunity, and, approaching Bourbon, said, in a low voice, You have accepted the kings offer? You will break with the Emperor and Henry VIII., will you not?
It is too late, replied the Constable, in the same tone. I have signed the compact.
But consider that the king has promised to share the command of the army with you? she urged.
Promises made by princes under such circumstances are rarely kept, replied Bourbon. I can never be really restored to the kings favour.
You wrong him, she said. He is the soul of loyalty and honour.
He loyal! echoed Bourbon. He is perfidious as his mother. I will not trust him.
That is your determination?
My fixed determination, he rejoined.
Then we shall never meet again never, Charles, she said.
Bourbon made no reply, and his head sank upon his breast. At this moment the king turned round.
Have you prevailed upon him, fair Diane? he asked. Yes, yes, he will come, sire, she answered, hastily. You will? she added to Bourbon, with an entreating look that ought to have been irresistible.
You have said it, he rejoined.
That is well, observed the king. I knew you could not resist her persuasion.
Just then the door opened, and Jean de lHôpital entered the room.
I crave your majestys pardon for this interruption, he said, but I am compelled to attend to my illustrious patient. It is necessary that his highness should take the draught prepared for him.
I applaud your zeal, sir, replied François, and I enjoin you to use all your art to restore the prince your master to health as quickly as may be. Think you he will be able to set out for Lyons in three days time?
I will not answer for it, sire, replied Jean de lHôpital, consulting Bourbon by a look.
In a week, then? demanded the king.
Perchance in a week, sire, replied the physician. But he must travel slowly, for even then he will be very feeble.
Come hither, sir, said the king, taking Jean de lHôpital aside. Answer me truly, as you value your life. What ails the Constable?
His highness is labouring under a severe quotidian ague, caught at Montbrison, replied the physician. The fever has proved of singular obstinacy, and will not yield to ordinary remedies. We are under great apprehensions, he added, lowering his voice, that it may be followed by some mortal ailment, as consumption, or the black jaundice. His state is exceedingly critical, and demands the utmost care. Were he to take cold, I would not answer for his life.
Hark ye, sir, said the king. I know you can speedily cure him, if you will. Within a week I expect to see him at Lyons.
I cannot perform impossibilities, sire, replied the physician; but if it be in the power of medical skill to further your majestys desires, you shall behold him at the time appointed.
Apparently satisfied, François then turned towards the Constable, and said:
Adieu, cousin. I commend you to the care of your physician. But as I shall naturally be anxious to hear how you progress, I will leave behind me the Seigneur Perot de Warthy, who will send me daily tidings of you.
That is needless, sire, said Bourbon, impatiently.
Since you are pleased to express so much anxiety about me, I will despatch frequent messengers to you with the reports of my physicians.
I prefer leaving Warthy, rejoined the king. I can depend on him. Once more adieu, cousin. We shall meet again at Lyons.
And, offering his hand to Diane, he led her out of the room.
VII. PEROT DE WARTHY
Scarcely were they gone, when Bourbon sprang to his feet, and gave vent to an outburst of rage.
By Heaven! I have had enough to do to play my part! he exclaimed.
I pray your highness to calm yourself! cried Jean de lHopital. His majesty may return.
I wish he would return! exclaimed Bourbon. I was a fool to allow him to depart. But I must take instant counsel with my friends.
So saying, he thrice struck a small bell placed upon the table.