“A key! where did you get it?”
“Had not Gertrude promised the prince to enter tonight? He had seen M. de Monsoreau here, and also myself, and fearing a snare, sent me to find out.”
“And you accepted this mission?”
“It was my only method of penetrating to you. Will you reproach me for having sought at once the greatest joy and the greatest grief of my life?”
“Yes, for it is better that you should see me no more, and forget me.”
“No, madame; God has brought me to you, to deliver you from the toils in which your enemies have taken you. I vow my life to you. You wish for news of your father?”
“Oh, yes! for, in truth, I know not what has become of him.”
“Well, I charge myself with finding out; only think of him who henceforth will live but for you.”
“But this key?”
“This key I restore to you, for I will receive it only from your hands; but I pledge you my word as a gentleman, that never sister could trust in a brother more devoted and respectful.”