“I have not lost a word, monseigneur.”
“Then you can report it to the envoy of his Holiness Gregory XIII.?”
“Everything.”
“Now, Mayenne tells me you have done wonders for us; let us see.”
“I have done what I promised, monseigneur; that is to say, found a method of seating you, without opposition, on the throne of France!”
“They also!” thought Chicot; “everyone wants then to be King of France!”
Chicot was gay now, for he felt safe once more, and he had discovered a conspiracy by which he hoped to ruin his two enemies.
“To gain a legitimate right is everything,” continued Nicolas David, “and I have discovered that you are the true heirs, and the Valois only a usurping branch.”
“It is difficult to believe,” said the duke, “that our house, however illustrious it may be, comes before the Valois.”
“It is nevertheless proved, monseigneur,” said David, drawing out a parchment. The duke took it.