Diana cast a glance at the young man. He smiled and said, “M. le Baron, excuse, I beg, the singular question I am about to ask; and you also, madame, for I wish to serve you. M. le Baron, ask Madame de Monsoreau if she be happy in the marriage which she has contracted in obedience to your orders.”
Diana burst into tears for her only answer. The eyes of the baron filled also, for he began to fear that his friendship for M. de Monsoreau had tended to make his daughter unhappy.
“Now!” said Bussy, “is it true that you voluntarily promised him your daughter’s hand?”
“Yes, if he saved her.”
“And he did save her. Then, monsieur, I need not ask if you mean to keep your promise.”
“It is a law for all, and above all for gentlemen; you know that, M. de Bussy. My daughter must be his.”
“Ah!” cried Diana, “would I were dead!”
“Madame,” said Bussy, “you see I was right, and that I can do no more here. M. le Baron gives you to M. de Monsoreau, and you yourself promised to marry him when you should see your father again safe and well.”
“Ah! you tear my heart, M. de Bussy,” cried Diana, approaching the young man; “my father does not know that I fear this man, that I hate him; my father sees in him only my saviour, and I think him my murderer.”
“Diana! Diana!” cried the baron, “he saved you.”