Henri fell into a profound reverie. “I accept the sacrifice,” he said, after the lapse of ten minutes.
“It is done—he accepts!” cried Gorenflot.
The king heard a murmur of joy and surprise.
“Read him the act,” said a voice, and a monk passed a paper to Gorenflot.
Gorenflot read it to the king, who listened with his head buried in his hands.
“If I refuse to sign?” cried he, shedding tears.
“It will be doubly your ruin,” said the Duc de Guise, from under his hood. “Look on yourself as dead to the world, and do not force your subjects to shed the blood of a man who has been their king.”
“I will not be forced.”
“I feared so,” said the duke to his sister. Then, turning to his brother, “Let everyone arm and prepare,” said he.
“For what?” cried the king, in a miserable tone.