At this moment Monsoreau fired, and Bussy saw Rémy totter, and then fall, dragging Diana with him. Bussy uttered a cry, and turned.
“It is nothing, master,” said Rémy. “It was I who received the ball. She is safe.”
As Bussy turned, three men threw themselves on him; St. Luc rushed forward, and one of them fell. The two others drew back.
“St. Luc,” cried Bussy, “by her you love, save Diana.”
“But you?”
“I am a man.”
St. Luc rushed to Diana, seized her in his arms, and disappeared through the door.
“Here, my men, from the staircase,” shouted Monsoreau.
“Ah! coward!” cried Bussy.
Monsoreau retreated behind his men. Bussy gave a back stroke and a thrust; with the first he cleft open a head, and with the second pierced a breast.