"Madame, it is I—it is I," replied a woman's voice, "the Duchesse de Nevers."
"Henriette!" cried Marguerite. "There is no danger; it is a friend of mine! Do you hear, sir?"
La Mole with some effort got up on one knee.
"Try to support yourself while I go and open the door," said the queen.
La Mole rested his hand on the floor and succeeded in holding himself upright.
Marguerite took one step toward the door, but suddenly stopped, shivering with terror.
"Ah, you are not alone!" she said, hearing the clash of arms outside.
"No, I have twelve guards which my brother-in-law, Monsieur de Guise, assigned me."
"Monsieur de Guise!" murmured La Mole. "The assassin—the assassin!"
"Silence!" said Marguerite. "Not a word!"