Charlotte gave her hand to Henry, who kissed it, and while she half turned on her chair to listen to what Réné was about to say, the King of Navarre returned to his couch, more convinced than ever that something unusual was passing through the mind of the perfumer.
"Well?" asked Charlotte. The Florentine apparently made an effort to collect all his strength, and then turned towards Henry.
CHAPTER XXII.
"SIRE, YOU SHALL BE KING."
"Sire," said Réné to Henry, "I have come to speak of something which has been on my mind for some time."
"Perfumery?" said Henry, smiling.
"Well, yes, sire,—perfumery," replied Réné, with a singular nod of acquiescence.
"Speak, I am listening to you. This is a subject which has always interested me deeply."
Réné looked at Henry to try, in spite of his words, to read the impenetrable thought; but seeing that it was perfectly impossible, he continued: