Henry had been there scarcely five minutes when he heard a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" he asked.
"Sire," replied a voice which Henry recognized as that of De Mouy, "it is the answer from the saddler."
Henry, visibly moved, bade the young man enter and closed the door behind him.
"Is it you, De Mouy?" said he; "I hoped that you would reflect."
"Sire," replied De Mouy, "I have reflected for three months; that is long enough. Now it is time to act." Henry made a gesture of impatience.
"Fear nothing, sire, we are alone, and I will make haste, for time is precious. Your majesty can tell in a word all that the events of the year have lost to the cause of religion. Let us be clear, brief, and frank."
"I am listening, my good De Mouy," replied Henry, seeing that it was impossible for him to elude the explanation.
"Is it true that your majesty has abjured the Protestant religion?"
"It is true," said Henry.