"Will you allow me to show Henry the beautiful gift you have just given me?"
"You may do more. Give it to him in your name and in mine, for I have ordered a second one just like it."
"You hear, Henry," said François, "my good mother brings me this jewel and doubles its value by allowing me to give it to you."
Henry went into ecstasies over the beauty of the clasp, and was enthusiastic in his thanks. When his delight had grown calmer:
"My son," said Catharine, "I feel somewhat indisposed and I am going to bed; your brother Charles is greatly wearied from his fall and is going to do the same. So we shall not have supper together this evening, but each will be served in his own room. Oh, Henry, I forgot to congratulate you on your bravery and quickness. You saved your king and your brother, and you shall be rewarded for it."
"I am already rewarded, madame," replied Henry, bowing.
"By the feeling that you have done your duty?" replied Catharine. "That is not enough, and Charles and I will do something to pay the debt we owe you."
"Everything that comes to me from you and my good brother will be welcome, madame."
Then he bowed and withdrew.
"Ah! brother François!" thought Henry as he left, "I am sure now of not leaving alone, and the conspiracy which had a body has found a head and a heart. Only let us look out for ourselves. Catharine gives me a present, Catharine promises me a reward. There is some deviltry beneath it all. I must confer this evening with Marguerite."