"In that case we are doubly lost," said Henriette.
Coconnas, brave to the point of rashness, had reflected that the candles would have to be lighted sooner or later, and thinking the sooner the better, he dropped the hand of Madame de Nevers, picked up a taper from the midst of the débris, and going to a brazier blew on a piece of coal, with which he at once made a light. The chamber was again illuminated. Charles IX. glanced around inquiringly.
Henry was by the side of his wife, the Duchesse de Nevers was alone in a corner, while Coconnas stood in the centre of the room, candle-stick in hand, lighting up the whole scene.
"Excuse me, brother," said Marguerite, "we were not expecting you."
"So, as you may have perceived, your Majesty filled us with strange terror," said Henriette.
"For my part," said Henry, who had surmised everything, "I think the fear was so real that in rising I overturned the table."
Coconnas glanced at the King of Navarre as much as to say:
"Good! Here is a man who understands at once."
"What a frightful hubbub!" repeated Charles IX. "Your supper is ruined, Henriot; come with me and you shall finish it elsewhere; I will carry you off this evening."
"What, sire!" said Henry, "your Majesty will do me the honor?"