Then she understood all. Instead of arguing with her in regard to the arrest of his brother-in-law, Charles had taken him away and so had saved him.
"Blind, blind, blind!" she murmured. Then she waited. An instant later footsteps were heard in the adjoining room, which was the armory.
"But, sire," Henry was saying, "now that we have returned to the Louvre, tell me why you took me away and what is the service you have rendered me."
"No, no, Henriot," replied Charles, laughing, "some day, perhaps, you will find out; but for the present it must remain a mystery. Know only that for the time being you have in all probability brought about a fierce quarrel between my mother and me."
As he uttered these words, Charles raised the curtain and found himself face to face with Catharine.
Behind him and above his shoulder rose the pale, anxious countenance of the Béarnais.
"Ah! you here, madame?" said Charles IX., frowning.
"Yes, my son," said Catharine, "I want to speak to you."
"To me?"
"To you alone."