"And yet"—murmured Catharine.
"Madame," said Henry, "was the order to arrest me?"
"Yes," said Catharine, "and his Majesty himself signed it."
"Was it an order to arrest any one found in my place in case I was not there?"
"No," said Catharine.
"Well!" said Henry, "unless you prove that I was conspiring and that the man who was in my rooms was conspiring with me, this man is innocent."
Then turning to Charles IX.:
"Sire," continued Henry, "I shall not leave the Louvre. At a simple word from your Majesty I shall even be ready to enter any state prison you may be pleased to suggest. But while waiting for the proof to the contrary I have the right to call myself and I do call myself the very faithful servant, subject, and brother of your Majesty."
And with a dignity hitherto unknown in him, Henry bowed to Charles and withdrew.
"Bravo, Henriot!" said Charles, when the King of Navarre had left.