"Monsieur de la Mole not guilty!" said Catharine, giving a start of joy, and thinking that what Marguerite was about to tell her would throw light on the subject.
"No," went on Marguerite, "he is not guilty, he cannot be so, for he was not in the king's room."
"Where was he, then?"
"In my room, madame."
"In your room?"
"Yes, in my room."
At this avowal from a daughter of France, Catharine felt like hurling a withering glance at Marguerite, but she merely crossed her arms on her lap.
"And," said she after a moment's silence, "if Monsieur de la Mole is arrested and questioned"—
"He will say where he was and with whom he was, mother," replied Marguerite, although she felt sure of the contrary.
"Since this is so, you are right, my daughter; Monsieur de la Mole must not be arrested."