"If the ladder is a trap and I should perish, Marguerite, remember your promise."
"It was not a promise, La Mole, but an oath. Fear nothing. Adieu!"
And La Mole, thus encouraged, let himself slip down the ladder. At the same instant there was a knock at the door.
Marguerite watched La Mole's perilous descent and did not turn away from the window until she was sure he had reached the ground in safety.
"Madame," said Gillonne, "madame!"
"Well?" asked Marguerite.
"The King is knocking at the door."
"Open it."
Gillonne did so.
The four princes, impatient at waiting, no doubt, stood on the threshold.