"But believe, sire, that it is for the love of you alone that I make this sacrifice."
"Oh! yes, ma mie, I know you well, madame, and my brother of France also, he who speaks so well of you in this letter, and adds, 'Fiat sanum exemplum statim, atque res certior eveniet.' Doubtless, ma mie, it is you who give this good example."
And Henri kissed the cold hand of Marguerite. Then, turning on the threshold of the door, he said:
"Say everything kind from me to Fosseuse, and do for her as you have promised me. I set off for the chase; perhaps I shall not see you till my return, perhaps never—these wolves are wicked beasts. Come, and let me embrace you, ma mie."
Then he embraced Marguerite, almost affectionately, and went out, leaving her stupefied with all she had heard.
CHAPTER XLVIII.
THE SPANISH AMBASSADOR.
The king rejoined Chicot, who was still agitated with fears as to the explanation.