“Both her hands,” cried Charny, pressing his burning lips passionately on hers.
“Now they visited, the baths—so will we; follow me to the place.” He followed her, like a man in a strange, happy dream. They looked all round, then opened the door, and walked through. Then they came out again: two o’clock struck. “Adieu,” said she; “go home until to-morrow.” And she walked away quickly towards the château.
When they were gone, a man rose from among the bushes. He had heard and seen all.
CHAPTER LXIX.
THE CONGÉ.
The queen went to mass the next day, which was Sunday, smiling and beautiful. When she woke in the morning she said, “It is a lovely day, it makes me happy only to live.” She seemed full of joy, and was generous and gracious to every one. The road was lined as usual on her return with ladies and gentlemen. Among them were Madame de la Motte and M. de Charny, who was complimented by many friends on his return, and on his radiant looks. Glancing round, he saw Philippe standing near him, whom he had not seen since the day of the duel.
“Gentlemen,” said Charny, passing through the crowd, “allow me to fulfil an act of politeness;” and, advancing towards Philippe, he said, “Allow me, M. de Taverney, to thank you now for the interest you have taken in my health. I shall have the honor to pay you a visit to-morrow. I trust you preserve no enmity towards me.”
“None, sir,” replied Philippe.
Charny held out his hand, but Philippe, without seeming to notice it, said, “Here comes the queen, sir.” As she approached, she fixed her looks on Charny with that rash openness which she always showed in her affections, while she said to several gentlemen who were pressing round her, “Ask me what you please, gentlemen, for to-day I can refuse nothing.” A voice said, “Madame.” She turned, and saw Philippe, and thus found herself between two men, of whom she almost reproached herself with loving one too much and the other too little.
“M. de Taverney, you have something to ask me; pray speak——”
“Only ten minutes’ audience at your majesty’s leisure,” replied he, with grave solemnity.