Gaston, thunderstruck, remained livid and mute. The regent and the duke were one and the same. The regent retained his calm majestic attitude; looked at the hand which held the knife, and the knife fell. Then, looking at his intended murderer with a smile at once sweet and sad, Gaston fell down before him like a tree cut by the ax.
Not a word had been spoken; nothing was heard but Gaston's broken sobs, and the water of the fountains plashing monotonously as it fell.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE PARDON.
"Rise, monsieur," said the regent.
"No, monseigneur," cried Gaston, bowing his forehead to the ground, "oh, no, it is at your feet that I should die."
"Die! Gaston! you see that you are pardoned."
"Oh, monseigneur, punish me, in Heaven's name; for you must indeed despise me if you pardon me."
"But have you not guessed?" asked the regent.
"What?"