"Perhaps you are right, monsieur; but in all times men die by the dagger;" and Gaston stopped and picked up the knife with an expression which was not to be mistaken. Dubois did not move.
The regent made a step.
"Throw down that weapon, monsieur," said he, with hauteur.
Gaston placed the point against his breast.
"Throw it down, I say," repeated the regent.
"The life of my friends, monseigneur," said Gaston.
The regent turned again to Dubois, who smiled a sardonic smile.
"'Tis well," said the regent, "they shall live."
"Ah! monsieur," said Gaston, seizing the duke's hand, and trying to raise it to his lips, "you are the image of God on earth."
"Monseigneur, you commit an irreparable fault," said Dubois.