"A runaway King," he muttered. "Tell the Queen to depart alone," he said to Andrea who went on her errand.
Five minutes afterwards the Queen came and stood by her husband's side.
"I have come to die with you," she said unaffectedly.
"How handsome she is now;" muttered Charny, but she heard him for she started.
"I believe, in all truth, that it is better to die than live!"
"Sire," said Dr. Gilbert, running in, "fear nothing now—General Lafayette is here."
The King did not like Lafayette, but there his feelings stopped, while the Queen hated him and let her hate be seen. She took three steps back, but the King stayed her with an imperative gesture.
The courtiers formed two groups; Charny and Gilbert stood next the King. Steps were heard up to the door of many persons, but all alone General Lafayette entered. As he did so, some voice exclaimed:
"Here comes Cromwell."
"No, sir," said the marquis smiling, "Cromwell would not have walked unguarded into the presence of Charles First!"