Canolles did not stir. It was plainly most distasteful to him to continue to play this comedy before an audience of lackeys.
Madame de Cambes, to encourage him, bestowed one of her sweetest glances upon him; that glance restored his courage in some measure.
"So the king has been deceived," he said. "And where is Monsieur le Duc d'Enghien?"
"I have given orders that Pierrot return to his flower-beds," said a grave voice at the door.
It was the voice of the princess dowager, who was standing near the door, supported by two of her tire-women.
"Return to Paris, to Mantes, to the court, in a word, wherever it may be; your mission here is at an end. You will say to the king that the persecuted have resorted to stratagem, which renders fruitless the use of force. You are at liberty, however, to remain at Chantilly, to stand guard over me, who have not left, and shall not leave the château, because such is not my design. With this, Monsieur le Baron, I take my leave of you."
Canolles, red with shame, could hardly summon strength to bend his head, as he glanced at the viscountess, and murmured reproachfully:—
"O, madame! madame!"
She understood the glance and heard the words.
"I crave your Highness's permission," she said, "to play the part of Madame la Princesse one moment more. I desire to thank Monsieur le Baron de Canolles, in the name of his illustrious hosts who have left this château, for the respect he has shown, and the great delicacy he has exhibited in the performance of so difficult a mission. I venture to believe, madame, that your Highness has the same opinion, and to hope, therefore, that you will add your acknowledgments to mine."