Francis led him aside, and asked if Marguerite might be present.
'I venture to hope that her Highness will intercede for me,' said Leonardo with a bow. Then he spread out his hands to the sovereign. 'I come, sire, about my picture, which your Majesty has desired to buy—the portrait of Monna Lisa.'
'Had we not agreed upon the price?' asked the king.
'I come not about money,' said Leonardo.
'Then what is the matter?'
The painter felt again that to speak of La Gioconda to this indifferent affable young monarch was impossible. Nevertheless he forced himself to say:—
'Sire, be merciful to me. Do not take this portrait from me. It shall be yours; I ask no money for it. Only leave it with me till—my death.'
He paused, looking entreatingly at Marguerite.
The king shrugged his shoulders and frowned.
'Sire!' said the young lady, 'grant the prayer of Maître Léonard. He deserves it! Be compassionate!'