Bellegarde speaks boastingly of the beauty of a certain lady whom he is engaged to marry, Gabrielle d’Estrées, daughter of the Marquis d’Estrées.
“Cap de Dieu!” exclaims Henry, after listening to Bellegarde in silence; “I have heard of the lady, one of the daughters of our brave general of artillery, Antoine d’Estrées; but I will back my bewitching Abbess of Montmartre, Marie de Beauvilliers, against your Gabrielle.”
“Not if your Majesty saw her, believe me,” replies Bellegarde, warmly.
“You are a boaster, Bellegarde. You dare not produce your paragon.”
“On the contrary, Sire, I only desire that Mademoiselle d’Estrées should be seen, for then alone she can be appreciated.”
“Say you so, Bellegarde? That is fair; will you bet a thousand crowns on Gabrielle against Marie?”
“I accept, Sire; but how can we decide!”
“You see the lady. It is easily managed. Do you visit her often?”
“Your Majesty seemingly forgets I am engaged to marry her.”
“I understand. Now, Bellegarde, I forbid you, as your sovereign and master, to see this fair lady, except in my company. Par Dieu! I will refuse you leave of absence.”