"How, villain! what do you mean?" cries Lauzun, advancing. "I shall break my cane on your back presently."
Boucherat rises, looks for a moment at Lauzun, then at Mademoiselle, shakes his head, readjusts his wig, and reseats himself.
Mademoiselle had taken the pen—which Lauzun presents to her this time—again in her hand.
"Ah, your highness," groans Boucherat, "I have done my duty. God help and guard you!"
"Are these deeds as I commanded them, Boucherat?"
"Yes, madame; they are a donation, an entire donation, of the princedom of Dombes, the——"
"Be silent, scoundrel!" roars Lauzun, "or by heaven I will split your head open."
Boucherat shudders; his eyes seem to turn in his head; a look of horror is on his face.
Mademoiselle draws the parchment towards her.
"I sign here," she says, and she traces her name in a bold, firm hand, "Louise de Montpensier."