“He will not reign.”
“Then Henri de Bourbon will be king of France?”
“Yes, sire.”
“How will he die?”
“By a violent death.”
“When I am dead what will become of madame?” asked the king, motioning to Marie Touchet.
“Madame de Belleville will marry, sire.”
“You are imposters!” cried Marie Touchet. “Send them away, sire.”
“Dearest, the Ruggieri have my word as a gentleman,” replied the king, smiling. “Will madame have children?” he continued.
“Yes, sire; and madame will live to be more than eighty years old.”