Queen Catherine, who also held out her hand to Christophe, pulled him up rather roughly, and leading him into a corner, said:
"Understand, boy, no subterfuges! We are playing an honest game?"
"Yes, madame," he said, dazzled by this splendid reward and by the honor the grateful Queen had done him.
"Well, then, Master Lecamus, the King, my son, and I permit you to purchase the offices and appointments of this good man Groslay, Councillor to the Parlement, who is here," said the Queen. "I hope, young man, that you will follow in the footsteps of your Lord President."
De Thou came forward and said:
"I will answer for him, madame."
"Very well, then proceed, notary," said Pinard.
"Since the King, our master, does us the honor of signing my daughter's marriage-contract," cried Lallier, "I will pay the whole price of the estate."
"The ladies may be seated," said the young King graciously. "As a wedding gift to the bride, with my mother's permission, I remit my fines and fees."
Old Lecamus and Lallier fell on their knees and kissed the boy-King's hand.