"By Heaven, Sire, what loads of money these citizens have!" said Gondi in his ear.
And the young King laughed.
"Their Majesties being so graciously inclined," said old Lecamus, "will they allow me to present to them my successor in the business, and grant him the royal patent as furrier to their Majesties?"
"Let us see him," said the King, and Lecamus brought forward his successor, who was white with alarm.
Old Lecamus was shrewd enough to offer the young King a silver cup which he had bought from Benvenuto Cellini when he was staying in Paris at the Tour de Nesle, at a cost of not less than two thousand crowns.
"Oh, mother! what a fine piece of work!" cried the youth, lifting the cup by its foot.
"It is Florentine," said Catherine.
"Pardon me, madame," said Lecamus; "it was made in France, though by a Florentine. If it had come from Florence, it should have been the Queen's; but being made in France, it is the King's."
"I accept it, my friend," cried Charles IX., "and henceforth I drink out of it."
"It is good enough," the Queen remarked, "to be included among the Crown treasure."