La Dayelle slipped into the royal chamber after scratching at the door, a deferential custom introduced by Catherine de' Medici, and adopted by the French Court.
"What is the weather like, my dear Dayelle?" asked Queen Mary, putting her fair fresh face out between the curtains.
"Oh! madame——"
"What is the matter, Dayelle? You might have the bowmen at your heels——"
"Oh! madame—is the King still sleeping?"
"Yes."
"We are to leave the castle, and Monsieur le Cardinal desired me to tell you so, that you might suggest it to the King."
"Do you know why, my good Dayelle?"
"The Reformers mean to carry you off."
"Oh, this new religion leaves me no peace! I dreamed last night that I was in prison—I who shall wear the united crowns of the three finest kingdoms in the world."