"I have in my hand all the threads of the plot hatched by the heretics; they sent this boy to me carrying this treaty and these documents," said Catherine in an undertone.
While Catherine was explaining matters to the Cardinal, Queen Mary was speaking a few words in the Grand Master's ear.
"What is this all about?" asked the young King, standing alone amid this conflict of violent interests.
"The proofs of what I was telling your Majesty are already to hand," said the Cardinal, seizing the papers.
The Duc de Guise, unmindful of the fact that he was interrupting him, drew his brother aside and said in a whisper:
"This then makes me Lieutenant-General without any opposition."
A keen glance was the Cardinal's only reply, by which he conveyed to his brother that he had already appreciated the advantages to be derived from Catherine's false position.
"Who sent you?" asked the Duke of Christophe.
"Chaudieu the preacher," he replied.
"Young man, you lie," said the Duke roughly. "It was the Prince de Condé."