XXIX
THE DEAD SPEAKS
Immediately the golden doors were flung open, and Bonnivet entered from the supper-room, followed by a company of soldiers.
Gonzague turned to Bonnivet, indignant and bewildered. "What does this mean?" he gasped.
Bonnivet’s answer was to salute with his sword, as he announced: "His majesty the king!" And through the double line of soldiers Louis of France entered the room with the Princess de Gonzague on his arm.
The king looked with astonishment at the strange scene before him—the fainting women, the two camps of armed men, the scattered furniture. The Princess de Gonzague looked only at the girl, who now hung so lovingly upon the arm of Lagardere.
"Why have I been sent for?" the king asked.
And instantly Lagardere answered him: "To witness my restoration of Mademoiselle Gabrielle de Nevers to her mother." As he spoke he moved towards the princess, and gave Gabrielle to her out-stretched arms.
The Princess gave a cry of joy. "She has the face of Louis! She is my child!"