"I was, Monsieur le Connétable."
"I am much afraid that you will not find his Majesty disposed to listen to you, Madame," replied Montmorency, naturally alarmed at this step; "and the serious news he has received—"
"Make this just the very most opportune moment for me, Monsieur."
"And against me, Madame, am I not right? For you have bitter enmity for us."
"Alas, Monsieur le Connétable, I have no enmity against anybody in the world."
"Have you really nothing in your heart but love?" asked De Montmorency, in so meaning a tone that Diane Mushed and lowered her eyes. "And it is on account of that love, no doubt, that you oppose the king's wishes and the hopes of my son?"
Diane in her embarrassment held her peace.
"Arnauld has told me the truth," thought the constable; "and she does love this handsome triumphal messenger of Monsieur de Guise."
"Monsieur le Connétable," Diane found strength to say at last, "my duty calls upon me to yield obedience to the king, but I have the right to implore my father."
"And so," said the constable, "you persist in going to find the king."