"Later, Monsieur, later; I do not say no," said Henri, quickly, "but just now it is impossible."
"Impossible!" cried Gabriel, sorrowfully.
"Why impossible, Sire?" Diane interrupted pleasantly, to Gabriel's great surprise, and the king's as well.
"What! do you think, Madame—?" stammered Henri.
"I think, Sire, that a king's most pressing duty is to render to each one of his subjects that which is his due. Now, your debt to Monsieur d'Exmès is one of the most well-founded and sacred of all debts in my opinion."
"No doubt, no doubt!" said Henri, who began to read the signals in the favorite's eyes; "and I wish—"
"To hear at once what Monsieur d'Exmès has to say," Diane finished his sentence. "That is right, Sire, and no more than justice."
"But his Majesty knows," said Gabriel, more and more lost in amazement, "that it is essential that I should speak with him alone?"
"Monsieur de Montmorency was just about to retire as you came in, Monsieur," rejoined Madame de Poitiers; "and you have yourself taken the trouble to tell Monsieur l'Amiral that you would detain him no longer. As for myself, as I was a witness of the contract the king made with you, and can even, if need be, remind his Majesty of its exact terms, perhaps you will allow me to remain."
"Most assuredly, Madame; I ask you to do so," murmured Gabriel.