"Nevertheless," rejoined François, "just for the sake of equalling you in one thing, I would like to know as much as my brother Charles."
"Apropos of our brother Charles," Mary interrupted, "did you notice him yesterday in the part he assumed in the allegory of 'Religion defended by the Three Divine Virtues'?"
"Yes," said the king; "he was one of the horsemen who represented the virtues,—Charity, I think."
"The very same," replied Mary. "Well, did you see, Sire, with what fury he belabored the head of poor Heresy?"
"Yes, indeed, when she came forward in the midst of the flames with the body of a serpent. Charles seemed to be quite beside himself, really."
"And, tell me, gentle Sire," continued the queen, "did not that head of Heresy seem to you to resemble some one?"
"Why, yes," said François, "I thought I must be mistaken; but it assuredly wore the expression of Monsieur de Coligny, did it not?"
"Say, rather, that it was Monsieur l'Amiral, feature for feature."
"And all those devils who carried him off!" said the king.
"And the joy of our uncle the cardinal!"