"Oh, well, Madame, he who risks nothing has nothing!" cried the cardinal, with angry warmth. "Besides, who says that Antoine de Navarre will be appointed regent? Who says that this Chapelain is not mistaken? Bah! the king is alive now!"
"Not so loud! not so loud, uncle!" said Mary Stuart, rising in fright. "You will wake the king! See! you have waked him."
"Mary, where are you?" said the feeble voice of François.
"Here, always by your side, dear Sire," replied Mary.
"Oh, how I suffer!" groaned the poor youth. "My head is as if it were on fire; and this pain in my ear is like a continual sword-thrust. Even in my sleep I have continued to suffer. Ah! all is at an end with me; all is at an end!"
"Don't say so! oh, don't say so!" replied Mary, struggling to restrain her tears.
"My memory is failing," said François. "Have I received the Holy Sacrament? I wish to do so as soon as possible."
"All your duties shall be fulfilled, dear Sire; do not be anxious about them."
"I want to see my confessor, Monsieur de Brichanteau."
"He will be with you immediately," said Mary.