"Very well, then!" cried Charles de Lorraine, eagerly. "Leave me here, my brother; there is nothing more for you to do to-night, and you must need rest, for two o'clock will soon strike. You must husband your strength for to-morrow. Retire, and leave me here. I mean to make a desperate effort myself to retrieve our fortunes."
"What is it to be?" the duke asked. "Pray, take no definite step without first consulting me, brother."
"Never fear! If I have what I want, I will wake you before daybreak to perfect our plans."
"Very well," said Le Balafré; "with this assurance I will retire, for it is true that I am exhausted. But be cautious!"
He said a few consoling words to Mary Stuart, and left the room with as little noise as possible.
Meanwhile the cardinal had seated himself at a table, and was making a copy of the decree of the commission, of which he had the original before him.
That done, he rose and walked toward the king's bed. But Mary Stuart stood erect in front of him, and stopped him with a gesture.
"Where are you going?" said she, in a low tone, but firmly, and with signs of growing anger.
"Madame," replied the cardinal, "it is important, indispensable, that the king should sign this paper."
"What is most important, and most indispensable, is that the king should rest quietly," said Mary.