These words were uttered in so firm, and withal dignified and queenly a tone, that the astonished cardinal recoiled.
"Yes, your queen," Mary continued; "and if you approach one step nearer, or make another motion, as if to make your way to the king, I will go to that door; I will call those who are on guard there; and though you be my uncle, though you be minister and cardinal, I, your queen, will order your arrest upon the spot, as guilty of lèse-majesté."
"Such a scandal!" muttered the cardinal, in affright.
"Which of us is responsible for it, Monsieur?"
The sparkling eye, the inflated nostrils, the heaving bosom of the young queen, and her whole determined bearing were a sufficient guarantee that she would carry out her threat.
And then, too, she was so lovely and so haughty, and withal so touching, that even the priest, with his heart of bronze, felt moved and beaten.
The man yielded to the child; and the affairs of State obeyed the cry of natural affection.
"Well!" said the cardinal, drawing a long breath, "I will wait, then, until the king awakes."
"Thanks!" said Mary, resuming the gentle and melancholy demeanor which had become customary to her since the king's illness.
"But as soon as he awakes—" continued Charles.