"Who is there? What is wanted? Mon Dieu!" exclaimed Madame de Castro.
André partially opened the door.
"Excuse me, Madame," said he, "a message from the king."
"From the king!" echoed Gabriel, whose face lighted up.
"Why do you bring me this letter now, André?"
"Madame, they told me it was urgent."
"Very well, give it me. What does the king want of me? You may go, André. If there is any reply, I will call you."
André left the room. Diane broke the seal of the king's letter, and read in a low tone, and with increasing terror, what follows:—
MY DEAR DIANE,—I am told that you are at the Louvre; do not go out, I beg you, until I have visited you in your apartments. I am at a sitting of the council which is likely to end at any moment. When I leave the council-chamber I will come immediately to you. Expect me very soon.
It is a long while since I have seen you alone! I am in low spirits, and feel that I must have a few moments' talk with my beloved daughter. Farewell for the moment.
HENRI.
Diane, with colorless cheeks, crumpled the letter in her hands when she had read it.