"Get her some wine," said Simon shortly to De Mouchy—"and get it yourself."
De Mouchy rose and left the room, and the two were alone together.
"Listen, Diane!" said Simon. "You stand on the edge of a precipice. It is said that the King has spoken of nothing this morning but the beauty of Mademoiselle de Paradis."
She gasped; and he went on:
"I see you understand. Well, unless you agree to my terms mademoiselle is secure from harm; and I think you will find Anet a dull retreat."
There was a little snapping sound, and she had broken her fan, and flung it from her on to the table. At this moment De Mouchy returned, bringing with him some wine and glasses. One he filled and handed to Diane, who drank it without a word, and then sat staring in front of her.
"I think," said Simon, "that madame now agrees to our proposal. Is it not so?'
"Yes," she said in a low voice, "I agree," but her eyes were kept down to hide their expression.
"That, then, is settled. And remember, madame, that we cannot take action until we have the King's grant in writing. De Mouchy here will see that it is properly registered in the Chambre—and remember it must be within a week, or——" And he bent forward and whispered something in her ear.
"It shall be as you desire, Monsieur le Vidame."