"Very well. You shall have the pardon."
"In that case, madame, I am to say that your papers will be returned to you."
"Enough!" And with another burst of anger: "And now go—begone!"
"A moment!" And stepping towards the gong I struck it lightly with the hammer. Almost on the stroke the door opened, and Créquy appeared, his eyes staring with astonishment as he glanced from the one to the other of us.
"Monsieur de Créquy," I said, "madame has received ill news, and it is
necessary for her to see the King at once. Madame will start for
Fontainebleau in an hour—that will suit you, madame?" And I turned to
La Valentinois.
"Yes."
"You will kindly make the necessary arrangements at once, monsieur—and the Queen's guards will supply the escort. Monsieur de Lorgnac and I accompany madame."
And with that I left them, Créquy staring after me in open-mouthed amaze.