“Would you have the king die, as he infallibly will do, unless his Imperial Majesty sees him?” cried Bourbon.
“I have deemed it my duty to point out to his majesty the construction that will be put upon his visit,” rejoined Gattinara, gravely.
“The solid advantages of the victory are not to be sacrificed to an over-strained sense of honour,” remarked Lannoy. “If the king dies, all will be lost.”
“Humanity dictates the course to be pursued,” said Bourbon. “To refuse to see the king would be to condemn him to death.”
“By Santiago! I will see him,” said the Emperor; “and, what is more, I will conclude the treaty with him. Bring it with you, Gattinara. Now to the prison.”
II. HOW THE TREATY OF MADRID WAS SIGNED.
When Marguerite was admitted by the guard into the chamber in which her royal brother was confined, he was alone, and stretched upon a couch.
“I have good tidings for your majesty,” she cried, flying towards him, and taking his hand. “The Emperor is coming to see you.”