“How otherwise should we separate, madame, than with threats on your part—defiance on mine?” said Bourbon.
And with a haughty inclination he was about to depart, when the door was suddenly thrown open, and the king, unannounced, entered the cabinet.
IV. WHAT PASSED BETWEEN THE KING AND BOURBON.
Evidently, François had expected a very different termination to the interview from that which had occurred. The smile fled from his countenance as he gazed at the pair.
“I have found him utterly impracticable,” whispered the duchess. “But you may have better success.”
“We shall see,” replied the king, in the same tone. “Leave us alone together.”
Casting a look at Bourbon, who haughtily averted his gaze from her, the duchess stepped towards the back of the cabinet and raised the hangings, behind which was a door communicating with her private apartments. Instead of passing through the door, however, she concealed herself behind the arras.
“Come, cousin,” said François, approaching the Constable, and leaning good humouredly on his shoulder. “Cast off those moody looks. Have you quarrelled with my mother? If so, I will engage to set the matter right.”