“He has not abandoned the hope of reconciling me to the duchess,” rejoined Bourbon, in the same tone. “This is her handiwork. Seigneur Perot de Warthy,” he added, turning to him, “I must pray you accept this ring,” taking one from his finger and presenting it to him. “I will charge you with my thanks to the king to-morrow. Let all hospitality be shown him,” he added to Bruzon, who bowed and withdrew with the messenger.
“Now is the moment,” whispered Saint-Vallier. “The envoys are here. Reclaim the treaty.”
“Has your highness anything further to say to us?” demanded Beaurain, uneasily.
“No,” replied Bourbon, approaching him. “The king has tried to lure me back in vain. I adhere to my resolution. Good night, messeigneurs.”
The two envoys bowed and retired.
“He is lost!” exclaimed Saint-Vallier.
III. SHOWING HOW THE PLOT PROGRESSED.
Long before daylight, the two envoys, accompanied by Bruzon and a guard, quitted the Château de Montbrison. On the same day, at a later hour, Perot de Warthy set out on his return to the Palais des Tournelles.