“I hope to do so,” he replied. “At all events, I will follow as soon as my strength will permit me.”
“Nay, I must have you with me,” said the king.
“Right, sire—do not leave him behind,” she whispered.
“I know the way to enforce obedience on the Constable's part,” said the king. “I shall take you with me to Lyons, fair Diane. He will follow quickly then.”
“Sire!” exclaimed Bourbon, with ill-concealed vexation, “the countess is here with her father!”
“What of that? I shall not ask his consent,” replied the king. “The only person who has any right to object is Maulévrier, and he is not likely to interfere. The Comtesse de Châteaubriand and a large party of court dames are in my train,” he added to Diane. “You shall accompany them.” He then continued in a low voice: “I cannot doubt the great influence you possess over Bourbon. What you say to him he will obey. Charge him, therefore, to join me a week hence at Lyons.”
And he moved towards the other side of the chamber, as if to examine the portrait of the beautiful Clara de Gonzaga.
Diane instantly took advantage of the opportunity, and, approaching Bourbon, said, in a low voice, “You have accepted the king's offer? You will break with the Emperor and Henry VIII., will you not?”
“It is too late,” replied the Constable, in the same tone. “I have signed the compact.”
“But consider that the king has promised to share the command of the army with you?” she urged.