Philip then briefly explained to the bishop and to his confessor why he had sent for them, and had just made an end, when Count D’Egmont entered, and said that M. de Noailles was without, and besought a moment’s audience of his Highness. “What! the perfidious assassin! how dares he approach me? But he shall rue his temerity,” cried Philip, placing his hand on his sword. Then instantly becoming calm, he added, “but he could not have come more opportunely for my purpose. Admit him, D’Egmont. Once within this chamber, he is my prisoner. Place a guard at the door, and let him not go forth without my order.” “No harm must be done him,” said the abbess, in a low, deep voice. “I have not sent for him,” rejoined Philip. “If he rushes to his own destruction it is not my fault.” “It was madness in him to come here at all,” said D’Egmont. “The Duke of Alva, who has heard of the attempt, and suspects De Noailles of its contrivance, is in the ante-chamber.” “I am glad to hear it,” replied Philip. “The Duke will know how to act,” he added, with a significant glance at D’Egmont. “If any injury be done the ambassador, there will be war with France,” observed the abbess, in the same low, deep tone as before. “No harm shall befal him, if he be not proved guilty of this foul plot,” rejoined Philip. “But, if it be his contrivance, he shall not escape the punishment he merits. Admit him, Count.” [Illustration] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Illustration] CHAPTER XV. THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR. D’Egmont withdrew, and almost instantly reappeared with the French ambassador. M. de Noailles made a very gallant appearance, being splendidly attired in white and silver. He removed his plumed and jewelled cap as he entered the room, and advanced with a very smiling and confident air towards Philip. While he was being presented to the Prince by the Count D’Egmont, the Duke of Alva entered the room. At the same time, two Spanish halberdiers stationed themselves near the door. Philip received the ambassador with freezing politeness. “Considering the relations unfortunately subsisting between my father, the Emperor, and the King, your master, I scarcely expected this visit from your excellency,” he said. “I do not appear before your Highness in my quality of ambassador, but as a simple gentleman,” replied De Noailles. “I could not hear of the felon attack made upon you last night without desiring to offer my congratulations on your escape; but I might have hesitated to do so if rumour, with its customary malice, had not sought to fix the contrivance of the dark deed on me.” “No one who knows your excellency could for a moment suspect you of planning such an affair,” rejoined Philip. “You would never strike a dishonourable and cowardly blow. Others may suspect you—I do not.” “He does not suspect him, because he is sure of his guilt,” muttered Alva.