This illusion to the estrangement of the king and queen made everyone laugh. Monsoreau then whispered to Chicot, “Pray withdraw with me into that window, I wish to speak to you.” When they were alone, he went on, “Now, M. Chicot, buffoon as you are, a gentleman forbids you; do you understand? forbids you to laugh at him, and to remember that others may finish what M. de Mayenne began.” “Ah! you wish me to become your creditor, as I am his, and to give you the same place in my gratitude.” “It seems to me that, among your creditors, you forget the principal.” “Indeed, I have generally a good memory. Who may it be?” “M. Nicolas David.” “Oh! you are wrong; he is paid.” At this moment Bussy entered. “Monsieur,” said he to the count, “M. le Duc d’Anjou desires to speak with you.” “With me?” “With you, monsieur.” “Do you accompany me?” “No, I go first, to tell the duke you are coming,” and he rapidly disappeared. “Well?” said the duke. “He is coming.” “And he suspects nothing?” “Nothing; but if he did, what matter? is he not your creature? Does he seem to you less guilty than he did yesterday?” “No, a hundred times more so.” “He has carried off, by treason, a noble young girl, and married her equally treasonably; either he must ask for the dissolution of the marriage himself, or you must do it for him.” “I have promised.” “I have your word?” “You have.” “Remember that they know and are anxiously waiting.” “She shall be free, Bussy; I pledge my word.” Bussy kissed the hand which had signed so many false promises. As he did so, M. de Monsoreau entered, and Bussy went to the corridor, where were several other gentlemen. Here he had to wait as patiently as might be for the result of this interview, on which all his future happiness was at stake. He waited for some time, when suddenly the door of the duke’s room opened, and the sound of M. de Monsoreau’s voice made Bussy tremble, for it sounded almost joyful. Soon the voices approached, and Bussy could see M. de Monsoreau bowing and retiring, and he heard the duke say: “Adieu, my friend.” “My friend!” murmured Bussy. Then Monsoreau said, “Your highness agrees with me that publicity is best?” “Yes, yes; an end to all mysteries.” “Then this evening I will present her to the king.” “Do so; I will prepare him.” “Gentlemen,” then said Monsoreau, turning towards those in the corridor, “allow me to announce to you a secret; monseigneur permits me to make public my marriage with Mademoiselle Diana de Méridor, who has been my wife for more than a month, and whom I intend this evening to present to the court.”