"Diane removed her arm from his neck. 'As you please, sire,' she said coldly; and then: 'But remember the Chatillons are making head in the north, and tomorrow they may break the peace with Spain. Remember how full Paris is of these traitors to their King and Holy Church! Never mind my request; but, sire,' and her voice sank to the tenderest note, 'think of those who love you and fear for you--and--let the council to-day be firm.' "'Oh, it will be that. I will see to that.' "'Thank Heaven! And now, my King, my King! for the last time!' And she knelt and kissed his hand, and there were tears--tears, Orrain!--in her eyes. "Henri was much moved. 'What does this mean, Diane?' And he raised her gently to her feet. "'It means, sire'--her eyes refused to meet his, and her voice shook--'that the time has come for me to go. To-morrow I leave Paris; but, wherever I go, my sorrow will be with me, and my memory of----' And once more she kissed his hand. "'Diane!' "She made no answer except to sob, and he put his arm round her, and tried to comfort her, but she gently withdrew herself. "'Sire, let me go! I had forgotten that with a woman love lasts for ever, but beauty fades. I have to-day learned my lesson.' And, sitting herself down, she buried her face in her hands. "Henri looked helplessly around, and then, rising hurriedly, paced the room. Once he came up to me, where I stood near the window, and stared at me, or rather stared across me, as though he did not see me. He was yielding, I knew, and another sob from Diane broke him. "He took up the paper, and it rustled in his trembling hand. One more glance at the bowed figure beside him, and he called out: "'Le Brusquet, give me a pen.' "I made no answer, but stood as if I had not heard. I swear to you, Orrain, that I would rather have let my right hand wither than do his bidding. Twice he repeated his order; but I stood like a stone. Diane made no movement. His face flushed, and with a sudden effort he walked towards a cabinet, and the next moment the accursed paper was signed. He brought it back with him, and stood humbly beside Diane, but she did not appear to see. At last he took her hands from her face and placed the deed within them. "'There, little one! Speak no more of broken hearts.' And he kissed her. She rose, and let her head fall on his shoulder, standing there with closed eyes, but with fingers that held the paper with a clutch like the talons of a hawk. After a little she drew back; there was a lovely smile on her lips, and the blue-black eyes were sparkling. "'Sire,' she said, 'I thank you.' Then, with a glance behind her at the curtains that covered the door leading to the ante-rooms: 'It grows late, and messieurs there are waiting.' So saying, she bowed low to the King, and ran from the room into the inner apartments, carrying her paper with her.