“I will now avow the truth to you, cousin,” he said. “This process has been a great pain to me, but there is only one way of settling it. Methinks you can readily guess that mode.” “No, sire, I confess I am completely puzzled,” replied Bourbon. “You are duller than I thought,” said the king. “The matter rests with the Duchess d'Angoulême. You must talk it over with her.” “With the duchess, sire!” exclaimed Bourbon. “Impossible! You must hold me excused.” “Nay, I insist, cousin,” rejoined François. “The interview will be productive of no good, sire, and will rather aggravate existing difficulties. Again, I pray you to excuse me.” “Nay, I am resolved, cousin. I know what is for your good. Come with me to my mother's private cabinet. She expects you.” “Expects me!” cried Bourbon. “Then this is a preconcerted scheme. I warn your majesty it will fail.” “I will listen to no more objections,” said François. “You will thank me for my firmness anon.” III. LOUISE DE SAVOIE. |BOURBON yielded with an ill grace, and entered an ante-chamber with the king, in which several gentlemen and pages were assembled. Two ushers were stationed at a door at the farther end of the chamber. At the king's approach this door was thrown open, and Bourbon found himself in the presence of the person he most hated on earth. The Duchess d'Angoulême was seated at a table, engaged in converse with the Chancellor Duprat, who arose on the king's entrance with Bourbon, and made a profound obeisance, but the duchess retained her seat.