“Hear me, François,” she said, “and do not think the course I am about to suggest unworthy of you. You must be delivered from this prison at any price.” “Not at the price of my honour, Marguerite,” he cried. “You cannot counsel that?” “You must dissemble with the tyrant, brother,” she rejoined. “You must beat him with his own weapons. A treaty signed in prison cannot be binding on you. The circumstances render it invalid. Promise all the Emperor asks--but perform only what is reasonable and just. “I must perform all I promise,” said François, “No,” she rejoined. “You are justified in deceiving a pitiless conqueror who abuses his position. France will absolve you.” At this moment, the door was thrown open and gave admittance to the Emperor, who was attended by Bourbon, Lannoy, and Gattinara. Charles V. paused near the door to look at his prisoner, and was sensibly touched by his altered appearance. “Can this be the magnificent François de Valois?” he muttered to Bourbon. “Mother of Heaven! how he is changed!” “Sadly changed, indeed, sire,” rejoined Bourbon. “Even I can pity him.” On beholding the Emperor, François raised himself with his sister's support, and said, in accents of mingled bitterness and reproach, “Your majesty has come to see your prisoner die.” “No, I have come to bid you live,” rejoined Charles V., hastening towards him, “You are no longer my prisoner, but my friend and brother. From this moment you are free.” As these gracious words were uttered, François withdrew from his sister, and flung his arms round the Emperor's neck. On recovering from his emotion, he said, “I thank your majesty from the bottom of my heart for your goodness towards me. You have performed a magical cure. In giving me freedom you have instantly restored me to health and strength.” “I am rejoiced to hear it, my good brother,” rejoined Charles Y. “I should never have forgiven myself if aught had befallen you, You shall be liberated this very day--that is, as soon as we have arranged the terms of the treaty,” he hastened to add, “That is a necessary preliminary step, as you know.” “Of course, sire,” rejoined the king. “We can settle the treaty now. I am well enough to attend to it.” And, assisted by the Emperor and Marguerite, he rose from the couch, and seated himself near the table, on which writing materials were placed. “You have indeed recovered in a marvellous manner, my good brother,” remarked Charles V., smiling. “It is all your doing, sire,” rejoined François. “But let us proceed to business. I repeat, I am quite equal to it.” “'Twill be best that the matter should be concluded at once, brother,” said Charles V., seating himself opposite the king. “The treaty has already been drawn out by the grand-chancellor, and shall be read to you.” “The treaty drawn out!” exclaimed François, frowning. “Then we cannot discuss the terms.” “If we discuss the terms it may prolong your captivity, brother,” rejoined Charles Y.