“Your majesty shall re-establish the Seigneur de Pomperant, and all the other partisans of the Duke de Bourbon, in their possessions. And you shall release the Prince of Orange, who has been confined in the castle of Lusignan, and deprived of his possessions for his zeal towards the Emperor.” “To the latter condition I unhesitatingly agree,” said François. “Lastly,” said Gattinara, “your majesty shall pay to the King of England five hundred thousand crowns, and to his Imperial Majesty as a ransom two millions.” “These are onerous conditions, sire,” said François, as the chancellor concluded. “They appear hard now, but you will not think them so when you are at liberty, brother,” said the Emperor. “Neither will you be bound by them,” whispered Marguerite. “The violence offered releases you from all engagements.” “His majesty must pledge his royal word to return to prison, if all the conditions of the treaty be not fulfilled within three months,” said Lannoy. “How say you, brother? Will you give that pledge?” demanded Charles V. “He will--he does!” interposed Marguerite. “Nay, madame, let the king speak for himself,” said the Emperor. “I give the required pledge,” said François, with evident reluctance. “But your majesty must also give hostages for your good faith,” remarked Bourbon. “Hostages!” exclaimed François. “Yes, sire, hostages--hostages the most precious to yourself and to your people--your two elder sons. They must take your place, and remain in captivity till all be fulfilled.” “Sire, you do not require this?” cried François. “If you mean fairly, brother--as I feel sure you do--where is the hardship?” rejoined Charles V., “I must have an exchange of prisoners.” “Assent,” whispered Marguerite. “We will soon find means to liberate the princes.” “Well, sire, I must perforce agree,” said François. “One point only remains,” said the Emperor. “I would willingly have kept it separate, but circumstances require that it should form part of the treaty. It relates to my sister Leanor, the widowed queen of Portugal.” “Yes, sire, and I now renew the proposal I have made to you respecting the queen,” said François. “Do you agree to give me her hand?” “Sire,” interposed Bourbon, haughtily, “you have already promised your sister to me.” “Before giving that promise I ought to have consulted her,” said Charles. “You would have me to understand that she declines the alliance,” said Bourbon. “The queen could scarce hesitate between a proscribed prince and a powerful monarch,” said Marguerite, in a tone that stung Bourbon to the quick. “You mistake, madame,” he cried, sharply. “'Tis the prince who is powerful, and the king a prisoner. However, I relinquish my claim. Your Imperial Majesty is free to bestow the queen your sister on whomsoever you list.”