“His highness is labouring under a severe quotidian ague, caught at Montbrison,” replied the physician. “The fever has proved of singular obstinacy, and will not yield to ordinary remedies. We are under great apprehensions,” he added, lowering his voice, “that it may be followed by some mortal ailment, as consumption, or the black jaundice. His state is exceedingly critical, and demands the utmost care. Were he to take cold, I would not answer for his life.” “Hark ye, sir,” said the king. “I know you _can_ speedily cure him, if you will. Within a week I expect to see him at Lyons.” “I cannot perform impossibilities, sire,” replied the physician; “but if it be in the power of medical skill to further your majesty's desires, you shall behold him at the time appointed.” Apparently satisfied, François then turned towards the Constable, and said: “Adieu, cousin. I commend you to the care of your physician. But as I shall naturally be anxious to hear how you progress, I will leave behind me the Seigneur Perot de Warthy, who will send me daily tidings of you.” “That is needless, sire,” said Bourbon, impatiently. “Since you are pleased to express so much anxiety about me, I will despatch frequent messengers to you with the reports of my physicians.” “I prefer leaving Warthy,” rejoined the king. “I can depend on him. Once more adieu, cousin. We shall meet again at Lyons.” And, offering his hand to Diane, he led her out of the room. VII. PEROT DE WARTHY. |Scarcely were they gone, when Bourbon sprang to his feet, and gave vent to an outburst of rage. “By Heaven! I have had enough to do to play my part!” he exclaimed. “I pray your highness to calm yourself!” cried Jean de l'Hopital. “His majesty may return.” “I wish he would return!” exclaimed Bourbon. “I was a fool to allow him to depart. But I must take instant counsel with my friends.” So saying, he thrice struck a small bell placed upon the table. At the summons, a secret door opened, and a dozen young seigneurs, all of whom were armed, issued from a closet where they had been concealed. These persons were Bourbon's most devoted partisans, and comprised the Seigneurs Pomperant, François du Peloux, Tansannes, Espinat, Sainte-Bonnet, Desguières, Brion, and five others. “We have been impatiently awaiting the signal to come forth,” said Pomperant. “But it seems our services were not required. I am sorry your highness allowed the king to depart.” “You shall hear what has occurred, and judge whether I have acted wisely,” rejoined Bourbon. And he then proceeded to relate what had passed between him and the monarch. “I would not trust him!” exclaimed Tansannes. “His promises are worthless. How say you, messeigneurs?” he added to the others. “Are you not of my opinion?” There was a unanimous reply in the affirmative. “It is not too late,” said Pomperant. “We may yet secure his person. Entrust the matter to me. We have force enough to overpower the royal guard.”