“The opportunity is tempting, I own,” said Bourbon. “But the plan is too hazardous. It occurred to me while the king stood before me--but I rejected it.” “You did well, prince,” remarked Saint-Vallier, who had entered the chamber by the same door that had admitted his daughter. “If you had seized the king, your own doom would have been certain.” “Who would have pronounced the sentence?” remarked Pomperant, sternly. “I repeat, it is not too late to secure the king. Your highness has but to say the word, and it shall be done.” “Ay, we are ready to execute your highness's orders, be they what they may,” added the others. “Are you all mad?” exclaimed Saint-Vallier. “Know you not that the archers of the royal guard are in the court of the château?--that the Duke de Longueville has four troops of light horse drawn up outside the gates?--that the town is invested by two thousand lansquenets, under the command of the Grand-Master? Any such attempt must end in discomfiture.” “We can carry off the king before his capture is discovered,” said Pomperant. “Impossible!” cried Saint-Vallier. “You are lukewarm in the cause, cousin,” said Bourbon. “Perhaps you may feel differently when I inform you that his majesty designs to take your daughter, the Comtesse de Maulévrier, with him to Lyons.” “Ha!” exclaimed Saint-Vallier, as if struck by a sharp pang. “Rather than this should be, I would consent to his capture.” “Who is mad now, M. le Comte?” remarked Pom-perant. “Will you entrust the beautiful Diane to this profligate monarch?” “No, I would sooner see her perish,” rejoined Saint-Vallier. “I will agree to any plan.” At this moment a warning exclamation was uttered by the physician who was stationed near the door. At the signal, Bourbon hastily resumed his gown, and flung himself upon the couch. Scarcely were these preparations completed, when Perot de Warthy and the Comte de Maulévrier entered. They both glanced suspiciously at the band of young seigneurs, who had withdrawn to the back of the chamber. Saint-Vallier alone remained standing near the couch on which Bourbon was extended. “What is your business with me, sir?” demanded the Constable of Warthy. “I am enjoined by his majesty to remain in constant attendance upon your highness,” replied the other, bowing. “This fellow troubles me,” muttered Bourbon; “I must get rid of him.” “Louis,” said Saint-Vallier to his son-in-law, “I am glad you have come hither. I was about to seek you. You must take back Diane to Normandy.” “I cannot comply with your request,” replied Maulévrier. “I return to the Château de Brézé forthwith.” “So much the better,” cried Saint-Vallier. “Diane must accompany you.” “Impossible,” replied Maulévrier. “She is gone with the Comtesse de Chateaubriand and the king to Lyons.” “Gone!” exclaimed Bourbon, starting up. “Has the king set out? I thought he meant to pass the night here?” “He has changed his mind, and has just quitted the château with his suite.”