"His Eminence has rounded out my reflection for me," continued Montmorency, coolly; "and since he has put the question on that ground, I will venture to ask his Majesty for a proof that my services in behalf of peaceful measures are gratifying to him." "What proof is that?" said the king, sighing. "Sire, I beg your Majesty to make a public declaration of the honor which you condescend to do my house by bestowing upon my son the hand of Madame d'Angoulême. I must have this official demonstration and solemn promise, so that I may steadfastly pursue my present course, without having to combat the suspicions of my friends and the clamor of my enemies." This bold request was received, despite the king's presence, with signs of applause or displeasure, according as the councillors belonged to one or the other faction. Gabriel turned pale and shuddered; but he recovered his courage somewhat when he heard the Cardinal de Lorraine reply with spirit,-- "The Holy Father's bull, annulling the marriage of François de Montmorency and Jeanne de Fiennes, has not yet arrived, so far as I know, and may not arrive at all." "Then we must get along without it," said the constable; "secret marriages may be annulled by royal decree." "But a decree cannot be made retroactive," was the cardinal's retort. "But such an effect may be given to it, may it not, Sire? Say it aloud, I conjure you, that those who attack me, as well as I myself, may have a certain demonstration of your approbation of my views! Tell them that your royal favor will go so far as to give a retroactive effect to this just decree!" "No doubt I can do it," said the king, whose feeble indecision seemed to be yielding to this firm and steady language. Gabriel had to lean heavily upon his sword to save himself from falling. The constable's eyes shone with delight. The peace party seemed to be on the verge of a decided triumph, thanks to his daring. But at this moment the sound of trumpets was heard in the courtyard. The air they were playing was an unfamiliar one, and the members of the council looked wonderingly at one another. The usher came in almost immediately, and bowing to the ground, announced,-- "Sir Edward Fleming, herald of England, begs the honor of being admitted to your Majesty's presence." "Let the herald of England enter," said the king, marvelling, but outwardly calm. He made a sign, and the dauphin and the princes came and stood about him, while the other members of the council took their places outside the royal circle. The herald, accompanied only by two armed attendants, was ushered in. He saluted the king, who nodded his head slightly from the sofa on which he remained seated. Then said the herald,--