Part 111 (2/2)

Marguerite sprang into the room and found La Mole waiting for her, calm and quiet, but with drawn sword.

”Flee,” said she, ”flee. Do not lose a second. They are waiting for you in the corridor to kill you.”

”You command me to do this?” said La Mole.

”I command it. We must part in order to see each other again.”

While Marguerite had been away La Mole had made sure of the ladder at the window. He now stepped out, but before placing his foot on the first round he tenderly kissed the queen's hand.

”If the ladder is a trap and I should perish, Marguerite, remember your promise.”

”It was not a promise, La Mole, but an oath. Fear nothing. Adieu!”

And La Mole, thus encouraged, let himself slip down the ladder. At the same instant there was a knock at the door.

Marguerite watched La Mole's perilous descent and did not turn away from the window until she was sure he had reached the ground in safety.

”Madame,” said Gillonne, ”madame!”

”Well?” asked Marguerite.

”The King is knocking at the door.”

”Open it.”

Gillonne did so.

The four princes, impatient at waiting, no doubt, stood on the threshold.

Charles entered.

Marguerite came forward, a smile on her lips.

The King cast a rapid glance around.

”Whom are you looking for, brother?” asked Marguerite.

”Why,” said Charles, ”I am looking--I am looking--why, the devil! I am looking for Monsieur de la Mole.”

”Monsieur de la Mole!”

”Yes; where is he?”

Marguerite took her brother by the hand and led him to the window.

Just then two hors.e.m.e.n were seen galloping away, around the wooden tower. One of them unfastened his white satin scarf and waved it in the darkness, as a sign of adieu. The two men were La Mole and Orthon.

<script>