Part 134 (1/2)
D'Alencon gave a start, but Charles did not appear to notice it, and continued:
”I wish Navarre to be proud of having for king a brother of the King of France. Gold, power, honor, all that belongs to your birth you shall have, as your brother Henry had, and like him,” he added, smiling, ”you will bless me from afar. But no matter, blessings know no distance.”
”Sire”--
”Accept my decision, or rather, resign yourself. Once king, we shall find a wife for you worthy of a son of France, and she, perhaps, may bring you another throne.”
”But,” said the Duc d'Alencon, ”your Majesty forgets your good friend Henry.”
”Henry! but I told you that he did not want the throne of Navarre! I told you he had abdicated in favor of you! Henry is a jovial fellow, and not a pale-face like you. He likes to laugh and amuse himself at his ease, and not mope, as we who wear crowns are condemned to do.”
D'Alencon heaved a sigh.
”Your Majesty orders me then to occupy myself”--
”No, not at all. Do not disturb yourself at all; I will arrange everything; rely on me, as on a good brother. And now that everything is settled, go. However, not a word of our conversation to your friends. I will take measures to give publicity to the affair very soon. Go now, Francois.”
There was nothing further to be said, so the duke bowed and withdrew, rage in his heart.
He was very anxious to find Henry and talk with him about all that had just taken place; but he found only Catharine. As a matter of fact, Henry wished to avoid the interview, whereas the latter sought for it.
On seeing Catharine the duke swallowed his anger and strove to smile.
Less fortunate than Henry of Anjou, it was not a mother he sought in Catharine, but merely an ally. He began therefore by dissimulation, for in order to make good alliances it is necessary for each party to be somewhat deceived.
He met Catharine with a face on which there remained only a slight trace of anxiety.
”Well, madame,” said he, ”here is great news; have you heard it?”
”I know that there is a plan on hand to make a king of you, monsieur.”
”It is a great kindness on the part of my brother, madame.”
”Is it not?”
”And I am almost tempted to believe that I owe a part of my grat.i.tude to you; for it was really you who advised Charles to make me the present of a throne; it is to you I owe it. However, I will confess that, at heart, it gives me pain thus to rob the King of Navarre.”
”You love Henriot very much, apparently.”
”Why, yes; we have been intimate for some time.”
”Do you think he loves you as much as you love him?”
”I hope so, madame.”
”Such a friends.h.i.+p is very edifying; do you know it? especially between princes. Court friends.h.i.+ps mean very little, Francois.”
”Mother, you must remember we are not only friends, but almost brothers.”
Catharine smiled a strange smile.