‘Come’ — you are here, so ask me nothing further.”

“Your object in telling me to come was your hope that I should see with my own eyes, was it not? Nay, do not hesitate, for I have seen all.”

“Oh!” exclaimed De Guiche.

“Or at least I thought — ”

“There, now, you see you are not sure. But if you have any doubt, my poor friend, what remains for me to do?”

“I saw Louise much agitated — Montalais in a state of bewilderment — the king — ”

“The king?”

“Yes.

You turn your head aside. The danger is there, the evil is there; tell me, is it not so, is it not the king?”