"You wish to leave me then, Anne."

"Peste! sire, you are exacting; an execution is a spectacle of which,
unlike me, you are fond. Is not that enough for you, or must you also
enjoy the weakness of your friends?"

"If you will remain, Joyeuse, you will see that it is interesting."

"I do not doubt it, sire; I only think that the interest will be carried
to a point that I cannot bear;" and he turned toward the door.

"Go, then," said Henri, sighing; "my destiny is to live alone."

"Quick! Du Bouchage," said Anne to his brother. "The king says yes now;
but in five minutes he will say no."

"Thanks, my brother," said Bouchage; "I was as anxious as you to get
away."




CHAPTER V.

THE EXECUTION.


The councilors entered.

"Well, gentlemen," said the king, "is there anything new?"