t my fault that
your father could not endure Mademoiselle Medici or that his son loves
me? The truth is, she hates me so much that if you had not put
yourself into a rage, we should each have had our separate chamber at
Saint-Germain, and also here. She pretended it was the custom of the
kings and queens of France. Custom, indeed! it was your father's custom,
and that is easily understood. As for your grandfather, Francois, the
good man set up the custom for the convenience of his loves. Therefore,
I say, take care. And if we have to leave this place, be sure that we
are not separated."

"Leave Blois! Mary, what do you mean? I don't wish to leave this
beautiful chateau, where we can see the Loire and the country all round
us, with a town at our feet and all these pretty gardens. If I go
away it will be to Italy with you, to see St. Peter's, and Raffaelle's
pictures."

"And the orange-trees? Oh! my darling king, if you knew the longing your
Mary has to ramble among the orange-groves in fruit and flower!"

"Let us go, then!" cried the king.

"Go!" exclaimed the grand-master as he entered the room. "Yes, sire,
you must leave Blois. Pardon my boldness in entering your chamber; but
circumstances are stronger than etiquette, and I come to entreat you to
hold a council."

Finding themselves thus surprised, Mary and Francois hastily separated,
and on their faces was the same expression of offended royal majesty.

"You are too much of a grand-master, Monsieur de Guise," said the king,
though controlling his anger.

"The devil take lovers," murmured the cardinal in Catherine's ear.

"My son," said the queen-mother, appearing behind the cardinal; "it is a
matter concerning your safety and that of your kingdom."

"Heresy wakes while you have slept, sire," said the cardinal.

"Withdraw into the hall," cried the little king, "and then we will hold
a council."

"Madame," said the grand-master to the young queen; "the son of your
furrier has brought some furs, which was just in time for the journey,
for it is probable we shall sail down the Loire. But," he added, turning
to the queen-mother, "he also wishes to speak to you, madame. While the
king dresses, you and Madame la reine had better see and dismiss him, so
that we may not be delayed and harassed by this trifle."

"Certainly," said Catherine, thinking to herself, "If he expects to get
rid of me by any such trick he little knows me."

The cardinal and the duke with