e bye, which
they would readily recognize as the work of their compatriot, Benvenuto
Cellini. The richness of the room, decorated in the taste of Charles
IX., now shone forth. The red-brown of the tapestries showed to
better advantage than by daylight. The various articles of furniture,
delicately made or carved, reflected in their ebony panels the glow of
the fire and the sparkle of the lights. Gilding, soberly applied, shone
here and there like eyes, brightening the brown color which prevailed in
this nest of love.

Jacob presently gave two knocks, and, receiving permission, ushered in
the Italians. Marie Touchet was instantly affected by the grandeur of
Lorenzo's presence, which struck all those who met him, great and small
alike. The silvery whiteness of the old man's beard was heightened by a
robe of black velvet; his brow was like a marble dome. His austere face,
illumined by two black eyes which cast a pointed flame, conveyed an
impression of genius issuing from solitude, and all the more effective
because its power had not been dulled by contact with men. It was like
the steel of a blade that had never been fleshed.

As for Cosmo Ruggiero, he wore the dress of a courtier of the time.
Marie made a sign to the king to assure him that he had not exaggerated
his description, and to thank him for having shown her these
extraordinary men.

"I would like to have seen the sorceresses, too," she whispered in his
ear.

V. THE ALCHEMISTS

Again absorbed in thought, Charles IX. made her no answer; he was idly
flicking crumbs of bread from his doublet and breeches.

"Your science cannot change the heavens or make the sun to shine,
messieurs," he said at last, pointing to the curtains which the gray
atmosphere of Paris darkened.

"Our science can make the skies what we like, sire," replied Lorenzo
Ruggiero. "The weather is always fine for those who work in a laboratory
by the light of a furnace."

"That is true," said the king. "Well, father," he added, using an
expression familiar to him when addressing old men, "explain to us
clearly the object of your studies."

"What will guarantee our safety?"

"The word of a king," replied Charles IX., whose curiosity was keenly
excited by the question.

Lorenzo Ruggiero seemed to hesitate, and Charles IX. cried out: "What
hinders you? We are here alone."

"But is the King of France here?" asked Lorenzo.

Charles reflected an instant, and then answered, "No."