ha, his mistress, who by the queen's orders had
been attending Agnes since her illness began. Catherine suggested to the
young chamberwoman, who was at that time with child, that she should
deceive the doctor by representing that certain signs of her own
condition really belonged to the sick woman, so that he, deceived by the
false indications, should be compelled to admit to Charles of Durazzo
that his mother was guilty and dishonoured. The Count of Terlizzi, who
ever since he had taken part in the regicide trembled in fear of
discovery, had nothing to oppose to the empress's desire, and Dona
Cancha, whose head was as light as her heart was corrupt, seized with a
foolish gaiety on any chance of taking her revenge on the prudery of the
only princess of the blood who led a pure life at a court that was
renowned for its depravity. Once assured that her accomplices would be
prudent and obedient, Catherine began to spread abroad certain vague and
dubious but terribly serious rumours, only needing proof, and soon after
the cruel accusation was started it was repeated again and again in
confidence, until it reached the ears of Charles.

At this amazing revelation the duke was seized with a fit of trembling.
He sent instantly for the doctor, and asked imperiously what was the
cause of his mother's malady. The doctor turned pale and stammered; but
when Charles grew threatening he admitted that he had certain grounds for
suspecting that the duchess was enceinte, but as he might easily have
been deceived the first time, he would make a second investigation before
pronouncing his opinion in so serious a matter. The next day, as the
doctor came out of the bedroom, the duke met him, and interrogating him
with an agonised gesture, could only judge by the silence that his fears
were too well confirmed. But the doctor, with excess of caution, declared
that he would make a third trial. Condemned criminals can suffer no
worse than Charles in the long hours that passed before that fatal moment
when he learned that his mother was indeed guilty. On the third day the
doctor stated on his soul and conscience that Agnes of Durazzo was
pregnant.

"Very good," said Charles, dismissing the doctor with no sign of emotion.

That evening the duchess took a medicine ordered by the doctor; and when,
half an hour later, she was assailed with violent pains, the duke was
warned that perhaps other physicians ought to be consulted, as the
prescrip