“Your Lordship is partially in error,” said Bassompierre gaily.  “I am, it is true, the very humble servant of all such individuals as are favoured by the Prince, but I do not recognize them as a political body.  I am the devoted adherent of their Majesties, and I know no other masters.  Pardon me, moreover, if I venture to say that you have yourself, M. le Duc, been very ill-advised.  You were formerly the leader of your own faction, since it would appear that we are to talk of factions; you were dependent upon no one, and responsible only to yourself for your actions and opinions; and now you have allied your fortunes to those of persons by whom you will be subjected to a thousand indignities and annoyances when they no longer require your support.  How, then, do you imagine that you will be able to brook such treatment, when you suffer yourself to be angered and alienated by a cold word from the Regent?  You should remember that your brother killed M. de Luz almost under her eyes, and in defiance of a stringent edict; and that you could scarcely anticipate the immediate recall of one of the officers of the King’s household who had peremptorily refused to obey the royal command by which he was enjoined to leave your hotel.”

“Well, well,” exclaimed the Duke impatiently, “the Queen will one day discover her error in having ventured to offer me a slight in order to gratify those by whom she suffers herself to be governed.  She will ere long seek my friendship, but I shall either refuse to listen or compel her to purchase it at a high price.”

The Regent had no sooner returned to her closet than, in obedience to her orders, Bassompierre again presented himself; and as soon as she had dismissed her attendants she at once entered upon the subject that occupied her thoughts.  “Bestein,” she said, addressing the Marquis by the name which she usually applied to him during their confidential interviews, “this wretched affair has totally unnerved me.  I was unable to swallow any food, and unless my mind is relieved at once I shall go mad.  You must reconcile me to the Duc de Guise at any price.  Offer him a hundred thousand crowns for himself, the commission of Lieutenant-General of Provence for his brother, and the reversion of the Abbey of St. Germain for the Princesse de Conti.  In one word, promise him what you please, and I will consent, provided you annihilate this cabal and detach him from the interests of the Princes.”

“Madame,” replied Bassompierre with a gay smile, “you have filled my hands so amply that I am sure of making a successful bargain.  But have I no similar commission with regard to M. d’Epernon?”

“Ah, would that I could hope so much,” said Marie gloomily; “but I have wounded his vanity, and he never forgives.”

“Seldom, perhaps, Madame,” was the ready rejoinder of the shrewd courtier, “his enemies, but readily his rulers.”

“Endeavour then,” exclaimed the Queen eagerly, “to effect this also, Bestein; remind him of all that I have already done, both for himself and his children, and assure him that I have never lost the inclination to serve him.  If any one can accomplish so desirable an object, you are the person.”