Mary paused before she answered.

“Wait without.  My answer depends upon the conclusions of His Majesty, the King of France.”

The herald withdrew, but in the meantime Louis had descended to the floor and was busily conning the treaty that Mary had caused to be written.  He was whispering with Cardinal Balau and Oliver, and was evidently excited by the news he had just heard from England.  When he resumed his seat beside Mary, he said:—­

“By this treaty, which is simple and straightforward, Your Highness cedes to me certain cities herein named, in perpetuity; and in consideration thereof, I am to be with you friend of friend and foe of foe.  I am to aid you in subduing your rebellious subjects, and to sustain you in your choice of a husband.  I am also to release you from the present contract of marriage with my son, the Dauphin.”

“That is all, Your Majesty,” said the princess.  “It is short and to the point.”

“Indeed it is, Your Highness, and if you will answer King Edward and will deny him the privilege of crossing Burgundy, I will sign the treaty, and will swear upon the true cross to keep it inviolate.”

Mary could hardly conceal her exultation, but she answered calmly:—­

“Will Your Majesty sign now?”

Louis and Mary each signed the treaty, and the piece of the true cross upon which the oath was to be made was brought before them, resting on a velvet pillow.  Now there were many pieces of the true cross, of which Louis possessed two.  Upon one of these he held the oath to be binding and inviolate; it was known as the Cross of Victory.  Upon the other his oath was less sacred, and the sin of perjury was venial.

I stood near the throne, and, suspecting Louis of fraud, made bold to inquire:—­

“Most humbly I would ask Your Majesty, is this the Cross of Victory?”

The king examined the piece of wood resting on the cushion and said:—­

“By Saint Andrew, My Lord Cardinal, you have committed an error.  You have brought me the wrong piece.”

The Cross of Victory was then produced, with many apologies and excuses for the mistake, and the oath was taken while Mary’s tiny hand rested on the relic beside King Louis’ browned and wrinkled talon.  When the ceremony was finished, the king turned to Mary and said:—­

“Whom will Your Highness select for a husband?”

“My father sometime had treaty with Duke Frederick of Styria, looking to my marriage with his son Maximilian, and I shall ratify the compact.”

Max was about to speak, but I plucked him by the sleeve.

* * * * *

Now I shall hasten to the end.  The king took his departure within an hour, carrying with him his copy of the treaty.  The audience was dismissed, and the princess left the great hall by the door back of the throne, having first directed Hymbercourt, Hugonet, Max, and myself to follow within five minutes, under conduct of a page.  Castleman excused himself and left the hall.