"But, madame - " Henry began, in a voice of surprise and protestation, but at the same time there came the sound of a little scratching noise at the other side of the secret door. Marguerite signalled for silence. "Listen," she said.
The low trembling voice of Madame de Sauve came through the door. "The queen-mother," it said, "has just left her apartment."
"Where is she going?"
"She is coming here."
"I was sure she would," Marguerite said.
"And I feared it," Henry answered. "See this."
He opened a black velvet doublet, to show a coat of fine mail below, and a long Milanese dagger which flashed as he drew it out like a viper in the warm grass.
"They are useless here," Marguerite repeated. "Put the dagger back. If she comes this way, she will come alone."
"But --"
"It is she! Be qu
