A Gentleman from Gascony: A Romance of the Huguenots — page 176: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

172 A GENTLEMAN FROM GASCONY. thin white fingers twisting convulsively, half rose from his seat, and then sank back again. “My promise,” he murmured weakly. “ My promise.” “Your promise?” repeated the queen-mother ques- tioningly. | “Yes: I have given my word to the King of Navarre hat this man’s life should be spared.”’ The duchess started violently at these words, but, unseen by the king, Catherine placed her fingers to her lips as a warning for silence. . “Is that all?” she said, lightly. “All?” ejaculated Charles. “Could it be more? Is not a king’s word sacred?” “Certainly,” returned Catherine, with an enigmatical smile. ‘“ Unless a king’s word is obtained by fraud.” “What mean you, madame?” “Were you not so trusting, you would know that the King of Navarre is even now plotting for your crown.” . “Mort de ma vie!” (7 a Ke “It is true, my son, and all see it save you who are most interested.” “ But——” The words died on his lips, as a portiére just opposite to where he was seated was raised, and the graceful form of his sister, Marguerite, appeared. ) “Am I intruding?” she asked, as her eyes fell in wonder upon the stern face of the duchess. “No, no. Come in, Margot,” said the king, glad of almost any interruption. “ Your advent is timely.” “ Most timely,” said Catherine de Medicis, bending a penetrating glance upon her daughter. “ Marguerite is ever on the side of justice.” “Surely, my mother,” replied the Queen of Navarre, Gomicbooks (eo) im