Margaret de Valois - Paperback

by Alexandre Dumas (Author)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1910 edition. Excerpt: ...n' ifour majesty, the King of Navarre is dying, and Madame de Sauve is dead." The clock struck four, and Catherine was feeding with crumbs of bread some rare birds which she herself attended to. Although her features were calm, and even melancholy, her heart beat violently at the least sound. Suddenly the door opened. "Madame," said the captain of the guards, "the King of Navarre is" "111?" inquired Catherine, suddenly. "No, madame, thank God I his majesty seems excellently well" "What then have yon to say?" "That the King of Navarre is here." "What would he with me?" "He brings your majesty a small monkey of a very rare sort." And at this moment Henry entered, holding in his hand a basket, and caressing an onistiti (a small species of the monkey) which was in it. Henry smiled as he entered, and appeared quite occupied with the small animal he had brought: but yet preoccupied as he was, he gave a glance which was sufficient under his peculiar circumstances. As to Catherine, she Was very pale--deadly pale, indeed, as she saw the cheeks of the young man, as he approached her, glowing with color and health. The queen-mother was stupefied at this, and accepting mechanically the present he made her, and complimenting him in a troubled voice on hjs healthy appearance, added: "I am the more pleased to see you in such health, my son, after having heard that you had been unwell; and I remember you complained of indisposition in my presence; but I see now," she continued, irying to force a smile, "it was only an excuse that you might have your time more freely to yourself." "Why, I really was very unwell, madame," replied Henry, "but a...