"I think nothing, sire," he said dryly.

"It is for your Majesty and your council to think.

It is enough for me that it is the King's will." "But you'll not flinch ?" Charles muttered, with a quick look of suspicion.

"But there," with a monstrous oath, "I know you'll not! I believe you'd as soon kill a monk--though, thank God," and he crossed himself devoutly, "there is no question of that--as a man.

And sooner than a maiden." "Much sooner, sire," Tavannes answered grimly.