Suddenly, a terrible cry was heard, which came from the king's
room.

All the lights in his room were out, and no sound was to be heard
except this strange call of the king's. For it was he who had
cried.

Soon was heard the noise of furniture falling, porcelain breaking,
steps running about the room, and the barking of dogs-mingled
with new cries. Almost instantly lights burned, swords shone
in the galleries, and the heavy steps of the Guards were heard.

"To arms!" cried all, "the king calls."

And the captain of the guard, the colonel of the Swiss, and some
attendants, rushed into the king's room with flambeaux.

Near an overturned chair, broken cups, and disordered bed, stood
Henri, looking terrified and grotesque in his night-dress. His
right hand was extended, trembling like a leaf in the wind, and
his left held his sword, which he had seized mechanically.

He appeared dumb through terror, and all the spectators, not daring
to break the silence, waited with the utmost anxiety.

Then appeared, half dressed and wrapped in a large cloak, the
young queen, Louise de Lorraine, blonde and gentle, who led the
life of a saint upon earth, and who had been awakened by her
husband's cries.