Even to such a stipulation Henri, such was his infatuation, made no demur.  With his own hand he wrote an agreement pledging himself to make Demoiselle Henriette his lawful wife in case, within a certain period, she became the mother of a son; and undertaking to dissolve his marriage with his wife, Marguerite of France, for this purpose.  And this agreement, signed with his own hand, he sent to the Seigneur d’Entragues and his wife, accompanied by a douceur of a hundred thousand crowns.

But before it was dispatched a more formidable obstacle than even the lady’s natural guardians remained to be faced—­none other than the Duc de Sully, the man who had shared all the perils of a hundred fights with Henri and was at once his chief counsellor and his fidus Achates.  When at last he summoned up courage to place the document in Sully’s hands, he awaited the verdict as nervously as any schoolboy in the presence of a dreaded master.  Sully read through the paper, was silent for a few moments, and then spoke.  “Sire,” he said, “am I to give you my candid opinion on this document, without fear of anger or giving offence?” “Certainly,” answered the King.  “Well then, this is what I think of it,” was Sully’s reply, as he tore the document in two pieces and flung them on the floor.  “Sully, you are mad!” exclaimed Henri, flaring into anger at such an outrage.  “You are right, Sire, I am a weak fool, and would gladly know myself still more a fool—­if I might be the only one in France!”

It was in vain, however, that Sully pointed out the follies and dangers of such a step as was proposed.  Henri’s mind was made up, and leaving his friend, in high dudgeon, he went to his study and re-wrote his promise of marriage.  The way was at last clear to the gratification of his passion.  Henriette was more than willing, her parents’ scruples and greed were appeased, and as for Sully—­well, he must be left to get over his tantrums.  Even to please such an old and trusted friend he could not sacrifice such an opportunity for pleasure and a new lease of life as now presented itself!

Halcyon months followed for Henri—­months in which even Gabrielle was forgotten in the intoxication of a new passion, compared with which the memory of her gentle charms was but as water to rich, red wine.  That Henriette proved wilful, capricious, and extravagant—­that her vanity drained his exchequer of hundreds of thousands of crowns for costly jewellery and dresses, was a mere bagatelle, compared with his delight in her manifold allurements.

But Sully had by no means said his last word.  The decree for annulling Henri’s marriage with Marguerite de Valois was pronounced; and it was of the highest importance that she should have a worthy successor as Queen of France—­a successor whom he found in Marie de Medicis.