Page:Margaret of Angoulême, Queen of Navarre (Robinson 1886).djvu/137

122, conscientiously disapproved of Nérac and its refugees. He felt no scruple in trying to destroy the influence which had helped him to his seat of honour.

So, when the peace was made, despite his promises, despite the benefactions of Margaret, Montmorency raised no plea for the restoration of Navarre. The French retained Hesdin and Savoy; there was no question of the rights of Henry d'Albret; and one day, a little later, when King Francis complained of the singular growth of heresy: "Sire, if you would exterminate it," said the Constable, "begin with your Court, and first of all with your sister!"

The cruel word missed its mark. "She loves me too much," said Francis. "She would never believe other than I believe, nor anything that would prejudice my estate." The shaft glanced by King Francis, but it lodged in Margaret's heart. In this year, 1538, her frequent letters to the Constable come to a sudden end. From that day she never liked nor trusted Montmorency, and for a year and more she sat, in vague helplessness, watching all her work unravelled by this man, watching Francis drifting towards the Emperor in desertion of his natural allies.