Page:Margaret of Angoulême, Queen of Navarre (Robinson 1886).djvu/85

70 brother or by some watchful friend. Tradition records that Constable Bourbon, who had loved this gentle end courageous woman, could not stand by and see her condemned unwitting to a dreary imprisonment. After many a debate, the legend runs, he at last sent secret word to Francis, that if Margaret were not out of Spain by the close of December, the Emperor would consider her his captive. From some source, at least, she learned her danger at the end of November. By forced marches and unrelaxed haste, there was just time to reach home in safety.

Margaret set out at once, grieving sore to leave her brother. It was arranged that she should not wait for the Act of Abdication, which should be brought to France by Montmorency, whose ransom was paid by Francis, and who would leave Spain at the new year. Thus, should she fail to arrive in time, the letters patent would none the less be safe. So, in sore distress of mind, the poor sister departed.

All her hopes had come to nothing; all her endeavours had failed. There was still an endless prospect of exile or captivity before the adored brother and king to whom she said "Adieu!" perchance for ever. How willingly would she not have stayed behind and shared his prison! But she had a task to perform, another service to render. She must return to France, attend to his affairs, and educate his children. If she let fall her burden, there was the less hope for him.

She wrote to Montmorency from Alcala, the first stage of her journey, on the 20th November:—

",

"This morning when I awoke I received your letter, and I leave you to think if I was glad to hear