"Adèle," said the monarch, perceiving his young wife, "since Alexander is in France, I have not had an hour of repose."
This remark (à propos to the very subject which interested the Queen most) gave Adèle the opportunity of exerting her influence for her relatives, and to gratify her revenge towards Alexander; and she said,--
"You have the power, Sire, to send the cause of your uneasiness out of France."
"Are you then no longer master in your own kingdom?"
"Circumstances are stronger than my will. I cannot show myself hostile to Alexander, without alienating from me the majority of the prelates. Besides, he is our guest, and the supreme chief of Christendom."
"You cannot be forced to observe the laws of hospitality towards one who has brought trouble under your roof."
"Oh, my dear!" said the King; "we are scarcely at that point yet."
"I know it; but matters are still in a very unfortunate position," said Adèle, with an expression of discouragement. "If the support which you give to Alexander satisfies the prelates, it displeases the great vassals of the crown."--This observation was just.
"The Emperor at the head of a powerful army, is already on our frontiers; Henry of England is mustering his troops in the North. Who, except your vassals, can extricate France from her peril? Can Alexander help you in any way against the dangers which you incur on his account?"
"Honor and duty enjoin on our vassals to answer our summons; do you think they would hesitate to obey?" said Louis.
"The situation is perhaps more critical than you imagine, Sire. If you destroy the contract made with the Emperor, if you protect Alexander, Barbarossa will cross the frontier at once. All will desert your cause, even my brother."
She hid her face in her hands, and wept bitterly.
"What is that you say, Adèle?" exclaimed the King. "Is it, as we hope, merely anxiety which makes you speak thus, or have you really any knowledge of such treachery?"
"My dear husband, be prepared for the worst! Yes, the Count Henry of Champagne and Troyes, the most powerful of your vassals, has promised to go over to the Emperor, if you violate a single article of the treaty which he signed."
"What do you say, madam?" cried Louis, angrily.