"Ascanio Gaddi!" cried the provost and D'Orbec in the same breath.
"A mere artisan!" added the provost bitterly, turning toward the king.
"Ascanio Gaddi, Seigneur de Nesle," repeated Benvenuto, unmoved, "upon whom his Majesty bestows letters of naturalization and the office of Superintendent of the Royal Châteaux."
"If his Majesty so commands, I will obey," said the provost; "but—"
"Ascanio Gaddi," continued Benvenuto, "out of regard for whom his Majesty grants to Messire Robert d'Estourville, Provost of Paris, the title of Chamberlain."
"Sire, I am ready to sign," said D'Estourville, vanquished at last.
"Mon Dieu! mon Dieu!" murmured Colombe, falling back into her chair, "is not all this a dream?"
"And what of me?" cried D'Orbec.
"As for you," rejoined Cellini, continuing his royal functions; "as for you, Comte d'Orbec, I spare you the inquiry which I should be justified in ordering into your conduct. Clemency is a kingly virtue, no less than generosity, is it not, Sire? But here are the contracts, all prepared; let us sign, messieurs, let us sign!"
"He plays the king to perfection," cried François, as happy as a monarch on a vacation.