The king has had to put up with Villon's impudence, but he and Villon now have some grudging respect for each other, with Villon admitting to the king that Louis' job is harder than he had thought. The king on his side has been convinced by Katherine and Father Villon of François's role in saving the city, and now feels obligated to reward him again. But wanting less aggravation in his life, Louis decides to pardon Villon, but exile him from Paris. Villon is supposed to see Katherine on his way out, but decides to bypass her. This does no good. François leaves on foot, headed for the south of France. Lady Katherine squeezes this information from Father Villon and follows with a guard in her carriage at a discreet distance on the road, waiting for François to tire out.