g, I would have you to know, Sir Abbe."

"Noble praise, your Majesty, and beautiful in the mouth of a king who
stands ready to march at the head of his own army, and to help fight the
good fight of his own cause," returned the Abbe, bowing with deep
humility.

"Sir, your words are bold and are in no way mitigated by your humble
mien!" exclaimed the king. "If you have no other offer to make, the
audience will end, at least for the present."

"May I crave one moment more?" asked the Abbe.

"Yes, but be brief," returned the king.

"My instructions, your Majesty, are to leave London not later than
sunrise on the day after making my king's offer. That will be to-morrow
morning, when I shall hasten back to Paris, whence no other messenger
will come. Twenty thousand troops are now within three hours' march of
Dunkirk. Your Majesty's ships cannot reach the city in time to save it. I
beg to say that I have delivered the entire message intrusted to me by my
august master, and therefore crave your royal permission to withdraw."

The king lifted his right hand in assent, and the Abbe moved backward,
bowing himself from the room. De Grammont, who had come with him, met him
at the door, and immediately they went to the count's house. When they
were gone, the king dismissed all save his counsellors, and I being at
liberty to leave, hastened to her Grace's anteroom. As I passed the door,
my hat in my hand, I bowed to Frances, who was watching me intently. She
smiled, glanced significantly toward my hat, nodded her head to let me
know that she understood, and I passed by, glad that she had the courage
which I so sadly lacked.

Evidently Frances lost no time in doing her part with the king, for two
hours later a page came to me in the Wardrobe, saying that the king
wished to see me immediately. I made all possible haste, and when I
entered the king's closet, he said:--

"Close the door, Clyde," but seemed unable for the moment to say more.

He could not hide his excitement, and presently began telling me in a
peremptory manner that he had a very delicate piece of business for my
hands. He did not seem to feel sure of his ground, and spoke with a
bravado altogether unnecessary, as though he would say I should do
his will whether it suited me or not, rather than in words of respectful
command. I could see easily that his bravado was assumed for the purpose
of forestalling any objection on my part. Of course he did not suspect
for