believing that your duty to your master mounts superior to the mere
observation of courtly usage in formal leave-taking.

"Signed by the king's own hand,

"CHARLES R."

"You will see your cousin immediately after your consultation with Du
Boise, and arrange to deliver the documents to her hands privately at the
hour of eight o'clock."

"I beg your Majesty's indulgence for one question," I said, assuming as
well as I could a reluctant manner.

"Yes, yes, but be quick," returned the king.

"It is this," I continued stammeringly. "Is my cousin to deliver the
documents to you after the hour of eight o'clock?"

"That is no affair of yours, and your question is impertinent," answered
the king. "Obey my commands and keep your lips sealed, if you would
oblige your king, save trouble to yourself, and perhaps be rewarded. Hear
me, Clyde! I will brook no interference in this matter. Do you fully
understand?"

"Yes, your Majesty. To obey the king's command is the highest duty I
know," I answered, hanging my head.

"Ah, that is better. Now you may go," said the king, motioning his hand
toward the door.

Frances had been expeditious in doing her part, and I was wondering what
she had done to work so great a change in the king's mind in so short a
time. So I made all haste to see Du Boise in order that I might the
sooner see my cousin and question her. I found Hamilton downcast, but
when I gave him the king's letter, his gloom turned to anger.

"No, no!" he cried, springing from his chair. "Never! Never! Frances is
buying the king's complaisance, God knows at what price! It shall not be!
The cur! The coward! I'll kill him before the hour arrives!"

"Listen to me, George," I insisted, "and for once in your life, don't
be a fool. You will ruin us all if you lose your head at the moment
when success is waiting for us. You, yourself, suggested this plan, and,
thanks to my cousin's courage, it is working out beautifully. I don't
know what she has to propose, nor what she is going to do. I know nothing
of her plans, but I trust her. Can't you?"

"Yes, yes, I trust her," he replied, growing more calm. "But I do not
trust him. She will go to him alone, expecting, doubtless, to escape, but
she does not know the risk she is running."

"Do not fear for her," I answered assuringly. "She will be prepared to
defend herself. Make all things ready, and I'll go to learn of Frances's
plans. You may be sure she will provide some way for