side. The prolonged
conference was taking place in the King's cabinet farther along the
passage.

Suddenly I heard steps on the stairs, the word of the night was asked,
and Monmouth's voice made answer "Saint Denis"; for just now everything
was French in compliment to Madame. The steps continued to ascend; the
light in the corridor was very dim, but a moment later I perceived
Monmouth and Carford. Carford's arm was through his Grace's, and he
seemed to be endeavouring to restrain him. Monmouth shook him off with a
laugh and an oath.

"I'm not going to listen," he cried. "Why should I listen? Do I want to
hear the King praying to the Virgin?"

"Silence, for God's sake, silence, your Grace," implored Carford.

"That's what he does, isn't it? He, and the Queen's Chaplain, and
the----"

"Pray, sir!"

"And our good M. de Perrencourt, then?" He burst into a bitter laugh as
he mentioned the gentleman's name.

I had heard more than was meant for my ears, and what was enough (if I
may use a distinction drawn by my old friend the Vicar) for my
understanding. I was in doubt whether to declare my presence or not. Had
Monmouth been alone, I would have shown myself directly, but I did not
wish Carford to be aware that I had overheard so much. I sat still a
moment longer in hesitation; then I uttered a loud yawn, groaned,
stretched myself, rose to my feet, and gave a sudden and very obvious
start, as I let my eyes fall on the Duke.

"Why, Simon," he cried, "what brings you here?"

"I thought your Grace was in the King's cabinet," I answered.

"But you knew that I left them some hours since."

"Yes, but having lost sight of your Grace, I supposed that you'd
returned, and while waiting for you I fell asleep."

My explanation abundantly satisfied the Duke; Carford maintained a wary
silence.

"We're after other game than conferences to-night," said Monmouth,
laughing again. "Go down to the hall and wait there for me, Simon. My
lord and I are going to pay a visit to the ladies of Madame and the
Duchess of York."

I saw that he was merry with wine; Carford had been drinking too, but he
grew only more glum and malicious with his liquor. Neither their state
nor the hour seemed fitted for the visit the Duke spoke of, but I was
helpless, and with a bow took my way down the stairs to the hall below,
where I sat down on the steps that led up to one of the loop-holes. A
great chair, standing by the wall, served to hide me from o