as a manful assertion of Englishry, but he
would just now have given a great deal for the command of any language
but a horseboy's, to use to this beautiful gracious personage. '_Merci,
Madame, nous ne fallons pas, nous avons passe notre parole d'aller droit
a l'Ambassadeur's et pas ou else_,' did not sound very right to his
ears; he coloured up to the roots of his hair, and knew that if Berry
had had a smile left in him, poor fellow, he would have smiled now. But
this most charming and polite of ladies never betrayed it, if it were
ever such bad French; she only bowed her head, and said something very
pretty--if only he could make it out--of being the slave of one's word,
and went on persuading. Nor did it make the conversation easier, that
she inquired after Berenger, and mourned over his injuries as if he were
unconscious, while Philip knew, nay, was reminded every instant, that
he was aware of all that was passing, most anxious that as little as
possible should be said, and determined against being taken to her
hotel. So unreasonable a prejudice did this seem to Philip, that had it
not been for Humfrey's words, he would have doubted whether, in spite of
all his bleeding, his brother's brain were not wandering.

However, what with Humfrey without, and Berenger within, the turn to
the Ambassador's hotel was duly taken, and in process of time a hearty
greeting passed between Humfrey and the porter; and by the time the
carriage drew up, half the household were assembled on the steps,
including Sir Francis himself, who had already heard more than
a fortnight back from Lord Walwyn, and had become uneasy at the
non-arrival of his two young guests. On Smithers's appearance, all had
been made ready; and as Berenger, with feeble, tardy movements, made
courteous gestures of thanks to the lady, and alighted form the coach,
he was absolutely received into the dignified arms of the Ambassador.
'Welcome, my poor lad, I am glad to see you here again, though in such
different guise. Your chamber is ready for you, and I have sent my
secretary to see if Maitre Par be at home, so we will, with God's help,
have you better at ease anon.'

Even Philip's fascination by Madame de Selinville could not hold out
against the comfort of hearing English voices all round him, and of
seeing his brother's anxious brow expand, and his hand and eyes return
no constrained thanks. Civilities were exchanged on both sides; the
Ambassador thanked the lad