for not having the visitor there.

"See that everything is done, Hurst, so that he may go back to my
brother of France full of admiration of my Court. We must make him
envious," added the King, with a laugh.

At that moment there was a flourish of trumpets, and, escorted by two
noblemen of the English Court, Francis, followed by his three gentleman
attendants, advanced to meet the King.

Leoni watched his master narrowly as he followed his progress through
the brilliant throng of courtiers towards the spot where Henry stood
awaiting his coming, and there was but one thought animating his brain--
the thought of whether Francis with his impetuous nature would not
commit some act in this strangest of all episodes--King meeting King,
and one ignorant of the other's real identity--which would enlighten
Henry and maybe bring disaster on them all.

"But Henry has never seen our King," he murmured softly to himself.
"Why should there be this presagement of harm? He cannot be recognised
here, or if any of these gentlemen who have travelled do imagine a
resemblance, they will laugh it on one side."

He felt reassured again as he saw Henry advance a step to meet his guest
and take his hand with a few words of welcome, ere he pointed to a seat
near at hand.

"Our brother of France is indeed fortunate," he said, "to be represented
by yourself, Comte." And then followed words which Leoni did not hear,
for a gentleman approached the group formed by himself, Saint Simon, and
Denis, and with a bow said courteously:

"May I present you gentlemen to his Majesty?"

A minute later Leoni heard Francis say:

"Your Majesty will permit me to present to your notice Master Rene
Leoni, the most learned of doctors, and at the same time one of the most
tyrannical. But to those who understand well the subtle art of
medicine, we must forgive all."

"True," said Henry, and he leaned forward with a gracious inclination.
"We can read in your countenance, sir, the deep learning of the south.
Would to Heaven that there were more of it here! I trust that the stay
you make at our Court will not be displeasing to you, for that it will
be productive to us I make no doubt."

Leoni bowed low before the two Kings.

"My master has exaggerated my poor abilities, your Majesty," he said,
and then he drew back to allow of the introduction of his two
companions, to each of whom Henry addressed words of encouragement and
welcome.

Later, as the mus