n singing before.

I thought if such were the companions my journey was to throw me in
with, it would be a sorry time till I got home again. But my young
gentleman, for all his temporary sullenness, was really of a talkative
nature, as these vain young fellows are apt to be, and when he had
warmed himself a little with wine even his dislike of me could not
restrain his tongue any longer.

"You are staying here to-night, then?" he suddenly asked.

"Yes, and you?"

"I shall ride on after supper. There will be starlight."

"I have used my horse enough to-day."

"And I mine, for that matter. But there are times when horses can't be
considered."

"You are travelling on important business, then?"

"On business of haste. I must put ground behind me."

"I drink to the success of your business, then."

"Thank you, I am always successful. There is another toast, that should
have first place. The ladies, Monsieur."

"With all my heart."

"That's a toast I never permit myself to defer. Mon dieu, I owe them
favours enough!"

"You are fortunate," said I.

"I don't complain. And you?"

"Even if I were fortunate in that respect, I shouldn't boast of it."

He coloured; but laughed shortly, and said, "It's not boasting to tell
the mere truth."

"I was thinking of myself, not of you, Monsieur." This was true enough.

"I can readily believe you've had no great luck that way," he said
spitefully, pretending to take stock of my looks. I knew his remark was
sheer malice, for my appearance was good enough--well-figured and
slender, with a pleasant, thoughtful face.

"Let us talk of something else," I answered coldly, though I was far
from cool in reality.

"Certainly. What do you think of the last conspiracy?"

"That it was very rash and utterly without reason. We have the best king
France ever knew."

"Yes, long live Henri IV.! They say there are still some of the
malcontents to be gathered in. Have you heard of any fresh arrests?"

"Nothing within two weeks. I don't understand how these affairs can
possibly arise, after that of Biron. Men must be complete fools."

"Oh, there are always malcontents who still count on Spain, and some
think even the League may be revived."

"But why should they not be contented? I can't imagine any grievances."

"Faith, my child, where have you been hiding yourself? Don't you know
the talk? Do you suppose everybody is pleased with this Dutch alliance?
And the way in which the K