sixty years
old, I would say; and, except for his dress, resembled some fine old
country-squire. He wore a great brown periwig that set off his rosy
face. He was not, I think, a very spiritual man, though good and
conscientious, and he meddled not at all with politics or even with
religion. He went his way, and let men alone, which, though not very
apostolic, is at least very prudent and peaceful. He was fond of country
sports, I had heard, and of the classics; and spent his time pretty
equally in them both.

"Yes," said I; "the King is a year older since this time twelvemonth."

He laughed loudly.

"There speaks the courtier," he said. "And you come from the Duke?"

I told him Yes.

"And I go to him. Well; good day to you, Mr. Mallock."

* * * * *

It was very pleasant to me, this new air in which I lived. Here was I,
come from the Duke who had received me as never before, with a
deference--(if the Duke's behaviour to any man could be called
that)--such as he had never shewn me, being greeted too by this priest
who up to this time had never manifested much interest in me, going back
to my fine lodgings and my half-dozen servants. Indeed it was a great
change. As I went past the sentry a minute or two later, he saluted me,
and I returned it, feeling very happy that I was come to be of some
consideration at last, with do much more, too, in the background of
which others never dreamed.

* * * * *

I had my first audience of His Majesty a week later, and confirmed my
impressions of his ageing very rapidly. He received me with
extraordinary kindness; but, as to the first part of the interview,
since this concerned private affairs in France, I shall give no
description. It was the end only that was of general interest; and one
part of it very particular, since I was able to speak my mind to him
again.

He was standing looking out of the window when he said his last word on
France, and kept silent a little. He stood as upright as ever, but there
was an air in him as if he felt the weight of his years, though they
were scarcely fifty-four in number. His hand nearest to me hung down
listlessly, with the lace over it. When he spoke, he put into words the
very thing that I was thinking.

"I am getting an old man, Mr. Mallock," he said, suddenly turning on me;
"and I would that affairs were better settled than they are. They are
better than they were--I