etter, nor did she mention
the subject to Felix, who presently joined us.

The next morning, to the visible anxiety of our friends, we rode out
from the city, fifty strong, with the Admiral at our head. We journeyed
pleasantly and at our leisure to Blois, where the king accorded our
chief a most gracious and kindly reception. If he really meditated
treachery, he was a most accomplished actor.

His gentlemen entertained us with lavish hospitality, and, though there
were occasionally sharp differences of opinion, we got on very well
together. When the king treated our leader so affectionately, calling
him "Father," and placing his arm round his neck, the members of the
royal household could not afford to be churlish.

One morning I chanced to be in attendance on the Admiral when he and the
king were taking a turn in the grounds. Felix and two or three of the
king's gentlemen were with me, and we were all chatting pleasantly
together when my patron, turning round, beckoned me to approach.

"This is the young man, sire," he said; "he comes from a good family,
and I have proved him to be a trusty servant."

"My dear Admiral," cried Charles, "a word from you is sufficient
recommendation. But there are forms to be observed, and you would not
have me override the Parliament! Eh, my dear Admiral, you would not have
me do that," and he laughed roguishly.

"I would have you do nothing unjustly, sire, but I would have you set
the wrong right, and this is a foul wrong. The Sieur Le Blanc did
nothing more than any other Huguenot gentleman. Why was he outlawed, and
a price set on his head, and his property confiscated?"

"Upon my word," exclaimed Charles, looking very foolish, "I do not
know!"

"You were pleased at St. Jean d'Angely to call him a very gallant
gentleman."

"At D'Angely?" echoed the king. "Are you speaking of the man who set us
so long at defiance? My brother was not well pleased with him."

"Your brother, sire, does not rule France."

"No, by St. James!" cried Charles, with sudden fury, "and while I live
he never shall! I am the king, and what I wish shall be done. This Le
Blanc who fought at D'Angely was as brave a soldier as ever drew sword.
Had he been on our side, I would have made him a marshal. I swear it!"

"He fought against you, sire, but it was for what he thought right."

"Perhaps he was right," said Charles. "Why can't we all live at peace
with each other? When we have finished cutting each o