, Buckingham disengaged
himself from the group, and advanced towards Raoul, stopping for a
moment at the table where the queen-mother, the young queen, and the
king were playing together.

"Now, Raoul," said De Guiche, "there he is; be firm and quick."

Buckingham, having made some complimentary remark to Madame, continued
his way towards Raoul, who advanced to meet him, while De Guiche
remained in his place, though he followed him with his eyes. The
maneuver was so arranged that the young men met in an open space which
was left vacant, between the group of players and the gallery, where
they walked, stopping now and then for the purpose of saying a few words
to some of the graver courtiers who were walking there. At the moment
when the two lines were about to unite, they were broken by a third. It
was Monsieur who advanced toward the Duke of Buckingham. Monsieur had
his most engaging smile on his red and perfumed lips.

"My dear duke," said he, with the most affectionate politeness; "is it
really true what I have just been told?"

Buckingham turned round, he had not noticed Monsieur approach; but had
merely heard his voice. He started in spite of his command over himself,
and a slight pallor overspread his face. "Monseigneur," he asked, "what
has been told you that surprises you so much?"

"That which throws me into despair, and will, in truth, be a real cause
of mourning for the whole court."

"Your highness is very kind, for I perceive that you allude to my
departure."

"Precisely."

Guiche had overheard the conversation from where he was standing, and
started in his turn. "His departure," he murmured. "What does he say?"

Philip continued with the same gracious air, "I can easily conceive,
monsieur, why the king of Great Britain recalls you; we all know that
King Charles II.; who appreciates true gentlemen, cannot dispense with
you. But it cannot be supposed we can let you go without great regret;
and I beg you to receive the expression of my own."

"Believe me, monseigneur," said the duke, "that if I quit the court of
France----"

"Because you are recalled; but, if you suppose the expression of my own
wish on the subject might possibly have any influence with the king, I
will gladly volunteer to entreat his majesty Charles II. to leave you
with us a little while longer."

"I am overwhelmed, monseigneur, by so much kindness," replied
Buckingham, "but I have received positive commands. My residence in