lows
would be struck even before the King's face. Lest this should happen
and the worst traditions of old days of disorder be renewed, I
interposed and managed at length to procure silence.

"For shame, gentlemen, for shame!" the King said, gnawing his
moustachios after a fashion he had when in doubt. "I take Heaven to
witness that I cannot say who is right! But this brawling does no
good. The one fact we have is that St. Mesmin has disappeared."

"Yes, sire; and that M. de Saintonge predicted his disappearance," St.
Germain cried, impulsively. "To the day and almost to the hour."

"I gather, de Saintonge," the King said, turning to him, mildly, "that
you did use some expressions of that kind."

"Yes, sire, and did nothing upon them," he answered resentfully. But he
trembled as he spoke. He was an older man than his antagonist, and the
latter's violence shook him.

"But does M. de Saintonge deny," St. Germain broke out afresh before
the King could speak, "that my friend had made him a proposal for his
daughter? and that he rejected it?"

"I deny nothing!" Saintonge cried, fierce and trembling as a baited
animal. "For that matter, I would to Heaven he had had her!" he
continued bitterly.

"Ay, so you say now," the irrepressible St. Germain retorted, "when you
know that he is dead!"

"I do not know that he is dead," Saintonge answered. "And, for that
matter, if he were alive and here now he should have her. I am tired;
I have suffered enough."

"What! Do you tell the King," the young fellow replied incredulously,
"that if St. Mesmin were here you would give him your daughter?"

"I do--I do!" the other exclaimed passionately. "To be rid of him,
and you, and all your crew!"

"Tut, tut!" the King said. "Whatever betides, I will answer for it,
you shall have protection and justice, M. de Saintonge. And do you,
young sir, be silent. Be silent, do you hear! We have had too much
noise introduced into this already."

He proceeded then to ask certain details, and particularly the hour at
which St. Mesmin had been last seen. Notwithstanding that these facts
were in the main matters of common agreement, some wrangling took place
over them; which was only brought to an end at last in a manner
sufficiently startling. The King with his usual thoughtfulness had
bidden St. Mesmin be seated. On a sudden the old man rose; I heard him
utter a cry of amazement, and following the direction of his eyes I