his
foot, "cast off thy cloak that we may see."

I still stood undecided, scarce knowing what to think, and being
ignorant of fashions at court. De Brienne--for that was his
name--mistaking my hesitation, advanced and laying his hand upon my
cloak would have torn it off, had I not brushed him aside so vigorously
he stumbled and fell to the ground.

I had no thought of using strength sufficient to throw him down. He
sprang up instantly, and, furious, drew his sword. I felt my own wrath
rise at sight of cold steel--it was ever a way of mine beyond
control--and asked him hotly:

"How is it affair of thine what manner of coat I wear?"

He made no reply, but, raising his arm, said, menacingly;

"Now, clown, show thy coat, or I'll spit thee like a dog."

I glanced around the circle at the blanched faces of the ladies, seeing
such a serious turn to their jest, and would not even then have drawn,
but the men made no effort to interfere, so I only answered him, "Nay,
I'll wear my cloak," when he made a quick lunge at me. I know not that
he meant me serious injury, but taking no risk my blade came readily,
and catching his slenderer weapon broke it short off, leaving him
raging and defenceless--a simple trick, yet not learned in a day. It
was a dainty little jewel-hilted toy, and I hated to spoil it.

"Now, sir, thank the King's uniform for thy life," my blood was up, and
I ached to teach him a lesson, "I can not turn the King's sword against
one of his servants."

The ladies laughed now, and the hot flush mounted to my cheeks, for I
feared a woman, but their merriment quickly died away at sound of an
imperious voice saying:

"For shame de Brienne, brawler!" "And thou, my young coxcomb of
Orleans," he continued, addressing that dissolute Prince: "How dare
you, sir, lead such a throng of revellers into the King's own gardens?
Is not your own house of debauchery sufficient for Your Grace? Have a
care, young sir, I am yet the King, and thou mayest never be the
Regent."

The Duke simulated his profound regret, but when Louis' back was turned
made a most unprincely and most uncourtly grimace at his royal uncle,
which set them all a-laughing. Whereat all these noble lords and
ladies made great pretense of gravity, and ostentatiously held their
handkerchiefs before their mouths to hide their mirth.

Already these satellites began to desert the sinking to attach their
fortunes to those of the rising sun. I marvelle