h a smile I
could not smother. There was a limit then to the Duke's confidence in
his ally; for the Duke had been at Paris and could be no stranger to M.
de Perrencourt.

"Yes, he told me all. The King of France has sent word from Calais,
where he awaits the signing of the treaty, that the loss of this Madame
Querouaille would rob his Court of beauty, and he cannot be so bereft.
And Madame, the Duke says, swears she can't be robbed of her fairest
Maid of Honour ('tis a good name that, on my life) and left desolate.
But Madame has seen one who might make up the loss, and the King of
France, having studied the lady's picture, thinks the same. In fine,
Simon, our King feels that he can't be a good Catholic without the
counsels of Madame Querouaille, and the French King feels that he must
by all means convert and save so fair a lady as--is the name on your
tongue, nay, is it in your heart, Simon?"

"I know whom you mean," I answered, for her revelation came to no more
than what I had scented out for myself. "But what says Buckingham to
this?"

"Why, that the King mustn't have his way lest he should thereby be
confirmed in his Popish inclinations. The Duke is Protestant, as you
are--and as I am, so please you."

"Can he hinder it?"

"Aye, if he can hinder the French King from having his way. And for this
purpose his Grace has need of certain things."

"Do you carry a message from him to me?"

"I did but say that I knew a gentleman who might supply his needs. They
are four; a heart, a head, a hand, and perhaps a sword."

"All men have them, then."

"The first true, the second long, the third strong, and the fourth
ready."

"I fear then that I haven't all of them."

"And for reward----"

"I know. His life, if he can come off with it."

Nell burst out laughing.

"He didn't say that, but it may well reckon up to much that figure," she
admitted. "You'll think of it, Simon?"

"Think of it? I! Not I!"

"You won't?"

"Or I mightn't attempt it."

"Ah! You will attempt it?"

"Of a certainty."

"You're very ready. Is it all honesty?"

"Is ever anything all honesty, madame--saving your devotion to the
King?"

"And the French lady's to her religion?" laughed Nell. "On my soul, I
think the picture that the King of France saw was a fair one. Have you
looked on it, Simon?"

"On my life I don't love her."

"On my life you will."

"You seek to stop me by that prophecy?"

"I don't care whom you love," sai