ift of the Venetian republic, and then of the highest
rarity and value, "and tell me, as you look, what is the heart that can
resist the charms there represented?"

The Princess, unable to sustain any longer the neglect of her lover,
here sunk backwards on her chair with a sigh, which at once recalled
the Duke from the land of romance, and induced the Lady Hameline to ask
whether her Highness found herself ill.

"A sudden pain shot through my forehead," said the Princess, attempting
to smile; "but I shall be presently better."

Her increasing paleness contradicted her words, and induced the Lady
Hameline to call for assistance, as the Princess was about to faint.

The Duke, biting his lip, and cursing the folly which could not keep
guard over his tongue, ran to summon the Princess's attendants, who
were in the next chamber, and when they came hastily, with the usual
remedies, he could not but, as a cavalier and gentleman, give his
assistance to support and to recover her. His voice, rendered almost
tender by pity and self reproach, was the most powerful means of
recalling her to herself, and just as the swoon was passing away, the
King himself entered the apartment.

CHAPTER XII: THE POLITICIAN

This is a lecturer, so skill'd in policy,
That (no disparagement to Satan's cunning)
He well might read a lesson to the devil,
And teach the old seducer new temptations.

OLD PLAY

As Louis entered the gallery, he bent his brows in the manner we have
formerly described as peculiar to him, and sent, from under his gathered
and gloomy eyebrows, a keen look on all around; in darting which,
as Quentin afterwards declared, his eyes seemed to turn so small,
so fierce, and so piercing, as to resemble those of an aroused adder
looking through the bush of heath in which he lies coiled.

When, by this momentary and sharpened glance, the King had reconnoitered
the cause of the bustle which was in the apartment, his first address
was to the Duke of Orleans.

"You here, my fair cousin?" he said;--and turning to Quentin, added
sternly, "Had you not charge?"

"Forgive the young man, Sire," said the Duke; "he did not neglect his
duty; but I was informed that the Princess was in this gallery."

"And I warrant you would not be withstood when you came hither to pay
your court," said the King, whose detestable hypocrisy persisted in
representing the Duke as participating in a passion which was felt only