reflection of
the smiles upon his courtiers' lips.

"He is a Frenchman," he said to himself, "and does not understand our
ways, though I should have thought--" he continued to himself, and then
broke off, to follow the example set him by his visitor, and clumsily
and with ill grace returned the salute, before bidding him welcome in
English, which Francis understood fairly well, turning occasionally to
Leoni, who stood close behind him, ready to interpret whenever his
master was at fault.

The interview went off very well, for Henry took at once to the bright,
vivacious French monarch, finding in him one ready to talk eagerly about
his pursuits, the pair being well in accord as to their tastes; and the
meeting was nearly brought to an end by the King telling his visitor
that the letter from his brother Francis was sufficient to make one of
his favourite nobles quite welcome to the hospitality of the English
Court.

"Believe me, I am glad to welcome my royal brother's favourite. A suite
of apartments will be prepared for you, sir, by my people, and a place
on my right hand at my table. Rest assured that your stay shall be made
pleasant here."

Francis bowed and smiled, and seemed as if about to supplement his
embrace; but the King went on speaking.

"But what is this I hear about an insult offered to one who occupies the
position of an ambassador, and whose person should be sacred? I hear,
Comte, that you were attacked by one of my officers and his companions,
here, close to my palace gates. Is it true?"

Francis shrugged his shoulders nearly to his ears with a half
contemptuous smile upon his lips.

"Oh, a mere nothing," he said; "a little sword-play."

"A mere nothing!" cried Henry fiercely. "An insult to one of my guests
a mere nothing!"

"Oh, don't speak of it," replied Francis, laughing. "I was not
surprised."

"You amaze me, sir!" cried the King.

"Indeed, Sire? Why, we always knew in France that there is nothing an
Englishman loves better than to fight. I came to your gates
unannounced, and two or three of your bluff soldiers--officers, you
say--exclaimed amongst themselves, `What does this Frenchman here,
trying to enter our master's court?' As your defenders, they drew, to
try and drive us away. But we would not be driven. Then your gallant
escort arrived. They found out the mistake, and it was all at an end.
I congratulate you, my--" Francis coughed, as if to get rid of an
impediment