tion of the bullying captain's
sneer respecting dancing masters, for Francis was ever ready and eager
to lead some Court lady through the mazes of the dance.

For revels were plentiful at Windsor then, and Denis in the
companionship of Carrbroke found the time pass pleasantly enough, on the
terraces, in the park, and along the banks of the silver Thames; but he
was quite forgetful for the most part of the special mission upon which
he had crossed the sea.

For Ned Carrbroke had always something fresh to propose in the way of
horsemanship, and often enough invited his French companion to
sword-play, which was readily accepted; and to Carrbroke's wonder and
delight Leoni would come to look on, and at Denis's request advise them
upon questions dealing with offence and defence, and proper conduct of
the rapier both in French and Italian schools.

"Why, he's splendid," cried Carrbroke one day, "only I don't like him.
He puts me out of heart. I used to think that I was a good fencer, but
when I cross swords with him I feel quite a baby. You are lucky to have
some one like that to give you lessons. Why, you must be splendid
yourself."

Denis laughed merrily.

"Why," he said, "I always feel worse than you. Master Leoni, when I
fence with him and he gives me a lesson, makes me feel as if there were
magic in his blade which sends a strange aching pain all up the muscles
of my arm."

"Yes," cried Carrbroke, "that's something like what I feel. I say, he's
your friend, isn't he?"

"Well, hardly a friend. I feel more afraid of him than anything."

"Yes," said Carrbroke eagerly, "that's how I feel--well, not afraid," he
continued hastily, and flushing up; "but you won't mind my speaking out?
You and I seem to have so taken to one another."

"Well, yes," said Denis, "we do seem to like one another a bit."

"Then you won't mind my speaking out quite plainly?" continued
Carrbroke.

"Not I. What is it?"

"Only this. Do you think that there is something queer in his blade?"

"Only that it is best Italian steel."

"Yes, of course," said Carrbroke impatiently. "But I mean what they
call magic--that there is something curious in it? You see, it turns
so, and seems so strong."

"Yes, that is strange," said Denis. "It is no matter how you parry; the
point always seems as if it could enter your breast if it liked. I
always feel that Master Leoni could kill anyone just as he pleased."

"Of course you believe in ma