"

"And I doubt, Sire, as to his being the Comte de la Seine."

"What!" cried the King. "Some impostor! Hurst! This is an insult to
my guest, as noble and accomplished a gentleman as ever entered our
Court--one whom I already look upon as my friend. Speak, man! What is
it you think--that he is some cheat?"

"Cheat, Sire? No; but I believe him to be far higher in station than he
says."

"Hah! Higher? How could he be higher?"

"Some prince, Sire, of royal blood."

"Bah!" cried the King contemptuously. "Fool! Dreamer! And at a time
like this, when the horses are waiting and my guest doubtless ready,
waiting till I join him! Always like this, Hurst, thinking out some
wild diplomatic folly to cast like a stumbling-block in my way when I am
upon pleasure bent. It is but little rest I get from cares of state,
and you grudge me even that. Bah! I will hear no more.--Stop!" cried
the King, after turning away. "See that there is a better banquet
to-night, something more done to honour my French brother's emissary;
more music and dancing, too. There, that is enough." And, hot and
fuming, the King strode from the chamber, leaving his chamberlain
standing alone, thoughtful and heavy.

Shortly afterwards there came through the open window the trampling of
horses, eager voices, dominating all the loud, bluff, hearty voice of
the King, followed by the sharper, rather metallic tones of the Comte,
and then the merry laughter and ejaculations of the ladies who had
joined the cavalcade. Then silence once again.

"Perhaps I am wrong," said the chamberlain thoughtfully; "and too much
zeal may prove my ruin, for mine is a dangerous post and I fear that I
have gone too far. I don't know, though. The suspicion seems to grow.
We shall see, though; we shall see."

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT.

AND OPENS THE KING'S EYES.

The chamberlain had worthily carried out his master's orders, and the
scene in connection with the supper that night was brighter than ever;
but the King did not seem satisfied. His heavy face looked gloomy, and
Francis banteringly asked him if he was too much wearied by the hunt
that day, receiving a grave nod in reply.

Later on Francis, who was excited and annoyed by the dullness of his
host, made an excuse to leave him and join the dance, but only to find
his progress stayed by Leoni, who led him aside to make some
communication--one which made his master frown and whisper back angrily.
But L