nce, how much of
those fair domains won by my predecessors with the sword have been
wrested from the English crown bit by bit--the noble domains over which
these Valois now rule as usurpers. Hurst, what if the sceptre of
England should be held again swaying our ancient lands of France.
Supposing, I say, there were no Valois, or he perforce had been called
upon to render back all that had been stolen from our crown. I am the
King, and as my father used his gallant sword to gain one kingdom, why
should not I by a diplomatic move win back another?"

"Your Majesty is King," said the chamberlain slowly and meaningly.

"Yes," said the King, in a hoarse whisper; "and when I am moved to act
my will is strong."

There was silence for a few moments, and then Henry continued angrily:

"A ruse--a trick, put upon me for some strange scheming of his own, a
gin, a trap to capture me, but for the setter to be caught himself.
Francis, King of France!" he continued hoarsely; and then a peculiar
smile, mocking, bitter, and almost savage, came upon his, lips as he
gazed piercingly at his companion.

"No, Hurst," he said meaningly, "I know no King of France. He would not
dare to beard me in my own home like this. This man, this mock
ambassador, this Comte de la Seine, is the only one with whom we have to
do--an impostor who shall meet with the trickster's fate."

"But your Majesty--" said the chamberlain eagerly.

"My Majesty, Hurst, is going to work his own will, and as he will."

"But, Sire, you will be just?"

"Yes, Hurst, as I always am. I grant that you may still be wrong, and
we will clear this up."

"Your Majesty is going to--"

"Straight to the ballroom," replied the King, "to see this Comte de la
Seine and have the truth."

"Now, Sire?"

"Yes, now at once."

The King turned abruptly, and, closely followed by the chamberlain, made
for the ballroom, where the dancing was in full progress; but the Comte
was not leading one of the brightest ladies of the Court through the
mazes of gavotte or minuet, and as the King turned angrily to his
chamberlain it was to find him in close converse with one of the
gentlemen in attendance.

"The Comte made the excuse of a bad headache, Sire, some few minutes
back, and retired to his apartments with his suite," whispered Hurst.

"Then I am afraid we shall make it worse," said the King bitterly.
"This way, Hurst; I must have the truth of this before I sleep." And he
strode fr