always
accompanied their possession; misfortune and destruction their loss."

"Well," said the King thoughtfully, "I don't think that I believe it.
It sounds to me like an old woman's tale."

"If your Majesty would read and study the history of the past--"

"I haven't time," said the King. "But look here; do you mean to tell me
that this present Henry--what is he--the Eighth?--of England believes
all this?"

"Yes, your Majesty, and proves it by treasuring up the ruby that by
right is yours."

"Then you think that the holding of this stone, reft from our crown, had
something to do with the hold of these English upon our fair domains of
France?"

"Certainly, your Majesty, and moreover, I hold that it is your sovereign
duty to restore it to its place."

"How?" said the King, and his eyes rested upon those of the two young
men, whose intent and watchful faces told how they were drinking in with
intense interest the subject that was being discussed.

"That, your Majesty," said the doctor gravely, "is what I am here to
urge upon you."

"But what do you want, man?" cried the King impatiently. "If Henry is
more wise than I, and believes in all this mystic stuff, is it likely
that he will give me back this talisman, as I suppose you would call it,
that his ancestors plundered from our crown?"

"No, your Majesty. Efforts have been made by statesmen of the past, in
previous reigns, to get the jewel back, but all in vain."

"Very well," said the King impatiently; "and France seems to have got on
very well without it. We are at peace with England. Why should I
disturb our friendly brotherly intercourse by raking up the past? I am
quite content and happy to enjoy my hunting pursuits. Do you want me to
go to war, invade England, and bring the jewel back?"

"Far from it, your Majesty."

"Then why disturb the pleasant present?"

"For fear of a troubled future, Sire. It is to ensure your long and
prosperous reign that I speak like this. Believe me, Sire, I have no
other aim."

"Well, Leoni, I believe your words. You have a good position here at
Court, and a good master ready to give you anything in reason; and
believe me, I want to enjoy a quiet prosperous reign. Mine is a very
pleasant life. There are plenty of boars to kill, and I would rather
slay them than Englishmen. War is very attractive and very grand. The
clash of arms, the trumpets' bray, and the thunder of chargers' hoofs,
all thrill me to the