d an expression of deep displeasure
overshadowed his countenance, a look of stern resentment coming into
his eyes that would have made any man in his realm quail before him.
The girl was the first to break the embarrassing silence, saying
breathlessly,--

"Your majesty must not blame this Scottish knight. It is all my fault,
for I lured him hither."

"Peace, child," exclaimed Francis in a voice of cold anger. "You know
not what you say. What do you here alone with the King of Scotland?"

"The King of Scotland!" echoed Madeleine, in surprise, her eyes
opening wide with renewed interest as she gazed upon him. Then she
laughed. "They told me the King of Scotland was a handsome man!"

James smiled at this imputation on his appearance, and even the rigour
of the lord of France relaxed a trifle, and a gleam of affection for
the wayward girl that was not to be concealed, rose in his eyes.

"Sire," said James slowly, "we are neither of us to blame. 'Tis the
accident that brought us together must bear the brunt of consequence.
I cannot marry Mary of Vendome, and indeed I was about to beg your
majesty to issue your command that she may wed your Constable of
Falaise. If there is to be a union between France and Scotland other
than now exists, this lady, and this lady alone, must say yes or no to
it. Premising her free consent, I ask her hand in marriage."

"She is but a child," objected Francis, breathing a sigh, which had,
however, something of relief in it.

"I am fully seventeen," expostulated Madeleine, with a promptness that
made both men laugh.

"Sire, Youth is a fault, which alas, travels continually with Time,
its antidote," said James. "If I have your good wishes in this
project, on which, I confess, my heart is set, I shall at once
approach the Duke of Montmorency and solicit his consent."

The face of Francis had cleared as if a ray of sunshine had fallen
upon it.

"The Duke of Montmorency!" he cried in astonishment; "what has he to
do with the marriage of my daughter?"

James murmured something that may have been a prayer, but sounded
otherwise, as he turned to the girl, whose delight at thus mystifying
the great of earth was only too evident.

"I told him he little suspected who I was," said Madeleine, with what
might have been termed a giggle in one less highly placed; "but these
confident Scots think they know everything. Indeed, it is all your own
fault, father, in keeping me practically a prisoner,