ffairs of Scotland, and
various particulars regarding her lady mother the Regent, from whom he
had been the bearer of a package. Nigel, gaining courage, replied
discreetly to the young queen's questions. The Dauphin, however, made
some remark which induced her to dismiss her countryman, when Nigel fell
back to where he had left Constance, who had been rejoined by his
cousin.

"You comported yourself admirably, and I congratulate you," said the
latter. "You will, I am sure, after a little experience become a
perfect courtier."

"I would not advise him to make the experiment," said Constance.

"There is little fear of it," answered Nigel. "I hope ere long to find
myself on the wide ocean, where I may breathe the free air of heaven,
which I much prefer to the atmosphere of a court; but I must crave your
pardon, fair ladies, for showing a disinclination to live where I might
bask in the sunshine of your smiles."

"That speech is truly worthy of a courtier," said Mary Seton, laughing.
"Come, come, cousin, change your mind. Constance, you will help me to
bring this gentleman to reason?"

"I would not attempt to influence him, even if I could," answered the
young lady. "He has decided wisely. In your heart you know, Mary, that
he is right; you yourself despise the miserable butterflies who hover
round us with their sweet speeches, empty heads, and false hearts."

Constance de Tourville was continuing in the same strain, when the young
queen, with her attendants and the other ladies and gentlemen of the
court, was seen moving towards the palace, and she and Mary Seton were
compelled to follow them. While Nigel was paying his parting adieus to
the young ladies, a sigh escaped his cousin as he pressed her hand to
his lips, for she knew the probability that they might not meet again.
Her heart was still faithful to Scotland, and she loved her kith and
kindred.

"Remember," said Constance, as he paid her the same mark of respect.
"Be careful what you say to strangers: but you may trust Maitre Leroux;
he is honest."

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Note. Three Scottish young ladies were sent over to France to attend on
Queen Mary. They were Mary Seton, Mary Beaton, and Mary Carmichael, and
were named the Queen's Maries.

CHAPTER TWO.

A WALK THROUGH PARIS.

On reaching the gate of the palace, Nigel had met the captain of the
Scottish guard, Norman Leslie, a dist