ed off to the one subject it could think of, "we will
have a tourney in a fortnight, and the defenders shall wear your
colours."

Mademoiselle blushed red, and began to stammer out something, whilst a
few looks were exchanged between the courtiers that made my blood run
hot. The Queen, however, interposed, and suddenly called for me.

"Monsieur d'Orrain!"

I stepped up, catching the look of astonishment in mademoiselle's eyes
as she heard the name by which I was addressed.

"Permit me, your Majesty, to present to you the Chevalier d'Orrain. It
is he who arranged the small matter you entrusted me with, and has,
besides, shown himself a valiant gentleman. With your Majesty's
permission I propose appointing him to my guards; M. de Lorgnac has a
vacancy."

There was a little murmur, and as I knelt, the King extended his hand
to me carelessly. As I rose to my feet, and was about to withdraw, he
said, with a sudden recollection:

"Monsieur d'Orrain--the brother of the Vidame?"

I bowed, and Henri turned to the Queen, his face assuming a severe
expression; but Catherine de Medicis anticipated his speech.

"It is so small a favour that I thought your Majesty would have no
objection in view of M. d'Orrain's services. I do not, however, press
it."

Henri hummed and hawed, and a curious, cunning expression came into his
eyes.

"_Bigre_! It seems to me I have to grant favours from the moment I
rise to the moment I lie down to sleep. But to tell the truth, madame,
it was I who came here to ask a favour from you." And then he stopped,
and his face flushed darker than ever as he went on, with a short
laugh: "Come! let it be a bargain! If I grant you your request will
you grant me mine?"

"Assuredly, sire!--even if you did not grant me mine."

"Oh! we will make it a bargain. Well, then, let it be as you wish with
monsieur there." And turning to me: "And harkee, Chevalier! Keep your
sword in your scabbard, and put your Geneva books in the fire, now that
you have a new start."

"I thank you, sire!" said the Queen. "And your command----?"

She stopped, awaiting the King's answer; but Henri hesitated, and at
last, bending forward, whispered a few words in the Queen's ear. The
effect was instant. She became white and red in turns, and began to
nervously clasp and unclasp her hands.

"Come!" said the King, with an affectation of gaiety; "it was a
bargain, madame."

There was a pause, and then, with a voi