"'Neither, madame; it has strayed much higher.'

"She laughed at my speech, and was about to reply, but stopped, for at
that moment the curtain lifted, and the King entered the room. He
seemed in the best of spirits; nothing affects him for long.

"'_Bon jour_, Le Brusquet!' He gave me his hand to kiss. 'What news
have you brought me this morning?'

"'A bagful, sire, for I supped with Crequy over-night.'

"'Then you shall open the bag whilst I breakfast, for I am famished.'
And, slipping his arm through Diane's he led her to the table. I
settled myself on a stool near the window, whilst Diane gave his soup
to the King, contenting herself with some fruit, which she picked at
like a bird. Through the heavy curtains and the closed door we could
hear the hum of voices from the anterooms coming to us like the distant
murmurs of the sea. For some little time the King ate in silence,
whilst Diane and I exchanged a few laughing words. Finally he finished
his last sippet of bread steeped in soup, pushed aside his plate,
helped himself to a plum, and looked around him.

"'How!' he exclaimed. 'No roses in the room this morning!'

"'You are in error, sire,' I said. 'I have never seen finer roses than
I do now.'

"'Where?' he asked, looking around.

"But I only looked at La Valentinois, and this time she was red enough.
She can blush at will, I believe. Strange that behind so fair a face
lies so twisted a soul! And as the King followed my glance the blush
on her cheek became deeper and deeper.

"'_Ma petite_,' and he pinched her ear, 'I find I have a rival. I
shall have to send him to the Chatelet.' Whereat every one laughed,
and Pompon, hearing the sounds, hopped in through the window, and
helped himself to another plum.

"'Ah, bandit!' And the King flung a sippet of toast after him as he
added: 'I am hedged in with robbers.'

"'That is true, sire,' I said gravely.

"'You heard that at Crequy's last night.' And there was a sharp note
in Diane's voice.

"'Oh yes; and much worse.'

"'Come, tell us!' said the King.

"'Sire, you will remember that Monsieur Joue and Monsieur d'Arbois are
inveterate gossips.'

"'I will not forget. Well, what did these gentlemen say?'

"'Amongst other things, that your Majesty would totally cancel the
edicts you have suspended, and freely pardon all the Christaudins.'

"I had risked my shot, and now awaited the result. It had hit its
mark, I knew, for the King be