were rejoined by Mary
Seton, who came-to conduct Nigel into the presence of the queen.

"As a loyal Scot you are bound to pay your _devoir_ to her Majesty," she
said. "Though neither of us have much recollection of our native wilds,
we still regard our country with affection."

Nigel felt that there was no escaping, and mustering courage, went
boldly forward till he reached the spot where the young queen was
standing with several lords and ladies in attendance. Though
unaccustomed to courts, he had too much native dignity to be overawed,
and bending on his knee he lifted the hand of the young queen to his
lips and reverently kissed it. Mary bestowed on him one of those
fascinating smiles which in after years bound many a victim to her feet,
and bidding him rise, questioned him about the affairs 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