When it was time to go, Bettina walked down to the Bridge with us. As it
was growing dark, Frances suggested that I walk back to the Old Swan with
Betty, which I did, she taking my arm of her own accord, and both of us
very happy, though we spoke not a word, for fear of saying too much, save
"good night" at the door.
"Good night at the door!" God gave its sweetness to youth right out of
the core of His infinite love.
CHAPTER XII
A PERILOUS EMBASSY
Four or five days after our visit to Bettina, I met De Grammont at
Charing Cross, and he surprised me with an invitation to his house
that night to meet Monsieur l'Abbe du Boise at supper.
"The king and a dozen other gentlemen will be present," he said, "but
there will be no ladies. Monsieur l'Abbe, being of the church, is not a
ladies' man, and besides, ladies have sharper eyes than men, and might
see much that is intended to remain unseen."
The count's remark seemed to settle the question of the Abbe's identity,
and I hastened to Frances with the news. She assured me that she was
ready to die of fright, but showed no outward sign of dissolution, and
when I complimented her on her power of self-control, said:--
"Fortunately, I am part hypocrite, and can easily act a part."
"You have a hard one ahead of you," I returned, "and will need all your
strength before it is played to the end."
* * * * *
I was on hand early at De Grammont's supper, but found several gentlemen
ahead of me, awaiting, with the count in his parlor, the arrival of the
king.
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