As I passed the door,
my hat in my hand, I bowed to Frances, who was watching me intently. She
smiled, glanced significantly toward my hat, nodded her head to let me
know that she understood, and I passed by, glad that she had the courage
which I so sadly lacked.
Evidently Frances lost no time in doing her part with the king, for two
hours later a page came to me in the Wardrobe, saying that the king
wished to see me immediately. I made all possible haste, and when I
entered the king's closet, he said:--
"Close the door, Clyde," but seemed unable for the moment to say more.
He could not hide his excitement, and presently began telling me in a
peremptory manner that he had a very delicate piece of business for my
hands. He did not seem to feel sure of his ground, and spoke with a
bravado altogether unnecessary, as though he would say I should do
his will whether it suited me or not, rather than in words of respectful
command. I could see easily that his bravado was assumed for the purpose
of forestalling any objection on my part. Of course he did not suspect
for one moment that I surmised what he wanted, or his words would have
been: "Odds fish! To the Tower with him!"
After several stammering efforts, he began: "I want you to see Du Boise,
whom you will find at De Grammont's house, and tell him that I accept
the offer he made this morning. I understand he brings the treaties
from France already written.
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