"I have got the 'can't-help-its,'" he said, "and came here to let them work off. I have much to say to you." "You have news, then?" "Yes; and grave news. Listen! This morning, as usual, I attended the _petit couvert_, and found myself alone in the breakfast-room, where covers were laid for two. The soup was warming at a little stove, for the King takes this, the first meal of the day, without attendance. I said I was alone; but that is not exactly the case, as Pompon was, of course, with me, and the ape had one of his evil fits. He hopped in front of me, mopping and mowing, and I cannot tell why--perhaps it was because some of Crequy's red Joue--I supped with him over-night--was still ringing a chime in my head, but a sudden feeling of irritation came upon me at his antics. I seized the little beast by the scruff of his neck and dropped him out of the window on to the balcony beneath, where he remained, content enough with a plum that I took the liberty of lifting from the table and flinging after him. Then, leaning out of the window, I watched the morning, wondering to myself what new jest I could devise for the King's amusement. But I was in a morose humour, and could think of nothing. All at once I heard the hissing rustle of silken robes. I turned, and faced Madame Diane. I tell you, Orrain, never was woman born so beautiful. The rose of the morning was on her cheeks. Her eyes--they are blue-black, not black--met mine, with a laugh in them, as she said: "'Well, Le Brusquet, have you lost your ape, or has some jest failed you?--you look so sad." "'Neither, madame,' I answered; 'but I have lost my heart.' "'Tell me,' she said, 'who is it? Is it La Beauce?--or, perhaps, Madame de Montal?' "'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.'