"I am glad you told me of this," observed the Colonel. "It must be put a stop to, or the hot-headed lads will be doing each other a mischief. Who could the Frenchman have been writing to? Not my daughter or niece I hope. It will not do to have their names mixed up in a brawl." "I think we could manage it at once, sir; they have not yet left the grounds. They spoke as if they did not intend to fight till the evening, as each of them would have to look out for his seconds. When they parted, Master Harry walked on along the side of the lake and began to fish, looking as cool as a cucumber, while the young Frenchman went back into the summer-house, where he had been sitting when Master Harry found him, and went on writing away on a sheet of paper, he had spread on his hat. Now, sir, if you go down the walk you are pretty sure to find him there still, and I have no doubt that I shall be able to fall in with Master Harry, and I can tell him you want to see him at breakfast, and that he must come, and make no excuse." Great was Harry's surprise to find the young Frenchman in the breakfast-room, where the Colonel and the rest of the party were already assembled. He was, as usual, cordially welcomed, and the butler shortly afterwards announced that the fish he had caught would be speedily ready. "We are very glad you have come, Harry," said Madam Everard, "you can help us in arranging an important matter. The Colonel has just heard that his Majesty intends honouring us with a visit in the course of a day or two. The King sends word that he shall ride over from Lyndhurst, and that we are to make no preparations for his reception; but he is always pleased when there is some little surprise and above all things he likes to see his subjects making themselves happy." "The Baron de Ruvigny says he is certain that Colonel Lejoille will lend the band of the regiment, and we must have the militia and volunteer bands. Will it not be delightful?" exclaimed Mabel. "We must have two large tents put up on one side of the lawn, so as not to shut out the view from the windows." "There must be one for dancing," said Lucy, who was especially fond of dancing. "There will be no want of partners, as there used to be before the foreign officers came here. How very kind of the King to say he will come." "Do you think that Cochut will have time to prepare a breakfast?" asked the Colonel, looking at his sister. "We must send for him at once to receive his orders. Baron, we must leave the bands of the regiments to you. Harry, you must arrange with Mr. Savage, the sail-maker, for the tents." "Now, recollect you two young men are to devote all your time and energies to these objects," said Madam Everard, looking at them with a meaning glance. "I must see you both in my study before you leave," said the Colonel, "and now, lads, go to breakfast."