The Duke of Monmouth started back with a sudden angry motion. The King smiled at him; M. de Perrencourt laid a hand, decked with rich rings, on his lace cuff. Madame rose, laughing still, and joined the three. I cannot tell what passed--alas, that the matters of highest interest are always elusive!--but a moment later Monmouth fell back with as sour a look as I have ever seen on a man's face, bowed slightly and not over-courteously, faced round and strode through the doorway, opening the door for himself. I heard Madame's gay laugh, again the King spoke, Madame cried, "Fie," and hid her face with her hand. M. de Perrencourt advanced towards me; the King caught his arm. "Pooh, he knows already," muttered Perrencourt, half under his breath, but he gave way, and the King came to me first. "Sir," said he, "the Duke of Monmouth has had the dutiful kindness to release his claim on your present services, and to set you free to serve me." I bowed very low, answering, "His Grace is bountiful of kindness to me, and has given the greatest proof of it in enabling me to serve Your Majesty." "My pleasure is," pursued the King, "that you attach yourself to my friend M. de Perrencourt here, and accompany him and hold yourself at his disposal until further commands from me reach you." M. de Perrencourt stepped forward and addressed me. "In two hours' time, sir," said he, "I beg you to be ready to accompany me. A ship lies yonder at the pier, waiting to carry His Excellency M. Colbert de Croissy and myself to Calais to-night on business of moment. Since the King gives you to me, I pray your company." "Till then, Mr Dale, adieu," said the King. "Not a word of what has passed here to-night to any man--or any woman. Be in readiness. You know enough, I think, to tell you that you receive a great honour in M. de Perrencourt's request. Your discretion will show your worthiness. Kiss Madame's hand and leave us." They both smiled at me, and I stood half-bewildered. "Go," said M. de Perrencourt with a laugh, clapping me on the shoulder. The two turned away. Madame held out her hand towards me; I bent and kissed it. "Mr Dale," said she, "you have all the virtues." "Alas, Madame, I fear you don't mean to commend me." "Yes, for a rarity, at least. But you have one vice." "It shall be mended, if your Royal Highness will tell its name." "Nay, I shall increase it by naming it. But here it is; your eyes are too wide open, Mr Dale." "My mother, Madame, used to accuse me of a trick of keeping them half-shut." "Your mother had not seen you at Court, sir." "True, Madame, nor had my eyes beheld your Royal Highness." She laughed, pleased with a compliment which was well in the mode then, though my sons may ridicule it; but as she turned away she added, "I shall not be with you to-night, and M. de Perrencourt hates a staring eye."