The monarch looked at him steadfastly as he made another salutation, and backed out of the presence-chamber. Sir Roger de Launay opened the door for him with alacrity, handing him over into the charge of an usher with the whispered caution to see him well off the Royal premises; and then returning to his sovereign, stood “at attention.” The King noted his somewhat troubled aspect, and laughed. “What ails you, De Launay?” he asked--“You seem astonished that for once I have spoken my mind?” “Sir, to speak one’s mind is always dangerous!” “Dangerous--danger!--What idle words to make cowards of men! Danger--of what? There is only one danger--death; and that is sure to come to every man, whether he be a hero or a poltroon.” “True,--but----” “But--what? De Launay, if you love me, do not look at me with so expostulatory an air! It does not become your inches! Now listen!--when the next press reporter comes nosing round for palace news, let him be told that the King has refused permission to the Jesuits to build on any portion of the Crown lands demanded for the purpose. Let this be made known to Press and People--the sooner the better!” “Sir,” murmured De Launay--“We live in strange times----” “Why, there you speak most truly!” said the King, with emphasis--“We do live in strange times--the very strangest perhaps, since Aeneas Sylvius wrote concerning Christendom. Do you remember the words he set down so long ago?--‘It is a body without a head,--a republic without laws or magistrates. The pope or the emperor may shine as lofty titles, as splendid images,--but they are unable to command, and no one is willing to obey!’ History thus repeats itself, De Launay;--and yet with all its past experience, the Roman Church does not seem to realize that it is powerless against the attacks of intellectual common sense. Faith in God,--a high, perfect, pure faith in God, and a simple following of the Divine Teacher of God’s command, Christ;--these things are wise and necessary for all nations; but, to allow human beings to be coerced by superstition for political motives, under the disguise of religion, is an un-Christian business, and I for one will have no part in it!” “You will lay yourself open to much serious misconstruction, Sir,” said De Launay. “Let us hope so, Roger!” rejoined the King with a smile--“For if I am never misunderstood, I shall know myself to be a fool! Come,--do not look so glum!--I want you to help me.” “To help you, Sir?” exclaimed De Launay eagerly,--“With my life, if you demand it!” The King rested one hand familiarly on his shoulder.