the one face I longed to see. Whilst so engaged De Vesci observed me, and seeing the papers in my hand, made an imperious gesture, beckoning me towards him. This I pretended not to observe, and the seneschal, biting his lip, edged his way towards me. It was easy to see from my travelled and stained appearance, the red on my spurs, and the packet in my hand, that I was the bearer of news. "Is not monsieur aware," he said in a harsh voice, speaking in French, "that papers for the king should be brought to me?" "These are for the king's hand," I answered. "It is enough. Give them to me," and he held forth his hand. "I have said, my lord, that they are for His Majesty's own hands." Bayard, who was watching the game now drawing to a close, turned round at this, and grasping the matter, cut in. "_Ciel!_ My Lord, let the cavaliere deliver his packet. It will come to you soon enough. Take a holiday for once." De Vesci frowned, and was about to make a hot answer, when there was a sudden shout and a clapping of hands, and Louis, who had won the game, came forward leading Madame de la Tremouille in triumph. The last move was made but a few feet from us, and as the king faced round with his partner he caught sight of our group and called out as he advanced-- "Victory! We have won. Why those black looks, De Vesci? Come and congratulate us." With an effort the seneschal smoothed his face, "Victory always attends your majesty, and with so fair a partner defeat would be impossible," and he bowed with a courtly grace; but the wrinkles of his frown were still on his forehead. The duchess grew red with pleasure at the compliment, and Louis clapped his hands like a boy. "Excellent! Trust a courtier's lip for a soft speech;" and then, observing me, "but what have we here?" "From Rome, your majesty," and dropping to my knee, I presented my papers, which the king took irresolutely in his hand. "_Diable!_" he exclaimed, with an impatient gesture, "from my lord cardinal no doubt?" And he glanced at me. "Your majesty, and of the most vital import," and I rose. "I must read them, I suppose. A plague on the cardinal! We were just going to the minuet----" "I will deal with the matter, sire. The papers should have come to me," and De Vesci, saying this in his harsh, grating voice, reached forth his hand. Usually a perfect master of his temper, he had somehow, for once, let it get the better of him; and his closing words and manner were almost those of command. Louis, though a brave man, had a weak nature and a hasty temper. A temper that was often aroused to fits of obstinacy, little short of mulish. He caught the seneschal's tone, and perhaps also the suppressed smile that nickered on the faces of his courtiers. His forehead darkened, "You mistake, my lord, these papers come rightly to me," and turning his back on the seneschal, he tore open the packet.