Francis bowed and smiled, and seemed as if about to supplement his embrace; but the King went on speaking. "But what is this I hear about an insult offered to one who occupies the position of an ambassador, and whose person should be sacred? I hear, Comte, that you were attacked by one of my officers and his companions, here, close to my palace gates. Is it true?" Francis shrugged his shoulders nearly to his ears with a half contemptuous smile upon his lips. "Oh, a mere nothing," he said; "a little sword-play." "A mere nothing!" cried Henry fiercely. "An insult to one of my guests a mere nothing!" "Oh, don't speak of it," replied Francis, laughing. "I was not surprised." "You amaze me, sir!" cried the King. "Indeed, Sire? Why, we always knew in France that there is nothing an Englishman loves better than to fight. I came to your gates unannounced, and two or three of your bluff soldiers--officers, you say--exclaimed amongst themselves, `What does this Frenchman here, trying to enter our master's court?' As your defenders, they drew, to try and drive us away. But we would not be driven. Then your gallant escort arrived. They found out the mistake, and it was all at an end. I congratulate you, my--" Francis coughed, as if to get rid of an impediment in his speech, or as if he were suffering from some forgetfulness of the English words he ought to use--"my noble English sovereign, upon having such brave defenders at your gates." "I thank you, sir," cried Henry. "But this is too much! These soldiery assume more than is their right. I have heard before of this man's brawls. He is a fighter out of employment now, for we are at peace, and I will not have him insult my guests." "But you will pardon him, Sire?" said Francis. "We were not hurt. Next time we meet, your brave officer will doubtless make amends." "He must! He shall!" cried Henry hotly. "And--" "Sire," interrupted Francis, smiling, "I am your visitor. Grant me the first favour that I ask." "Anything," cried the King, smiling in his turn. "Then you will forgive this brave man?" The King bowed. "I wish you to be perfectly welcome at my Court, Comte; and now you would like to retire to your rooms to rid yourselves of your travel-stains. Later on I look to meet you at my board." Francis bowed in turn, and drew back, seeing that the audience was at an end, and half turning saw that Denis had approached. "Yes, boy?" he said. "The horses, Comte," whispered Denis. "Ah, to be sure! They must not be left there." And he turned, to catch the King's eye fixed on him searchingly. "Yes, Comte," he said; "you were about to speak?" "It is nothing, Sire," replied Francis. "My esquire reminded me that our steeds were at the hostelry, and--"