"A very satisfactory account of a battle, upon my word," cried M. de Mallet, smiling; "but other people saw more of your Majesty's acts than you did yourself; and they say, you performed prodigies of valour." "It is very kind of them to say so," said Roderick, "for I am sure it is more than they know." "Your Majesty's modesty wishes to throw a veil over your valour," observed Pauline, "but luckily it cannot be concealed." "Your praises, Madam, would make any man a coxcomb," returned the Monarch: "I own I have not the courage to refuse commendations from your lips." Pauline blushed--she fancied she had said too much, and now remained silent. "I cannot describe how much I admire your Majesty's leniency to the inhabitants of the city," said M. de Mallet: "it proves your benevolence is equal to your valour, though indeed it was sound policy to act as you have done; for by this you have conciliated the hearts of the Spaniards; whereas, if you had exercised any cruelty, they would have risen against you _en masse_; but this, I dare say, your Majesty considered." "Indeed," replied Roderick smiling, "my Majesty considered no such thing; I only thought as a man: I did not like to see my fellow-creatures burnt to death, or poniarded if they attempted to escape; I should not have liked it at all, if I had been in a similar situation, and so I did all in my power to save them--that is all I know about the matter. But to change the subject, I have a great favour to beg of you, Mademoiselle de Mallet." "What is it?" asked Pauline: "your Majesty has only to speak to be obeyed." "Oh! for Heaven's sake do not talk of obedience--it is I who should obey--I only ask a favour, and that is, that you will permit me to bring Dr. Entwerfen to kneel at your feet and kiss your fair hand, in token of his homage." "I would not advise Pauline to let him kneel," said M. de Mallet laughing, "as I fear, if she does, there will be some difficulty in getting him up again." "Your Majesty's commands,--" said Pauline. "Do not talk of commands," interrupted Roderick; "I hate the word." "Your Majesty's wishes, then," continued Pauline smiling, "shall be complied with." "This evening, then," cried the gay monarch, "the doctor shall make his appearance. Till then, adieu!" "Will your Majesty have the kindness to present my best wishes to Mr. Montagu for his recovery," requested M. de Mallet. "Certainly," replied Roderick; "but am I to tell Edric that Mademoiselle de Mallet has no wishes for his welfare?" "I wish--I hope--that is, I think----" stammered Pauline. "My daughter means her sentiments are exactly similar to my own upon the subject," said M. de Mallet gravely; for he was not at all pleased with the interpretation he thought the King might put upon the embarrassment of his daughter. "Very well!" repeated Roderick provokingly: "I shall tell Edric, that M. de Mallet and his daughter think exactly alike of him.--That is it, is it not?"