"And I should not be surprised at your extravagance, my dear nephew," replied the King, irate and sarcastic. "Your action would be in keeping with the conduct of a man who never considers the consequences of his acts, a man who married a London woman of base extraction,--the plebeian Amy Brown, a man who disregards court etiquette so far as to imitate the Corsican in his policy of acquiring popularity with the army, a man whose language in public is such as to undermine the established regime. You would be more satisfactory nephew, were you to fulfill your office, of furnishing France with a male heir of whom we stand in so great need." Ferdinand, far from evincing annoyance at the burst of wrath, answered serenely: "Sire, I scarcely think you hold me accountable for failing to counteract the decrees of Providence regarding the birth of an heir. As for the matter which brings me here, I declare that my regard for Your Majesty cannot prevent my speaking my mind. I have considered that it was due you to make you a party to the knowledge of the iniquity, that you might have the opportunity of seconding my resolution. But if our strength is to have its foundation in infamy, a sad future has the House! I ask for but my commission in the army or to be a soldier in the ranks. Your Majesty accuses me of imitating the Corsican. I reply that the only glory I seek is the glory of arms and of a fearless heart." "Is this all you would say, nephew?" asked the King, white with rage. "Your Majesty is offended? Your Majesty dismisses me?" "His Majesty's strength is unequal to such shocks," interposed Lecazes. "My Lord Baron," said the Prince, "you are right. I retire. Henceforth, Ferdinand de Bourbon has no guide but his conscience." Saluting the monarch gravely and the Minister with mock respect, he departed. Lecazes followed him with a smile. As his footsteps died away, the Baron shrugged his shoulders. "What do you think of this Lecazes?" inquired the King. "That we must let the Prince continue the road he has chosen. Place no obstacles in his way--and do not trouble your mind about him.--Many important historical events have just such origins as this.--I shall not meddle in the affairs of His Royal Highness." In the minister's mind there was formed the picture of a young vigorous tree felled at a blow. Chapter XI FERDINAND'S FATE Two days later a tumultuous carnival animated Paris. Crowds jostled each other in the streets and gazed upon the procession of the Bull crowned with flowers and the triumphal car freighted with maidens in gala clothes and singing their applause. One of these maidens, a Versailles laundress, was a shining mark, by reason of the brilliancy of her complexion and the gleaming of her hair. On passing the Gate of Saint-Denis, seeing a small man of puny frame and bilious skin she called merrily out to him: