Page:Cerise, a tale of the last century (IA cerisetaleoflast00whytrich).pdf/387

 glass, Sir Priest, and never blush about it. Cerise here knows the whole story, and has only failed to thank you because she has not yet had the opportunity."

"But I do now," interposed Lady Hamilton, bending on him her blue eyes with the pure tenderness of an angel. "I thank you for it with my whole heart."

He felt at that moment how less than trifling had been his service compared with his reward. In his exaltation he would have laid his life down willingly for them both.

"That was a mere chance," said he, making light of his exploit with a forced laugh. "The whole affair was but the roughest cudgel-play from beginning to end. I, at least, have no cause to regret it, speaking in my secular capacity, for it led to an agreeable cruise and a sight of the most beautiful island in the world, where, I hope, I was fortunate enough to be of some service to Sir George in a manner more befitting my calling."

Again he forced himself to smile, addressing his speech to Lady Hamilton, without looking at her.

"And what of the new Court?" asked Cerise, observing his confusion with some astonishment, and kindly endeavouring to cover it. "Will the young King fulfil all the promise of his boyhood? They used to say he would grow up the image of Louis le Grand."

"The new Court," answered Florian, lightly, "like all other new Courts, is the exact reverse of the old. To be in favour with the Regent is to be an eyesore to the King; to have served Louis le Grand faithfully, is to be wearisome, rococo, and behind the times; while, if a courtier wishes to bid for favour with the Duke, he must forswear the rest of the Royal family—go about drunk by daylight, and set at open defiance, not only the sacred moralities of life, but all the common decencies of society."

"The scum, then, comes well to the surface," observed Sir George, laughing. "It seems that in the respectable Paris of to-day there is a better chance than ever for a reprobate!"

"There is a way to fortune for honest men," answered the Jesuit, "that may be trodden now with every appearance of safety, and without the loss of self-esteem. It leads, in my opinion, directly to success, and keeps the