Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/487

Rh TEN YEARS LATER. 475 "Sire," interrupted the young girl, ''it has ceased rain- ing; some one is coming, I think." And, forgetful of all etiquette, she had seized the king by the arm. "Well," replied the king, "let them come. Who is there who would venture to think I had done wrong in remaining alone with Mademoiselle de la Valliere?" "For pity's sake, sire! they will think it strange to see you wet through in this manner, and that you should have run such risk for me." "1 have simply done my duty as a gentleman," said Louis; "and woe to hirii who may fail in his in criticising his sovereign's conduct." In fact, at this moment, a few eager and curious faces were seen in the walk, as if engaged in a search, and who, observing the king and La Valliere, seemed to have found what they were seeking. They were some of the courtiers who had been sent by the queen and madame, and who immediately uncovered themselves, in token of having perceived his majesty. But Louis, not- withstanding La Valliere's confusion, did not quit his re- spectful and tender attitude. Then, when all the courtiers were assembled in the walk — when every one had been able to perceive the mark of deference with which he had treated the young girl, by remaining standing and bareheaded dur- ing the storm — he offered her his arm, led her toward the group who were waiting, recognized by an inclination of the head the respectful salutations which were paid him on all sides, and, still holding his hat in his hand, he conducted her to her carriage. And as the rain still continued to fall — a last adieu of the despairing storm — the other ladies, whom respect had prevented getting into their carriages before the king, remained, and altogether unprotected by hood and cloak, exposed to the rain from which the king, with his hat over her, was protecting, as much as he was able, the humblest among them. The queen and madame must, like the others, have witnessed this exaggerated courtesy of the king. Madame was so disconcerted at it that she touched the queen with her elbow, saying, at the same time, "Look there, look there!" The queen closed her eyes as if she had been suddenly seized with a faintiug attack. She lifted her hand to her face and entered her carriage, madame following her. The king again mounted his horse, and without showing a preference for any particular carriage-door, he returned to Fontainebleau, the reins hanging over his horse's neck, absorbed in thought. As soon as the crowd had disap-