To forbid her the court.”

“But, sire—­”

“You heard her!  It is infamous!  I shall go.”

“But, sire, could you not write?”

“No, no; I shall see her.”  He pulled open the door.

“Oh, sire, be firm, then!” It was with an anxious face that she watched him start off, walking rapidly, with angry gestures, down the corridor.  Then she turned back, and dropping upon her knees on the prie-dieu, bowed her head in prayer for the king, for herself, and for France.

De Catinat, the guardsman, had employed himself in showing his young friend from over the water all the wonders of the great palace, which the other had examined keenly, and had criticised or admired with an independence of judgment and a native correctness of taste natural to a man whose life had been spent in freedom amid the noblest works of nature.  Grand as were the mighty fountains and the artificial cascades, they had no overwhelming effect on one who had travelled up from Erie to Ontario, and had seen the Niagara River hurl itself over its precipice, nor were the long level swards so very large to eyes which had rested upon the great plains of the Dakotas.  The building itself, however, its extent, its height, and the beauty of its stone, filled him with astonishment.

“I must bring Ephraim Savage here,” he kept repeating.  “He Would never believe else that there was one house in the world which would weigh more than all Boston and New York put together.”

De Catinat had arranged that the American should remain with his friend Major de Brissac, as the time had come round for his own second turn of guard.  He had hardly stationed himself in the corridor when he was astonished to see the King, without escort or attendants, walking swiftly down the passage.  His delicate face was disfigured with anger, and his mouth was set grimly, like that of a man who had taken a momentous resolution.

“Officer of the guard,” said he shortly.

“Yes, sire.”

“What!  You again, Captain de Catinat?  You have not been on duty since morning?”

“No, sire.  It is my second guard.”

“Very good.  I wish your assistance.”

“I am at your command, sire.”

“Is there a subaltern here?”

“Lieutenant de la Tremouille is at the side guard.”

“Very well.  You will place him in command.”

“Yes, sire.”

“You will yourself go to Monsieur de Vivonne.  You know his apartments?”

“Yes, sire.”

“If he is not there, you must go and seek him.  Wherever he is, you must find him within the hour.”

“Yes, sire.”

“You will give him an order from me.  At six o’clock he is to be in his carriage at the east gate of the palace.  His sister, Madame de Montespan, will await him there, and he is charged by me to drive her to the Chateau of Petit Bourg.  You will tell him that he is answerable to me for her arrival there.”