Within forty-eight hours of receiving the safe conduct, King Louis was sitting beside Mary on the dais of the ducal throne in the great hall.  She was heavily veiled, being in mourning for her father.  At her left stood Hymbercourt, Hugonet, Max, and myself.  At the king’s right stood Cardinal Balau and Oliver the Barber, each anticipating a rich reward in case Louis should accept Mary’s terms.  Back of them stood a score of the king’s courtiers.  Many questions of state were discussed; and then Hymbercourt presented Mary’s offer to King Louis.  The king hesitated.  After a long pause he spoke, looking straight ahead, at nothing; as was his custom.

“We will consult with our friends and make answer soon,” he said, speaking to nobody.

Louis seemed to think that if he looked at no one and addressed nobody, when he spoke, he might the more easily wriggle out of his obligations later on.

Mary had caused to be drawn up in duplicate a treaty in accordance with the terms that she had outlined at our little council.  It was handed to Oliver when the king rose to retire to a private room, to discuss the contents with his councillors.

At the moment when King Louis rose to his feet, a herald was announced at the great hall door.

“A message from His Majesty, King Edward of England,” cried the Burgundian herald.  Louis resumed his seat as though his feet had slipped from under him.

“We are engaged,” answered Mary, acting well a difficult part.  “Let the herald leave his packet, or deliver it later.”

A whispered conversation took place between the Burgundian herald and the Englishman.  Then spoke the Burgundian:—­

“Most Gracious Princess, the English herald has no packet.  He bears a verbal message to your late father, and insists that he must deliver it to Your Highness at once.”

“Must, indeed!” cried Mary, indignantly.  Then turning to the king:  “These English grow arrogant, Your Majesty.  What has the herald to say?  Let him come forward.  We have no secrets from our most gracious godfather, King Louis.”

The English herald approached the ducal throne, but did not speak.

“Proceed,” said Mary, irritably.

“With all deference, Most Gracious Princess,” said the herald, “the subject-matter of my message is such that it should be communicated privately, or at Your Highness’s council-board.”

“If you have a message from my good uncle, King Edward, deliver it here and now,” said the princess.

“As you will, Most Gracious Princess,” said the herald.  “King Edward has amassed a mighty army, which is now awaiting orders to sail for France; and His Majesty asks permission to cross the territory of Burgundy on his way to Paris.  He will pay to Your Highness such compensation as may be agreed upon when His Majesty meets you, which he hopes may be within a month.  His Majesty begs a written reply to the message I bear.”