I was both glad and disappointed not to find George in the gown of the Abbe.  I was glad because of the risk he would have taken had he come to England, yet disappointed in missing what would have been the most picturesque, daring personal exploit of English court history.  But on the whole it was better as it was.

The next morning the king sent for me to come to his closet, and asked if I knew one Lilly, an astrologer.  I answered that I knew little of him personally, but had heard much of his wisdom and learning.

“Yes, yes, but you know where he lives, do you not?  On the Strand, a dozen houses this side of Temple Bar?” asked the king.

“I have seen the house often, your Majesty,” I replied.

“Good!  Now listen attentively to what I have to say,” returned the king, graciously taking my arm and leading me to a window overlooking the river.  “I hear from De Grammont that the Abbe du Boise is a firm believer in the teachings of astrology.  I want you to arrange, without letting any one know that my finger is in the pie, to take Lilly to see the Abbe, or the Abbe to see Lilly.  I’ll whisper a word in your ear.  The stars will tell our friend, the Abbe, a story to suit our purposes.  The French king and his ambassadors will find their match in me, I warrant you.  I have bought Lilly, body and soul—­with promises.”  The king shrugged his shoulders and whispered:  “With promises, you understand, Baron Ned, with promises.  Now give him a chance at the Abbe.”

Charles laughed and chuckled in self-gratulation, not the least suspecting that he was talking to the wrong man and playing into the French king’s hand.  I bore in mind the fact that the king had bought Lilly with promises, and I determined to buy the good Doctor with ready gold.

“I’ll try to carry out your Majesty’s commands,” I answered, apparently doubtful of my ability.  “But of course you would not have me insist, if the Abbe seems disinclined to consult Lilly.”

“No, no!  Odds fish, man, no!  But find a way to bring them together, and your reward will come later.  I choose, you for this little piece of business because you are in no way connected with the affair between the French king and me, and because I know you are to be trusted.”

I to be trusted!  So was Brutus!

“I shall do my best, your Majesty, and if I fail, I shall notify you at once,” I said, taking my leave.

I hastened to De Grammont’s house, which at that time was over near the Mall, and told the count what the king had said.

“Ah, that is good!” cried De Grammont.  “A fool, who knows himself to be a fool, is likely to be wary, but one who deems himself wise is the easiest dupe in the world.  I’ll see Monsieur l’Abbe.  Wait.”

De Grammont returned in a few minutes, saying that the Abbe would go with me to see Doctor Lilly, and I suggested that I return for him in three hours.

I went back to Whitehall, where I found Frances, and told her to be at Lilly’s house on the Strand within three hours, to meet the French king’s ambassador, and to receive the instructions which George’s letter had intimated the Abbe would give.  I told her, also, that the Abbe was not the person we had expected to see.