I stood up with my hands clenched.

“Sit down,” said Louis Philippe.  “There is no room in the world at this time for anybody but that jealous monster.”

“He shall not tie me here,” I said.

“You intend to go?”

“I intend to go.”

“This Bonaparte,” said Louis Philippe, “has his troubles.  His brother Jerome has married an American in Baltimore.  A fine explosion that will make when it reaches his ears.  Where are you going to land, Lazarre?”

I said that must depend on the ship I took.

“And what are you going to do when you land?”

I said I would think that out later.

Then the spirit being upon me, I burst bounds and told him impetuously that I was going to learn what the world held for me.  Without means, without friends, or power or prospects, or certainty of any good results—­impudent—­reckless—­utterly rash—­“I am going,” I cried, “because I must go!”

“There is something about you which inspires love, my boy,” said Louis Philippe; and I heard him with astonishment.  “Perhaps it comes from the mother; she was a witcher of all mankind.”

“I cannot understand why any one should love so ignorant a creature, but God grant there be others that love me, too; for I have lived a life stinted of all affection.  And, indeed, I did not know I wanted it until last year.  When we talked late the other night, and you told me the history of all my family, the cruelest part of my lot seemed the separation from those that belonged to me.  Separation from what is our own ought not to be imposed upon us even by God Himself!”

“What!” said Louis Philippe, “is he following a woman!”

My face burned, and probably went white, for I felt the blood go back on my heart.  He took my hand and stroked it.

“Don’t chain yourself behind that chariot.  Wait a little while for your good star to rise.  I wish I had money.  I wish I could be of use to you in France.  I wish I stood nearer to Monsieur, for your sake.  Every one must love this bold pure face.  It bears some resemblance to Madame Royal.  The sister of the dauphin is a good girl, not many years your senior.  Much dominated by her uncles, but a royal duchess.  It is the fashion now to laugh at chivalry.  You are the most foolish example of it I ever saw!  It is like seeing a knight without horse, armor, or purse, set out to win an equipment before he pursues his quest!  Yet I love you for it, my boy!”

“It would be well for me if I had more friends like you.”

“Why, I can be of no use!  I cannot go back to France at this time, and if I could, what is my influence there?  I must wander around in foreign parts, a private gentleman eking out my living by some kind of industry.  What are you going to do with the fretful old fellow you have with you?”

I groaned and laughed.

“Carry him on my back.  There is no getting rid of him.  He is following me to France.  He is my lesson-master.”