He then related all the circumstances of his obtaining an entrance into the gardens, of the attack upon him by the guard, and how he finally brought Mademoiselle Pointdexter to Versailles.  The king listened attentively.

“It was an exploit I should have loved to perform, when I was your age, Monsieur Kennedy.  You behaved in the matter with singular discretion and gallantry; but, if you intend always to interfere, when you hear a woman cry out, it is like that your time will be pretty well occupied; and that, before long, there will be a vacancy in the ranks of your regiment.  Truly, Monsieur le Baron and his daughter have reason for gratitude that you happened to be passing at the time; and I, as King of France, am glad that this outrage on a lady of the court has failed.

“I am, perhaps, not altogether without blame in the matter.  A short time ago, the Vicomte de Tulle told me that he hoped to better his fortune by a rich marriage.  He named no names, nor said aught of the measures he intended to adopt.  But I said it would be well that he should do so, for rumours had reached me that his finances were in disorder.  Whether he took this as a permission to use any means that he thought fit I cannot tell; and I certainly did not suspect, when I heard of the disappearance of Mademoiselle de Pointdexter, that he had any hand in it, and was shocked when the baron came here and denounced him to me.  I am glad, indeed, that his enterprise was thwarted, for it was a most unworthy one.

“You are too young, yet, for me to grant you military promotion, but this will be a proof of my approbation of your conduct, and that the King of France is determined to suppress all irregularities at his court.”

And, taking a diamond ring from his finger, he handed it to Desmond, who went on one knee to receive it.

“You will please inform your colonel that, when he comes to Versailles, I request he will always bring you with him.”

The audience was evidently finished, and the baron and Desmond, bowing deeply, left the king’s cabinet.  The baron did not speak, till they left the palace.

“Louis has his faults,” the baron then said, “but no one could play the part of a great monarch more nobly than he does.  I have no doubt, whatever, that de Tulle relied implicitly upon obtaining his forgiveness, had he succeeded in forcing Anne into marrying him; though, doubtless, he would have feigned displeasure for a time.  He has extricated himself most gracefully.  I can quite believe that he did not imagine his favourite intended to adopt so criminal a course, to accomplish the matter of which he spoke to him, but he could not fail to have his suspicions, when he heard of Anne’s disappearance.  However, we can consider the affair as happily ended, except for the matter of Monsieur de la Vallee, of whom I spoke to you.

“And now, sir, that the king has expressed his gratitude to you, for saving his court from a grave scandal, how can I fitly express my own, at the inestimable service that you have rendered us?”