"Nay, I must have another reason."
"Well, then, the true motive is that Buckingham strongly recommended the young man to me, saying: 'Sire, I begin by yielding up all claim to Miss Grafton, I pray you follow my example.'"
"The duke is, indeed, a true gentleman."
"Oh! of course, of course; it is Buckingham's turn now, I suppose, to turn your head. You seem determined to cross me in everything to-day."
At this moment some one scratched at the door.
"Who is it who presumes to interrupt us?" exclaimed Charles, impatiently.
"Really, sire, you are extremely vain with your 'who is it who presumes?' and in order to punish you for it—"
She went to the door and opened it.
"It is a courier from France," said Miss Stewart.
"A courier from France!" exclaimed Charles; "from my sister, perhaps?"