The courier retired with the valet. Charles went to the window, which he opened, and, leaning forward, called out, "Duke! Buckingham! come here, there's a good fellow."
The duke hurried to him in obedience to the summons; but when he reached the door, and perceived Miss Stewart, he hesitated to enter.
"Come in, and shut the door," said the king. The duke obeyed; and, perceiving in what an excellent humor the king was, he advanced smilingly toward him. "Well, my dear duke, how do you get on with your Frenchman?"
"Sire, I am in the most perfect state of utter despair about him."
"Why so?"
"Because charming Miss Grafton is willing to marry him, but he is unwilling."
"Why, he is a perfect Bœotian!" cried
Miss Stewart. "Let him say either 'Yes' or 'No,' and let the affair end."
"But," said Buckingham, seriously, "you know, or you ought to know, madame, that M. de Bragelonne is in love in another direction."
"In that case," said the king, coming to Miss Stewart's help, "nothing is easier; let him say 'No,' then."