[CHAPTER XXII.]
THE PRIVATE COUNCIL.
Louis entered briskly but heavily as was his wont. His manner was busy and curious, strongly contrasting with the Queen's cold rigidity.
His high color had not left him. An early riser and proud of the heartiness he had imbibed with the morning breeze, he breathed noisily and set his foot vigorously on the floor.
"The doctor—what has become of the doctor?" he inquired.
"Good morning, Sire! how do you feel this morning? are you tired?"
"I have slept six hours, my allowance. I feel very well, and my head is clear. But you are a little pale. I heard you had sent for the new doctor."
"Here is Dr. Gilbert," said the Queen, standing aside from a window recess where the doctor had been screened by the curtains.