He was completely stunned for the moment, and his inclination was to exclaim, “Is this man mad?” But as he looked round it was to see face after face expanded or contracted by the mirthful feeling within his followers’ breasts, and then rendered grotesque by their owners’ efforts to turn solemn and serious once more.
A change came over the King’s countenance. It was as a reflection of the smiles upon his courtiers’ lips.
“He is a Frenchman,” he said to himself, “and does not understand our ways, though I should have thought—” he continued to himself, and then broke off, to follow the example set him by his visitor, and clumsily and with ill grace returned the salute, before bidding him welcome in English, which Francis understood fairly well, turning occasionally to Leoni, who stood close behind him, ready to interpret whenever his master was at fault.
The interview went off very well, for Henry took at once to the bright, vivacious French monarch, finding in him one ready to talk eagerly about his pursuits, the pair being well in accord as to their tastes; and the meeting was nearly brought to an end by the King telling his visitor that the letter from his brother Francis was sufficient to make one of his favourite nobles quite welcome to the hospitality of the English Court.
“Believe me, I am glad to welcome my royal brother’s favourite. A suite of apartments will be prepared for you, sir, by my people, and a place on my right hand at my table. Rest assured that your stay shall be made pleasant here.”
Francis bowed and smiled, and seemed as if about to supplement his embrace; but the King went on speaking.
“But what is this I hear about an insult offered to one who occupies the position of an ambassador, and whose person should be sacred? I hear, Comte, that you were attacked by one of my officers and his companions, here, close to my palace gates. Is it true?”
Francis shrugged his shoulders nearly to his ears with a half contemptuous smile upon his lips.
“Oh, a mere nothing,” he said; “a little sword-play.”
“A mere nothing!” cried Henry fiercely. “An insult to one of my guests a mere nothing!”