“But Henry has never seen our King,” he murmured softly to himself. “Why should there be this presagement of harm? He cannot be recognised here, or if any of these gentlemen who have travelled do imagine a resemblance, they will laugh it on one side.”
He felt reassured again as he saw Henry advance a step to meet his guest and take his hand with a few words of welcome, ere he pointed to a seat near at hand.
“Our brother of France is indeed fortunate,” he said, “to be represented by yourself, Comte.” And then followed words which Leoni did not hear, for a gentleman approached the group formed by himself, Saint Simon, and Denis, and with a bow said courteously:
“May I present you gentlemen to his Majesty?”
A minute later Leoni heard Francis say:
“Your Majesty will permit me to present to your notice Master René Leoni, the most learned of doctors, and at the same time one of the most tyrannical. But to those who understand well the subtle art of medicine, we must forgive all.”
“True,” said Henry, and he leaned forward with a gracious inclination. “We can read in your countenance, sir, the deep learning of the south. Would to Heaven that there were more of it here! I trust that the stay you make at our Court will not be displeasing to you, for that it will be productive to us I make no doubt.”
Leoni bowed low before the two Kings.
“My master has exaggerated my poor abilities, your Majesty,” he said, and then he drew back to allow of the introduction of his two companions, to each of whom Henry addressed words of encouragement and welcome.
Later, as the music struck up, the English King turned to his visitor and asked more questions concerning Francis.