Chapter Twenty Eight.
And opens the King’s eyes.
The chamberlain had worthily carried out his master’s orders, and the scene in connection with the supper that night was brighter than ever; but the King did not seem satisfied. His heavy face looked gloomy, and Francis banteringly asked him if he was too much wearied by the hunt that day, receiving a grave nod in reply.
Later on Francis, who was excited and annoyed by the dullness of his host, made an excuse to leave him and join the dance, but only to find his progress stayed by Leoni, who led him aside to make some communication—one which made his master frown and whisper back angrily. But Leoni spoke again, and Denis, who was near, saw the King make a deprecating gesture with his hands, and then hurry off to enter the salon where the dancing was going on.
Denis stood watching Leoni, who stood looking thoughtfully after his master.
“I thought so,” said the boy to himself, for as he watched Leoni he saw the doctor turn slowly and with his peculiar fixed look sweep the well-filled room till his eye rested upon the young esquire.
The next moment he had raised his finger to his lips, gazing at him fixedly for some moments, before turning and moving towards the door, when Denis heaved a deep sigh and looked round in vain in search of Saint Simon; but he was nowhere near, and the boy slowly followed Leoni, whom he found waiting for him just outside the door.
Meanwhile Hurst, upon seeing the Comte’s departure, drew near to where Henry sat moody and alone, the various gentlemen in attendance, knowing their master’s ways, having drawn back a little, to enter into a forced conversation, waiting for the King’s next move.