Leoni slowly rose to his feet and shrugged his shoulders.
“That is a question I cannot answer, Sire. It forms part of the scheme of life. I have lived fifty years in the world, thirty of which have been spent in thinking and in study of my fellows. I never met one man yet who could do exactly as he liked.”
“Well, if you come to that,” said the King, “I don’t think that I ever did; but I mean to do this all the same.”
“But how could you, Sire? If the King of England chose to play you false he might throw you into prison.”
“What!” cried Francis hotly.
“And hold you to ransom, Sire.”
“Ah! I didn’t think of that; but if he did it would give young Denis a chance to come and rescue me. You would, wouldn’t you, boy?”
“Yes, Sire, or die in the attempt.”
“Don’t you be so fond of talking about dying,” cried the King. “Who wants to die? Here, with all France at my feet, one wants to live and enjoy oneself. But let’s see, Leoni; that wouldn’t do at all. What’s to be done?”
“Your Majesty will have to stay at Fontainebleau and let your servant do this duty, as he has said.”