Chapter Ten.
How Leoni lost his eye.
The meal was ended, and the King in the best of tempers, in that condition of mind which a good digestion produces, and ready to be friends with all the world.
“It is absurd,” he said, “to let a scrap of paper which may mean nothing, and the curiosity of some country idiot who wanted to get a peep at me, interfere with our enjoying a comfortable rest in this excellent inn, and then going on fresh and well in the morning.”
“Then you mean to stay here to-night, sir?” said Denis anxiously.
“Of course, boy.”
Saint Simon shook his head as if in dissent, and the King glared at him.
“Did you hear me, sir?” he cried. “I said I mean to stay here to-night.”
Saint Simon drew back respectfully, and the King, apparently mollified, continued: