"What am I to eat, then?" the King humbly asked.
"Some widgeon, with salt. Otherwise you are so full of bile that you might die on All Souls' day."
"To-day?" cried the King, in great alarm.
"Oh, be easy, Sire, I am here," replied Coyctier. "Try not to fret, and amuse yourself a little."
"Ah," said the King, "my daughter used to be skilled in that difficult art."
Just then Imbert de Bastarnay, Sire de Montrésor and de Bridoré, gently knocked at the royal door. By the King's leave he came in, announcing the Comte and Comtesse de Saint-Vallier. Louis nodded. Marie entered the room, followed by her old husband, who allowed her to precede him.
"Good-day, my children," said the King.
"Sire," said the lady in a whisper, as she embraced him, "I would fain speak with you in private."
Louis XI. made as though he had not heard her.
"Dufou, hola!" cried he, in a hollow voice. Dufou, Lord of Montbazon and high cupbearer of France, hastened in.