Now Livingstone of Champfleurie was a West-Lothian laird, who enjoyed the reputation of being one of the handsomest, but at the same time most dissipated men in Scotland; and on hearing him spoken of by the beautiful young countess, Florence experienced an unaccountable uneasiness; so he said hastily,—
"Madam, will you intrust me with your letter? I am on my way to the lord regent at Cadzow."
"A thousand thanks, sir; you shall be its bearer. And pray accept from me this chain in memory of your good service."
With these words, Mary of Lorraine, with an air of exquisite grace, took from her slender neck a chain of fine gold—the same chain which René II. of Lorraine wore in his famous battle with Charles the Bold,—and threw it over the bowed head of Florence.
"And you were presented to King Henry?" she asked.
"In the gallery of the Louvre, madam."
"By whom?"
"The Lord James Hamilton, captain of the archers of the Scottish Guard; and by M. le Comte d'Anguien."
"Ah! that brave old soldier, with his face of bronze and heart of steel! He is still alive?"
"Alive, and hale and well, madam; and most likely will command the troops destined for Scotland."