“Why do you look so dejected, Mr. Egremont?”
Roger’s vigilant eyes glanced around carefully to see that he could not be overheard, and then dropping on his knee, as royalty was addressed, he said,—
“Madam, it is because of the writing that the King gives me to do. Oh, Madam, when I came here, it was with the best will in the world to shed the last drop of my blood for the King and for your Majesty and the Prince of Wales; I did not think, though, I should be called upon to shed rivers of ink; I would rather it were the blood. As for the quills I have used up, there will be no more geese in France within a year if this keeps up. I hear that they are almost exterminated since I came here a fortnight ago. Would your Majesty think that I should lament I ever learned to write so good a hand? I assure your Majesty, until the Prince of Orange threw me into prison and robbed me of my estate, I wrote very ill. It is another grudge I owe the Prince of Orange, learning to write readily.”
“You wish me to speak to the King,” said the Queen, usually so grave, but now laughing.
“Madam, if you would be so good,” replied Roger; and the Queen passing on, he knew that he should not be called upon to use so many goose-quills in future.
He was not on duty that night, but hunger, which can exist along with the most devouring passion, drove him quickly to the mess-room, where he supped in jovial company. And immediately afterward he went upstairs to the state apartments, where the evening levee was held. He had not mentioned Michelle’s name to any living human being, but his ears were wide open to hear of her.
A few ladies and gentlemen had already assembled, and the very next person who entered the room after him was the Duchess de Beaumanoir, with François trotting after her. Roger, who enjoyed high favor with the old lady, was immediately called to her side.
“So you recognized me at the masquerade, yesterday, Mr. Egremont; and how did you enjoy the show?”
“Vastly, madam,” replied Roger, his heart palpitating. “I never saw anything like it before.”
“Of course not. These French apes are mighty good at shows of all sorts. And when did you get to bed?”