"Because of the mark it makes upon my brow!" said François, with a smile that was half playful and half sad.
"What!" said Mary. "Oh, but I forgot that we have one matter to settle—and a matter of the most supreme importance—which my uncle De Lorraine has thrust upon us."
"Oh, ho!" cried the king; "that does not often happen."
"He leaves it for us," said Mary, very seriously, "to decide upon the color of the uniform of our Swiss Guards."
"That is a mark of confidence which does us great honor. Let us consult upon it. What is your Majesty's opinion upon this difficult question, Madame?"
"Oh, I must only speak after you, Sire."
"Well, then, I think that the style of the coat should remain the same,—a broad doublet with full sleeves, with slashings in three colors. Am I not right?"
"Yes, Sire; but what shall the colors be? That is the question?"
"It is not an easy one; but that is because you do not help me, my fair adviser. The first color?"
"It ought to be white," said Mary,—"the color of France."