That walk seemed like a dream.
They went leisurely upwards towards the palace, through yew alley after yew alley, French chattering sounding behind them as they went; and the King, still in fluent English, though with an accent that increased as he talked, questioned them courteously as to England, spoke of the disputation of yesterday, discussed frankly enough the situation in Germany, and listened with attention to the remarks of Father Jervis; for Monsignor Masterman was discreetly silent for the most part.
It was not until the great doors of the palace flew open at last, and the rows of liveried men showed within, that the King dismissed them. He turned on the steps and gave them his hand to kiss. Then he raised them from their knees with a courteous gesture.
"And you go to Rome, you say?"
"Almost immediately, sire. We shall be there for SS. Peter and Paul."
"Present my homage at the feet of the Holy Father," smiled the King. "You are fortunate indeed. I have not seen His Holiness for three months. Good day—gentlemen."
The two passed again in silence down the terraces on their way to the Trianon.
"It is amazing," burst out Monsignor suddenly. "And the people.
What of them? Is there no resentment?"
"Why should there be?" asked the other.
"But they are excluded from the palace and the park. It was not so a hundred years ago."