He had never been so adroit, so brilliant, so witty, so insinuating; and he left her with the feeling that if he had his way concerning De la Foret--a mere stubborn whim, with no fair reason behind it--his influence would be again securely set.

The sense of crisis was on him.
On Michel de la Foret entering the presence the Queen's attention had become riveted.

She felt in him a spirit of mastery, yet of unselfish purpose.

Here was one, she thought, who might well be in her household, or leading a regiment of her troops.

The clear fresh face, curling hair, direct look, quiet energy, and air of nobility--this sort of man could only be begotten of a great cause; he were not possible in idle or prosperous times.
Elizabeth looked him up and down, then affected surprise.