I will be thus far frank with thee .-- It concerns me nearly that this man returns not to his headlong master in a resentful humour.

I run my risk, therefore.

I have never shunned to expose my life for the weal of my kingdom.

Follow me." Louis led his young Life Guardsman, for whom he seemed to have taken a special favour, through the side door by which he had himself entered, saying, as he showed it him, "He who would thrive at Court must know the private wickets and concealed staircases--ay, and the traps and pitfalls of the palace, as well as the principal entrances, folding doors, and portals." After several turns and passages, the King entered a small vaulted room, where a table was prepared for dinner with three covers.

The whole furniture and arrangements of the room were plain almost to meanness.