Madame d'Yverne, when I reached the Princess Dowager's closet, had left to go to the Queen of Navarre.

I hurried after her, and found a score of gentlemen in the King of Navarre's chamber.

They were holding a council, and they begged, nay, they compelled me to remain." "And it was that which detained you so long ?" "To be sure, Mademoiselle." "And not--Madame St.Lo ?" M.de Tignonville's face turned scarlet.

The thrust in tierce was unexpected.

This, then, was the key to Mademoiselle's spirt of temper.
"I do not understand you," he stammered.
"How long were you in the King of Navarre's chamber, and how long with Madame St.Lo ?" she asked with fine irony.