"But come!--it is to France that you go." "There is as good as any other place," I said, "so I be out of the kingdom.

I have estates there, too." "But to France will suit very well," said the King.

"For it is to France that I designed to send you.

I have plenty of couriers who can take written messages, and I have plenty of men who can talk--some think, too much; but I have no one at hand at this moment whom I can send to Court, and who will acquit himself well there, and that can take a message too--none, that is, that is not occupied.

What do you say, Mr.Mallock?
Would a couple of months there please you ?" Here then was the time for my announcement; for I knew that if I did not make it then I should make it never.
I stood up; and my heart beat thickly.
"Sir," I said.