CHAPTER XII.
THE DEFERENCE OF HIS GRACE THE DUKE Certainly he had some strange ways, this M.de Perrencourt.

It was not enough for him to arrive by night, nor to have his meeting with M.
Colbert (whose Star Darrell made me observe most particularly next morning) guarded from intruding eyes by the King's own order.

He shewed a predilection for darkness and was visible in the daytime only in Madame's apartment, or when she went to visit the King.

The other French gentlemen and ladies manifested much curiosity concerning the town and the neighbourhood, and with Madame and the Duke of Monmouth at their head took part in many pleasant excursions.

In a day or two the Queen also and the Duchess of York came from London, and the doings grew more gay and merry.