I rose to my feet, delighted to find that I could stand well and that my pains grew no more severe with movement.
"I am at your Grace's orders," said I."May I ride with you, sir ?" The King looked at me doubtfully.
"I should be glad of your company," said the Duke, "if your health allows." "Most fully, sir," I answered, and turning to the King I begged his leave to depart.

And that leave I should, as I think, have obtained, but for the fact that once again M.de Perrencourt whispered to the King.
The King rose from his seat, took M.de Perrencourt's arm and walked with him to where his Grace stood.

I watched them, till a little stifled laugh caught my attention.

Madame's face was merry, and hers the laugh.
She saw my look on her and laughed again, raising her finger to her lips in a swift stealthy motion.

She glanced round apprehensively, but her action had passed unnoticed; the Duke of York seemed sunk in a dull apathy, Clifford and Arlington were busy in conversation.