I heard Madame's gay laugh, again the King spoke, Madame cried, "Fie," and hid her face with her hand.

M.de Perrencourt advanced towards me; the King caught his arm.

"Pooh, he knows already," muttered Perrencourt, half under his breath, but he gave way, and the King came to me first.
"Sir," said he, "the Duke of Monmouth has had the dutiful kindness to release his claim on your present services, and to set you free to serve me." I bowed very low, answering, "His Grace is bountiful of kindness to me, and has given the greatest proof of it in enabling me to serve Your Majesty." "My pleasure is," pursued the King, "that you attach yourself to my friend M.de Perrencourt here, and accompany him and hold yourself at his disposal until further commands from me reach you." M.de Perrencourt stepped forward and addressed me.
"In two hours' time, sir," said he, "I beg you to be ready to accompany me.

A ship lies yonder at the pier, waiting to carry His Excellency M.
Colbert de Croissy and myself to Calais to-night on business of moment.
Since the King gives you to me, I pray your company." "Till then, Mr Dale, adieu," said the King.

"Not a word of what has passed here to-night to any man--or any woman.