And then Louis himself, followed by some of the highest officers of state, entered.

Chapter 18:  The Court of Versailles.

As the King of France entered the antechamber a dead hush fell upon all there, and Rupert Holliday looked eagerly to see what sort of man was the greatest sovereign in Europe.

Louis was under middle height, in spite of his high-heeled shoes, but he had an air of dignity which fully redeemed his want of stature.  Although he was sixty-six years of age, he was still handsome, and his eyes were bright, and his movements quick and vivacious.

The courtiers all bent low as the king moved slowly down the line, addressing a word here and there.  The king’s eye quickly caught that of the young Englishman, who with his companion was taller than the majority of those present.

Louis moved forward until he stopped before him.

“So, Sir Englishman,” he said, “you are one of those who have been maltreating our soldiers.  Methinks I have more reason than you have to complain of the fortune of war, but I trust that in your case the misfortune will be a light one, and that your stay in our court and capital will not be an unpleasant one.”

“I have no reason, sire, to complain of the fortune of war,” Rupert said, “since to it I owe the honour of seeing your gracious Majesty, and the most brilliant court in the world!”

“Spoken like a courtier,” the king said with a slight smile.  “Pray consider yourself invited to all the fetes at court and to all our entrees and receptions, and I hope that all will do their best to make your stay here agreeable.”

Then with a slight inclination of the head he passed on, saying in an audible tone to the nobles who walked next, but a little behind him, “This is not such a bear as are his island countrymen in general!”

“In another hour, Rupert, is the evening reception, at which the ladies of the court will be present; and although all set fetes have been arrested owing to the news of the defeat in Flanders, yet as the king chooses to put a good face upon it, everyone else will do the same, therefore you may expect a brilliant assembly.  Adele will of course be there.  Shall I introduce you, or leave it to chance?”

“I would rather you left it to chance,” Rupert said, “except, that as you do not desire it to be known that we have met before, it would be better that you should present me personally; but I should like to see if she will recognize me before you do so.”

“My daughter is a young lady of the court of his most puissant Majesty Louis the 14th,” the marquis said, somewhat bitterly, “and has learned not to carry her heart upon her sleeve.  But before you show yourself near her, I will just warn her by a word that a surprise may take place in the course of the evening, and that it is not always expedient to recognize people unless introduced formally.  That will not be sufficient to give her any clue to your being here, but when she sees you she will recall my warning, and act prudently.”