The King's Esquires; Or, The Jewel of France

  CHAPTER TWENTY THREE.

  A ROYAL WELCOME.

  There was plenty of colour and brightness in the group awaiting thecoming of Francis and his travel-stained followers. Courtiers stoodaround with their gay, picturesque garments rendered more striking bythe sunset glow, vivified by passing through a stained-glass windowwhich shone down upon the central figure of the group, a big, bluff,rather heavy-faced, typically English yeoman in expression, upon whomFrancis fixed his eyes and kept them there as upon the principalpicture, all the rest being merely frame.

  Irrespective of his position, the visitor would have known him at oncefrom the descriptions he had heard from ambassadors to the English Courtof what the English King was like; and forgetful of everything else, allcourtly custom, his secret mission, and his assumed character, Francismade a slight obeisance and stepped forward eagerly to greet his brotherKing.

  On the other hand King Henry gazed curiously at his visitor who boresuch worthy credentials, and he put out his hand as he stood drawinghimself up proudly, expecting to see the Comte sink upon one knee andpress it to his lips; but, to his utter astonishment, Francis came closeup, apparently not in the slightest degree dazzled or abashed by hismagnificence, to stop short when within easy reach, and, instead ofsinking down, exclaimed, "Aha! The brave, soldierly King Hal!" clappedboth hands upon his brother monarch's shoulders, let them glide quicklyonward till they joined behind the King's neck, and the next moment theembrace tightened as he kissed the plump cheeks that were beginning toflame smartly in turn.

  "This," he cried, "is a great joy that pays me for my long journeyhere."

  The English King drew back in astonishment, and glanced quickly to rightand left of his assembled courtiers, as if asking the meaning of thisoutrage, this strange conduct so completely in opposition to all Courtetiquette.

  He was completely stunned for the moment, and his inclination was toexclaim, "Is this man mad?" But as he looked round it was to see faceafter face expanded or contracted by the mirthful feeling within hisfollowers' breasts, and then rendered grotesque by their owners' effortsto turn solemn and serious once more.

  A change came over the King's countenance. It was as a reflection ofthe smiles upon his courtiers' lips.

  "He is a Frenchman," he said to himself, "and does not understand ourways, though I should have thought--" he continued to himself, and thenbroke off, to follow the example set him by his visitor, and clumsilyand with ill grace returned the salute, before bidding him welcome inEnglish, which Francis understood fairly well, turning occasionally toLeoni, who stood close behind him, ready to interpret whenever hismaster was at fault.

  The interview went off very well, for Henry took at once to the bright,vivacious French monarch, finding in him one ready to talk eagerly abouthis pursuits, the pair being well in accord as to their tastes; and themeeting was nearly brought to an end by the King telling his visitorthat the letter from his brother Francis was sufficient to make one ofhis favourite nobles quite welcome to the hospitality of the EnglishCourt.

  "Believe me, I am glad to welcome my royal brother's favourite. A suiteof apartments will be prepared for you, sir, by my people, and a placeon my right hand at my table. Rest assured that your stay shall be madepleasant here."

  Francis bowed and smiled, and seemed as if about to supplement hisembrace; but the King went on speaking.

  "But what is this I hear about an insult offered to one who occupies theposition of an ambassador, and whose person should be sacred? I hear,Comte, that you were attacked by one of my officers and his companions,here, close to my palace gates. Is it true?"

  Francis shrugged his shoulders nearly to his ears with a halfcontemptuous smile upon his lips.

  "Oh, a mere nothing," he said; "a little sword-play."

  "A mere nothing!" cried Henry fiercely. "An insult to one of my guestsa mere nothing!"

  "Oh, don't speak of it," replied Francis, laughing. "I was notsurprised."

  "You amaze me, sir!" cried the King.

  "Indeed, Sire? Why, we always knew in France that there is nothing anEnglishman loves better than to fight. I came to your gatesunannounced, and two or three of your bluff soldiers--officers, yousay--exclaimed amongst themselves, `What does this Frenchman here,trying to enter our master's court?' As your defenders, they drew, totry and drive us away. But we would not be driven. Then your gallantescort arrived. They found out the mistake, and it was all at an end.I congratulate you, my--" Francis coughed, as if to get rid of animpediment in his speech, or as if he were suffering from someforgetfulness of the English words he ought to use--"my noble Englishsovereign, upon having such brave defenders at your gates."

  "I thank you, sir," cried Henry. "But this is too much! These soldieryassume more than is their right. I have heard before of this man'sbrawls. He is a fighter out of employment now, for we are at peace, andI will not have him insult my guests."

  "But you will pardon him, Sire?" said Francis. "We were not hurt. Nexttime we meet, your brave officer will doubtless make amends."

  "He must! He shall!" cried Henry hotly. "And--"

  "Sire," interrupted Francis, smiling, "I am your visitor. Grant me thefirst favour that I ask."

  "Anything," cried the King, smiling in his turn.

  "Then you will forgive this brave man?"

  The King bowed.

  "I wish you to be perfectly welcome at my Court, Comte; and now youwould like to retire to your rooms to rid yourselves of yourtravel-stains. Later on I look to meet you at my board."

  Francis bowed in turn, and drew back, seeing that the audience was at anend, and half turning saw that Denis had approached.

  "Yes, boy?" he said.

  "The horses, Comte," whispered Denis.

  "Ah, to be sure! They must not be left there." And he turned, to catchthe King's eye fixed on him searchingly.

  "Yes, Comte," he said; "you were about to speak?"

  "It is nothing, Sire," replied Francis. "My esquire reminded me thatour steeds were at the hostelry, and--"

  "Ah, you love horses!" cried the King. "So do I, and the hunt as well.My stables are at your service, and my Master of the Horse will see thatthey are well bestowed. Once more, sir, the favourite of my brotherFrancis is welcome here. I look to see you again to-night."