QUENTIN'S WATCH. of our courtiers, the crazy laugh of our jesters above all, she lies hid under the friendly air of a reconciled enemy. Louis of Orleans trusted John of Burgundy-he was murdered in the Rue Barbette. John of Burgundy trusted the faction of Orleans-he was murdered on the bridge of Montereau. I will trust no one-no one. Hark ye; I will keep my eye on that insolent count; ay, and on the churchman too, whom I hold not too faithful. When I say, Ecosse, en avant! shoot Crèvecœur dead on the spot." "It is my duty," said Quentin, "your Majesty's life being endangered." "Certainly; I mean it no otherwise," said the King. "What should I get by slaying this insolent soldier? Were it the Constable Saint Paul indeed- 39 Here he paused, as if he thought he had said a word too much, but resumed, laughing, "There's our brother-in-law, James of Scotland-your own James, Quentin-poniarded the Douglas when on a hospitable visit, within his own royal castle of Skirling.” "Of Stirling," said Quentin, "and so please your Highness. It was a deed of which came little good." "Stirling call you the castle?" said the King, overlooking the latter part of Quentin's speech. "Well, let it be Stirling-the name is nothing to the purpose. But I meditate no injury to these men-none. It would serve me nothing. They may not purpose equally fair by me. I rely on thy harquebuss." 35 and concealed staircases-ay, and the traps and pitfalls of the palace, as well as the principal entrances, folding-doors, and portals." After several turns and passages, the King entered a small vaulted room, where a table was prepared for dinner with three covers. The whole furniture and arrangements of the room were plain almost to meannes3. A beauffet, or folding and movable cupboard, held a few pieces of gold and silver plate, and was the only article in the chamber which had, in the slightest degree, the appearance of royalty. Behind this cupboard, and completely hidden by it, was the post which Louis assigned to Quentin Durward; and after having ascertained, by going to different parts of the room, that he was invisible from all quarters, he gave him his last charge-" Remember the word, Ecosse, en avant; and so soon as over I utter these sounds, throw down the screen-spare not for cup or goblet, and be sure thou take good aim at Crèvecoeur. If thy piece fail, cling to him, and use thy knife. Oliver and I can deal with the Cardinal." Having thus spoken, he whistled aloud, and summoned into the apartment Oliver, who was premier-valet of the chamber as well as barber, and who, in fact, performed all offices immediately connected with the King's person, and who now appeared, attended by two old men, who were the only assistants or waiters at the royal table. So soon as the King had taken his place, the visitors were admitted; and Quentin, though himself unseen, was so situated as to remark all the par "I shall be prompt at the signal," said Quentin; ticulars of the interview. "but yet "You hesitate," said the King. "Speak outI give thee full leave. From such as thou art, hints may be caught that are right valuable.” "I would only presume to say," replied Quentin, 66 that your Majesty having occasion to distrust this Burgundian, I marvel that you suffer him to approach so near your person, and that in privacy." "Oh, content you, Sir Squire," said the King. "There are some dangers which, when they are braved disappear, and which yet, when there is an obvious and apparent dread of them displayed, become certain and inevitable. When I walk boldly up to a surly mastiff, and caress him, it is ten to one I soothe him to good temper; if I show fear of him, he flies on me and rends me. I will be thus far frank with thee. It concerns me nearly that this man returns not to his headlong master in a resentful humour I run my risk, therefore. I have never shunned to expose my life for the weal of my kingdom. Follow me." Louis led his young life-guardsman, for whom he seemed to have taken a special favour, through the side-door by which he had himself entered, saying, as he showed it him, "He who would thrive at Court must know the private wickets The King welcomed his visitors with a degree of cordiality, which Quentin had the utmost difficulty to reconcile with the directions which he had previously received, and the purpose for which he stood behind the beauffet with his deadly weapon in readiness. Not only did Louis appear totally free from apprehension of any kind, but one would have supposed that those visitors whom he had done the high honour to admit to his table, were the very persons in whom he could most unreservedly confide, and whom he was most willing to honour. Nothing could be more dignified, and, at the same time, more courteous, than his demeanour. While all around him, including even his own dress, was far beneath the splendour which the petty princes of the kingdom displayed in their festivities, his own language and manners were those of a mighty sovereign in his most condescending mood. Quentin was tempted to suppose, either that the whole of his previous conversation with Louis had been a dream, or that the dutiful demeanour of the Cardinal, and the frank, open, and gallant bearing of the Burgundian noble, had entirely erased the King's suspicion. But whilst the guests, in obedience to the King, were in the act of placing themselves at the table, his Majesty darted one keen glance on them, and then instantly directod his look to Quentin's post. This was done in an instant; but the glance conveyed so much doubt and hatred towards his guests, such a peremptory injunction on Quentin to be watchful in attendance, and prompt in execution, that no room was left for doubting that the sentiments of Louis continued unaltered, and his apprehensions unabated. He was, therefore, more than ever astonished at the deep veil under which that monarch was able to conceal the movements of his jealous disposition. Appearing to have entirely forgotten the language which Crèvecœur. had held towards him in the face of his Court, the King conversed with him of old times, of events which had occurred during his own exile in the territories of Burgundy, and inquired respecting all the nobles with whom he had been then familiar, as if that period had indeed been the happiest of his life, and as if he retained towards all who had contributed to soften the term of his exile, the kindest and most grateful sentiments. "To an ambassador of another nation," he said, "I would have thrown something of state into our reception; but to an old friend, who often shared my board at the Castle of Genappes, I wished to show myself, as I love best to live, old Louis of Valois, as simple and plain as any of his Parisian badauds. But I directed them to make some better cheer than ordinary for you, Sir Count, for I know your Burgundian proverb, 'Mieux vault bon repas que bel habit;' and therefore I bid them have some care of our table. Here, Sir Count, I drink to the health of the noble Duke of Burgundy, our kind and loving cousin. Oliver, replenish yon golden cup with vin de Rheims, and give it to the Count on your knee—he represents our loving brother. My Lord Cardinal, we will ourself fill your cup." "You have already, sire, even to overflowing," said the Cardinal, with the lowly mien of a favourite towards an indulgent master. "Because we know that your Eminence can carry it with a steady hand," said Louis. "But which side do you espouse in the great controversy Sillery or Auxerre-France or Burgundy?" "I will stand neutral, sire," said the Cardinal, "and replenish my cup with Auvernat." 66 "A neutral has a perilous part to sustain," said the King; but as he observed the Cardinal colour somewhat, he glided from the subject, and added, "But you prefer the Auvernat, because it is so noble a wine it endures not water. You, Sir Count, hesitate to empty your cup. I trust you have found no national bitterness at the bottom." "I would, sire," said the Count de Crèvecœur, "that all national quarrels could be as pleasantly ended as the rivalry betwixt our vineyards." "With time, Sir Count," answered the King, "with time-such time as you have taken to your draught of champagne. And now that it is finished, favour me by putting the goblet in your bosom, and keeping it as a pledge of our regard. It is not to every one that we would part with it. It belonged of yore to that terror of France, Henry V. of England, and was taken when Rouen was reduced, and those islanders expelled from Normandy by the joint arms of France and Burgundy. It cannot be better bestowed than on a noble and valiant Burgundian, who well knows that on the union of these two nations depends the continuance of the freedom of the continent from the English yoke." The Count made a suitable answer, and Louis gave unrestrained way to the satirical gaiety of disposition which sometimes enlivened the darker shades of his character. Leading, of course, the conversation, his remarks, always shrewd and caustic, and often actually witty, were seldom good-natured, and the anecdotes with which he illustrated them were often more humorous than delicate; but in no one word, syllable, or letter, did he betray the state of mind of one who, apprehensive of assassination, hath in his apartment an armed soldier, with his piece loaded, in order to prevent or anticipate an attack on his person. The Count of Crevecoeur gave frankly into tho King's humour; while the smooth churchman laughed at every jest, and enhanced every ludicrous idea, without exhibiting any shame at expressions which made the rustic young Scot blush even in his place of concealment. In about an hour and a half the tables were drawn; and the King, taking courteous leave of his guests, gave the signal that it was his desire to be alone. So soon as all, even Oliver, had retired, he called Quentin from his place of concealment; but with a voice so faint, that the youth could scarce believe it to be the same which had so lately given animation to the jest, and zest to the tale. As he approached, he saw an equal change in his countenance. The light of assumed vivacity had left the King's eyes, the smile had deserted his face, and he exhibited all the fatigue of a celebrated actor, when he has finished the exhausting representation of some favourite character, in which, while upon the stage, he had displayed the utmost vivacity. "Thy watch is not yet over," said he to Quentin "refresh thyself for an instant-yonder table affords the means-I will then instruct thee in thy farther duty. Meanwhile, it is ill talking between a full man and a fasting." He threw himself back on his seat, covered his brow with his hand, and was silent. his Majesty darted one keen glance on them, and then instantly directod his look to Quentin's post. This was done in an instant; but the glance conveyed so much doubt and hatred towards his guests, such a peremptory injunction on Quentin to be watchful in attendance, and prompt in execution, that no room was left for doubting that the sentiments of Louis continued unaltered, and his apprehensions unabated. He was, therefore, more than ever astonished at the deep veil under which that monarch was able to conceal the movements of his jealous disposition. Appearing to have entirely forgotten the language which Crèvecœur.had held towards him in the face of his Court, the King conversed with him of old times, of events which had occurred during his own exile in the territories of Burgundy, and inquired respecting all the nobles with whom he had been then familiar, as if that period had indeed been the happiest of his life, and as if he retained towards all who had contributed to soften the term of his exilo, the kindest and most grateful sentiments. "To an ambassador of another nation," he said, "I would have thrown something of state into our reception; but to an old friend, who often shared my board at the Castle of Genappes, I wished to show myself, as I love best to live, old Louis of Valois, as simple and plain as any of his Parisian badauds. But I directed them to make some better cheer than ordinary for you, Sir Count, for I know your Burgundian proverb, 'Mieux vault bon repas que bel habit;' and therefore I bid them have some care of our table. Here, Sir Count, I drink to the health of the noble Duke of Burgundy, our kind and loving cousin. Oliver, replenish yon golden cup with vin de Rheims, and give it to the Count on your knee-he represents our loving brother. My Lord Cardinal, we will ourself fill your cup." "You have already, sire, even to overflowing," said the Cardinal, with the lowly mien of a favourite towards an indulgent master. "Because we know that your Eminence can carry it with a steady hand," said Louis. "But which side do you eзpouse in the great controversy Sillery or Auxerre-France or Burgundy?" "I will stand neutral, sire," said the Cardinal, "and replenish my cup with Auvernat." "A neutral has a perilous part to sustain," said the King; but as he observed the Cardinal colour somewhat, he glided from the subject, and added, "But you prefer the Auvernat, because it is so noble a wine it endures not water. You, Sir Count, hesitate to empty your cup. I trust you have found no national bitterness at the bottom." "I would, sire," said the Count de Crèvecoeur, "that all national quarrels could be as pleasantly ended as the rivalry betwixt our vineyards." "With time, Sir Count," answered the King, "with time-such time as you have taken to your draught of champagne. And now that it is finished, favour me by putting the goblet in your bosom, and keeping it as a pledge of our regard. It is not to every one that we would part with it. It belonged of yore to that terror of France, Henry V. of England, and was taken when Rouen was reduced, and those islanders expelled from Normandy by the joint arms of France and Burgundy. It cannot be better bestowed than on a noble and valiant Burgundian, who well knows that on the union of these two nations depends the continuance of the freedom of the continent from the English yoke." The Count made a suitable answer, and Louis gave unrestrained way to the satirical gaiety of disposition which sometimes enlivened the darker shades of his character. Leading, of course, the conversation, his remarks, always shrewd and caustic, and often actually witty, were seldom good-natured, and the anecdotes with which he illustrated them were often more humorous than delicate; but in no one word, syllable, or letter, did he betray the state of mind of one who, apprehensive of assassination, hath in his apartment an armed soldier, with his piece loaded, in order to prevent or anticipate an attack on his person. The Count of Crèvecoeur gave frankly into the King's humour; while the smooth churchman laughed at every jest, and enhanced every ludicrous idea, without exhibiting any shame at expressions which made the rustic young Scot blush even in his place of concealment. In about an hour and a half the tables were drawn; and the King, taking courteous leave of his guests, gave the signal that it was his desire to be alone. So soon as all, even Oliver, had retired, he called Quentin from his place of concealment; but with a voice so faint, that the youth could scarce believe it to be the same which had so lately given animation to the jest, and zest to the tale. As ho approached, he saw an equal change in his countenance. The light of assumed vivacity had left the King's eyes, the smile had deserted his face, and he exhibited all the fatigue of a celebrated actor, when he has finished the exhausting representation of some favourite character, in which, while upon the stage, he had displayed the utmost vivacity. "Thy watch is not yet over," said he to Quentin "refresh thyself for an instant-yonder table affords the means-I will then instruct thee in thy farther duty. Meanwhile, it is ill talking betweon a full man and a fasting." He threw himself back on his seat, covered his brow with his hand, and was silent. |