by the exertion of an influence which would rather mark the favourite than the soldier. You perceive now, Chevalier," added she, "that I took a lively interest in all that could conduce to our glory, and that you would be very wrong were you to judge otherwise." "The distance is so great between us, Madam," replied he, modestly, "that I am not worthy of the explanation you have been so good as to give me, nor the care you took to imperil my life for the sake of my honour. The gods protected me with more beneficence than my enemies hoped for, and I shall esteem myself always happy to employ in the King's service, or in yours, a life, the loss of which is a matter of more indifference to me than may be imagined." This respectful reproach from Fortuné perplexed the Queen: she perfectly comprehended the meaning of his words: but he was still too agreeable to her to be got rid of entirely by too sharp a reply; on the contrary, she pretended to enter completely into his feelings, and made him again relate to her how skilfully he had conquered the dragon.
Fortuné had taken good care not to tell any one it was through the assistance of his attendants he had done so; he boasted of having faced this redoubtable enemy alone, and that his own skill, and his courage, even to rashness, had secured his victory; but the Queen, scarcely thinking of what he was saying to her, interrupted him, to ask him if he was now convinced of the interest she felt in all that related to him; and would have pressed the subject further upon him, when he said: "Madam, I hear the sound of the horn, the King is approaching; will your Majesty mount your horse to go and meet him?" "No," said she, spitefully; "it is sufficient for you to do so." "The King would blame me, Madam," added he, "should I leave you by yourself in a place exposed to danger." "I will dispense with your attention," replied she, in an imperative tone. "Begone!—Your presence annoys me!"
At this command, the Chevalier made her a profound bow, mounted his horse, and disappeared from her sight, very uneasy at what might be the result of this fresh offence. He thereupon consulted his fine horse—"Let me know, comrade," said he, "if this too loving, too angry Queen, will find another monster to give me up to?" "No other but herself,"
