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CHAPTER XLI.
"There is a certain goddess, called Confidence, that carries much weight in honourable preferments. Fortune waits upon her—Cupid is at her beck; she sends them both of errands."
The Merchant's Wedding.
"O, run on my errand, thou bonny foot-page."
Old Ballad.
Louis arrived at the appointed hour, and found the Comtesse eager for his appearance. He was a frank, handsome-looking boy, whose arch smile and quick eye vouched that there were few cases where he might not safely be left to his own resources.
"Welcome, my young knight-errant!" exclaimed Madame de Soissons. "I am expecting you to do wonders."
“Nothing could be wonderful when performed in your service," replied the boy, with that readiness of compliment so characteristic of his time and court.
The Comtesse smiled, and continued: "First, I must take you into my full confidence. I am persuaded that the Lady Francesca's illness is but a pretext,—I want both to ascertain the fact and
