 that
which represented Saint Julian, he placed it on the table, as was often his wont
when some peculiar feeling of hope, or perhaps of remorse, happened to thrill
across his mind, and kneeling down before it, muttered, with an appearance of
profound devotion, »Sancte Juliane, adsis precibus nostris! Ora, ora, pro nobis!
«
    This was one of those ague-fits of superstitious devotion which often seized
on Louis in such extraordinary times and places, that they gave one of the most
sagacious Monarchs who ever reigned, the appearance of a madman, or at least of
one whose mind was shaken by some deep consciousness of guilt.
    While he was thus employed, his favourite looked at him with an expression
of sarcastic contempt, which he scarce attempted to disguise. Indeed, it was one
of this man's peculiarities, that, in his whole intercourse with his master, he
laid aside that fondling, purring affectation of officiousness and humility,
which distinguished his conduct to others; and if he still bore some resemblance
to a cat, it was when the animal is on its guard, - watchful, animated, and
alert for sudden exertion. The cause of this change was probably Oliver's
consciousness, that his master was himself too profound a hypocrite not to see
through the hypocrisy of others.
    »The features of this youth, then, if I may presume to speak,« said Oliver,
»resemble those of him whom your dream exhibited?«
    »Closely and intimately,« said the King, whose imagination, like that of
superstitious people in general, readily imposed upon itself - »I have had his
horoscope cast, besides, by Galeotti Martivalle, and I have plainly learned,
through his art and mine own observation, that, in many respects, this
unfriended youth has his destiny under the same constellation with mine.«
    Whatever Oliver might think of the causes thus boldly assigned for the
preference of an unexperienced stripling, he dared make no farther objections,
well knowing that Louis, who, while residing in exile, had bestowed much of his
attention on the supposed science of judicial astrology, would listen to no
raillery of any kind which impeached his skill. He therefore only replied, that
he trusted the youth would prove faithful in the discharge of a task so
delicate.
    »We will take care he hath no opportunity to be otherwise,« said Louis; »for
he shall be privy to nothing, save that he is sent to escort the Ladies of Croye
to the residence of the Bishop of Liege. Of the probable interference of William
de la
