his nature to enjoy,
even where he had not, as in the present case, the apology, that he did so in
pure retaliation - and that of observing that he had at length been able to find
a point in Des Comines' character which might lead him gradually from the
interests of Burgundy to those of France. But although the deep resentment which
the offended courtier entertained against his master induced him at a future
period to exchange the service of Charles for that of Louis, yet, at the present
moment, he was contented to throw out only some general hints of his friendly
inclination towards France, which he well knew the King would understand how to
interpret. And indeed it would be unjust to stigmatise the memory of the
excellent historian with the desertion of his master on this occasion, although
he was certainly now possessed with sentiments much more favourable to Louis
than when he entered the apartment.
    He constrained himself to laugh at the anecdote which Louis had detailed,
and then added, »I did not think so trifling a frolic would have dwelt on the
mind of the Duke so long as to make it worth telling again. Some such passage
there was of drawing off boots and the like, as your Majesty knows that the Duke
is fond of rude play; but it has been much exaggerated in his recollection. Let
it pass on.«
    »Ay, let it pass on,« said the King; »it is indeed shame it should have
detained us a minute. - And now, Sir Philip, I hope you are French so far as to
afford me your best counsel in these difficult affairs. You have, I am well
aware, the clew to the labyrinth, if you would but impart it.« »Your Majesty may
command my best advice and service,« replied Des Comines, »under reservation
always of my duty to my own master.«
    This was nearly what the courtier had before stated; but he now repeated it
in a tone so different, that whereas Louis understood from the former
declaration that the reserved duty to Burgundy was the prime thing to be
considered, so he now saw clearly that the emphasis was reversed, and that more
weight was now given by the speaker to his promise of counsel, than to a
restriction which seemed interposed for the sake of form and consistency. The
King resumed his own seat, and compelled Des Comines to sit by him, listening at
the same time to that statesman, as if the words of an oracle sounded in his
ears. Des Comines spoke in that low and impressive tone which implies at once
great sincerity