All the party bowed respectfully as the king came slowly down the great
walk, giving his arm to the Princess de Gonzague. Then, anxious to avoid
any appearance of intruding upon the privacy of the monarch, they drifted
off in search of fresh amusement.
Louis addressed the princess, indicating the gayety around him with a
wave of his arm. "After so long an absence from the world, all this folly
must worry you a little."
The princess looked at him sadly. "The world and I have little more to
say to each other. I come here to-night to meet one who has promised to
tell me of my husband, of my child."
"Lagardere?" said the king, gravely.