Exiled for the Faith | Page 4

faith, and now I am simply exposed to the shafts of ridicule, and
the wit and sneers of those who hold religious truth in contempt. You
may be astonished at my thus venturing to speak to you, a perfect
stranger, but I am sure that I may trust Mary Seton's cousin; and if you
have the opportunity, I will beg you to tell my father or the good
admiral what I say. I dare not write on the subject, nor can I venture to
send a verbal message by Maitre Leroux."
"I faithfully promise to convey your sentiments to either one or the
other," answered Nigel, casting a glance of admiration at the young
girl, who could thus stand alone in her innocence amid the follies of
that vicious and frivolous court. "As to accepting a place at court, even
should it be offered me, I would refuse it, for my tastes lead me to seek
my fortune on the wild ocean or in foreign lands; and it is with this
object that I am about to visit the admiral, who will, I have been led to
hope, forward my views."
"You cannot apply to a wiser or truer man in France," answered
Constance. She was about to say more, when they were rejoined by
Mary Seton, who came-to conduct Nigel into the presence of the queen.
"As a loyal Scot you are bound to pay your devoir to her Majesty," she
said. "Though neither of us have much recollection of our native wilds,
we still regard our country with affection."
Nigel felt that there was no escaping, and mustering courage, went
boldly forward till he reached the spot where the young queen was

standing with several lords and ladies in attendance. Though
unaccustomed to courts, he had too much native dignity to be overawed,
and bending on his knee he lifted the hand of the young queen to his
lips and reverently kissed it. Mary bestowed on him one of those
fascinating smiles which in after years bound many a victim to her feet,
and bidding him rise, questioned him about the affairs of Scotland, and
various particulars regarding her lady mother the Regent, from whom
he had been the bearer of a package. Nigel, gaining courage, replied
discreetly to the young queen's questions. The Dauphin, however, made
some remark which induced her to dismiss her countryman, when Nigel
fell back to where he had left Constance, who had been rejoined by his
cousin.
"You comported yourself admirably, and I congratulate you," said the
latter. "You will, I am sure, after a little experience become a perfect
courtier."
"I would not advise him to make the experiment," said Constance.
"There is little fear of it," answered Nigel. "I hope ere long to find
myself on the wide ocean, where I may breathe the free air of heaven,
which I much prefer to the atmosphere of a court; but I must crave your
pardon, fair ladies, for showing a disinclination to live where I might
bask in the sunshine of your smiles."
"That speech is truly worthy of a courtier," said Mary Seton, laughing.
"Come, come, cousin, change your mind. Constance, you will help me
to bring this gentleman to reason?"
"I would not attempt to influence him, even if I could," answered the
young lady. "He has decided wisely. In your heart you know, Mary,
that he is right; you yourself despise the miserable butterflies who
hover round us with their sweet speeches, empty heads, and false
hearts."
Constance de Tourville was continuing in the same strain, when the
young queen, with her attendants and the other ladies and gentlemen of
the court, was seen moving towards the palace, and she and Mary

Seton were compelled to follow them. While Nigel was paying his
parting adieus to the young ladies, a sigh escaped his cousin as he
pressed her hand to his lips, for she knew the probability that they
might not meet again. Her heart was still faithful to Scotland, and she
loved her kith and kindred.
"Remember," said Constance, as he paid her the same mark of respect.
"Be careful what you say to strangers; but you may trust Maitre Leroux;
he is honest."
CHAPTER TWO.
A WALK THROUGH PARIS.
On reaching the gate of the palace, Nigel had met the captain of the
Scottish guard, Norman Leslie, a distant relative, by whose means he
had gained admission to the palace, and had been able to enjoy the
interview with his cousin, Mary Seton.
"How fared it with you, Nigel, among the gay ladies of the court?"
asked the captain, one of those careless characters, who receive their
pay and fight accordingly, very little troubled as to the justice of the
cause they support.
"I had a talk with