Villegagnon | Page 3

to her, as the etiquette
of the court is not very rigid, or I should not have been allowed to
wander about the gardens with a gallant young gentleman like yourself,
albeit you claim to be my cousin and an old playmate."
"I see several gentlemen among the fair damsels, so I conclude that my
presence is not altogether an irregularity," said Nigel.
"They are privileged persons, however," said Mary Seton. "That sickly
youth who has just joined the queen and is awkwardly endeavouring to

make himself agreeable is her affianced husband, the Dauphin. For my
part I would rather not be a queen than be compelled to wed so
miserable an object; but I am talking treason. Here comes one of the
queen's uncles, the Duke de Guise--that tall, dark, ill-favoured
gentleman. He is, notwithstanding, one of the most powerful men in
France, and intends to be more, powerful still when his niece and her
young husband ascend the throne. But come; the party are moving, on,
and as Constance de Tourville is lingering behind, we can quickly
overtake her, and when I have made you known to her, you can tell her
of your wish to see the admiral."
Nigel felt very unwilling to quit his hiding-place, but his cousin, taking
him by the hand, playfully led him forward. They quickly overtook the
interesting girl of whom they had been speaking. Nigel, as he was
introduced, made a bow which would not have disgraced the most
polished gentleman at court. The young lady smiled as she cast a
glance at his handsome, honest countenance, with the glow of health on
it, increased somewhat by the blush which rose on finding himself in
circumstances so unusual to him.
"My cousin Nigel Melvin has come with an introduction to the admiral,
who is, I understand, staying with your father, and he desires to set out
to the chateau, though I would fain persuade him to take service at the
court, instead of tempting the dangers of the sea, which he has the
extraordinary taste to desire."
"Our house steward, Maitre Leroux, is at present in Paris, and will
return to-morrow; and should your cousin desire his escort, I will direct
him to await his orders," said the young lady in a sweet voice. "Where
are you lodging, fair sir?"
"I arrived but this morning, and left my valise at L'Auberge de l'Ange,"
answered Nigel.
"I know not where that is; but Maitre Leroux will easily find it out, and
will call for you at any hour you may name."
"A thousand thanks, lady, for your kindness," answered Nigel, "I gladly

accept your offer, and shall be ready to set out at early dawn if the
landlord will permit me to depart at that hour."
"Maitre Leroux will be at the palace this evening to receive a letter I am
sending home, and I will direct him to call as you desire, though, as he
loves his ease, he perchance may not be ready to commence the journey
at quite so early an hour as you name."
While Constance was speaking, one of the ladies in attendance on the
young queen turned back and beckoned to Mary Seton, who, hurrying
forward, left Nigel with her friend.
"You will surely not take your cousin's advice, and seek for a post at
this frivolous court," said Constance hurriedly, again looking up at
Nigel's countenance. "Catholics alone are in favour, while the
Protestants are detested. To which party do you belong?"
"I might say to neither, as I am not a Frenchman," answered Nigel,
surprised at the young lady's question. "At the same time I have heartily
abjured the errors of Rome."
"I am glad to hear it; I thought so," said Constance. "I myself am a
Protestant. I am here on sufferance, or rather a hostage, and would
gladly return to my home if I had permission. Persevering efforts have
been made to pervert me, but I have had grace to remain firm to the
true 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