"Madame! Madame!" had been Putange's cry, as he sprang forward in
alarm and self-reproach.
He stood now almost between them, looking from one to the other
in bewilderment. Neither spoke.
"You cried out, Madame," M. de Putange reminded her, and
Buckingham may well have wondered whether presently he would be
receiving M. de Putange's sword in his vitals. He must have known
that his life now hung upon her answer.
"I called you, that was all," said the Queen, in a voice that she
strove to render calm. "I confess that I was startled to find
myself alone with M. I'Ambassadeur. Do not let it occur again,
M. de Putange!"
The equerry bowed in silence. His itching fingers fell away from
his sword-hilt, and he breathed more freely. He had no illusions
as to what must have happened. But he was relieved there were to
be no complications. The others now coming up with them, the
party thereafter kept together until presently Buckingham and
Lord Holland took their leave.
On the morrow the last stage of the escorting journey was
accomplished. A little way beyond Amiens the Court took its leave
of Henrietta Maria, entrusting her now to Buckingham and his
followers, who were to convey her safely to Charles.
Pages:
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243