It was
not, therefore, amazing that he should have been admitted to her
presence. She was alone save for her lady-in-waiting, Madame de
Lannoi, who was, we are told, aged, prudent and virtuous.
Conceive, therefore, the outraged feelings of this lady upon
seeing the English duke precipitate himself wildly into the room,
and on his knees at the royal bedside seize the coverlet and bear
it to his lips.
Whilst the young Queen looked confused and agitated, Madame de
Lannoi became a pillar of icy dignity.
"M. le Duc," says she, "it is not customary in France to kneel
when speaking to the Queen."
"I care nothing for the customs of France, madame" he answered
rudely. "I am not a Frenchman."
"That is too obvious, monsieur," snapped the elderly, prudent and
virtuous countess. "Nevertheless, whilst in France perhaps
monsieur will perceive the convenience of conforming to French
customs. Let me call for a chair for Monsieur le Duc."
"I do not want a chair, madame."
The countess cast her eyes to Heaven, as if to say, "I suppose
one cannot expect anything else in a foreigner," and let him
kneel as he insisted, placing herself, however, protectingly at
the Queen's pillow.
Nevertheless, entirely unabashed, heeding Madame de Lannoi's
presence no more than if she had been part of the room's
furniture, the Duke delivered himself freely of what was in his
mind.
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