It had been made largely for the purpose of keeping Louis quiet while Charles was absent.

Anything might happen; everything might happen, while Max was with Charles in Switzerland and Yolanda at home making trouble with France.
The next day, by appointment, we waited on the duke at the morning audience.

When we entered the great hall, the urgent business had been transacted, and half a score of lords and gentlemen stood near the dais, discussing some topic with the duke and with one another.

We moved near the throne, and I heard Charles say to Campo-Basso and Hymbercourt:-- "Almost three weeks have passed since our message to France, and we have had no answer.

What think you, gentlemen, of the delay ?" "His Majesty is not in Paris, or delays answering," said Hymbercourt.
"By the Host, if I could think that King Louis were holding Byron and delaying an answer, I would change my plans and march on Paris rather than on Switzerland." "I fear, my lord," said Campo-Basso, with a sympathetic desire to make trouble, if possible, "that His Majesty delays an answer while he frames one that shall be elusive, yet conciliatory.