Monsieur had his most engaging smile on his red and perfumed lips.
"My dear duke," said he, with the most affectionate politeness; "is it really true what I have just been told ?" Buckingham turned round; he had not noticed Monsieur approach; but had merely heard his voice.

He started in spite of his command over himself, and a slight pallor overspread his face.

"Monseigneur," he asked, "what has been told you that surprises you so much ?" "That which throws me into despair, and will, in truth, be a real cause of mourning for the whole court." "Your highness is very kind, for I perceive that you allude to my departure." "Precisely." Guiche had overheard the conversation from where he was standing, and started in his turn.

"His departure," he murmured.

"What does he say ?" Philip continued with the same gracious air, "I can easily conceive, monsieur, why the king of Great Britain recalls you; we all know that King Charles II., who appreciates true gentlemen, cannot dispense with you.