The princess, who did not wish to have the appearance of expecting him, had gone into the gardens with the ladies of her suite.

When the king was informed that Madame had left her apartments and had gone for a walk in the gardens, he collected all the gentlemen he could find, and invited them to follow him.

He found Madame engaged in chasing butterflies, on a large lawn bordered with heliotrope and flowering broom.

She was looking on as the most adventurous and youngest of her ladies ran to and fro, and with her back turned to a high hedge, very impatiently awaited the arrival of the king, with whom she had appointed the rendezvous.

The sound of many feet upon the gravel walk made her turn round.