But the first day of this year was destined to be a day of vexation. I had scarcely entered the school, when M. de Varennes was announced. Instead of going to meet him I bade them bring him to me, and, on seeing him, bade him welcome to the sports. "Though," I said, politely overlooking his past history and his origin, "we did better in our times; yet the young fellows should be encouraged."

"Very true," he answered, suavely. "And I wish I could stay with you. But it was not for pleasure I came. The King sent me. He desires to know--"

"If you know anything of Mademoiselle D'Oyley. Between ourselves, M. le Duc--"

I looked at him in amazement. "Why," I said, "what on earth has the girl done now?"

"But she had done that before."

"Yes," he said, "and the King had your message. But--"

"He thought that you might wish to supplement it for his private use."

"Yes. The truth is," Varennes continued, looking at me doubtfully, "the King has information which leads him to suppose that she may be here."