Ten Years Later by Dumas, Alexandre. Part two

nobleness of mien so intrepid, that a murmur of admiration

rose from the English, whilst a groan of despair escaped

from Buckingham’s lips. Raoul, who loved, comprehended it

all. He fixed upon his friend one of those profound looks

which a bosom friend or mother can alone extend, either as

protector or guardian, over the one who is about to stray

from the right path. Towards two o’clock in the afternoon

the sun shone forth anew, the wind subsided, the sea became

smooth as a crystal mirror, and the fog, which had shrouded

the coast, disappeared like a veil withdrawn from before it.

The smiling hills of France appeared in full view with their

numerous white houses rendered more conspicuous by the

bright green of the trees or the clear blue sky.

CHAPTER 85

The Tents

The admiral, as we have seen, was determined to pay no

further attention to Buckingham’s threatening glances and

fits of passion. In fact, from the moment they quitted

England, he had gradually accustomed himself to his

behavior. De Guiche had not yet in any way remarked the

animosity which appeared to influence that young nobleman

against him, but he felt, instinctively, that there could be

no sympathy between himself and the favorite of Charles II.

The queen-mother, with greater experience and calmer

judgment, perceived the exact position of affairs, and, as

she discerned its danger, was prepared to meet it, whenever

the proper moment should arrive. Quiet had been everywhere

restored, except in Buckingham’s heart; he, in his

impatience, addressed himself to the princess, in a low tone

of voice: “For Heaven’s sake, madame, I implore you to

hasten your disembarkation. Do you not perceive how that

insolent Duke of Norfolk is killing me with his attentions

and devotions to you?”

Henrietta heard this remark; she smiled, and without turning

her head towards him, but giving only to the tone of her

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voice that inflection of gentle reproach, and languid

impertinence, which women and princesses so well know how to

assume, she murmured, “I have already hinted, my lord, that

you must have taken leave of your senses.”

Not a single detail escaped Raoul’s attention; he heard both

Buckingham’s entreaty and the princess’s reply; he remarked

Buckingham retire, heard his deep sigh, and saw him pass his

hand across his face. He understood everything, and trembled

as he reflected on the position of affairs, and the state of

the minds of those about him. At last the admiral, with

studied delay, gave the last orders for the departure of the

boats.

Buckingham heard the directions given with such an

exhibition of delight that a stranger would really imagine

the young man’s reason was affected. As the Duke of Norfolk

gave his commands, a large boat or barge, decked with flags,

and capable of holding about twenty rowers and fifteen

passengers, was slowly lowered from the side of the

admiral’s vessel. The barge was carpeted with velvet and

decorated with coverings embroidered with the arms of

England, and with garlands of flowers; for, at that time,

ornamentation was by no means forgotten in these political

pageants. No sooner was this really royal boat afloat and

the rowers with oars uplifted, awaiting, like soldiers

presenting arms, the embarkation of the princess, than

Buckingham ran forward to the ladder in order to take his

place. His progress was, however, arrested by the queen. “My

lord,” she said, “it is hardly becoming that you should

allow my daughter and myself to land without having

previously ascertained that our apartments are properly

prepared. I beg your lordship to be good enough to precede

us ashore, and to give directions that everything be in

proper order on our arrival.”

This was a fresh disappointment for the duke, and, still

more so, since it was so unexpected. He hesitated, colored

violently, but could not reply. He had thought he might be

able to keep near Madame during the passage to the shore,

and, by this means, to enjoy to the very last moment the

brief period fortune still reserved for him. The order,

however, was explicit; and the admiral, who heard it given,

immediately called out, “Launch the ship’s gig.” His