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the coast, disappeared like a veil withdrawn from before it.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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Dumas, Alexandre – Ten Years Later
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
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