The king raised Frances, still retaining her hand, and bent most
gallantly before her.

"I have met Mistress Jennings," said he, smiling, "and she told me to pay
my compliments to the devil."

The king laughed, so of course the courtiers who heard him also laughed.
Instantly the news spread, and one might have heard on every hand, "The
new maid told the king to go to the devil." But as the king seemed to be
pleased, the courtiers were, too, and the new maid of honor became a
person of distinction at once.

The king's unexpected remark disconcerted Frances for a moment, and her
confusion added to her charm. In a moment she recovered herself,
courtesied, and said:--

"I beg your Majesty not to remind me of my terrible mistake. I thought
you were a bold cavalier, and of course did not know that I was speaking
to my king. I offer my humble apology. Pray do not pay your compliments
to the devil, but keep them for me, your Majesty's most devoted subject."

"Odds fish!" exclaimed his Majesty. "I'm glad of the reprieve. I did not
want to go to the devil, but Odds fish! I'd be willing to do so for a
smile from my most devoted subject."

"Merci, sire!" answered Frances, with a courtesy and smiling as
graciously as even a king could ask.

"If my most devoted subject will honor her king by asking him to dance
the next coranto with her, he will do his best to make amends for his