Chapter 11 Chapter Eleven Roland Hall

Painters painted Cupid as a blind Xumen (Note: The God of Marriage.) Does it have eyes? Or his vision is distorted, Distorted by the glasses loaned to him by his parents, guardians and advisors? Because they want him to see fields and properties through these spectacles, To see jewels and gold and splendor, To see their value exaggerated tenfold. I think this is a problem. "Unhappy Forced Marriage" Although Louis XI of France was a European monarch who had a strong desire for power and was good at juggling power, what he hoped for was only the substantial happiness brought by power.He was generally quite careless about form, although he was well aware of the respect to be accorded to his position, and sometimes exacted it.

For a monarch with a more sound moral quality, it will definitely win the hearts of the people if he kindly invites his subordinates to have a meal, or even to have a meal at their home occasionally.But even for a king like himself, the genial casualness of his manner compensated for many of his faults, at a level of subjects not particularly envied by him.The third estate, or French plebs, had grown richer and more important under the wise monarch.They respected him as a person, but not loved him.It was by relying on the support of these common people that Louis could effectively deal with the hatred of the nobles towards him.The nobles felt that his informal manner of pleasing the burghers and commoners degraded the dignity of the French royal family, while at the same time overshadowing their own eminent privileges.

The King of France took amusement in waiting for his guards to satisfy the starving appetites of his youth with a degree of patience that most other kings would have considered demeaning.It may be imagined, however, that Quentin was too sensible and prudent to subject the king's patience to a long and tedious trial.In fact, he repeatedly tried to end the meal before Louie intervened.I can see in your eyes that your courage has not waned, he said, good-naturedly, Go on God and Saint-Denis!Let's charge again!I tell you, eating and mass, (speaking he crossed himself) can never interfere with the merits of a good Christian.Come, have a glass of wine.You have to watch out for the wine jug, though, which is a weakness of your countrymen, and of the English.Without this stupid habit, they are really the best soldiers in the world.Well, hurry up and rinse your throat with wine and don't forget to say your blessings and prayers.OK, come with me.

Quentin obeyed his orders and followed King Louis through the same complicated passage as he had walked before to the Roland Hall. Note, said the king commandingly, you must say that you never left this post and that is your answer to your uncle and companion. Listen, to keep this in your head, I give you this gold chain. (then puts a very valuable gold chain on his arm) Although I don't like to show off, my cronies always get good things to compare with the nobles.But if a golden chain like this does not hold your tongue, my buddy Lermitre has a cure for your throat, so that you won't babble.Mind you, nobody's going to be here tonight except Oliver or myself.But there are two ladies coming here, perhaps from this end of the hall, perhaps from the other end of the hall, or each from one end.If they talk to you, you can answer, but since you are on guard, your answers must be brief.But you are not allowed to talk to them in turn, let alone have long conversations with them.But you have to listen to what they have to say.Your ears, like your hands, are mine. I have bought your body and soul.So if you hear them say something, you write it down so you can tell it to me, and forget it.Ah, I changed my mind.You'd better act like a Scotch recruit fresh down from the mountains, and have not yet learned our most Christian language, and if they speak to you, don't answer.This saves you from embarrassing yourself and enticing them to talk regardless of your presence.You know what I mean!goodbye.Be smart and you can gain a friend.

No sooner had the king finished these words than he retired behind the tapestry, leaving Quentin alone to ponder what he had seen and heard.The young man was now in such a position that it was more pleasant to look forward than backward, for he remembered being planted in the dining-room like a stag-shooter lurking in the woods to assassinate the noble Earl Krevig. , there is nothing noble about nature.It is true that the measures taken by the king on this occasion seem to have been of a merely watchful and defensive nature.But how did the young man know that he might soon be ordered to carry out some similar offensive action?It was a very unpleasant dilemma, for it was obvious from the character of the master that refusal would bring disaster, but his honor taught him that yes would bring disgrace.He resolved not to think about the problem, but to use the clever self-comforting method that young people often use when they consider possible dangers: when danger does come, it is not too late to think about how to deal with it, and besides, every day's difficulties are enough. .

Quentin accepted this self-comforting idea more easily because the king's last order made him think of something more pleasing than his own situation.The lyre girl must have been one of the two ladies who demanded his attention.It was natural in his mind to agree to obey that part of the king's instructions, which was to listen attentively to every word that might come out of her mouth.Thus he would be able to judge whether the charm of her speech was equal to the charm of her music.But he swore from his heart, with equal sincerity, that he would never report to the King any part of her conversation which might reflect unfavorably on the beauty.

Now, however, he no longer needs to worry about dozing off while on guard.The breeze blowing through the large latticed windows stirred the tapestry on the wall, and it also sounded like the footsteps of the beautiful woman he was expecting.In short, he felt at this moment that eager mystery and anxiety which always accompanies love and sometimes helps to cultivate it. At last a door creaked and clanged (for in the fifteenth century even palace doors did not turn silently on their hinges like ours do now).God!The end where the door opened was not the direction where he had heard the lyre playing.The door opened, and a woman entered, followed by two other women.But she gestured for them to stay outside, and she walked into the hall alone.Quentin recognized Princess Jeanne at once by her uneven gait, which was particularly ugly as she passed the corridor.He showed her the courtesy that befitted his position.As she walked by, he lowered the muzzle of his gun and straightened up in a silent salute.She bowed her head so gracefully in return that he had the opportunity to see her face more clearly than he had in the morning.

There was little redeeming quality in the unfortunate princess's features which more than made up for her lack of figure and gait.Of course, her face was not beautiful, but it was not ugly in itself.Her large blue eyes, always fixed on the ground, had an expression of suffering meekness.In addition to being extremely pale, her skin was also slightly sallow from frequent illnesses.Although her teeth were neat and white, her lips were thin and bloodless.Miss Princess has a thick flaxen hair, the color is light, almost blue.Her dressing-maid must have thought her mistress's thick long hair beautiful, and had twisted it into rings about her pale face.But it didn't help, it gave her face a corpse-like unnaturalness.To make matters worse, she had chosen a pale green silk waistcoat to wear, which, taken as a whole, gave off a frightening, even ghostly impression.

Quentin looked at this strange ghostly figure with a mixture of curiosity and pity, for every expression and movement of the princess aroused this latter feeling.At this moment, two ladies came in from the upper end of the hall. One of them was the young girl.When Quentin had that unforgettable breakfast at the Lily Hotel, she had served Louis with fruit at his behest.Now she possessed the mystical dignity of the Veiled Lyre-nymph and, at least in Quentin's view, a wealthy and well-born heir to an earldom.The impression she made on Quentin at this moment was naturally ten times stronger than when he thought she was just a shopkeeper's daughter serving a humorous and wealthy old townsman.He wondered what kind of charm prevented him from seeing her true face.Her attire remained as austere as ever, a dark mourning suit with no ornamentation.Her head was only covered with a veil of crepe, which fell completely behind her head, revealing her whole face.Just because Quentin knew her true identity, in his eyes, the beautiful figure had a new elegant demeanor, and the steps that he had not noticed before had a sense of dignity, and her upright face Only the beautiful complexion and shining eyes have a self-conscious nobility, which adds to their beauty.

Even if capital crimes were to be committed, Darwilt would have paid the beauty and her companion the high salute he had just given to the King's Miss Princess.They accepted his salute like nobles who are accustomed to receiving humble salutes from their servants, and returned him a salute.But he thought maybe this was just a young man's hallucination. The young lady blushed slightly, her eyes were on the ground, and she seemed a little embarrassed when she returned the salute.It must have been due to her recollections of the bold stranger who lived in the tower next to the Lily Inn.But was that embarrassment a sign of displeasure?He couldn't answer.

The companion of the young countess is equally modestly dressed, in dark mourning.Although some women are old and young, they often still linger on the reputation of being beautiful in the past.Such was the case with this lady.Her remnants of charm are enough to show what charm she once had.She clearly implied by her manner that she was still remembering the glory of the past, and had not relinquished the right to future victory.She was tall and slim, but her manner was somewhat haughty.She returned Quentin's salute with the condescending smile of a nobleman, and immediately whispered something in her companion's ear.The girl glanced at the guard as if following the advice of the elderly woman, but replied without raising her head.Quentin couldn't help guessing that the meaning of that sentence was to let the girl see his handsome face.And (I don't know why) he was also open to the idea that the girl didn't want to look at him to verify for herself whether what the older lady said was true.Perhaps he felt that some mysterious relationship had begun to exist between them, giving significance to even the smallest things. This thought lasted only a short moment.Soon he was engrossed in observing the meeting between Princess Jeanne and the two strange ladies.She had stopped to meet them when they came in, perhaps realizing that walking was inappropriate for her.She was quite embarrassed to socialize with them, and the older lady did not know the identity of the person she was talking to, and the courtesy she showed her could not help making people feel that she was not receiving the honor of meeting, but giving the other party the honor of meeting. Ma'am, I'm very happy, she said with a smile, but this smile is intended to express the nobleman's sense of superiority and encouragement to each other. We are finally fortunate to be with such a respectable woman as you.I cannot but say, King Louis' hospitality to me and my niece, we can only regret Let me say, niece, don't tug at my sleeve I believe the young lady's expression is full of sympathy for our situation, beautiful young lady, Since we've been here, we've been treated little better than prisoners.Though a thousand times he invited us to entrust our bodies and our fortunes to the protection of France, this most Christian king first rented us a low-class hotel, and then made us live in this worm-eaten palace, Allocate us a secluded corner, and not allow us to crawl out until dusk, as if we were bats or owls whose presence in broad daylight was considered a bad omen. I'm sorry, the princess hesitated and said with a distressed and embarrassed expression, we didn't receive you as you should have been treated, I think your niece is a little more satisfied than you, right? Much more satisfying than words can express.The young countess replied, I only wanted to be safe, but besides that, I also found a quietness isolated from the world.Our former lodgings were secluded, and the lodgings allotted to us are even better.This, in my opinion, added to the favor he bestowed on us two unfortunate exiles. Come on, my silly niece, said the older woman, since we are at last alone with a woman like us, let us speak with our conscience.I say alone because the handsome young guard was like a statue, as if he didn't know how to use his limbs, and he likewise implied to me that he didn't know how to use his tongue, at least in terms of civilized language.Since only this young lady can understand us, I have to say that I have to admit that this visit to France is the most regrettable thing in my life.I had hoped to receive a warm welcome, to be able to often watch martial arts competitions and social plays, a small banquet every three days, and a big banquet every five days.But on the contrary, isolated and unknown!The best company the king has ever put us in contact with is just a bohemian bum.He bade us get in touch with our friends in Flanders through him.Perhaps, said the lady, it is his design to keep us locked up till the day of our death, that he may take our estate after the old Croyer family is gone.Nor was the Duke of Burgundy so cruel.Although he chose an unsatisfactory son-in-law for my niece, he finally rewarded her with a son-in-law. I thought it better to be a friar than marry a bad husband.said the princess, finding an opportunity to interject with difficulty. Miss, people at least want to have a choice.The eloquent woman said, God knows, I speak for my niece.As for myself, I have long since given up the idea of ​​marriage.I see you're laughing, but, for God's sake, it's true But it's not an excuse for the king, because he behaves like his character too, more like old Michoud, a money changer in Ghent , less like a descendant of Charlemagne. shut up!said the princess in a very serious tone, you must know that you are talking about my father! Talk about your father!said the Burgundy lady in surprise. Speaking of my father, the princess repeated solemnly, I am Princess Jeanne of France.But you needn't be afraid, ma'am, she went on, in a naturally soft voice, and you mean no offense, and I don't take offense.You can use my influence to make your exile with that lovely girl a little more pleasant.It's a pity that my powers are also limited.But I'd be happy to help you. Hamelin.De.The Countess Chloeil (that was the name of the elderly lady) accepted the princess's gesture of kindness with the most humble respects.She has lived in the court for a long time, is well versed in court etiquette, and adheres to the principles stipulated by courtiers in various ages, that is, although the topics of their private conversations are often some vices and foolish things of the monarch, as well as their own grievances and negligence. Never allowed to show it before the king or his family.The lady was therefore ashamed of her mistake of speaking so boldly in the presence of King Louis' daughter.Had not the princess, in the mildest manner (which, since she is a French princess, amounted to an order in itself) asked her to stop arguing and explaining, had silenced her and regained her composure, she would have certainly There will be endless apologies. The Princess Jeanne seated herself in her chair with a dignity befitting her station, and asked the two strange ladies to sit on either side of her.The young girl sat down with a sincere respectful expression, while the older woman deliberately pretended to be humble and sat down.They were talking together, their voices were very low, and the sentinel couldn't hear what they were talking about at all. He just observed that the princess seemed to be more interested in the young and lovely girl.Lady Hameline talked a great deal, but her spout of compliments did not attract the Princess's attention so much as her niece's short, modest replies to her questions. The conversation of the three ladies lasted only a quarter of an hour.The door facing the lower end of the hall suddenly opened, and a man in a cloak walked in.Bearing in mind the king's strict orders, Quentin was determined not to let anyone notice that he was dozing off while standing guard, so he immediately walked towards the man who had entered without permission, inserted himself between him and the lady, and demanded that he leave immediately. Whose order are you following?asked the stranger in contempt and surprise. By the king's order, said Quentin firmly, I stand here to carry out this order. It can't be against Orleans.Louis also carry out this order!The Duke swung his cloak and shouted sharply. The young man hesitated for a moment: How can he carry out the king's orders to the first prince who belongs to the royal blood and, as people say, is about to marry into the king's family? The lofty status of His Royal Highness makes it impossible for me to block your will, Quentin said, I believe His Highness will testify to me, and I have fulfilled my duty of duty within the scope of your tolerance. Go young guard.I won't hold you accountable.said Orleans, and going forward, greeted the princess with the formal politeness which is common in conversation with the princess. I had dined with Dunova, he said, and he had the liberty of coming to attend when he heard there was a party at Roland Hall. The blush on the pale cheeks of the unfortunate Princess Jeanne imparted a momentary beauty to her countenance, and showed that the Prince's presence was by no means indifferent to her.She hastened to introduce the Prince to the two Croyles ladies.They all paid him the homage befitting his lofty position.The princess pointed to a chair and asked him to sit down and join their conversation. The duke, unwilling to take a seat on such an occasion, took a cushion from a settee and placed it at the feet of the young and beautiful Countess Croyer, and sat on the floor in a posture which made it appear that he had not neglected the princess, And it's possible to give most of his attention to his lovely neighbor. His fiancée seemed happy with the arrangement at first, unsurprisingly.She encouraged the duke to pay his attentions to the handsome guest, and thought it would be an honor to herself.Yet the Duke of Orléans, though accustomed to subject his thoughts and feelings to the strict yoke of his uncle in the King's presence, had enough nobleness to drive him to his own accord when the yoke was temporarily lifted.Because of his lofty position, he had the right to overstep the usual decorum and immediately show intimacy to others.Perhaps because he drank more than usual (Dunoir was also a Dionysian), his compliments to the beautiful Countess Isabelle lost their proportions, became ardent, and finally bordered on fanaticism. , Almost forgot the existence of the princess. This flattering tone, which he employed freely, pleased only one person present, and that was Ms. Hamelin.She was counting on the glory that would come through her marriage to the first prince of royal blood, for, if the views of Louis XI were to be disregarded, even a less sanguine schemer would have felt that her niece's birth Given the wealth, beauty and huge estate, such an ambitious marriage is not out of the question.But the young countess listened to the duke's courtships with uneasiness and embarrassment.From time to time, she cast a pleading look at the princess, as if begging her to help out.But the hurt feelings and timidity of the Princess Jeanne of France prevented her from making the topic wider.In the end, the conversation was almost monopolized by the Duke, with the exception of a few polite remarks from Madame Hamelin.Naturally, this was at the expense of the young Countess Croier's unhappiness.In fact, the beauty of the young lady became the only topic for his exaggerated eloquence. Nor should I forget that there is a third party, the unnoticed guard.On the one hand, he saw the Duke insisting on continuing his passionate conversation in an affectionate tone, while on the other hand, the fairy beauty was slowly melting like wax by the sun.Finally Isabel.De.The countess of Croyer interrupted the duke's compliments decisively, especially since the duke's behavior had clearly caused the princess pain, making these harsh words intolerable. She turned to the princess and said modestly but firmly, since she had promised to protect her, the first favor she asked of her was: I hope Her Royal Highness will be responsible for persuading the Duke of Orleans, although the Burgundian ladies are smart and polite Not so much as a French lady, but not so stupid as to appreciate only hype. Miss, I am very sad, before the princess can answer, the duke said first, you have derogated both the beauty of Burgundy ladies and the sincerity of French knights in the same sentence.If there is a rashness in our expressions of admiration, it is because we love women as much as we fight our enemies, and do not let cool considerations hinder our hearts.We are as quick to beat a warrior as we are to show our admiration to a beautiful girl. The ladies of Burgundy did not deserve such victories, but neither could the valiant men of Burgundy allow their opponents to win.said the young Countess in a more reproachful tone than she had dared to use before to this noble suitor. Countess, I admire your patriotism, said the prince, and I will not dispute the second part of your statement until a Burgundian knight will prove its truth by jousting.As for your unfair assessment of the beauty of the ladies of your country, I just want to appeal to you to be the judge. Look here, he said, pointing to a large mirror that was very precious and rare at that time, presented by the Republic of Venice, please look at it. Look at this mirror, and to be fair, who can be tempted by the beauty reflected in this mirror? At this time, the princess could no longer bear the neglect of her from the man she loved.She sighed and fell back in the chair.This made the Duke immediately wake up from his romantic mood.Seeing this, Ms. Hamelin hurriedly asked the princess if she was unwell. I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my forehead, said the princess with a forced smile, but I will recover soon. But her growing pallor contradicted what she had said, and prompted Lady Hamelin to call for first aid, for the princess was about to faint. The Duke bit his lip, cursed himself for being stupid for not controlling his tongue, and hurried to the next room to summon the princess' maid.They came in haste with some commonly used medicines.As a knight and a nobleman, he had to help hold her up and bring her back to life.His voice, almost tender with pity and self-reproach, was naturally the panacea that revived the princess.Just as she woke up from the coma, the king had arrived in person.