After the meal was over Rupert was called upon to relate his
adventures. Some parts of his narrative were clear enough, but
others were singularly confused and indistinct. The first parts
were all satisfactory. Rupert's capture was accounted for. He said
that in the person of the commanding officer he met an old friend
of Colonel Holliday, who took him to Paris, and presented him at
Versailles.
Then the narrative became indistinct. He fell into disgrace. His
friend was sent back to the army, and he was sent to Lille.
"But why was this, Rupert," Captain Dillon--for he was now a
captain--asked. "Did you call his Majesty out? Or did you kiss
Madame de Maintenon? Or run away with a maid of honour?"
A dozen laughing suggestions were made, and then Rupert said
gravely:
"There was an unfounded imputation that I was interfering with the
plans which his Majesty had formed for the marriage of a lady and
gentleman of the court."
Rupert spoke so gravely that his brother officers saw that any
joking here would be ill timed; but sly winks were exchanged as
Rupert, changing the subject, went on to recount his captivity at
Lille.
The story of his escape was listened to eagerly, and then Rupert
made a long pause, and coloured lightly.
"Several things of no importance then happened," he said, "and as I
was going through the streets of Blois--"
"The streets of where?" Colonel Forbes asked, in astonishment.
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