AssTJMiNG that the story of the reign of James is fully
known to every reader, and that all are more thoroughly
acquainted with the details of his flight than with those of
his daily life which followed his flight, — the struggle to re-
cover, and the ultimate downfall of his fortunes, — ^the fol-
lowing pages wiU be devoted to the story of his residence
abroad. It will be remembered that James did not arrive
in France until after his consort and the heir-apparent.
The first meeting of James with Louis XIY. was in part
touching, partly humiliating (in the conduct of the ex-King),
and in some degree farcical. The French monarch had al-
ready received the fugitive Queen and Prince of Wales, with
lavish hospitality and delicate gallantry. It was six o'clock



102 MOIirABCHS BETIRSD FBOM BTTSOTESS.
on a dark and cold evening in January, 1689, when Louis
was sitting at the bedside of the Queen of England, con-
versing with her Majesty as she lav in bed. Announcement
was made that King James had j Jst arrived. Louis imme-
diately rose and went to the Salle des Gardes, followed by a
brilliant court, to offer a welcome to the crownless King.
