Our  brave  Warrenne,  take  thy  spear  and  stand  senti-
nel by  yon  copse.  A  prowling 'Sai-acen  would  make  an
awkward  addition  to  onr  goodly  company.  Knights  and
ladies,  recline  at  ease  upon  these  verdant  cushions.  When
the  cause  of  this  culprit  shall  have  received  verdict,  per-
chance your  own  delinquencies  may  pass  review."

"  Ilcavc!!  forcfend  !"  exclaimed  a  chorus  of  voices,
mingling  ejaculations  with  merry  laughter  and  gay  pas-
quinade.
The  queen,  now  in  her  element,  succeeded  in  quelling  the
tumultuous  mirth,  though  an  occasional  titter  was  elicited
by  the  st)lemn  visages  of  Maurienne  and  Petronilla,  who
played  their  part  to  admiration.
"Where  is  the  petulant  Peyrol  ?"  inquired  the  queen,
looking  round  the  circle,  "  we  can  no  more  proceed  with  onr
important  affairs  v*-ithout  the  aid  of  song  than  could  the
prophet  witlniut  the  inspiration  of  nmsic."

"  l*eyrol,  my  lit'go,  attends  upon  the  king,"  re])lied  a
Sj)anish  cavalier,  who  had  recently  rode  so  constantly  by
the  side  of  tlic  queen  that  the  courtiers  dubbed  him  her
saddle-beau.
