Fortuné instantly alighted from his horse to make the King a low bow; he could not help blushing at being looked at so earnestly; this additional colour heightened the brilliancy of his complexion. "I should be glad," said the King, "to learn from yourself who you are, and what is your name?" "Sire," replied he, "I call myself Fortuné, without having, up to the present moment, any reason for bearing this name; for my father, who is a count of the frontier, passes his life in great poverty, although he was born of a rich and noble family." "Fortuné, who has been your godmother," replied the King, "has not done so badly for you in bringing you hither; I feel a particular affection for you, and I remember that your father rendered mine great service. I will reward him by my favour to his son." "That is quite just, brother," said the Queen-dowager, who had not yet spoken; "and as I am your elder, and know more particularly than you do all the service that the Count of the Frontier has rendered the state, I beg you will entrust to me the care of rewarding this young Chevalier."
Fortuné, enchanted at his reception, could not sufficiently thank the King and Queen; he did not, however, venture to enlarge greatly upon his feeling of gratitude, believing it to be more respectful to be silent, than to talk too much. The little he did say was so correct, and so much to the purpose, that every one applauded him. He afterwards remounted his horse, and mixed among the noblemen, who accompanied the King; but the Queen called him away every minute, to ask him a thousand questions, and, turning herself towards Floride, who was her favourite confidant, said to her softly, "What dost thou think of this Chevalier? Could any one display a more noble air, or more regular features? I own to thee I never saw anything more charming." Floride quite agreed with the Queen, adding much encomium upon him, for the Chevalier was no less charming to her than to her mistress.
Fortuné could not help fixing his eyes from time to time upon the King. He was the handsomest prince in the world, and his manners were most fascinating. Belle-belle, who had not renounced her sex with her dress, felt a sincere attachment for him.
The King told Fortuné, after the review, that he feared the
