Monsieur's Ballet

The Styx had fast bound her
Nine times around her.
         POPE, ODE ON ST.CECILIA'S DAY


Early on Monday morning came a message to Mademoiselle Nid de Merle
that she was to prepare to act the part of a nymph of Paradise in
the King's masque on Wednesday night, and must dress at once to
rehearse her part in the ballet specially designed by Monsieur.

Her first impulse was to hurry to her own Queen, whom she entreated
to find some mode of exempting her.  But Elisabeth, who was still
in bed, looked distressed and frightened, made signs of caution,
and when the weeping girl was on the point of telling her of the
project that would thus be ruined, silenced her by saying, 'Hush!
my poor child, I have but meddled too much already.  Our Lady grant
that I have not done you more harm than good!  Tell me no more.'

'Ah!  Madame, I will be discreet, I will tell you nothing; but if
you would only interfere to spare me from this ballet!  It is
Monsieur's contrivance!  Ah!  Madame, could you but speak to the
King!'

'Impossible, child,' said the Queen.  'Things are not her as they
were at happy Montpipeau.'

And the poor young Queen turned her face in to her pillow, and
wept.

Every one who was not in a dream of bliss like poor little Eustacie
knew that the King had been in so savage a mood ever since his
return that no one durst ask anything from him.