Chapter 17 - Page 2

detach one's self.

"In fact," said the duke, yielding to the melancholy influence of this
opening conversation, "sensitive persons live as much in the past or the
future, as in the present."

"That is very true," said the queen, in a low tone of voice. "It
follows, then, my lord," she added, "that you, who are a man of feeling,
will soon quit France in order to shut yourself up with your wealth and
your relics of the past."

Buckingham raised his head and said, "I think not, madame."

"What do you mean?"

"On the contrary, I think of leaving England in order to take up my
residence in France."

It was now Anne of Austria's turn to exhibit surprise. "Why?" she said.
"Are you not in favor with the new king?"

"Perfectly so, madame, for his majesty's kindness to me is unbounded."

"It cannot," said the queen, "be because your fortune has diminished, for
it is said to be enormous."

"My income, madame, has never been so large."

"There is some secret cause, then?"

"No, madame," said Buckingham, eagerly, "there is nothing secret in my
reason for this determination. I prefer residence in France; I like a
court so distinguished by its refinement and courtesy; I like the
amusements, somewhat serious in their nature, which are not the
amusements of my own country, and which are met with in France."

Anne of Austria smiled shrewdly. "Amusements of a serious nature?" she
said. "Has your Grace well reflected on their seriousness?" The duke
hesitated. "There is no amusement so serious," continued the queen, "as
to prevent a man of your rank - "

"Your majesty seems to insist greatly on that point," interrupted the
duke.

"Do you think so, my lord?"

"If you will forgive me for saying so, it is the second time you have
vaunted the attractions of England at the expense of the delight which
all experience who live in France."

Anne of Austria approached the young man, and placing her beautiful hand
upon his shoulder, which trembled at the touch, said, "Believe me,
monsieur, nothing can equal a residence in one's own native country. I
have very frequently had occasion to regret Spain. I have lived long, my
lord, very long for a woman, and I confess to you, that not a year has
passed I have not regretted Spain."

"Not one year, madame?" said the young duke coldly. "Not one of those
years when you reigned Queen of Beauty - as you still are, indeed?"

"A truce to flattery, duke, for I am old enough to be your mother." She
emphasized these latter words in a manner, and with a gentleness, which
penetrated Buckingham's heart. "Yes," she said, "I am old enough to be
your mother; and for this reason, I will give you a word of advice."