sports, singing, playing upon the guitar, or forming little sets of graceful dancers, who tripped merrily upon the sward to the rural sound of the pipe and tabor.

Having amused himself some time in contemplating this diversified scene, Jocelyn strolled to a pool of water at the extremity of the enclosure, where the Duke of Orleans kept a number of tortoises. A singularly beautiful youth, apparently a few years younger than himself, and whom he instantly recognized by his dress and appearance for a fellow countryman, had taken up one of these animals to examine it; while a French gentleman in splendid clothes was desiring him, in rather arrogant and offensive terms, to replace it in the water, express orders having been given against touching them. Either not choosing to obey so imperious a mandate, or not understanding the voluble terms in which it was conveyed, the youth retained the tortoise in his hand, looking up at the same time in the

however, in a twinkling, and ran off in a transport of rage, calling for the surveillans and the guards. At this juncture an old Frenchman who had witnessed the whole transaction came up, and informing them that their antagonist was the young Duke of Anjou, pointed to a side door, by which he recommended them to make an immediate escape, if they did not wish to be arrested, and pay a visit of indefinite duration to the Bastille.

Deeming it prudent to adopt this advice, they made the best of their way into the streets, walking at a brisk pace in the direction of the river. During their progress the handsome stranger, after thanking Jocelyn for his interference, and expressing a hope that it would not lead him into trouble, informed him that his own name was James Crofts, that he resided at the Cardinal's palace with his father Lord Crofts, who was in the train of Henrietta Maria,

the Queen Mother of England, and invited him

sessed not so perfect a mastery of the element, his companion was still a tolerable swimmer, and striking instantly forward to his assistance, succeeded in extricating him from the danger, by supporting him into shallow water at the imminent risk of his own life. They now dressed themselves with all speed, went to their respec

tive homes, and both being cautioned to keep the house for a few days, the untoward rencontre at the Luxemburg Palace, passed over without any other consequence than its having suddenly established a friendship between the two young men, which being cemented by congeniality of age and temper, as well as by a sense of service mutually conferred and received, soon rendered them almost inseparable companions.

A considerable time elapsed before Jocelyn received any tidings of Sir John, from whom, however, there at length came a letter, announcing in terms of the most boisterous, rampant,