"Why, I should be conferring no favor upon you by so doing," rejoined the king, "but I should afford myself a very great pleasure, and should still remain your debtor, I swear."
"So it is agreed, Sire, for Monday?" asked the duchess.
"For Monday," said the king.
"Madame la Duchesse," said Benvenuto, under his breath, "do you not regret that the beautiful lily you ordered Ascanio to execute is not finished, that you might wear it upon such an occasion?"
"Of course I regret it," was the reply; "but it's impossible, for Ascanio is in prison."
"Very true, but I am free; I will finish it and bring it to Madame la Duchesse."
"Oh! upon my honor! if you do that I will say—"
"You will say what, madame?"
"I will say that you are a delightful man."
She gave her hand to Benvenuto, who gallantly imprinted a kiss upon it, after asking the king's permission with a glance.