Then I proceeded to tell him of the cabal which had been formed against Mancini, and of the part played by St.Auban.At the mention of that name he started as if I had stung him.
"What!" he thundered.

"Is that ruffian also in the affair?
Sangdieu! His motives are not far to seek.

He is a suitor--an unfavoured suitor--for the hand of Yvonne, that seemingly still hopes.

But you have not told me, Monsieur, the name of this man who has stood betwixt Andrea and his assassins." "Can you not guess, Monsieur ?" quoth I, looking him squarely in the face.

"Did you not hear Andrea call me, even now, his protector." "You?
And with what motive, pray ?" "At first, as I have told you, because the Cardinal gave me no choice in the matter touching your son.