It was Count Hannibal, who had entered a few seconds earlier, and had taken his stand within the door.
"She is willing!" Tavannes repeated quietly.

And if, in this moment of the fruition of his schemes, he felt his triumph, he masked it under a face of sombre purpose.

"Do you doubt me, man ?" "From her own lips!" the other replied, undaunted--and few could say as much--by that harsh presence.

"From no other's!" "Sirrah, you--" "I can die.

And you can no more, my lord!" the minister answered bravely.