"And look you, man, do not cross my path to-night.
You know our motto?
Who touches my brother, touches Tavannes! Be warned by it." Nancay scowled.

"But the priests say, 'If your hand offend you, cut it off!'" he muttered.
Tavannes laughed, a sinister laugh.

"If you offend me I'll cut your throat," he said; and with no ceremony he went out, and dropped the curtain behind him.
Nancay looked after him, his face pale with rage.

"Curse him!" he whispered, rubbing his wrist.

"If he were any one else I would teach him! But he would as soon run you through in the presence as in the Pre aux Clercs! And his brother, the Marshal, has the King's ear! And Madame Catherine's too, which is worse!" He was still fuming, when an officer in the colours of Monsieur, the King's brother, entered hurriedly, and keeping his hand on the curtain, looked anxiously round the Chamber.