"I am going to see Bouchard for a moment." Du Puys, D'Herouville and the vicomte drew their stools around the Chevalier, and discussed politics, religion, and women.
"Why is it that women intrigue ?" asked the Chevalier, recalling the grey mask.

"Is it because they wish the great to smile on them ?" "No," replied the vicomte; "rather that they wish to smile on the great.

Women love secret power, that power which comes from behind the puppet-booth.

A man must stand before his audience to appear as great; woman becomes most powerful when her power is not fully known.

The king's mistress has ever been the mistress of the king." "And Marie de Touchet ?" asked Du Puys.
"Charles IX was not a fool; he was mad." D'Herouville smoothed his beard.
Presently the Chevalier said to the vicomte: "Monsieur, will you be so kind as to seek my lackey?
I am growing chilly and desire a shawl or a cloak." "I will gladly seek him," said the vicomte, flashing a triumphant look at D'Herouville, whose face became dark.
"Permit me to accompany you," requested the count.
"The vicomte will do, Monsieur," interposed the Chevalier, wonderingly.
The vicomte passed down the companionway and disappeared.