For a moment neither spoke; then the gentle voice took up the story, as if telling it over to himself.
"I was not always of the black robe; only six years since I wore the blue and gold of a soldier of France in the dragoon regiment of Auvergne.

I came of good family, and was even known and trusted of the King.

But let that pass.

We were stationed at Saint-Rienes, in the south country, as fair a spot, Monsieur, as this world holds, yet strangely inhabited by those discontented under the faith of Holy Church.

But we rode rough shod over all such in those days, for it was the will of the King to crush out heresy.