I was never nearer fear in my life.
'Yes ?' he said, smiling delicately.

'And so-- ?' 'Will not be too hard on the failings of a poor gentleman.' 'He shall suffer no more than a rich one,' he replied suavely as he stroked the cat.

'Enjoy that satisfaction, M.de Berault.

Is that all ?' 'Once I was of service to your Eminence,' I said desperately.
'Payment has been made,' he answered, 'more than once.

But for that I should not have seen you.' 'The King's face!' I cried, snatching at the straw he seemed to hold out.
He laughed cynically, smoothly.