Therefore the affair must be the work of an independent man, who has never been in my service, nor in any way connected with me.

If captured, you pay the penalty without recourse to me.' 'I fully understand, sire,' I answered.
'Ventre Saint Gris!' he cried, breaking into a low laugh.

I swear the man is more afraid of the lady than he is of the Vicomte! That is not the way of most of our Court.' Du Mornay, who had been sitting nursing his knee in silence, pursed up his lips, though it was easy to see that he was well content with the king's approbation.

He now intervened.

'With your permission, sire,' he said, 'I will let this gentleman know the details.' 'Do, my friend,' the king answered.