Truly he was high in Madame's confidence, and, likely enough, a great man in his own country; but, on my life, I looked to see the hot-tempered Duke strike him across the face.

Even I, who had been about to interfere myself, by some odd momentary turn of feeling resented the insolence with which Monmouth was assailed.

Would he not resent it much more for himself?
No.

For an instant I heard his quick breathing, the breathing of a man who fights anger, holding it under with great labour and struggling.

Then he spoke; in his voice also there was passion hard held.
"Here, sir, and everywhere," he said, "you have only to command to be obeyed." Slowly he bent his head low, the gesture matching the humility of his words, while it emphasised their unwillingness.
The strange submission won no praise.