I was about to interrupt his Grace when the task was better performed for me.
I think, madame, you owe some thanks to M.de Perrencourt." "You heard what he said ?" "The last few words only," I answered regretfully.
She looked at me for an instant, and then said with a dreary little smile, "I'm to be grateful to M.de Perrencourt ?" "I know no other man who could or would have rid you of the Duke so finely.

Besides, he appeared to treat you with much courtesy." "Courtesy, yes!" she cried, but seemed to check herself.

She was still in great agitation, and a moment later she covered her face and I heard her sob again.
"Come, take heart," said I."The Duke's a great man, of course; but no harm shall come to you, Mistress Barbara.

Your father bade me have my services in readiness for you, and although I didn't need his order as a spur, I may pray leave to use it as an excuse for thrusting myself on you." "Indeed I--I'm glad to see you, Simon.

But what shall I do?
Ah, Heaven, why did I ever come to this place ?" "That can be mended by leaving it, madame." "But how?
How can I leave it ?" she asked despairingly.
"The Duchess will grant you leave." "Without the King's consent ?" "But won't the King consent?
Madame will ask for you; she's kind." "Madame won't ask for me; nobody will ask for me." "Then if leave be impossible, we must go without leave, if you speak the word." "Ah, you don't know," she said sadly.