Don't frown, Simon.

Loyalty is a virtue." "And piety also, by the same rule, and in the same unstinted measure ?" I asked bitterly.
"Beyond doubt, sir.

But the French King has sent word from Calais----" "Oh, from Calais! The Duke revealed that to you ?" I asked with a smile I could not smother.

There was a limit then to the Duke's confidence in his ally; for the Duke had been at Paris and could be no stranger to M.
de Perrencourt.
"Yes, he told me all.

The King of France has sent word from Calais, where he awaits the signing of the treaty, that the loss of this Madame Querouaille would rob his Court of beauty, and he cannot be so bereft.
And Madame, the Duke says, swears she can't be robbed of her fairest Maid of Honour ('tis a good name that, on my life) and left desolate.
But Madame has seen one who might make up the loss, and the King of France, having studied the lady's picture, thinks the same.