At last he halted at my side again.
"Marcel," said he, but though he used that name his voice was harsh, "go home and ponder what I have said.

If you value my favour, if you desire my love, you will abandon this journey and the suit you contemplate.

If, on the other hand, you persist in going--you need not return.

The Court of France has no room for gentlemen who are but lip-servers, no place for courtiers who disobey their King." That was his last word.

He waited for no reply, but swung round on his heel, and an instant later I beheld him deep in conversation with the Duke of Saint-Simon.