He had no hopes of winning her to wife--haply no desire, since he was not a man of very great ambitions.

On the other hand, he had against him the very worst record in France, and for all that he might embark upon this business under the auspices of the Lord Seneschal himself, he knew not how far the Lord Seneschal might dare to go thereafter to save him from a hanging, should it come to that.
He said as much in words.

In a business of this kind, he knew from experience, the more difficulties he advanced, the better a bargain he drove in the end; and if he was to be persuaded to risk his neck in this, he should want good payment.

But even for good payment on this occasion he was none too sure as yet that he would let himself be persuaded.
"Monsieur Fortunio," the Marquise said, very softly, "heed not Monsieur Marius's words.

Attend to me.