"What have you to say to me ?" Tressan demanded, seeking to render arrogant his tone.
"This: That my servant knows where I am, and that should I fail within a very few days to come forth safe and sound from Condillac to rejoin him, he is to ride to Paris with certain letters I have given him.

Those letters incriminate you to the full in this infamous matter here at Condillac.

I have set forth in them how you refused me help, how you ignored the Queen's commands of which I was the bearer; and should it be proved, in addition, that through your treachery and insubordination my life has been lost, I promise you that nothing in all this world will save you from a hanging." "Never listen, monsieur," cried the Dowager, seeing Tressan start back like a man in sudden fear.

"It is no more than the ruse of a desperate man." "Heed me or not, at your choice," Garnache retorted, addressing himself ever to Tressan.

"You have had your warning.