You may depend upon me to settle it to your present satisfaction, if to your future grief." And, with a smile, he passed on, leaving the Seneschal too palsied to answer him, too stricken to disclaim his share in what had taken place at Condillac.
"You have terms to make with me ?" the Marquise questioned proudly.
"Certainly," he answered, with his grim courtesy.

"Upon your acceptance of those terms shall depend Marius's life and your own future liberty." "What are they ?" "That within the hour all your people--to the last scullion--shall have laid down their arms and vacated Condillac." It was beyond her power to refuse.
"The Marquis will not drive me forth ?" she half affirmed, half asked.
"The Marquis, madame, has no power in this matter.

It is for the Queen to deal with your insubordination--for me as the Queen's emissary." "If I consent, monsieur, what then ?" He shrugged his shoulders, and smiled quietly.
"There is no 'if,' madame.

Consent you must, willingly or unwillingly.
To make sure of that have I come back thus and with force.

But should you deliver battle, you will be worsted--and it will be very ill for you.