"It is a jest of M.de Wardes's.

Very good; but I should like to know if the Duke of Buckingham would appreciate the jest.

It is, indeed, a very great pity he is not here, M.de Wardes." The young man's eyes seemed to flash fire.

"Oh!" he said, as he clenched his teeth, "there is nothing I should like better." De Guiche did not move.

Madame seemed to expect that he would come to her assistance.