Now just oblige me by getting out of this, and never show your face here again." "As you like.

I will communicate with Champdoce." "You shall not," exclaimed Daumon with a gesture of menace.

"You might as well go and ask how the Duke enjoyed the taste of the poison." His words, however, did not deter Diana, for any risk seemed preferable to her than the present state of suspense.
With a glance of contempt at the Counsellor she left the cottage, determined to act as she thought fit.
After Diana's departure, Daumon felt too that he must learn how matters were going on, and going over to the Widow Rouleau's, he despatched her daughter Francoise to the Chateau de Champdoce, under the pretext that he wanted some money which he had lent to one of the Duke's servants.
He had instructed the girl so cunningly that she had no suspicion of the real end and object of her mission, and set out on it with the most implicit confidence.

He had not long to wait for her return, for in about half an hour his messenger returned.
"Well," said he anxiously, "has the scamp sent my money ?" "No, sir, I am sorry to say that I could not even get to speak to him." "How was that?
Was he not at Champdoce ?" "I cannot even tell you that.

Ever since the Duke has been ill, the great gates of the Chateau have been bolted, for it seems that the poor old gentleman is at his last gasp." "Did you not hear what was the matter with him ?" "No, sir, the little I have told you I got from a stable boy, who spoke to me through a grating in the gate, but before he could say ten words Jean came up and sent him off." "Do you mean Jean, the Duke's confidential man ?" "Just so," returned the girl, "and very angry he was.