"
"Saving my poor honesty," said I, "maybe I am. But that I keep faith
with men, and honour with women, maybe I am, my lord."
He darted a glance at me--a glance of anger.
"Is your mother dead?" said I.
"Ay, she's dead."
"She may thank God," said I, and I heard him curse me softly. "Well,
what's the message?" I continued.
I had touched him on the raw, for all the world knew he had broken his
mother's heart and flaunted his mistresses in her house; and his airy
manner was gone for the moment.
"The duke offers you more than I would," he growled. "A halter for
you, sire, was my suggestion. But he offers you safe-conduct across the
frontier and a million crowns."
"I prefer your offer, my lord, if I am bound to one."
"You refuse?"
"Of course."
"I told Michael you would;" and the villain, his temper restored,
gave me the sunniest of smiles. "The fact is, between ourselves," he
continued, "Michael doesn't understand a gentleman."
I began to laugh.
"And you?" I asked.
"I do," he said. "Well, well, the halter be it."
"I'm sorry you won't live to see it," I observed.
"Has his Majesty done me the honour to fasten a particular quarrel on
me?"
"I would you were a few years older, though."
"Oh, God gives years, but the devil gives increase," laughed he.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133