Auban gave me to understand, his
only one for embarking upon this business, as it was also Vilmorin's. Now,
M. de Luynes, I have today discovered that I had been duped by St. Auban
and his dupe, Vilmorin. St. Auban lied to me; another motive brings him
into the affair. He seeks himself, by any means that may present
themselves, to marry Yvonne--and her estates; whilst the girl, I am told,
loathes him beyond expression. Vilmorin again is actuated by no less a
purpose. And so, what think you these two knaves--this master knave and
his dupe--have determined? To carry off Mademoiselle by force!"
"Sangdieu!" I burst out, and would have added more, but his gesture
silenced me, and he continued:
"Vilmorin believes that St. Auban is helping him in this, whereas St. Auban
is but fooling him with ambiguous speeches until they have the lady safe.
Then might will assert itself, and St. Auban need but show his fangs to
drive the sneaking coward away from the prize he fondly dreams is to be
his."
"When do these gentlemen propose to carry out their plan? Have they
determined that?" I inquired breathlessly.
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