Auban's resolution to so suddenly quit Blois,
grew of a sudden clear to me. Also did I recall the riddle touching
Vilmorin's conduct which a few moments ago I had puzzled over, and of which
methought that I now held the solution.
"What do you understand?" asked Malpertuis.
"Something that was told me this morning," I made answer, then spoke of
gratitude, wherein he cut me short.
"I ask no thanks," he said curtly. "You owe me none. What I have done is
not for love of you or Mancini--for I love neither of you. It is done
because noblesse m'oblige. I told St. Auban that I would have no part in
this outrage. But that is not enough; I owe it to my honour to attempt the
frustration of so dastardly a plan. You, M. de Luynes, appear to be the
most likely person to encompass this, in the interests of your friend
Mancini; I leave the matter, therefore, in your hands. GoodÂday!"
And with this abrupt leave-taking, the little fellow doffed his hat to me,
and wheeling his horse he set spurs in its flanks, and was gone before a
word of mine could have stayed him.
CHAPTER XI
OF A WOMAN'S OBSTINACY
"M.
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