Sulpice des Reaux that
night, trusting to your word of honour that you would return if you lived.
His Eminence dubbed me a fool and went near to dismissing me from his
service, and yet I have now the proof that my confidence was not misplaced,
since even though you were believed to be dead, you did not hesitate to
bring me your sword."
"Monsieur, spare me!" I exclaimed, for in truth his compliments waxed as
irksome as had been his whilom merriment.
He continued, however, his laudatory address, and when it was at last
ended, and he paused exhausted alike in breath and brain, it was to take up
my sword and return it to me with my parole, pronouncing me a free man, and
advising me to let men continue to think me dead, and to withdraw from
France. He cut short my half-protesting thanks, and calling the hostess
bade her set another cover, whilst me he invited to share his supper. And
as we ate he again urged upon me the advice that I should go abroad.
"For by Heaven," he added, "Mazarin has been as a raging beast since the
news was brought him yesterday of his nephew's marriage.
Pages:
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236