"
I recognised the old knight's weak, vacillating character in this, a
creature of moods that, like the vane on a steeple, turns this way or that,
as the wind blows.
"I crave your patience, M. de Luynes," he continued, "and beg of you to
hear my story so that you may determine whether you will save the Canaples
from the danger that threatens them. I only ask that you dispatch a
reliable messenger to Blois. But hear me out first. In virtue as much of
La Rochefoucauld's letters as of the sentiments which the Chevalier heard
me express, I became the honoured guest at his ch?teau. Three days after
my arrival I sustained a shock by the unexpected appearance at Canaples of
St. Auban. The Chevalier, however, refused him admittance, and, baffled,
the Marquis was forced to withdraw. But he went no farther than Blois,
where he hired himself a room at the Lys de France. The Chevalier hated
him as a mad dog hates water--almost as much as he hated you. He spoke
often of you, and always bitterly."
Before I knew what I had said--
"And Mademoiselle?" I burst out. "Did she ever mention my name?"
Malpertuis looked up quickly at the question, and a wan smile flickered
round his lips.
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