Part 129 (1/2)
”Who told you I had been in the streets?”
”The dust on your clothes.”
”M. de Monsoreau, have you another employment besides that of chief huntsman?”
”Yes, that of spy, monseigneur; all the world follow that calling now, more or less, and I, like the rest.”
”And what does this profession bring you, monsieur?”
”Knowledge.”
”It is curious.”
”Very curious.”
”Well, tell me what you have to say.”
”I came for that.”
”You permit me to sit down?” said the duke.
”No irony, monseigneur, towards an old and faithful servant, who comes at this hour and in this state to do you a service.
If I sat down, on my honor, it was because I could not stand.”
”A service! to do me a service?”
”Yes.”
”Speak, then.”
”Monseigneur, I come on the part of a great prince.”
”From the king?”
”No; M. le Duc de Guise.”
”Ah! that is quite a different thing. Approach, and speak low.”
CHAPTER Lx.x.xI.
HOW M. LE DUC D'ANJOU SIGNED, AND AFTER HAVING SIGNED, SPOKE.
There was a moment's silence. Then the duke said: ”Well, M. le Comte, what have you to say to me from the Duc de Guise?”
”Much, monseigneur.”
”They have written to you?”