The one fact we have is that St. Mesmin has
disappeared."
"Yes, sire; and that M. de Saintonge predicted his
disappearance," St. Germain cried, impulsively. "To the day and
almost to the hour."
"I gather, de Saintonge," the King said, turning to him, mildly,
"that you did use some expressions of that kind."
"Yes, sire, and did nothing upon them," he answered resentfully.
But he trembled as he spoke. He was an older man than his
antagonist, and the latter's violence shook him.
"But does M. de Saintonge deny," St. Germain broke out afresh
before the King could speak, "that my friend had made him a
proposal for his daughter? and that he rejected it?"
"I deny nothing!" Saintonge cried, fierce and trembling as a
baited animal. "For that matter, I would to Heaven he had had
her!" he continued bitterly.
"Ay, so you say now," the irrepressible St. Germain retorted,
"when you know that be is dead!"
"I do not know that he is dead," Saintonge answered. "And, for
that matter, if he were alive and here now he should have her.
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