I
am tired; I have suffered enough."
"What! Do you tell the King," the young fellow replied
incredulously, "that if St. Mesmin were here you would give him
your daughter?"
"I do--I do!" the other exclaimed passionately. "To be rid of
him, and you, and all your crew!"
"Tut, tut!" the King said. "Whatever betides, I will answer for
it, you shall have protection and justice, M. de Saintonge. And
do you, young sir, be silent. Be silent, do you hear! We have
had too much noise introduced into this already."
He proceeded then to ask certain details, and particularly the
hour at which St. Mesmin had been last seen. Notwithstanding
that these facts were in the main matters of common agreement,
some wrangling took place over them; which was only brought to an
end at last in a manner sufficiently startling. The King with
his usual thoughtfulness had bidden St. Mesmin be seated. On a
sudden the old man rose; I heard him utter a cry of amazement,
and following the direction of his eyes I looked towards the
door.
Pages:
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141