Faugh! and he a young man! I would not be his
father for two such crowns as mine!"
As I returned to my lodgings I thought over these words; and I
fell to wondering by what stages Vilain had sunk so low.
Occasionally admitted to my table, he had always borne himself
with a modesty and discretion that had not failed to prepossess
me; indeed, the longer I considered the King's saying, the
greater was the surprise I felt at this DENOUEMENT; which left me
in doubt whether my dullness exceeded my negligence or the young
man's parts surpassed his wickedness.
A few questions, I thought, might resolve this; but having been
detained by the King until supper-time, I postponed the interview
until I rose. Then bidding them bring in the prisoner, I assumed
my harshest aspect and prepared to blast him by discovering all
his vileness to his face.
But when I had waited a little, only Maignan came in, with an air
of consternation that brought me to my feet. "Why, man, what is
it?" I cried.
"The prisoner," he faltered.
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