"
"Indeed!"
"D'Herouville called you 'Madame.'"
"Well?"
"What am I to believe?"
"What you will: one way or the other, I am equally indifferent." Ah,
Madame!
The Chevalier saw that if he became serious, violent, or ill-tempered,
he was lost. He pulled himself together. He smiled.
"Why are you not in Montreal? I understand Mademoiselle Catharine is
there."
The Chevalier laughed. "You make me laugh, Diane."
"Why are you here in Quebec?"
"And you, Madame?"
"Perhaps I was seeking adventures."
"Well, perhaps I, too, came with that purpose. Come, Madame; neither
of us is telling the truth."
"Begin, then, Monsieur; set an example for me."
The lines in his face deepened. All the pain of the tragedy came back.
"Tell Monsieur le Comte for me that I am sleeping and may not be
disturbed!" He struggled and cast aside the gloom.
"I have been accused of conspiracy, Madame."
"Conspiring?"
"Yes; for my happiness."
Madame was plainly disappointed.
"I was exiled from court upon a grave accusation."
"You were recalled, and all your honors restored."
"Since you know all, Madame, it is needless to explain.
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