A Journey into the Hills and the Ten Livres of Corporal Fremin

"No, a thousand times no! I know you to be a brave man, Monsieur le
Vicomte; but who can put a finger on your fancy? To-day it is I;
to-morrow, elsewhere. You would soon tire of me who could bring you no
dowry save lost illusions and confiscated property. Doubtless you have
not heard that his Eminence the cardinal has posted seals upon all that
which fell to me through Monsieur de Brissac."

"What penetration!" thought the vicomte, rising and dusting his knees.

"And yet, Monsieur," impulsively, "I would not have you for an enemy."

"One would think that you are afraid of me."

"I am," simply.

"Why?"

"You are determined that I shall love you, and I am equally determined
that I shall not."

"Ah! a matter of the stronger mind and will."

"My will shall never bend toward yours, Monsieur. What I fear is your
persecution. Let us put aside love, which is impossible, and turn our
attention to something nearer and quite possible--friendship." She
extended her hand, frankly, without reservation. If only she could in
some manner disarm this man!

"What!" mockingly, "you forgive my attempt at Quebec to coerce you?"

"Frankly, since you did not succeed, Monsieur, I have seen too much of
men not to appreciate a brilliant stroke. Had I not torn that paper
from your hand, you might have scored at least half a trick. There is
a high place somewhere in this world for a man of your wit and courage."

"Mazarin's interpretation of that would be a gibbet on Montfaucon."