Three times to-day, as I am told, the
Cardinal has driven to the Luxembourg and stood like any common
man in the ante-chamber, so that I hear it was pitiful to see
him. But his Majesty would not admit him. And when he went away
the last time I am told that his face was like death! Well, he
was a great man, and we may be worse ruled, M. de Berault, saving
your presence. If the nobles did not like him, he was good to
the traders and the bourgeoisie, and equal to all.'
'Silence, man! Silence, and let me think,' I said, much excited.
And while he bustled to and fro, getting my supper, and the
firelight played about the snug, sorry little room, and the child
toyed with his plaything, I fell to digesting this great news,
and pondering how I stood now and what I ought to do. At first
sight, I know, it seemed to me that I had nothing to do but to
sit still. In a few hours the man who had taken my bond would be
powerless, and I should be free; in a few hours I might smile at
him. To all appearance the dice had fallen well for me. I had
done a great thing, run a great risk, won a woman's love; and,
after all, I was not to pay the penalty.
Pages:
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302