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Updated: October 22, 2025
"And piety also, by the same rule, and in the same unstinted measure?" I asked bitterly. "Beyond doubt, sir. But the French King has sent word from Calais " "Oh, from Calais! The Duke revealed that to you?" I asked with a smile I could not smother. There was a limit then to the Duke's confidence in his ally; for the Duke had been at Paris and could be no stranger to M. de Perrencourt.
When he was done, he gave me the message, adding, "Read it." I read, "Mr Simon Dale will remain under arrest in his own apartment for twenty-four hours, and will not leave it except by the express command of the King." I made a wry face. "If the Duke of Monmouth wants me " I began. "He'll have to do without you, Mr Dale," interrupted the King. "Come, M. de Perrencourt, will you give me your arm?"
"His motive you may guess," said I. "There is convenience in a husband." I had put it at last plainly enough, and when I had said it I averted my eyes from hers. "I won't go," I heard her gasp. "I'll throw myself at the King's feet." "He'll make a clever jest on you," said I bitterly. "I'll implore M. de Perrencourt " "His answer will be polite." For a while there was silence.
"By heaven, you shan't go," he cried, and clapped his hand to his sword. "Who says that Mr Dale shall not go?" A man stood in the doorway, plainly attired, wearing boots, and a cloak that half-hid his face. Yet I knew him, and Carford knew him. Carford shrank back, I bowed, and we both bared our heads. M. de Perrencourt advanced into the room, fixing his eyes on Carford.
Upon this, having my head full and to spare of many matters, and my heart beating quick with more than one emotion, I thought my bed the best and safest place for me, and repaired to it without delay. "But I'll have some conversation with M. de Perrencourt to-morrow," said I, as I turned on my pillow and sought to sleep. The next morning my exaltation had gone.
There was nothing else on the table except a bottle of wine and two cups; one was full to the brim, while the liquor in the other fell short of the top of the glass by a quarter of an inch. All present were silent; save M. de Perrencourt, all seemed disturbed; the King's swarthy face appeared rather pale than swarthy, and his hand rapped nervously on the table.
Carford was gone, well-nigh healed of his wound, healed also of his love, I trust, at least headed off from it. M. de Fontelles was gone also, on that quest of his which made my Lord Rochester so merry; indeed I fear that in this case the scoffer had the best of it, for he whom I have called M. de Perrencourt was certainly served again by his indignant subject, and that most brilliantly.
In an instant she went on: "You are coming, in truth are you? Don't jest with me." "Indeed I'm coming, madame. I hope my company is to your liking?" "But why, why?" "M. de Perrencourt has one answer to that question and I another." Her eyes questioned me, but she did not put her question into words. With a little shiver she said: "I am glad to be quit of this place."
His face was pale, as if with excitement, but he spoke in cool, level tones. "It's only M. Colbert greeting M. de Perrencourt," said he. "Ah, of course!" I cried, turning to him with a smile. "But where did M. Colbert get that Star?" For the glitter of the decoration had caught my eye, as it sparkled in the moonlight. There was a pause before Darrell answered. Then he said,
"The basket will not be emptied," said he in a low and cautious voice. "It will be emptied neither for M. de Perrencourt nor for the King of France. You look very hard at me, Mr Dale, but you needn't search my face so closely. I will tell you what you desire to know. I have had my price, but I do not empty my basket."
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