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Updated: June 22, 2025
I have but a scratch that will keep till the morning." "But I insist," said mademoiselle. And Trotto put in with his soft voice: "Mademoiselle, I am something of a leech, and will see to monsieur's hurt at once." And then with a look at La Marmotte: "Perhaps mademoiselle would like to repose until my men return. I expect them every moment, and we could then arrange for your safe passage."
At last fate had thrown her across the path of the Italian, and she, although knowing him evil, loved him none the less, and followed his uncertain fortune like a faithful dog; but years were going, and beauty was fading, and her heart was fearful lest she should be cast adrift. "Trotto," she said, and her voice was husky, "I I do not like this. Let them go."
My blood is red hot, and my throat on fire with the pain of this wound!" Torquato Trotto filled a cup from a flagon that lay on the table near the Vidame. Simon took it from him with his left hand, drained it, and flung it from him, so that it struck the wainscoting of the wall, and fell with a crash on the floor. "La Crotte shall hang for this," he went on savagely. "The cur! the coward!"
Trotto smiled, shrugged his shoulders, as only an Italian can, pushed open the door, and entered the chamber. The spear-shaped flames of two tall candles but half lit the room, making a circle of wavering light. Beyond all was in uncertain gloom, through which one could dimly see the old tapestry and massive furniture of bygone years.
"And so," he concluded, "Malsain has by this time disposed of the lackey, and La Marmotte is keeping the other birds amused until my return. When it is all settled," and Trotto laughed, "your excellency may make ready for the wedding, and La Marmotte will make a rare bridesmaid." With these words he bowed, and went to the door, but stopped at Simon's voice. "Trotto!" "Excellency!"
Where the light was brightest was an easy-chair, and there sat Simon of Orrain, with his bandaged right arm resting on a cushion, placed on a low table drawn close to him. As Trotto entered he looked up with a snarl. "What is it? Did I not say I was to be left alone? Curse this arm!"
Taking up the arquebus he looked at the priming, and made his way cautiously to the house. It is necessary to hark back a little now to the moment when Torquato Trotto, having given his instructions to Piero, went into the house. The stairway was empty, for both I and my charge were with La Marmotte, and the Italian ran upstairs with a footfall as light as that of a cat.
And Trotto made a gesture towards the wounded arm; but Simon snarled at him: "Don't touch it, fool! Ugh! how it stings! There is one consolation, however that he must be squirming himself with pain now." "Eh! Then you touched him?" "Twice, Trotto, twice!" "Ah! that accounts for his wearing his cloak so tightly over his left shoulder." Simon started: "Wearing his cloak so tightly!
I will be with you in a moment. I have but a word to say to my man here. Excuse me!" Leaving us to find our way upstairs Torquato Trotto went out into the porch where Piero the giant stood, cast a glance at the retreating figure of Pierrebon, who was leading the horses away, looked over his shoulder like a cat, and, gripping Piero by the arm, shook with laughter.
La Marmotte thought of Simon lurking in his chamber. She thought of Torquato Trotto, and she shivered at the thought. Mademoiselle came up to her, and placing a hand on her shoulder, said: "I will never forget the kindness I have had here." It was too much for La Marmotte. She shrank from the gentle touch. "Don't," she said; "I am not worthy."
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