"Was nearly murdered in an ambush?"
"Nay, that he was wounded in the forearm in a duel. I know it perfectly."
"So do I, and I will tell you the true story."
"We listen," responded Choiseul. "For the prince is concerned in the affray, so far as it was on account of the dauphiness."
"The dauphiness and Jean Dubarry in some way connected?" questioned the king. "This is getting curious. Pray explain, my lord, and conceal nothing. Was it the princess who gave the swordthrust to Dubarry?"
"Not her highness, but one of the officers of her escort," replied Choiseul, as calm as ever.
"One whom you know?"
"No, sire; but your majesty ought to know him, if your majesty remembers all his old servants; for his father fought for you at Fontenoy, Philipsburg and Mahon—he is a Taverney Redcastle."
The dauphin mutely repeated the title to engrave it on his mind.
"Certainly, I know the Redcastles," returned Louis. "Why did he fight against Jean, whom I like—unless because I like him? Absurd jealousy, outbreaks of discontent, and partial sedition!"