"Yes, that embroils it," said the old lady, who ought to have said, "This clears it up."
"It terribly changes the position for the Saluces."
"Oh, my lady, I would that you were one of the judges!"
"In olden times, you might have claimed a champion to do battle for you. I have such belief in your case that I would go into the lists for you. Unfortunately we have not to do with knights but a gang of robbers in black gowns, who will not understand so plain an expression as 'I die owing no debts.'"
"Stay, though; as the words were spoken three hundred years ago they would be outlawed, I think," ventured Countess Dubarry.
"But you would be convinced of the lady's rights, sister, if you were to hear her, as I have heard coming along."
"Then do me the favor of coming out to my place at Luciennes, where, by the way, the king drops in now and again."
"But I cannot rely on such a chance, for the case is called Monday, and this is Friday."
"What the deuce can be done?" grumbled the viscount, appearing to meditate profoundly.