François, who was very quick, had perceived that Bussy had made more advances to him than usual, therefore he judged that he was in some embarrassing situation, and that he might, by a little address, get an advantage over him. But Bussy had had time to prepare himself, and he was quite ready.
“Yes, let us talk, monseigneur,” replied he.
“The last day I saw you, my poor Bussy, you were very ill.”
“It is true, monseigneur, I was very ill, and it was almost a miracle that saved me.”
“There was near you a doctor very devoted to you, for he growled at everyone who approached you.”
“True, prince, Rémy loves me.”
“He kept you rigorously to your bed, did he not?”
“At which I was in a great rage, as your highness might have seen.”
“But, if that were the case, why did you not send the doctor to the devil, and come out with me as I begged you to do? But as it was a grave affair, you were afraid to compromise yourself.”
“Did you say I was afraid?”