“I should think so! And what news do you bring us from yonder?”
“I? None at all. I have come to look for news here.”
“But, tell me, you surely must have seen some people at Boulogne, one of our friends, for instance; it is no great time ago.”
“Some people—one of our friends—”
“Your memory is short.”
“Ah! true; Bragelonne, you mean.”
“Exactly so.”
“Who was on his way to fulfil a mission, with which he was intrusted to King Charles II.”
“Precisely. Well, then, did he not tell you, or did not you tell him—”
“I do not precisely know what I told him, I must confess: but I do know what I did not tell him.” De Wardes was finesse itself. He perfectly well knew from De Guiche’s tone and manner, which was cold and dignified, that the conversation was about to assume a disagreeable turn. He resolved to let it take what course it pleased, and to keep strictly on his guard.