"But Monsieur de la Mole is not the only one who has a red cloak—I know another man who has one."
"No doubt, and I too know one. But this is what will happen: if it was not Monsieur de la Mole who was in my rooms, it must have been the other man who wears a red cloak, like La Mole. Now, do you know who this other man is?"
"Heavens!"
"There lies the danger. You, as well as myself, madame, have seen it. Your emotion proves this. Let us now talk like two people who are discussing the most desirable thing in the world—a throne; a most precious gift—life. De Mouy arrested, we are ruined."
"Yes, I understand that."
"While Monsieur de la Mole compromises no one; at least you would not suppose him capable of inventing a story such as, for instance, that he was with some ladies—whom I know?"
"Monsieur," said Marguerite, "if you fear only that, you may be easy. He will not say it."
"What!" said Henry, "would he remain silent if death were to be the price of his silence?"
"He would remain silent, monsieur."
"You are sure of this?"