"No, monsieur."
"Then I may count on you?"
"You may."
"And I alone know this?"
"You alone."
"Now you may go, my friend; and, parfandious, let M. de Mayenne look to himself."
When D'Epernon returned to the king he found him playing at cup and ball. D'Epernon assumed a thoughtful air, but the king did not remark it. However, as the duke remained perfectly silent, the king raised his head and said, "Well, Lavalette, what is the matter, are you dead?"
"I wish I were," replied D'Epernon, "and I should not see what I do see."
"What, my cup and ball?"
"Sire, in a time of great peril the subject may be alarmed for the safety of his master."