And Joyeuse, courtier-like, bowed to all. Many voices were instantly raised to agree with the admiral.
"Comte de St. Aignan," said the prince to one of his bravest colonels, "you are not of the opinion of M. de Joyeuse?"
"Yes, monseigneur, I am."
"Oh! I thought as you made a grimace—"
Every one laughed but Joyeuse, who said, "If M. de St. Aignan generally gives his advice in that manner, it is not very polite, that is all."
"M. de Joyeuse," replied St. Aignan, "his highness is wrong to reproach me with an infirmity contracted in his service. At the taking of Cateau-Cambresis I received a blow on the head, and since that time my face is subject to nervous contractions, which occasion those grimaces of which his highness complains. This is not an excuse that I give you, M. de Joyeuse; it is an explanation," said the count, proudly.
"No, monsieur," said Joyeuse, "it is a reproach that you make, and you are right."
The blood mounted to the face of Duc Francois.
"And to whom is this reproach addressed?" said he.
"To me, probably, monseigneur."