"Because, monseigneur, hatred is a passion, and devotion often only a weakness; but if you will descend from the height of philosophy and deign to a simple act, namely, to give me two signatures—"
"What signatures?" asked the regent.
"First, there is a captain to be made a major."
"Captain la Jonquiere?"
"Oh, no; as to him, we'll hang him when we have done with him; but meanwhile, we must treat him with care."
"Who, then, is this captain?"
"A brave officer whom monseigneur eight days, or rather eight nights ago, met in a house in the Rue St. Honoré."
"What do you mean?"
"Ah, I see I must aid your memory a little, monseigneur, since you have such a bad one."
"Speak, one can never get at the truth with you."