"Well, monsieur," said D'Argenson, "can you find another verse from Racine which will serve as an answer to my question?"
"Perhaps I might, if I knew what you meant; certainly I wished to see the Palais Royal, for it is a curious place, and I have heard it much spoken of. As to the Rue du Bac, I know little of it; then there only remains La Muette, of which I know nothing."
"I do not say that you have been there; I say that La Jonquiere was to take you there—do you dare to deny it."
"Ma foi, monsieur, I neither deny nor avow; I refer you to him; he will answer you if he think fit."
"It is useless, monsieur; he has been asked, and has replied."
Gaston felt a shudder pass through him. He might be betrayed, but he would divulge nothing. He kept silence.
D'Argenson waited a moment, then, seeing that Gaston remained silent—
"Would you like to meet La Jonquiere?" asked he.
"You can do with me as you please, monsieur," said Gaston; "I am in your hands."
But at the same time he resolved, if he were to face La Jonquiere, he would crush him beneath his contempt.