"At a distance, and with Miss Grafton's aid, the blow will be warded off."
"Far from it, far from it; neither distance nor Miss Grafton's help will be of the slightest avail. Bragelonne will set off for Paris within an hour's time."
Buckingham started, and Miss Stewart opened her eyes very wide in astonishment.
"But, sire," said the duke, "your majesty knows that it is impossible."
"That is to say, my dear Buckingham, that it is impossible until the contrary happens."
"Do not forget, sire, that the young man is a perfect lion, and that his wrath is terrible?"
"I don't deny it, my dear duke."
"And that if he sees that his misfortune is certain, so much the worse for the author of it."
"I don't deny it; but what the deuce am I to do?"
"Were it the king himself," cried Buckingham, "I would not answer for him."