A movement of impatience escaped De Guiche, but a warning glance from Raoul restrained him.
“You should the less object to them, monsieur, on account of the abuse of priority you have permitted yourself to exercise.”
“Abuse!”
“Most assuredly. You commission a messenger, who hires in your name the whole of the town of Havre, without considering the members of the French court, who would be sure to arrive here to meet Madame. Your Grace will admit that this is hardly friendly conduct in the representative of a friendly nation.”
“The right of possession belongs to him who is first on the ground.”
“Not in France, monsieur.”
“Why not in France?”
“Because France is a country where politeness is observed.”
“Which means!” exclaimed Buckingham, in so violent a manner that those who were present drew back, expecting an immediate collision.
“Which means, monsieur,” replied De Guiche, now rather pale, “that I caused these tents to be raised as habitations for myself and my friends, as a shelter for the ambassadors of France, as the only place of refuge which your exactions have left us in the town; and that I and those who are with me, shall remain in them, at least, until an authority more powerful, and more supreme, than your own shall dismiss me from them.”