"I promised you the whole truth, and I keep my word."
"But, if that is your conviction, monsieur, why do you remain attached to a party which has no possible chance of success?"
"Because I have sworn allegiance with heart and lips to that white banner without which, and with which, your son can never return, and I would rather die than be dishonored."
The duchess was once more silent.
"But," she said presently, "all this that you tell me does not tally with the information which induced me to come to France."
"No, doubtless it does not, Madame; but you must remember one thing,--if truth does sometimes reach a reigning prince it is never told to a dethroned one."
"Permit me to say that in your capacity as a lawyer, monsieur, you may be suspected of cultivating paradox."
"Paradox, Madame, is one of the many facets of eloquence; only here, in presence of your Royal Highness, my purpose is not to be eloquent, but to be true."
"Pardon me, but you said just now that truth was never told to dethroned princes; either you were mistaken then or you are misleading me now."
The lawyer bit his lips; he was hoist with his own petard.