AIGUILLON.”
“He pokes fun at me into the bargain,” said the reader. “The idea of the King jumping into this hornet’ nest!”
“You would not believe me yesterday saying so.”
“I said that he would get out of it. You see he does.”
“In fact, Parliament is beaten.”
“So am I. And forever. I must pay the forfeit. You do not understand how grating on me will be the laughs at Luciennes. The duke is there now, laughing at me in chorus with La Dubarry, Jean and Chon, while the black boy snaps his fingers at me over the candy I gave him. ‘Odsboddikins!’ I have a soft heart, but this makes me furious.”
“Then you should not have acted as you did, my lord.”
“You goaded me on.”
“I? what do I care whether the Duke of Aiguillon is or is not a peer of France? Man of brains though you are, your grace makes blunders that I would not forgive in a low-bred fellow like me.”
“Explain, my old Rafté, and I will own if I am wrong.”