"Ah!" he cried, "your little gentleman was a woman, was she? On my word of honor, I suspected as much."
"There can be no doubt now," murmured Nanon.
"Give me some wine, sister mine," said Cauvignac. "I can't imagine who emptied the bottle that stands beside me, but there's nothing in it."
"Go to!" exclaimed the duke; "his complaint can be cured, as his love doesn't interfere with his eating or drinking; and the king's business will not suffer."
"The king's business suffer!" cried Cauvignac. "Never! The king's business first of all! the king's business, is sacred. To his Majesty's health, monseigneur."
"I may rely upon your loyalty, baron?"
"Upon my loyalty to the king?"
"Yes."
"I should say you may rely upon it. I would gladly be drawn and quartered for him—at times."
"Your loyalty is easily understood," said Nanon, fearing that, in his enthusiasm for the Médoc and Chambertin, Cauvignac might forget the part he was playing, and clothe himself in his own individuality.