"What said your Highness?" queried Cauvignac, realizing that now, if ever, he must summon to his aid all his impudence, and all his wit. "I thought that I heard the word 'treason'!"
"Yes, monsieur, treason; for what is this title under which you appear before me?"
"The title of governor of Braune, madame."
"Treason, as you see. By whom is your commission signed?"
"By Monsieur de Mazarin."
"Treason! two-fold treason, as I said! You are governor of Braune, and it was your company that surrendered Vayres; the title was the fitting reward of the base deed."
At these words Cauvignac's face expressed the most unbounded amazement. He looked all about, as if seeking the person to whom this extraordinary language was addressed; and convinced at last that the princess's accusation was aimed at no other than himself, he let his hands fall by his sides with a despairing gesture.
"My company surrendered Vayres!" he exclaimed. "Does your Highness make such a charge against me?"
"Yes, monsieur, I do. Pretend to know nothing of it; affect amazement; you are evidently a clever comedian; but you will not make me the dupe of your grimaces or your words, although they harmonize so perfectly with one another."
"I pretend nothing, madame. How can your Highness say that I know what took place at Vayres, when I have never been there?"