"Madame," said the duke, "if such is the case I shall be forced to admit that I am wrong. But before I am convicted, allow me to go and procure the proof that I appointed him."
The queen's first impulse was to detain him, but she thought better of it.
"Go," said she, "and when you have brought me your proof, I will give you mine."
Monsieur d'Épernon hastened from the room, and ran all the way back to Nanon.
"Well," said she, "have you the request for the exchange of prisoners, my dear duke?"
"Oh, yes! of course! it was an excellent time to speak of that," rejoined the duke; "the queen is in a tearing rage."
"What is the cause of that?"
"Because either you or I appointed Monsieur Richon governor of Vayres, and this same governor, who seems to have defended the place like a lion, killed five hundred of our men."
"Monsieur Richon!" repeated Nanon; "I do not know that name."
"The devil take me if I do."