"Well, well," said the duke, "Sieur Richon is to be hanged as high as Haman; that will teach him to slander women."
"But," cried Nanon, seizing the duke's hand, and summoning all her strength for the struggle, "but the poor wretch is not guilty; perhaps he's a gallant soldier; perhaps he's an honorable man; it may be that you are murdering one who is innocent!"
"No, no, you are greatly mistaken, my dear; he is a forger and a slanderer. Besides, if there were nothing against him but his being governor of Vayres, he would still be guilty of high treason, and it seems to me that, even if that were all, it would be quite enough."
"But hadn't he Monsieur de La Meilleraie's word?"
"He said so, but I do not believe him."
"Why did not the marshal enlighten the court-martial on so important a point?"
"He left Libourne two hours before the court convened."
"O mon Dieu! mon Dieu!" cried Nanon; "something tells me that he is innocent, and that his death will bring bad luck to us all. Ah! monsieur, you have great influence, and you say there is nothing you would not do for me—in Heaven's name, then, grant me that man's pardon!"
"I cannot, my dear; the queen herself condemned him, and where she is, there is no other power."
Nanon uttered a sigh which much resembled a groan.