"Yes, I thought it better so. It will be more befitting our dignity to show the Épernonists that while we do not fear to resort to reprisals, and to treat with her Majesty as one power with another, we have confidence in the strength of our cause, and return evil for evil without excitement or exaggeration."
"It is very politic."
"Is it not, duke?" rejoined the princess, seeking to gather La Rochefoucauld's real meaning from his tone and manner.
"But," he continued, "it is still your opinion, is it not, that one of the two should expiate Richon's death? For if it remains unavenged, the impression may gain ground that your Highness sets but little store by the gallant men who devote their lives to your service."
"Oh! assuredly! and one of the two shall die, on my honor as a princess! never fear."
"May I know which of the two your Highness has deigned to pardon?"
"Monsieur de Canolles."
"Ah!"
This ah! was pronounced in a most significant tone.
"Can it be that you have any particular ground for wishing that gentleman ill, Monsieur le Duc?"