“He means he holds your Grace’s pardon for the deed,” said de Proballe.
“It will not save you,” declared the Governor, bluntly. “You have broken your word and must take the consequences. I will waste no time with you.”
“In what have I broken my word?”
“I will not stoop to bandy words with you. I have changed my plans; that is enough for you to know. You are no longer of use to me. But you can have one chance to save your skin. You came under the protection of my assurance. You can leave it again; and never dare in the future to show your villainous face within my province.”
“I shall not leave,” answered Gerard, every whit as firmly. “I have come for a purpose, and that purpose I shall fulfil.”
“Do you dare to defy me?”
“My words are my words and I will not recall them.”
“In God’s name, you are a brazen scoundrel. But do not imagine that Mademoiselle de Malincourt can protect you. She is not to be polluted by a marriage with such as you. More of this, and I will withdraw what I have said and have you flung into gaol at once to pay the penalty for your crime.”
“That must be as your lordship will. I will not leave Morvaix even at your bidding.”
For the moment the Duke’s fury seemed uncontrollable; but he mastered it and his tone when next he spoke was cold, tense, and full of menace.