“My priests in Morvaix do not answer me thus.”
“I am not your lordship’s priest.”
“You will at least keep silence about what has passed between us.”
“Unless my duty demand that I should speak of it.”
“What is that but threatening me and defying me?” The Governor’s anger was mounting fast in view of what he deemed the monk’s contumacy, and Dubois was no less dogged and blunt.
“If what you propose to do be right, what need is there for silence; if it be wrong, why should my lips be sealed?” he answered.
“Secrets confided to the ears of you holy men are to be regarded as sacred.”
“This is no such occasion. You sought my opinion and I gave it. That is all. My duty is my duty, none the less or more.”
“Peace with your canting about duty. You are in Morvaix now, and I will settle what is your duty. I rule here, absolutely.”
“I am not disputing your rule, my lord; but I was not sent here to do your bidding or to cease to do what I deem my duty.”