“That is not true.”
De Proballe’s reply was a significant shrug of the shoulders.
“Do you mean to give me the lie, monsieur?” cried the Governor passionately.
“You had no hesitation about giving it me.”
“You!” A sneer this, of ineffable contempt, and de Proballe winced and bit his lip as his sallow cheeks paled.
“I have tried to serve you in this,” he murmured.
“You had your wages to earn, that is all. Even this man knew of your old character in Paris. Do you think I am ignorant of it?”
The taunt cut deep, but de Proballe forced down his temper and answered with a laugh.
“Put not your faith in princes,” he said, lightly. “If you mean that having first used me and now abused me you have no further need of my services, say so, and we’ll make an end of things.”
“I have no use for blunderers like you,” declared the Duke, sullenly.