“Oh, am I the guard? Very well. What shall I tell you?”
He made a gesture of impatience.
“Where are the soldiers? My orders are to use all despatch.”
“Oh, then I am not the guard,” she cried with a laugh, and then seriously: “I give you my word, monsieur, I have been in the house some hours and have seen neither the guard nor the messengers.”
“Have you seen the prisoners, mademoiselle?”
“Monsieur. That question is almost an insult!”
“I mean no insult to so charming a lady, I assure you; but you leave me no option save to search the house.”
“What, again?” she cried in a merry bantering tone. “I did not know the great Duke was organizing a game of hide and go seek. But, seriously, monsieur, do you think your party is strong enough? We have a number of very savage old men among the Malincourt retainers, and some younger girls than I.”
“There will be none prettier, mademoiselle, and none with more biting tongues. I should wish to do it with the least inconvenience.”
“Then I beg you have in all your men and search all the wings at once,” said Lucette quickly. “I shall see you again when it is over,” a true saying with another meaning than the young officer understood, and she went away, having successfully used up an invaluable half-hour.