“I am here,” said Gerard, stepping forward.
The Governor laughed contemptuously, and de Proballe joined him.
“Come out to me, then, that I may pay my homage,” he sneered. “Why didn’t you announce yourself before, that I might have rendered it when you were a prisoner in the Castle?”
“I shall receive your homage in my own time, and when I come for it it will be with sufficient force at my back to exact it.”
“Your noble lordship’s caution is timely, yet a little suspicious, considering all things. If you will not come out to me, open the door of Malincourt that I may come in to you. I am more than wishful to render you your due. I am anxious, I promise you.”
“I am the bearer of a despatch to your lordship from my father, which will prove the commission I hold from him.”
“By all means bring it me.”
“I am sending it that you may see great Bourbon’s seal and signature,” and as he spoke a young lieutenant who had left the house secretly made his way toward the Governor and handed him the paper.
The Governor took it with a scowl and glanced at it.
“Have you any other forgeries?” he demanded.