“Now of a truth you puzzle me.”
“It is true. He spoke of some danger threatening Malincourt and you, and I did but try to get it from him. That was all.”
“You should not listen to tittle-tattle, coz.”
“He spoke of your betrothal to this M. de Cobalt—that there was some sinister meaning in it; that M. de Cobalt was no true man but a villain; and that others greater than he were concerned to do you harm through him. What could I do but listen and seek the truth?”
“You could have bid him hold his tongue for a mischief-making meddler in concerns that are none of his. Tell me no more of it, Lucette.”
“But he swore it was true, and that——”
“Peace, child; I will hear no more.”
“Gabrielle, you must,” cried Lucette, looking up. “It is true, and you must find out what it means.”
“Shall I give my hand to a man not trusting him?”
“Can you marry him knowing he is not true?”