"My lord," he retorted, "I believe myself above such a suspicion. My past record answers for me."
"You are joking, but I am serious. Do you know the thought that has suggested itself to me, more especially since yesterday?"
"Well, that you are playing me false!"
With folded arms, Lebeau calmly regarded the speaker.
"Playing you false?" he echoed steadily. "For what reason?"
"That is what I wish to know."
"That would be folly on my part. Have you ever known me to commit deliberate treason? Does not my livelihood depend upon you? Are not my pleasures the remnants of yours? Have I not reared you as my own child? If I love anything in this world, it should assuredly be you."
"Then why do you oppose my course with Esther, when she loves me and is ready to yield? I have even feigned to believe you a bungler in order not to believe you a traitor and unfaithful to me. You, who have arranged all my intrigues—why do you oppose this one?"