“Over what, madame?”
“Why as to there being possibly a subtler purpose in your advocacy than you let appear.”
“What purpose, for example?”
“Call it the purpose of the first-fruits, such as it is said our provincial monseigneurs claim on unions to which they give their blessing.”
He drew back as if he had received a blow in the face. But she went on with perfect serenity:
“There was, for instance, that little volage Fanchette—now in Parma with her mistress—whom you made happy with her gentleman.”
“I made happy?”
“Did you not? Or was it only that, having taken your fee, the case resolved itself without your help?”
He rose from his chair, as pale and grim as death.
“What purpose can you have in thus insulting me?” he said.