Brie dropped his hand from my collar, looking by no means at ease. I perceived that this was the way with Mayenne: you knew what he said but you did not know what he thought. His somewhat heavy face varied little; what went on in his mind behind the smiling mask was matter for anxiety. If he asked pleasantly after your health, you fancied he might be thinking how well you would grace the gallows.
M. de Brie said nothing and the duke continued:
"Yes, I have kept watch over him these five weeks. You are late, François. You little boys are fools; you think because you do not know a thing I do not know it. Was I cruel to keep my information from you, ma belle Lorance?"
The attack was absolutely sudden; he had not seemed to observe her. Mademoiselle coloured and made no instant reply. His voice was neither loud nor rough; he was smiling upon her.
"Or did you need no information, mademoiselle?"
She met his look unflinching.
"I have not been sighing for tidings of the Comte de Mar, monsieur."
"Because you have had tidings, mademoiselle?"
"No, monsieur, I have had no communication with M. de Mar since May—until to-night."
"And what has happened to-night?"