I could not keep back the cry that burst to my lips. So that story Fronsac had told me was true! But she merely glanced at me and turned again to Roquefort, who was watching her with eyes inflamed by passion.
“It was only by the merest chance I learned a moment since what devil’s work was toward here,” she went on. “You will release him at once, Monsieur.”
But Roquefort only laughed.
“My faith,” he said, “how beautiful you are once you get in a passion! Come, Claire, you must be mine, after all! Only I can esteem you as you deserve! I am not milk and water—I can meet fire with fire!”
She looked at him with scornful eyes.
“Are you going to continue in this coward’s work?” she asked.
He saw the contempt in her look and it stung him.
“Mademoiselle,” he said coldly, his face growing stern, “this is something that is no concern of yours. This fellow knows of the existence of one spy, and perhaps of two, in my household. I propose to turn that wheel until their names are wrung from him.”
“And this to the man who saved your honor!” she sneered. “Your gratitude is truly princely, M. le Duc!”
Roquefort stared at her, amazed.