At these gross insults Mademoiselle de Laurebourg rose to her feet and attempted to speak, but he cut her short.
“I can’t stop to pick and choose my words, for I feel at the present moment as if the axe of the guillotine were suspended over my head. Now just oblige me by getting out of this, and never show your face here again.”
“As you like. I will communicate with Champdoce.”
“You shall not,” exclaimed Daumon with a gesture of menace. “You might as well go and ask how the Duke enjoyed the taste of the poison.”
His words, however, did not deter Diana, for any risk seemed preferable to her than the present state of suspense.
With a glance of contempt at the Counsellor she left the cottage, determined to act as she thought fit.
After Diana’s departure, Daumon felt too that he must learn how matters were going on, and going over to the Widow Rouleau’s, he despatched her daughter Francoise to the Chateau de Champdoce, under the pretext that he wanted some money which he had lent to one of the Duke’s servants. He had instructed the girl so cunningly that she had no suspicion of the real end and object of her mission, and set out on it with the most implicit confidence. He had not long to wait for her return, for in about half an hour his messenger returned.
“Well,” said he anxiously, “has the scamp sent my money?”
“No, sir, I am sorry to say that I could not even get to speak to him.”
“How was that? Was he not at Champdoce?”