Some words which were exchanged by the two persons who walked at the head of the escort will give an idea of the new and embarrassing position of the chevalier.
"When we arrive at your house, sir," said De Chemerant, "I shall communicate to you the full powers which his majesty has charged me to place before the eyes of your highness."
"Highness—the devil!" thought Croustillac: "this man pleases me better than the other; beside subjecting me to the inconvenience of his everlasting dagger, he called me only my lord or your grace, while this one calls me highness. This is progressive. I go on. I touch the throne."
Monsieur de Chemerant continued: "I shall also have the honor to hand to you, sir, a number of letters from England which will prove to you that the moment was never more favorable for an insurrection."
"I know it," said the Gascon, with effrontery, remembering that this was what Rutler had said to him; "I know it, sir; my partisans are acting, and bestirring themselves greatly."
"Your highness is better informed of affairs in Europe than I had thought."
"I have never lost sight of them, sir, never."
"Your highness fills me with joy in speaking thus. It depends on you to assure to yourself the brilliant position which is your due, and which you will acquire if you obtain a decisive advantage."
"And how, sir?"
"By putting yourself at the head of the partisans of your royal uncle, James Stuart; forgetting the dissensions which have heretofore separated you, for the king no longer desires to see in you other than his worthy nephew."