“Sire,” said Denis, dropping on one knee, “it is impossible.”
“Impossible!” thundered the King.
“Impossible, Sire.”
“Impossible! To me! In to your master at once, and tell him I have words to say to him to-night. By Heaven, it is an honour I do him, I think!”
“But, Sire—” cried Denis, who still barred the way.
“You heard me, boy?”
“Yes, Sire.”
“Then—obey!”
“I regret to repeat to your Majesty that I cannot.”
“Cannot!”