"Pretty well," answered the general, who really did not understand at all, but who did not like to confess it; "however, I do not see—"
"It is, however, very simple, my dear general; it is just by his love that we hold him."
"That is to say—"
"That is to say, that in knowing how to excite this love, we shall succeed in the result we wish to obtain."
"For once, I do not understand you, Monsieur le Duc; this love has no need of being excited, I should think."
"Not love, perhaps," answered the Frenchman, laughing; "but jealousy, at all events; as to that, let me act; I have taken it into my head that you shall succeed, and it shall be so."
"I thank you, my dear duke, for the aid you are pleased to give me; but would it not be well that you should make me acquainted with your projects, so that I can, in case of need, come to your assistance; whereas, if I remain in ignorance, as at present, perhaps it will happen that, without knowing it, I shall run contrary to you."
"You are right, general; moreover, I have no reason to hide from you the means I intend to employ, since it is you alone that all this concerns."
"Just so; I shall, then, be much obliged to you to explain, my dear duke."
"Very well."