"Not so much as I did."
"Has not Rochelle become suddenly attractive?"
"Rochelle? I do not say so."
"Come; confess that the unexpected advent of Madame de Brissac has brought this change about."
"Were we not discoursing on affronts?"
"Only as a sign of my displeasure. By September I dare say I shall return to France. I promise to look you up; and if by that time your manner has not undergone a desirable change I shall take my sword and trim the rude edges of your courtesy."
"September? That is a long while to wait. Why not come to Spain with me? We could have it out there. Quebec? Do you fear Mazarin, then, so much as that?"
"Do you doubt my courage, Monsieur?" asked the vicomte, his eyes cold and brilliant with points of light.
"But September?"
"Come, Monsieur; you are playing the boy. You will admit that I possess some courage. 'Twould be a fool's pastime to measure swords when neither of us is certain that to-morrow will see our heads safe upon our shoulders. I am not giving you a challenge. I am simply warning you."