"Against what?" The Chevalier had propped himself on his elbow.
The Jesuit closed his lips and shook his head.
"Against what?" with piercing eyes. "Did I speak strange words when fever moved my tongue?"
"No, Monsieur."
"You have said too much or too little," sharply.
"I have heard of Monsieur d'Hérouville; he is not a good man."
"Against what did I not complain?" insistently.
"Against the misfortune which brought you here," lowly.
"You know? … From whom?" drawing his tongue across his parched lips.
"I have done wrong to excite you. There were words passed to and fro that morning at the Corne d'Abondance. Need I say more? Monsieur de Saumaise knows, and the vicomte; why should you fear me, who have nothing but brotherly love for you?"