"Monsieur de Saumaise," De Lauson began, sternly, "I gave you credit for being a young man of sense."
"And a man of heart, too, your Excellency, I hope," replied the poet, valiantly.
"Heart? Is it heart to break the edict, to upset the peace of my household, to set tongues wagging? Persons will want to know the cause of this foolish duel. I am positive that it was fought contrary to the Chevalier's wishes. He conducted himself admirably last night. You have done more harm than good with your impetuosity. My command would have been respected, and your friend's misfortune would have gone no farther than my dining-room."
"And Monsieur de Leviston?" with a shade of irony which escaped the governor.
"Would have remained silent on the pain of being sent back to France, where the Bastille awaits him. He was exiled to this country, and he may not leave it till the year sixty. De Maisonneuve would have stood by me in the matter. So you see that you have blundered in the worst possible manner."
"And the Vicomte d'Halluys?"
"If D'Hérouville dies, the vicomte shall return to France in irons."
"Monsieur," with a sign of heat, "there are some insults which can not be treated with contempt. I should have proved myself a false friend and a coward had I done otherwise than I did."
"What does the Chevalier say about your fighting his battles for him?" asked the governor, quietly.
Victor's gaze rested on his boots.