"You flatter me. But why not D'Hérouville instead of me?"
"Monsieur, your very audacity betrayed you. Last night you put on the grey cloak. A log spurted a flame, and at once I remembered all."
"Indeed," ironically.
"Yes. You knocked a priest into the gutter that night as you were flying from the scene of your crime. I was that priest. But for the cloak and your remarkable nerve in putting it on, I should have remained in total darkness."
"Beginning with a certain day, you will ever remain in darkness." The vicomte's face was not very pleasant just then.
"The first time you annoy Monsieur le Chevalier, who is the legitimate son of the Marquis de Périgny …"
"Are you quite sure?" the old banter awakening. Suddenly he stared into the priest's face. "My faith, but that would be droll! What is your interest in the Chevalier's welfare? … They say the marquis was a gay one in his youth, and handsome, and had a way with the women. Yes, yes; that would be more than droll. You are quite sure of the Chevalier's standing?"
"So sure, Monsieur," said Brother Jacques, "that if you continue to annoy him I shall denounce you."
"The marquis will die some day. How would it please your priestly ear to be called 'Monsieur le Marquis'?"
"Annoy either the Chevalier or Madame de Brissac, and I will denounce you. That is all I have to say to you, Monsieur. To a man of your adroit accomplishments it should be enough. I have no interest in the Périgny family save a friendly one."