"Ma foi! What a question! Why do you ask?"
"Because I imagined the report had been spread about to deceive Condé."
"No," he replied, showing no offence at my remark, "I would it were so, but M. Beauchamp's sword bit deeply. Pillot should have informed you, but he has had much to do. He has taken his master's body home for burial. I feel his loss greatly. Your cousin was an admirable man, and I shall never find his equal. But what of yourself? Have you taken service with Condé?"
"No, monsieur, I still fight for the Throne."
"And for Albert de Lalande! Well, well, as long as you steer clear of me I wish you no harm."
"Monsieur is pleased to be gracious," I returned with a mocking bow. "I am indeed grateful."
The little rogue's eyes twinkled brightly, and he went away laughing.
So Henri was really dead and laid to rest in the family vault! I could no longer question the truth of the rumour after seeing the Abbé's face when he met me. It was certain that he, at least, believed my cousin was dead and buried. Even Raoul could not shake me on this point, though he rather scoffed at the story.
"It is a trick to deceive Condé," he said. "If Henri is dead, where is Pillot?"
"He has taken the body home."