'Bah—her affections are of the most rapid nature!'
'Well, my dear M. de Brissac,' said I, in that sneering fashion which the Parisians were fast teaching me; 'if you are not jealous of me, you will perhaps have the kindness to acquaint me with my crime.'
'You have been in love with the King's mistress.'
My heart trembled at these words; but I resolved to put a bold face on the affair.
'Nay, nay, M. Brissac! she is in love with me.'
'Oh, fie, M. Blane! But no matter; I have known a man branded with the fleur-de-lis, or sent in chains to the galleys at Toulon for less.'
'Pleasant reminiscences!'
'Very; suggestive, too: I hope you like them.'
'This arrest is an infamous violation of the privileges of the Scottish Guard,' said I, losing all temper; 'these privileges were given us by the predecessors of Louis XIII.—by kings better and braver than he—privileges won in battle, and which he cannot, dare not revoke!'
'Dare not?'