I gave the Count a furtive glance of hatred and defiance, to which he replied by a smile of scornful pride.
'M. Blane,' continued the Duke, 'you have been the means of saving, from the degradation of the Bastille, a princess of a house which, though menaced now by ruin and destruction, is fully equal to, and more ancient than, many of the royal lines in Europe—a house which, through Marie of Guelders and Marie of Lorraine, has been twice allied to the sovereign princes of your own country. I repeat to you, that my daughter has told me all—(all again!)—and I must seek the means to repay you—not for the observance of your word of honour, pledged to Clara d'Amboise, faithfully to conduct Mademoiselle here—but for the unmerited humiliation to which that duty has been the means of subjecting you.'
'I thank you, Monseigneur le Duc. An exile from my own country, I have but the inheritance of a Scottish gentleman—a poor soldier of fortune—'
'And this, Monsieur—'
'Is my father's sword—with glory and adversity.'
'That sword shall be restored to you. M. de Bitche, restore his rapier to M. Blane,' said the Duke, again pressing my hand; 'Monsieur, I see by the order which you wear, that you are a man of merit as well as of courage. What say you to enter the service of my daughter's intended husband?'
'Ah—she has not told him all,' thought I, bitterly; 'or Charles IV. would not speak thus to me.'
'His regiment of horse lacks a Major—but you frown; you Scots are all devoted to the service of France. Well, well; I seek not to tempt you from your allegiance; but for the good deed you have done him, Charles of Lorraine will ever esteem you as one of his dearest friends.'
'Oh Monseigneur, you overwhelm me by this condescension.'
'And now, M. Blane, you are welcome to reside at our palace of Nanci so long as you please.'