She trembled, and said—
'I know not how to begin all I have to say, but the message comes to you partly from the Chevalier d'Ische, and from the Prince, his companion.'
'De Vaudemont?'
'Hush! oh, hush!' she cried, in a stifled voice; 'were that name heard here I should be destroyed. Well, monsieur, they are charmed by your courage and bearing.'
'They do me infinite honour, mademoiselle, no less by the compliment than by the messenger they have chosen; and this message—'
'Concerns Madame d'Amboise.'
'Your mistress?'
'My mistress?' reiterated Nicola, with a haughty laugh.
'Your friend then.'
'Neither my mistress nor my friend; but one day you may know this enigma. Well, 'tis of this lady I would speak: M. Blane, you do not love this woman—foolish boy, you cannot love her!'