Peyrolles nodded. "That is understood."
Æsop yawned on the conclusion of the bargain. "Curse me if I see why he wants the child when he has got the mother."
Peyrolles again neared, and spoke with a lowered voice: "I can be frank with you, master Æsop?"
"It’s the best plan," Æsop growled.
XII
FLORA
Peyrolles prepared to be frank. He put up his hand, and whispered behind it cautiously: "The married life of the Prince de Gonzague and the widow of Nevers has not been ideally happy."
Æsop grinned at him in derision. "You surprise me!" he commented, ironically.