"Your innocence is awkwardly done," commented madame. "Show me the price, Monsieur Claude, for which you sold my gage."
"Price!" echoed Henri, angrily. But Claude drew a long breath.
"Ah! Now I begin, I but begin, to understand. Which was it that came to tell the story, madame? Was it d'Epernon, or Gêvres, or Richelieu who twisted the account of a forced act into one of voluntary avarice?"
The favorite shrugged. "Charming words! I make you my compliments on your heroic air. Will you, then, confront M. de Gêvres before me?"
"Most willingly, madame! Afterwards, by the good God, I'll run him through."
La Châteauroux bent her head, and there was silence till she lifted it again to face her young cousin. His eyes answered her penetrating glance steadily, eagerly, honestly. And thereupon madame began to turn certain matters over in her mind. She was no novice in Court intrigue; neither had she any great faith to break with de Gêvres. It was a long moment; but when it ended, the storm was over.
"How did it happen, Claude?"
"I gave the gauntlet to the King, when, man to man, he was beaten at dice."
"You received nothing in return?"
Claude was uncomfortable, but he did not hesitate. "Yes," he said, with lowered eyes. "I have brought it to you. I hate it."