“Mademoiselle does not understand that I love her,� he retorted, unmoved. “Come, come, Rosaline, you are young, you are misguided, but you will be converted. Say the word; promise to be my wife, and your grandmother shall be saved, I pledge you my word.�
“Beware, monsieur!� Rosaline exclaimed with scorn. “I have thought you a brave man, but this is the act of a coward.�
His face reddened, and he suppressed the violence of his own mood with difficulty.
“You forget,� he said slowly, “that you are completely in my power. You are a heretic by your own declaration, your grandmother is a prisoner, and the precious steward, d’Aguesseau, is also in my power.�
His keen eyes saw the swift change in her face at d’Aguesseau’s name.
“M. d’Aguesseau?� she exclaimed, “is he taken?�
There was an expression of satisfaction in the keen blue eyes; he had touched her at last.
“This morning, mademoiselle,� he replied coolly. “He is not only a heretic, but also a rebel.�
She was controlling herself by a great effort.
“What will you do with him, monsieur?� she asked faintly.