"Thanks, Monseigneur," was Gabriel's reply, in a dignified tone, by no means free from emotion.
"But I wish you to be sure of this," continued Le Balafré, "that at all times and places, and for any purpose whatsoever, my influence, my fortune, and my life are at your service, Gabriel; and that if I am ever to be so fortunate as that you should need my help, you have but to hold out your hand to grasp mine."
"Thanks, Monseigneur," Gabriel said again.
"That being agreed between us," said the duke, "on what subject is it your pleasure that we should converse?"
"Why, of yourself, Monseigneur," replied the young count,—"of your glory and of your future plans; those are the subjects which interest rue. In them you will find the magnet which has drawn me to you in all haste at your first call."
"My glory? my plans for the future?" retorted François de Lorraine, with a shake of the head. "Alas! those are gloomy subjects of conversation for me as well."
"What mean you, Monseigneur?" Gabriel exclaimed.
"What I say, my friend. Yes, I confess that I did think I had won some renown; it seemed to me that my name deserved to be pronounced with some respect in France to-day, and with a certain degree of awe throughout Europe. And since my not unworthy past made it my duty to think of the future, I was forming plans based upon my reputation, and dreaming of great achievements,—great for my country, and for myself as well. I would have accomplished them, I have faith to believe—"
"Well, Monseigneur?" said Gabriel, inquiringly.
"Well, Gabriel, since my return to this court six months since, I have ceased to believe in my glory, and have abandoned all my plans."