"Yet think, Lemasle. Dukes die, or are deposed, it is well to take something off them while they have the power to give. We will talk of this again."
Lemasle saluted, and withdrew.
"What would that good soldier say if he knew?" mused Herrick.
"I wonder," said Jean.
"I had forgotten you," said Herrick, with a start. "Did I put my thought into words?"
"You spoke, friend Roger, and have still some secrets, it would seem."
"Many, Jean. I will tell you one. I am not fitted to be a Duke."
"In that matter, at least, I should leave others to be the judges," said the dwarf.
"None can judge a man so well as he can judge himself if he will only be honest," Herrick returned. "I spoke inadvisedly, Jean, the other day, and it has quickly resulted in tragedy. Would I had been in time to save Father Bertrand."