'But you have not named a term. That was why I desired to know your plans so that for myself I might judge the term.'
'I will make the engagement to endure for three years,' said Theodore.
'The proposal becomes generous, indeed.'
'Is it acceptable?'
Bellarion laughed softly. 'I should be greedy if it were not.'
'It will carry the usual condition that you engage for such service as I may require and against any whom circumstances may make my enemy.'
'Naturally,' said Bellarion. But he seemed to falter a little. 'Naturally,' he repeated. 'And yet ...' He paused, and Theodore waited, craftily refraining from any word that should curb him in opening his mind. 'And yet I should prefer that service against my Lord Facino be excepted.'
'You would prefer it?' said Theodore. 'But do you make it a condition?'
Bellarion's hesitation revealed him to the Regent for a man torn between interest and scruples. Weakly, at last, he said: 'I would not willingly go in arms against him.'
'Not willingly? That I can understand. But you do not answer my question. Do you make it a condition?'