The man stood firm and again shook his head.
“I beseech you not to insist, Monsieur. M. le Chevalier has sworn to dismiss me if I permit you to set foot within the château.”
“Mille diables! This is madness! I seek to serve him,” I cried, my temper rising fast. “At least, Guilbert, will you tell Mademoiselle that I am here, and that I—”
“I may carry no more messages for you, Monsieur,” he broke in. “Listen! There is M. le Chevalier.”
In reality I could hear the old knight's voice, loud and shrill with anger, and a moment later Louis, his intendant, came across the hall.
“Guilbert,” he commanded harshly, “close the door. The night air is keen.”
My cheeks aflame with anger, I still made one last attempt to gain an audience.
“Master Louis,” I exclaimed, “will you do me the favour to tell M. de Canaples—”
“You are wasting time, Monsieur,” he interrupted. “M. de Canaples will not see you. He bids you close the door, Guilbert.”
“Pardieu! he shall see me!”