"Yes, and probably till late to-day."
"Then we will have most of them here as our guests, monsieur, in a couple of days at the latest. I want De Ganache badly, and would like much to finish with him ere they finish with me."
I thought of Diane, and in my heart sent up a prayer that, on this occasion at least, the Huguenots might escape Montluc's claws; and the General went on:
"I see, monsieur, the Queen has recommended you as one to be trusted entirely—and the Queen is not easily deceived. You are, she says, a citizen of Paris, and have borne arms—where?"
"In the Milanese, monsieur. I was at Cerisolles with Monsieur d'Enghien."
"Good! And after that?"
"I did not serve, monsieur."
We looked hard at each other, and a dry but not unkindly smile sat on his lips.
"Would you care to see Italy again?"
"If the Queen has no further need for me I am ready."