“Wherefore?”
“He is a Huguenot.”
The minister nodded. “And the terms?” Carlat muttered.
“Ay, the terms!” La Tribe repeated, nodding afresh. “What are they?”
“They are for Madame’s ear only,” the messenger made answer.
“Then they will not reach it!” Carlat broke forth in wrath. “So much for that! And for yourself, see you go quickly before we make a target of you!”
“Very well, I go,” the envoy answered sullenly. “But—”
“But what?” La Tribe cried, gripping Carlat’s shoulder to quiet him. “But what? Say what you have to say, man! Speak out, and have done with it!’
“I will say it to her and to no other.”
“Then you will not say it!” Carlat cried again. “For you will not see her. So you may go. And the black fever in your vitals.”