"Homesick, just at the nick of fortune? Do you know that a sub-lieutenancy is vacant in my company? Sub-lieutenant, with rank of a Colonel of Dragoons?"
"I did not."
"You must ask for it."
"That is out of the question, my lord." The gravity and humility of his demeanour astonished Grancey, who surveyed him quizzically. "Is this a new rôle, Répentigny, a part from The Unconscious Philosopher? Are you ill?"
"I am leaving Versailles."
"Nonsense."
"And France."
"Never!"
"It is the case."
"But I have named you for the sub-lieutenancy."