“Let us hear it, messire.”
“Quick judging, a long rope, and no witnesses.”
Dubois elevated his eyebrows and returned Carro de Bodegat’s significant smile.
“You do not appear to expect an acquittal from us,” he said.
“I expect nothing, messire, and ask for nothing, save this one thing.”
“Well, and that?”
“That the Sieur de Tinteniac and madame his wife may neither hear my name nor see my face.”
Dubois looked curiously at Bertrand, as though considering what his motives were.
“You have a reason for this.”
“Be easy,” and Bertrand grimaced like a man in pain; “they have had no wrong from me. I tell you, sir, that it is a mere whim of the heart. The Lady Tiphaïne would not rejoice to see me as I am, and for myself I would rather shirk the meeting.”