“I will attend your Majesty,” replied Courtenay. And accompanied by De Noailles, he quitted the chamber.
“You have had a narrow escape, my lord,” remarked the French Ambassador, as they traversed the long gallery together.
“So narrow that I thought I had lost all chance of the crown,” replied Courtenay. “It is the work of that perfidious Simon Renard. But if I live an hour, I will requite him.”
“You are the victor, my lord,” returned De Noailles. “Maintain your present position, and you may defy his utmost malice.”
“Tarry with me a moment, M. De Noailles,” said Courtenay, “and you shall see how I will avenge myself upon him.”
“Prudence, my good lord—prudence,” replied De Noailles. “Your rashness has already put you once in his power. Do not let it do so a second time.”
“I will punish his treachery, if it costs me my life,” replied Courtenay.