I trust Bigot; he is faithful, and you
may trust him, Madame, fair or foul! But he is not quick-witted.
Badelon, also, you may trust. Bear it in mind. Your woman Javette is
not faithful; but as her life is guaranteed she must stay with us until
she can be securely placed. Indeed, I must take all with me--with one
exception--for the priests and monks rule Paris, and they do not love me,
nor would spare aught at my word."
He was silent a few moments. Then he resumed in the same tone, "You
ought to know how we, Tavannes, stand. It is by Monsieur and the Queen-
Mother; and _contra_ the Guises. We have all been in this matter; but
the latter push and we are pushed, and the old crack will reopen. As it
is, I cannot answer for much beyond the reach of my arm. Therefore, we
take all with us except M. de Tignonville, who desires to be conducted to
the Arsenal."
She had begun to listen with averted eyes. But as he continued to speak
surprise awoke in her, and something stronger than surprise--amazement,
stupefaction. Slowly her eyes came to him, and when he ceased to speak--
"Why do you tell me these things?" she muttered, her dry lips framing the
words with difficulty.
"Because it behoves you to know them," he answered, thoughtfully tapping
the table.
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