nd be
always first; for if my lord should be overtaken and caught, there's
every chance of his being brought back to prison, whereas if I am caught
the least that can befall me is to be--hung."

"True, on my honor as a gentleman it shall be as thou dost suggest."

"Now," resumed Grimaud, "I've only one thing more to ask--that your
highness will continue to detest me."

"I'll try," said the duke.

At this moment La Ramee, after the interview we have described with the
cardinal, entered the room. The duke had thrown himself, as he was wont
to do in moments of dullness and vexation, on his bed. La Ramee cast
an inquiring look around him and observing the same signs of antipathy
between the prisoner and his guardian he smiled in token of his inward
satisfaction. Then turning to Grimaud:

"Very good, my friend, very good. You have been spoken of in a promising
quarter and you will soon, I hope, have news that will be agreeable to
you."

Grimaud saluted in his politest manner and withdrew, as was his custom
on the entrance of his superior.

"Well, my lord," said La Ramee, with his rude laugh, "you still set
yourself against this poor fellow?"

"So! 'tis you, La Ramee; in faith, 'tis time you came back again. I
threw myself on the bed and turned my nose to the wall, that I mightn't
break my promise and strangle Grimaud."

"I doubt, however," said La Ramee, in sprightly allusion to the silence
of his subordinate, "if he has said anything disagreeable to your
highness."

"Pardieu! you are right--a mute from the East! I swear it was time for
you to come back, La Ramee, and I was eager to see you again."

"Monseigneur is too good," said La Ramee, flattered by the compliment.

"Yes," continued the duke, "really, I feel bored today beyond the power
of description."

"Then let us have a match in the tennis court," exclaimed La Ramee.

"If you wish it."

"I am at your service, my lord."

"I protest, my dear La Ramee," said the duke, "that you are a charming
fellow and that I would stay forever at Vincennes to have the pleasure
of your society."

"My lord," replied La Ramee, "I think if it depended on the cardinal
your wishes would be fulfilled."

"What do you mean? Have you seen him lately?"

"He sent for me to-day."

"Really! to speak to you about me?"

"Of what else do you imagine he would speak to me? Really, my lord, you
are his nightmare."

The duke smiled with bitterness.

"Ah, La Ramee! if you wo