prey; deep
thought was written on his brow, prudence and some degree of firmness in
the lower part of the face; all this, however, in the half-darkness, and
in spite of the Mechlin cravat.

"At least this is an eagle," thought he, "the other was but a raven."

Gaston bowed silently, and the unknown, rising, went and leaned against
the chimney.

"Monsieur is the person of whom I spoke to your excellency," said La
Jonquiere, "M. le Chevalier Gaston de Chanlay."

The unknown bowed silently.

"Mordieu!" whispered Dubois in his ear, "if you do not speak he will not
say anything."

"This gentleman comes from Bretagne, I believe," said the duke, coldly.

"Yes, monsieur; but will your excellency pardon me. Captain la Jonquiere
has told my name, but I have not been told yours. Excuse my rudeness,
monseigneur; it is not I who speak, it is my province, which sends me."

"You are right, monsieur," said La Jonquiere, quickly, taking from a
portfolio on the table a paper, at the bottom of which was a large
signature with the seal of the king of Spain.

"Here is the name," said he.

"Duc d'Olivares," read Gaston.

Then turning to him, he bowed respectfully.

"And now, monsieur," said the duke, "you will not, I presume, hesitate
to speak."

"I thought I had first to listen," said Gaston, still on the defensive.

"True: but, remember, it is a dialogue; each one speaks in turn."

"Monseigneur, you do me too much honor, and I will set the example of
confidence."

"I listen, monsieur."

"Monseigneur, the states of Bretagne--"

"The malcontents of Bretagne," interrupted the regent smiling, in spite
of a sign from Dubois.

"The malcontents are so numerous," replied Gaston, "that they may be
considered the representatives of the province: however, I will employ
the word your excellency points out; the malcontents of Bretagne have
sent me to you, monseigneur, to learn the intentions of Spain in this
affair."

"First let us learn those of Bretagne."

"Monseigneur, Spain may count on us; we pledge our word, and Breton
loyalty is proverbial."

"But what do you promise?"

"To second the efforts of the French nobility."

"But are you not French?"

"Monseigneur, we are Bretons. Bretagne, reunited to France by a treaty,
may look on herself as separated from the moment when France no longer
respects the rights of that treaty."

"Yes, I know; the old story of Anne de Bretagne's contract. It is a long
time since that