"
The words set me in the very best of humours, and to that it may be
due that presently, as I warmed to my narrative, I lent it a vigour
that drew His Majesty out of his wonted apathy and listlessness. He
leaned forward when I told him of my encounter with the dragoons at
Mirepoix, and how first I had committed the false step of representing
myself to be Lesperon.
Encouraged by his interest, I proceeded, and I told my story with as
much piquancy as I was master of, repressing only those slight matters
which might reflect upon Monsieur de Lavedan's loyalty, but otherwise
dealing frankly with His Majesty, even down to the genuineness of
the feelings I entertained for Roxalanne. Often he laughed, more
often still he nodded approvingly, in understanding and sympathy,
whilst now and then he purred his applause. But towards the end,
when I came to the matter of the Tribunal of Toulouse, of how my
trial was conducted, and of the part played in it by Chatellerault,
his face grew set and hard.
"It is true - all this that you tell me?" he cried harshly.
"As true as the Gospels. If you deem an oath necessary, Sire, I
swear by my honour that I have uttered nothing that is false, and
that, in connection with Monsieur de Chatellerault, even as I have
suppressed nothing, so also have I exaggerated nothing."
"The dastard!" he snapped. "But we will avenge you, Marcel. Never
fear it."
Then the trend of his thoughts being changed, he smiled wearily.
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