De Proballe fell back at this insult, and in a voice vibrating with passion exclaimed-- “Will your lordship endure this insolence longer?” But the Governor was rarely troubled when any one other than himself was humiliated. He was now, in truth, rather inclined to rejoice at de Proballe’s discomfiture, and replied with more than a dash of contempt-- “We must not forget, monsieur, that the lord Gerard comes from Paris with special knowledge we do not possess in Morvaix;” and the favourites round, taking their cue from this tone, sneered one to another with significant shrugs and glances. “The evidence, my lord?” said Gerard with a show of impatience. The Governor called up one of his officers then, who spoke of the affray in the market place; and Gerard, under cover of a desire to get at the truth, questioned him at considerable length, and so consumed much invaluable time. Two other officers followed, and some of the soldiers who had been injured by the crowd. Having prolonged the matter as long as practicable, Gerald said-- “There is one point on which none of the witnesses have spoken. The provocation which drove the people to revolt? I would hear that.” “There was none,” answered the Governor, who was now wearying of the farce. “And, moreover, these proceedings have lasted long enough.” “We will, then, hear the prisoners themselves.” “That is not the law in Morvaix,” was the curt reply. “They were caught red-handed, and can make no defence.” “Is that your Morvaix justice, my lord? I am not surprised there is discontent, therefore. I will consider the matter I have heard, and give my judgment on the morrow. Meanwhile the prisoners will be released.” They broke out into joyous shouts at this, and again the cries of “Long live Bourbon!” rent the air, to the intense mortification and anger of the Governor. “This is too much,” he said with a scowl. “Your lordship will not be here on the morrow. I am sending you to-night on your way with an escort.” But Gerard having his own end in view, affected not to hear him. “And now the second matter you mentioned, my lord?” he asked; “affecting Mademoiselle de Malincourt here and yourself.” “It is one that will doubtless please you,” answered the Governor. The burlesque so far had brought him far less pleasure than mortification; but he was now sure of his ground. He intended to make Gerard the medium of announcing his betrothal to Gabrielle, and the thought of this triumph of ingenuity appealed to him. “Mademoiselle de Malincourt has been pleased to consent to betroth herself to me, most noble lord; and your gracious presence makes this a fitting opportunity for the fact to be announced. You will be good enough to announce it.” His tone was a threat, and as such Gerard understood it. “Betrothal?” he repeated, with an excellent simulation of surprise, as if ignorant of the whole matter. “But is there not already one Duchess de Rochelle?”