"The governor of the castle desires the honour of an interview with you, as he says he has an important communication to make." "I am at the governor's orders," the Count said laconically. The gaoler bowed and went out. "What can the man want with me?" the Count muttered, so soon as he was alone. He had not long to wait, for the door opened again and the governor made his appearance. The prisoner rose to receive him, bowed, and then silently waited for him to speak. The Major made the gaoler a sign to withdraw, and then, after a fresh bow, he said with cold politeness,-- "My lord Count, gentlemen should respect each other. Although the orders I have received on your account from the Cardinal are very strict, I still desire to shew you any attention that is not incompatible with my duty. I have, therefore, come to you frankly in order to have an understanding on the subject." The Count guessed to what this speech tended, but did not let it be seen, and answered,-- "Mr. Governor, I am grateful, as I ought to be, for the steps you have been kind enough to take; may I ask you, therefore, to have the goodness to explain to me the nature of your orders, and what the favours are by which you can alleviate their severity. But, in the first place, as I am at home here," he added, with a melancholy smile; "do me the honour of seating yourself." The Major bowed, but remained standing. "It is unnecessary, my lord," he remarked, "as what I have to say to you is very short; in the first place, you will observe that I have had the delicacy to send you the trunk containing your effects unexamined as I had the right to do." "I allow the fact, Major, and feel obliged; to you for it." The Major bowed. "As you are an officer, my lord," he said, "you are aware that his Eminence the Cardinal, although he is a great man, is not very liberal to officers whose infirmity or wounds compel them to quit the service." "That is true." "The governors of fortresses more especially, although nominated by the King, being obliged to pay a long price to their predecessors for the office, are reduced to a perfect state of want, if they have not saved up some money." "I was not aware of that circumstance, sir, and fancied that the governorship of a fortress was a reward." "So it is, my lord, but we have to pay for the command of fortresses like this, which are employed as state prisons." "Ah! Very good." "You understand, it is supposed that the governor makes a profit by the prisoners intrusted to his keeping." "Of course, sir; are there at present many unhappy men who have incurred the displeasure of His Eminence detained in this castle?" "Alas, sir, you are the only one, and that is exactly the reason why I desire to have an amicable settlement with you." "For my part, be assured, sir, that I desire nothing more earnestly." "I am convinced of that, and hence will discuss the question frankly."