"He turned sharply to Lord Neville, asked to look at his credentials again, and called for an accountant. He seemed to forget my existence, and I asked permission to retire. I am very uneasy in my mind. Mazarin’s good words are not to be trusted; his silence is to be feared. I must leave France as soon as possible. My affairs have been taken out of Mazarin’s hands by Cromwell; he will visit the offense on me. Every moment is full of uncertainty and danger." "Prince Rupert will not see us injured." "I cannot take Prince Rupert for our surety. He has not yet spoken to me about your marriage. He is at the mercy of so many minds." "That detestable Lord Neville! Ever and always, he brings me trouble and sorrow. There are half-a-dozen of my lovers who would run him through for a look. I would do it myself. You need not smile, sir, I am as ready with the sword as any man, and have matched both Stephen and Cymlin Swaffam. I hate Neville. I would most willingly make an end of him." "Hush, Matilda! Your words belie you. You mean them not. But there is no time for words now, we shall leave here for England in two days. If Prince Rupert loves you so much as to marry you, there are ways and means to accomplish that end. If money only is the lack, I shall be no miser, if I may ensure your happiness." "Dear uncle, shall we not return by The Hague?" "No. Lord Neville has promised to do my business there. It is only a matter of collecting a thousand pounds from my merchant; but he is going to take charge of your aunt’s jewels, and you had better trust yours also with him. They will be safer in the saddle of a horseman than in a guarded traveling coach. In the latter case, robbers are sure there is plunder; in the former it is most unlikely." "I will not trust anything I possess to Lord Neville. Nothing!" "The man trusted by Cromwell is above suspicion." "It is his interest to be honest with Cromwell." "You are angry at Neville." "I have good reason. He is always the bringer of bad news. The order to leave Paris and the Prince could have come only through him." "The Prince knows how he may keep you at his side." "Oh! I am weary of balancing things impossible. The Prince cannot marry like a common man." "Then he should only make love to such women as are fit to marry with him. I have said often what I thought right in this affair; I have offered to help it with my gold as far as I can—that is all about it, Matilda. I say no more." "It is enough," answered Lady Jevery. "Matilda cannot wish to put in danger your liberty or life." "My happiness is of less consequence, aunt."