“Now,” resumed Grimaud, “I’ve only one thing more to ask—that your highness will continue to detest me.” “I’ll try,” said the duke. At this moment La Ramee, after the interview we have described with the cardinal, entered the room. The duke had thrown himself, as he was wont to do in moments of dullness and vexation, on his bed. La Ramee cast an inquiring look around him and observing the same signs of antipathy between the prisoner and his guardian he smiled in token of his inward satisfaction. Then turning to Grimaud: “Very good, my friend, very good. You have been spoken of in a promising quarter and you will soon, I hope, have news that will be agreeable to you.” Grimaud saluted in his politest manner and withdrew, as was his custom on the entrance of his superior. “Well, my lord,” said La Ramee, with his rude laugh, “you still set yourself against this poor fellow?” “So! ’tis you, La Ramee; in faith, ’tis time you came back again. I threw myself on the bed and turned my nose to the wall, that I mightn’t break my promise and strangle Grimaud.” “I doubt, however,” said La Ramee, in sprightly allusion to the silence of his subordinate, “if he has said anything disagreeable to your highness.” “_Pardieu!_ you are right—a mute from the East! I swear it was time for you to come back, La Ramee, and I was eager to see you again.” “Monseigneur is too good,” said La Ramee, flattered by the compliment. “Yes,” continued the duke, “really, I feel bored today beyond the power of description.” “Then let us have a match in the tennis court,” exclaimed La Ramee. “If you wish it.” “I am at your service, my lord.” “I protest, my dear La Ramee,” said the duke, “that you are a charming fellow and that I would stay forever at Vincennes to have the pleasure of your society.” “My lord,” replied La Ramee, “I think if it depended on the cardinal your wishes would be fulfilled.” “What do you mean? Have you seen him lately?” “He sent for me to-day.” “Really! to speak to you about me?” “Of what else do you imagine he would speak to me? Really, my lord, you are his nightmare.” The duke smiled with bitterness. “Ah, La Ramee! if you would but accept my offers! I would make your fortune.” “How? you would no sooner have left prison than your goods would be confiscated.” “I shall no sooner be out of prison than I shall be master of Paris.” “Pshaw! pshaw! I cannot hear such things said as that; this is a fine conversation with an officer of the king! I see, my lord, I shall be obliged to fetch a second Grimaud!” “Very well, let us say no more about it. So you and the cardinal have been talking about me? La Ramee, some day when he sends for you, you must let me put on your clothes; I will go in your stead; I will strangle him, and upon my honor, if that is made a condition I will return to prison.” “Monseigneur, I see well that I must call Grimaud.” “Well, I am wrong. And what did the _cuistre_ [pettifogger] say about me?”