'To the Vicomte de Turenne.'

'And that Mademoiselle de la Vire is his relation?'

'Yes,' I said.

'Mon Dieu!' he exclaimed again. And he looked at me open-
mouthed.

'What is the matter?' I asked, though I had an uneasy
consciousness that I knew--that I knew very well.

'Man, he will crush you as I crush this hat!' he answered in
great excitement. 'As easily. Who do you think will protect you
from him in a private quarrel of this kind? Navarre? France?
our good man? Not one of them. You had better steal the king's
crown jewels--he is weak; or Guise's last plot--he is generous at
times, or Navarre's last sweetheart--he is as easy as an old
shoe. You had better have to do with all these together, I tell
you, than touch Turenne's ewe-lambs, unless your aim be to be
broken on the wheel! Mon Dieu, yes!'

'I am much obliged to you for your advice,' I said stiffly, 'but
the die is cast. My mind is made up. On the other hand, if you
are afraid, M. Fresnoy--'

'I am afraid; very much afraid,' he answered frankly.

'Still your name need not be brought into the matter,' I replied,