increase; yet here he installed himself with a couple of servants,
and bade fair to take a long stay.

"I was surprised, but on the morrow I had an explanation. A courier,
arriving from an old friend of mine at Court, bore me a letter with
the information that Monsieur de Chatellerault was come to Lavedan
at the King's instigation to sue for my daughter's hand in marriage.
The reasons were not far to seek. The King, who loves him, would
enrich him; the easiest way is by a wealthy alliance, and Roxalanne
is accounted an heiress. In addition to that, my own power in the
province is known, whilst my defection from the Cardinalist party
is feared. What better link wherewith to attach me again to the
fortunes of the Crown - for Crown and Mitre have grown to be
synonymous in this topsy-turvy France - than to wed my daughter to
one of the King's favourites?

"But for that timely warning, God knows what mischief had been
wrought. As it was, Monsieur de Chatellerault had but seen my
daughter upon two occasions. On the very day that I received the
tidings I speak of, I sent her to Auch to the care of some relatives
of her mother's. Chatellerault remained a week. Then, growing
restive, he asked when my daughter would return. 'When you depart,
monsieur,' I answered him, and, being pressed for reasons, I dealt
so frankly with him that within twenty-four hours he was on his way
back to Paris."

The Vicomte paused and took a turn in the apartment, whilst I
pondered his words, which were bringing me a curious revelation.
Presently he resumed.