"And now, Maurice?" questioned Christine.
"Do I look only a scholar now?" said Maurice, drawing himself up, and standing before her. "I shall have some place about the Duke, high place, I doubt not, since I intend to make myself worthy of it."
"And the last time I came to Passey it was to persuade you to go to Vayenne to be crowned," mused Christine.
"I have no quarrel with Duke Roger," laughed Maurice. "I recognize his claim, and I know that Montvilliers is ruled by the right man, the man who will make history for her."
"So again you come to Passey on an important mission," Maurice went on. "You come to summon me to Vayenne to prove myself a man."
"What are you saying, Maurice? You have been misled. You are wrong, indeed; you are wrong. I come to Passey a prisoner."
"To the Duke I have been a traitor. This castle is to be my prison during his pleasure."
"I do not believe it. The Duke said--ah! he would make no false promise. I would trust his word against the sworn oath of other men. I do not believe it." And Maurice went to the door, and shouted loudly for the Viscount.
The old man came hastily along the corridor. "Viscount, is it true that mademoiselle has come here as a prisoner?"
"In a sense it is true, but now she is here she is to have perfect liberty of action," said Dupré. "The Duke has certain wishes concerning you, mademoiselle, which are contained in this paper. I was commanded to give it you after you had seen your cousin."
"Mademoiselle, once before you journeyed to Passey to summon Maurice to the capital. This time we pray you be our messenger. Tell him the Duke has need of him, and bring him to Vayenne. Roger."
Christine handed the paper to her cousin.
"I knew there was some mistake," he said. "It is evident he thinks little of your treachery; is it very hard, Christine, to be the Duke's messenger?"
"I was commanded to see that you rested here to-morrow, and returned the day after to Vayenne," said the Viscount. "Have I your permission to give these instructions to the captain of your escort?"
"Yes," she said after a pause. "May I go to my room, and will you send Lucille to me?"
"Christine, you are not glad that I am going to Vayenne," Maurice said, as he held the door open for her.