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134 "The Cardinal would never sanction it;" and his dogged insistence upon this began at length to enrage the Governor, not a little to Dubois' grim amusement.

"I would rather have the countenance of the Church, but in Morvaix I am the head of the Church as of all else. I am wont to act first and inquire afterwards in most things. It is simpler, and the end is the same. This may be such a case. If I should seek your help as the Cardinal's representative you would give it?"

"It is none of my affair," replied Dubois hastily.

"I repeat my question;" and the Governor looked at him meaningly. But Dubois was the last man in the world to be browbeaten; and thus he answered stolidly:

"And I repeat my answer, my lord."

"I am not wont to be set at defiance by monk or priest."

"Nor I to be driven from my duty, my lord. I am not setting you at defiance."

"My priests in Morvaix do not answer me thus."

"I am not your lordship's priest."

"You will at least keep silence about what has passed between us."

"Unless my duty demand that I should speak of it."

"What is that but threatening me and defying me?" The Governor's anger was mounting fast in view of what he deemed the monk's contumacy, and Dubois was no less dogged and blunt.

"If what you propose to do be right, what need is there for silence; if it be wrong, why should my lips be sealed?" he answered.

"Secrets confided to the ears of you holy men are to be regarded as sacred."

"This is no such occasion. You sought my opinion and I gave it. That is all. My duty is my duty, none the less or more."

"Peace with your canting about duty. You are in