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70 "He knows that you are here to marry Gabrielle and that in doing so you are merely playing catspaw; and he suspects the real purpose, that it is to cover the Duke's plan in regard to her."

"Then he suspects what an infernal villain Gerard de Cobalt must be!"

"He is not alone in that suspicion," was de Proballe's sneering comment.

"True. I think I'm beginning to suspect it myself," answered Gerard drily.

"If you were anything else, you'd be little use to us; so let us have no cant here."

"I am here to play my part," said Gerard smoothly, repressing his anger.

"It is a part many a better man would gladly play. You will have wealth, a beautiful wife, a high position here, and a pardon for that Cambrai affair. Surely all that a man could wish." He regarded Gerard with a sly covert smile as he reeled off these advantages.

Gerard's face was as impassive as that of a statue, while his thoughts were busy seeking the real meaning beneath the words. He paused a moment, and then answered in a level tone—

"True, but you omit the price I have to pay."

"Price," cried de Proballe, with another sneer. "Price! Honour rather, you mean. The Duke de Rochelle is all but of the Royal blood; and better men than you will ever be have been glad to pay no more for their careers than mere marital complaisance."

"By God!" exclaimed Gerard, his voice vibrating with feeling as he realized now the full infamy of the plot and the degradation of the part cast for him; then catching de Proballe's eyes fixed on him, he forced down his rage, and said coolly: "You are right, monsieur; Gerard de Cobalt cannot afford to be particular. He has that pardon to gain."