Chevalier's wishes. He conducted himself admirably last night. You
have done more harm than good with your impetuosity. My command would
have been respected, and your friend's misfortune would have gone no
farther than my dining-room."

"And Monsieur de Leviston?" with a shade of irony which escaped the
governor.

"Would have remained silent on the pain of being sent back to France,
where the Bastille awaits him. He was exiled to this country, and he
may not leave it till the year sixty. De Maisonneuve would have stood
by me in the matter. So you see that you have blundered in the worst
possible manner."

"And the Vicomte d'Halluys?"

"If D'Hérouville dies, the vicomte shall return to France in irons."

"Monsieur," with a sign of heat, "there are some insults which can not
be treated with contempt. I should have proved myself a false friend
and a coward had I done otherwise than I did."

"What does the Chevalier say about your fighting his battles for him?"
asked the governor, quietly.

Victor's gaze rested on his boots.

"He doesn't approve, then?" The governor drummed with his fingers. "I
thought as much. At your age I was young myself. Youth sees affronts
where it ought to see caution and circumspection."