"Monsieur, monsieur," he cried, in piteous affright, "you do not know
the Dowager of Condillac."

"Why, no. What of it?"

"What of it? Did you know her, you would understand that she is not
the woman to be driven. I may order her in the Queen's name to
deliver up Mademoiselle de La Vauvraye. But she will withstand me."

"Withstand you?" echoed Garnache, frowning into the face of this
fat man, who had risen also, brought to his feet by excitement.
"Withstand you - you, the Lord Seneschal of Dauphiny? You are
amusing yourself at my expense."

"But I tell you that she will," the other insisted in a passion.
"You may look for the girl in vain tomorrow unless you go to
Condillac yourself and take her."

Garnache drew himself up and delivered his answer in a tone that
was final.

"You are the governor of the province, monsieur, and in this matter
you have in addition the Queen's particular authority - nay, her
commands are imposed upon you. Those commands, as interpreted by
me, you will execute in the manner I have indicated."

The Seneschal shrugged his shoulders, and chewed a second at his
beard.