“Not as regards me, I can understand; you know me, my lord, I am so discreet that the grave would appear a babbler compared to me; but — do you understand, my lord?”

“No,” replied Monk, with persistent obstinacy.

“If another knew the secret which I know — ”

“What secret?”

“Eh! my lord, why, that unfortunate secret of Newcastle.”

“Oh! the million of the Comte de la Fere?”

“No, my lord, no; the enterprise made upon your grace’s person.”

“It was well played, chevalier, that is all, and no more is to be said about