“Madame, I have pledged my word, and unless you order me to be arrested I shall be forced to return.”
Anne of Austria’s eyes shot glances of fire.
“Oh! that is no impediment, sir,” said she; “I have had greater men than you arrested — Guitant!”
Mazarin sprang forward.
“Madame,” said he, “if I dared in my turn advise — — ”
“Would it be to give up Broussel, sir? If so, you can spare yourself the trouble.”
“No,” said Mazarin; “although, perhaps, that counsel is as good as any other.”
“Then what may it be?”