"But that sometimes happens to the most skilful founders in France, so I am told."
"The most skilful founders in France are mere schoolboys compared to Benvenuto."
"But how much time is required for the casting?"
"Three days."
"And how much more before the statue can be put before the king?"
"Three days more."
"Six or seven days in all. And suppose Madame d'Etampes forces Colombe to marry D'Orbec within six days?"
"Madame d'Etampes has no power over Colombe. Colombe will resist."
"Very true, but the provost has power over Colombe as his daughter, and King François I. has power over Colombe as his subject; suppose the provost and the king both order her to marry him?"
Ascanio became frightfully pale.