"We looked upon you as an honest man, Lemasle," said Felix.
"Duke Robert ever found me so," was the answer.
"He is dead," said Felix, "and his son, who should have been Duke, was placed in your keeping. Where is he?"
"I do not know."
"He, too, is dead," said Felix. "His mangled corpse has been found in the forest yonder. How dare you come to Vayenne, Duke Maurice being dead?"
Lemasle was silent. He had no intention of being tricked into answering questions which might give the Count information.
"I will tell you," said Felix slowly. "You deserted him in his hour of need, not from actual cowardice it may be, that I will not accuse you of, but because you trusted in another man, and devoted yourself to Mademoiselle de Liancourt."
"I acted for the best," said Lemasle. "Should I have been welcome in Vayenne if Mademoiselle's body had been found mangled in the forest?"
"A loyal soldier obeys orders," the Count answered. "Your orders were to bring my cousin safe to Vayenne. There are plots in the city. I suggest that you never meant the young Duke to enter the city alive."
"You suggest—you——"