"Keep him close," said the Count as the captain was taken from the room.
Jean turned slowly toward Felix when the door had closed.
"You will never mount the throne if you make such mistakes," he said. "To have me whipped was nothing; but to hang a man!"
"Be your own judge: do you deserve such punishment?"
"Yes; surely. Be as honest, Count, do you?"
"You are good for sad hours," laughed Felix. "You shall have a dress, Jean, a dress of bright colors, and a toy of bells in your hand to jingle. You shall gossip with me as you will, speak to me as no other shall dare to do though he boast the greatest name in Montvilliers. You shall come to honor, Jean."
"You do not answer my question," said the dwarf solemnly.
"Why should I be whipped?" said Felix.
"Because there was never man born yet that didn't deserve it. Have I your leave to go?"