"The story goes back so far, it may well be forgotten," Herrick answered.
"If Maurice came to the throne, yes; but not if Felix is the heir. The law which forbids women to reign in Montvilliers, and under ordinary conditions excludes even their male descendants, has one important provision which is this: that failing a direct male heir, the son through the female line shall inherit."
"Then?"
Father Bertrand glanced at the picture from which the curtain had been withdrawn, and then looked again at his visitor.
"Have I made it quite clear to Roger Herrick, the real Duke of Montvilliers?" he said slowly.
[CHAPTER XII]
HOW JEAN LOST HIS ENEMIES