Yes. I know him not.
Is he a follower of Monsieur d"Orleans?
L"ANGELY.
They would not fawn on him so much.
DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_watching Laffemas, who struts about_).
What airs!
As if he were grandee of Spain!
L"ANGELY (_low_).
It is Sir Laffemas, intendant of Champagne, Lieutenant-Criminal--
DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_low_).
Infernal, say!
He"s called the Cardinal"s executioner?
L"ANGELY (_still low_).
The same.
DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
That man at Court!
L"ANGELY.
Why not? One extra Tiger-cat in the menagerie!
Shall I present him?
DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_haughtily_).
Peace, you fool!
L"ANGELY.
I think I"d cultivate him if I were a lord.
Be friendly! Unto each man comes his day.
If he takes not your hand, he may your head.
[_He seeks Laffemas, presents him to Duke de Bellegarde, who bows with ill-concealed displeasure._
LAFFEMAS (_bowing_).
Sir Duke!
DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.
Sir, I am charmed-- [_Aside._] Upon my life, We"re fallen low, Monsieur de Richelieu!
[_Laffemas walks away._
VISCOUNT DE ROHAN (_bursting into laughter among a group of Courtiers in the back of the hall_).
Delightful!
L"ANGELY.
What?
VISCOUNT DE ROHAN.
That Marion is here.
L"ANGELY.
Here--Marion?
VISCOUNT DE ROHAN.
We were just saying this: "Chaste Louis"s guest is Marion." How rich!
L"ANGELY.
A charming piece of wit, indeed, my lord!
DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_to Count de Charnace_).
Sir wolf-hunter, have you found any prey?
Is hunting good?
COUNT DE CHARNACe
There"s nothing! Yesterday I had great expectations, for three peasants Had been devoured by wolves. At first I thought We would find several at Chambord. I beat The woods, but not a wolf, nor trace of one!
[_To L"Angely._] Fool, know you anything that"s gay?
L"ANGELY.
Nothing, My lord, except two men will soon be hanged At Beaugency for dueling.
ABBe DE GONDI.
So little, Bah! [_The small gilt door is opened._
AN USHER.