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.