We hold the castle and the land, but it is for the heir of the de Lavals to tell _us_ if he is satisfied with this.' Her dark scornful eyes were fixed upon me as she waited for my reply, but her father hastened to intervene.
'This is not a very hospitable tone in which to greet your cousin,' said he harshly.

'It has so chanced that Louis' heritage has fallen to us, but it is not for us to remind him of the fact.' 'He needs no reminding,' said she.
'You do me an injustice,' I cried, for the evident and malignant scorn of this girl galled me to the quick.

'It is true that I cannot forget that this castle and these grounds belonged to my ancestors--I should be a clod indeed if I _could_ forget it--but if you think that I harbour any bitterness, you are mistaken.

For my own part, I ask nothing better than to open up a career for myself with my own sword.' 'And never was there a time when it could be more easily and more brilliantly done,' cried my uncle.

'There are great things about to happen in the world, and if you are at the Emperor's court you will be in the middle of them.