We heard at Metz that you were here in Peronne; and now, my lord, you understand what business I have in Burgundy." I had never given the boy credit for so much adroitness.

What the duke's intentions were, immediately after Hymbercourt presented Max, I could not have told, but his words sounded ominous, and the expression of his face was anything but pleasant.

Max, though not quarrelsome, was not given to the soft answer that turneth away wrath; but on this occasion discretion came to his rescue, and he made the soft answer with a dignity and boldness that won Charles's respect.

The duke's face softened into a half-smile,--if anything so hard as his face can be said to soften,--and he offered his hand to Max.

He withdrew it almost instantly from Max's grasp, and said:-- "Are you sure my armament against Switzerland is no part of the reason for your presence in Burgundy ?" Like all highly pugnacious men, he was suspicious.