She means to be Mme.

la Baronne de Sigognac--the aspiring little actress! That must be the reason of all this mighty display of mock modesty, and of her venturing to repulse the attentions of a duke, as scornfully, by Jove! as if he were a stable-boy.

But she shall rue it--the impertinent little minx! and I'll have no mercy shown to the audacious scoundrel who dared to disable this right arm of mine.

Halloa there! send Merindol up to me instantly, do you hear ?" Picard flew to summon him, and in a few moments the discomfited bully made his appearance; pale from abject terror, with teeth chattering and limbs trembling, as he was ushered into the dread presence of his angry lord.

In spite of his efforts to assume the sang-froid he was so far from feeling, he staggered like a drunken man, though he had not drank enough wine that day to drown a fly, and did not dare to lift his eyes to his master's face.
"Well, you cowardly beast," said Vallombreuse angrily, how long, pray, are you going to stand there speechless, like a stupid fool, with that hang-dog air, as if you already had the rope that you so richly deserve round your wicked neck?
"I only awaited your lordship's orders," stammered Merindol, trying to appear at ease, and failing lamentably.
"My lord duke knows that I am entirely devoted to his service--even to being hanged, if it seems good to your lordship." "Enough of that cant!" interrupted the duke impatiently.