I could draw no good augury, however, from these, signs of frailty, for the brightness of his eyes and the unusual elation of his manner told plainly of a spirit assured of the mastery.

He entered the room with an air of confidence, and addressed me in a tone of patronage which left me in no doubt of his intentions; the frankness with which he now laid bare his plans going far to prove that already he considered me no better than his tool.
I did not at once undeceive him, but allowed him to proceed, and even to bring out the five hundred crowns which he had promised me, and the sight of which he doubtless supposed would clench the matter.
Seeing this he became still less reticent, and spoke so largely that I presently felt myself impelled to ask him if he would answer a question.
'That is as may be, M.de Marsac,' he answered lightly.

'You may ask it.' 'You hint at great schemes which you have in hand, father,' I said.
'You speak of France and Spain and Navarre, and kings and Leagues and cardinals! You talk of secret strings, and would have me believe that if I comply with your wishes I shall find you as powerful a patron as M.de Rosny.

But--one moment, if you please,' I continued hastily, seeing that he was about to interrupt me with such eager assurances as I had already heard; 'tell me this.

With so many irons in the fire, why did you interfere with one old gentlewoman--for the sake of a few crowns ?' 'I will tell you even that,' he answered, his face flushing at my tone.
'Have you ever heard of an elephant?
Yes.