'I am not wont to have my people interfered with, M.
Provost, without my leave.

You know me, I suppose ?' 'Perfectly, M.le Marquis,' the man answered with dogged respect; 'but this is by the king's special command.' 'Very good,' my patron answered, quietly eyeing the faces behind the Provost-Marshal, as if he were making a note of them; which caused some of the gentlemen manifest uneasiness.

'That is soon seen, for we are even now about to seek speech with his Majesty.' 'Not this gentleman,' the Provost-Marshal answered firmly, raising his hand again.

'I cannot let him pass.' 'Yes, this gentleman too, by your leave,' the Marquis retorted, lightly putting the hand aside with his cane.
'Sir,' said the other, retreating a step, and speaking with some heat, 'this is no jest with all respect.

I hold the king's own order, and it may not be resisted.' The nobleman tapped his silver comfit-box and smiled.