The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 72

The Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, Esmeralda Part 72

Yes. I know him not.


Is he a follower of Monsieur dOrleans?


LANGELY.


They would not fawn on him so much.


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_watching Laffemas, who struts about_).


What airs!


As if he were grandee of Spain!


LANGELY (_low_).


It is Sir Laffemas, intendant of Champagne, Lieutenant-Criminal--


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_low_).


Infernal, say!


Hes called the Cardinals executioner?


LANGELY (_still low_).


The same.


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.


That man at Court!


LANGELY.


Why not? One extra Tiger-cat in the menagerie!


Shall I present him?


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_haughtily_).


Peace, you fool!


LANGELY.


I think Id cultivate him if I were a lord.


Be friendly! Unto each man comes his day.


If he takes not your hand, he may your head.


[_He seeks Laffemas, presents him to Duke de Bellegarde, who bows with ill-concealed displeasure._


LAFFEMAS (_bowing_).


Sir Duke!


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE.


Sir, I am charmed-- [_Aside._] Upon my life, Were fallen low, Monsieur de Richelieu!


[_Laffemas walks away._


VISCOUNT DE ROHAN (_bursting into laughter among a group of Courtiers in the back of the hall_).


Delightful!


LANGELY.


What?


VISCOUNT DE ROHAN.


That Marion is here.


LANGELY.


Here--Marion?


VISCOUNT DE ROHAN.


We were just saying this: "Chaste Louiss guest is Marion." How rich!


LANGELY.


A charming piece of wit, indeed, my lord!


DUKE DE BELLEGARDE (_to Count de Charnace_).


Sir wolf-hunter, have you found any prey?


Is hunting good?


COUNT DE CHARNACe


Theres nothing! Yesterday I had great expectations, for three peasants Had been devoured by wolves. At first I thought We would find several at Chambord. I beat The woods, but not a wolf, nor trace of one!


[_To LAngely._] Fool, know you anything thats gay?


LANGELY.


Nothing, My lord, except two men will soon be hanged At Beaugency for dueling.


ABBe DE GONDI.


So little, Bah! [_The small gilt door is opened._


AN USHER.