Very sad at heart Herrick had returned to the castle after Jean's funeral. He had been met on all sides with loud demands for the Count's death. It seemed suddenly to have become the one question of importance. Many more of the nobles had come to Vayenne, and they, too, advised his speedy execution. He had added murder to treachery. No further mercy ought to be shown him.
Herrick sat alone thinking of Jean. Something had gone out of his life with the quaint figure with which he had become so familiar. He had never liked the motley, yet, as Jean had said, it seemed to suit somehow his outward appearance. Herrick would have given much to see the door open quietly and to hear the jingle of the bells. Clad in that gaudy green and scarlet, Jean had been a very wise counsellor, and Herrick missed his wisdom and advice every hour.
"I had not been so good a Duke as I am had it not been for Jean," he murmured.
The door did open presently, quietly too, but it was Lemasle who entered.
"You have not forgotten that Mademoiselle de Liancourt rides to Passey this afternoon, sir."
"No, captain. You will take a strong force. There may still be robbers on the Passey road, but not of the kind you and I have had experience of."
"Am I to return with my men from Passey at once?" asked Lemasle.
Herrick was thoughtful for a few moments.
"No," he said slowly. "Viscount Dupré has certain instructions concerning the--the prisoner, and will decide when it is advisable for you to return. Be guided entirely by him, Lemasle."
The captain regarded him curiously for a moment.
"Sir, you surely do not intend----" Then he stopped, partly because of the absurdity of the idea that had suddenly come into his mind, partly because of the expression in the Duke's face.
"I do nothing without careful consideration, Lemasle," said Herrick. "Though I seek to serve the state, I am despot enough to do it in my own fashion."
"Pardon, sir; instead of simply obeying orders, I was presuming to try and understand."
"She is a prisoner sent to the Château of Passey," Herrick answered. "Is it too lenient a punishment? It is a dull place, Passey, likely to break the high spirits and proud defiance of any woman. Is there not some vindictiveness in my action in this matter?"