Quentin Durward

by Walter Scott

  CHAPTER XXXI: THE INTERVIEW

  Hold fast thy truth, young soldier.--Gentle maiden, Keep you your promise plight--leave age its subtleties, And gray hair'd policy its maze of falsehood, But be you candid as the morning sky, Ere the high sun sucks vapours up to stain it.

  THE TRIAL

  On the perilous and important morning which preceded the meeting of thetwo Princes in the Castle of Peronne, Oliver le Dain did his master theservice of an active and skilful agent, making interest for Louis inevery quarter, both with presents and promises; so that when the Duke'sanger should blaze forth, all around should be interested to smother,and not to increase, the conflagration. He glided like night, from tentto tent, from house to house, making himself friends, but not in theApostle's sense, with the Mammon of unrighteousness. As was said ofanother active political agent, "his finger was in every man's palm, hismouth was in every man's ear;" and for various reasons, some of whichwe have formerly hinted at, he secured the favour of many Burgundiannobles, who either had something to hope or fear from France, or whothought that, were the power of Louis too much reduced, their own Dukewould be likely to pursue the road to despotic authority, to which hisheart naturally inclined him, with a daring and unopposed pace.

  Where Oliver suspected his own presence or arguments might be lessacceptable, he employed that of other servants of the King; and itwas in this manner that he obtained, by the favour of the Count deCrevecoeur, an interview betwixt Lord Crawford, accompanied by LeBalafre, and Quentin Durward, who, since he had arrived at Peronne, hadbeen detained in a sort of honourable confinement. Private affairs wereassigned as the cause of requesting this meeting; but it is probablethat Crevecoeur, who was afraid that his master might be stirred up inpassion to do something dishonourably violent towards Louis, was notsorry to afford an opportunity to Crawford to give some hints to theyoung Archer, which might prove useful to his master.

  The meeting between the countrymen was cordial and even affecting.

  "Thou art a singular youth," said Crawford, stroking the head of youngDurward, as a grandsire might do that of his descendant. "Certes, youhave had as meikle good fortune as if you had been born with a luckyhood on your head."

  "All comes of his gaining an Archer's place at such early years," saidLe Balafre; "I never was so much talked of, fair nephew, because I wasfive and twenty years old before I was hors de page [passed out of therank of the page]."

  "And an ill looking mountainous monster of a page thou wert, Ludovic,"said the old commander, "with a beard like a baker's shool, and a backlike old Wallace Wight [so called because of his vigour and activity]."

  "I fear," said Quentin, with downcast eyes, "I shall enjoy that titleto distinction but a short time--since it is my purpose to resign theservice of the Archer Guard."

  Le Balafre was struck almost mute with astonishment, and Crawford'sancient features gleamed with displeasure. The former at lengthmustered words enough to say, "Resign!--leave your place in the ScottishArchers!--such a thing was never dreamed of. I would not give up mysituation to be made Constable of France."

  "Hush! Ludovic," said Crawford; "this youngster knows better how toshape his course with the wind than we of the old world do. His journeyhath given him some pretty tales to tell about King Louis; and he isturning Burgundian, that he may make his own little profit by tellingthem to Duke Charles."

  "If I thought so," said Le Balafre, "I would cut his throat with my ownhand, were he fifty times my sister's son."

  "But you would first inquire whether I deserved to be so treated, fairkinsman?" answered Quentin; "and you, my lord, know that I am no talebearer; nor shall either question or torture draw out of me a word toKing Louis's prejudice, which may have come to my knowledge while I wasin his service.--So far my oath of duty keeps me silent. But I will notremain in that services in which, besides the perils of fair battle withmine enemies, I am to be exposed to the dangers of ambuscade on the partof my friends."

  "Nay, if he objects to lying in ambuscade," said the slow witted LeBalafre, looking sorrowfully at the Lord Crawford, "I am afraid, mylord, that all is over with him! I myself have had thirty bushmentsbreak upon me, and truly I think I have laid in ambuscade twice as oftenmyself, it being a favourite practice in our King's mode of making war."

  "It is so indeed, Ludovic," answered Lord Crawford; "nevertheless, holdyour peace, for I believe I understand this gear better than you do."

  "I wish to Our Lady you may, my lord," answered Ludovic; "but itwounds me to the very midriff, to think my sister's son should fear anambushment."

  "Young man," said Crawford, "I partly guess your meaning. You have metfoul play on the road where you travelled by the King's command, and youthink you have reason to charge him with being the author of it."

  "I have been threatened with foul play in the execution of the King'scommission," answered Quentin; "but I have had the good fortune to eludeit--whether his Majesty be innocent or guilty in the matter, I leave toGod and his own conscience. He fed me when I was a-hungered--received mewhen I was a wandering stranger. I will never load him in his adversitywith accusations which may indeed be unjust, since I heard them onlyfrom the vilest mouths."

  "My dear boy--my own lad!" said Crawford, taking him in his arms.--"Yethink like a Scot, every joint of you! Like one that will forget a causeof quarrel with a friend whose back is already at the wall, and remembernothing of him but his kindness."

  "Since my Lord Crawford has embraced my nephew," said Ludovic Lesly,"I will embrace him also--though I would have you to know that tounderstand the service of an ambushment is as necessary to a soldier asit is to a priest to be able to read his breviary."

  "Be hushed, Ludovic," said Crawford; "ye are an ass, my friend, and kennot the blessing Heaven has sent you in this braw callant.--And now tellme, Quentin, my man, hath the King any advice of this brave, Christian,and manly resolution of yours, for, poor man, he had need, in hisstrait, to ken what he has to reckon upon. Had he but brought the wholebrigade of Guards with him!--But God's will be done.--Kens he of yourpurpose, think you?"

  "I really can hardly tell," answered Quentin; "but I assured his learnedAstrologer, Martius Galeotti, of my resolution to be silent on all thatcould injure the King with the Duke of Burgundy. The particulars whichI suspect, I will not (under your favour) communicate even to yourlordship; and to the philosopher I was, of course, far less willing tounfold myself."

  "Ha!--ay!" answered Lord Crawford.--"Oliver did indeed tell me thatGaleotti prophesied most stoutly concerning the line of conduct you wereto hold; and I am truly glad to find he did so on better authority thanthe stars."

  "He prophesy!" said Le Balafre, laughing; "the stars never told him thathonest Ludovic Lesly used to help yonder wench of his to spend the fairducats he flings into her lap."

  "Hush! Ludovic," said his captain, "hush! thou beast, man!--If thoudost not respect my gray hairs, because I have been e'en too much of aroutier myself, respect the boy's youth and innocence, and let us haveno more of such unbecoming daffing."

  "Your honour may say your pleasure," answered' Ludovic Lesly; "but, bymy faith, second sighted Saunders Souplesaw, the town souter of GlenHoulakin, was worth Galeotti, or Gallipotty, or whatever ye call him,twice told, for a prophet. He foretold that all my sister's children,would die some day; and he foretold it in the very hour that theyoungest was born, and that is this lad Quentin--who, no doubt, will oneday die, to make up the prophecy--the more's the pity--the whole curneyof them is gone but himself. And Saunders foretold to myself one day,that I should be made by marriage, which doubtless will also happen indue time, though it hath not yet come to pass--though how or when, I canhardly guess, as I care not myself for the wedded state, and Quentin isbut a lad. Also, Saunders predicted--"

  "Nay," said Lord Crawford, "unless the prediction be singularly to thepurpose, I must cut you short, my good Ludovic; for both you and I mustnow leave your nephew, with prayers to Our Lady to strengthen him in t
hegood mind he is in; for this is a case in which a light word might domore mischief than all the Parliament of Paris could mend. My blessingwith you, my lad; and be in no hurry to think of leaving our body;for there will be good blows going presently in the eye of day, and noambuscade."

  "And my blessing, too, nephew," said Ludovic Lesly; "for, since youhave satisfied our most noble captain, I also am satisfied, as in dutybound."

  "Stay, my lord," said Quentin, and led Lord Crawford a little apart fromhis uncle. "I must not forget to mention that there is a person besidesin the world, who, having learned from me these circumstances, which itis essential to King Louis's safety should at present remain concealed,may not think that the same obligation of secrecy, which attaches to meas the King's soldier, and as having been relieved by his bounty, is atall binding on her."

  "On her!" replied Crawford; "nay, if there be a woman in the secret, theLord have mercy, for we are all on the rocks again!"

  "Do not suppose so, my lord," replied Durward, "but use your interestwith the Count of Crevecoeur to permit me an interview with the CountessIsabelle of Croye, who is the party possessed of my secret, and I doubtnot that I can persuade her to be as silent as I shall unquestionablymyself remain, concerning whatever may incense the Duke against KingLouis."

  The old soldier mused for a long time--looked up to the ceiling, thendown again upon the floor--then shook his head--and at length said,"There is something in all this, which, by my honour, I do notunderstand. The Countess Isabelle of Croye!--an interview with a ladyof her birth, blood, and possessions!--and thou a raw Scottish lad,so certain of carrying thy point with her? Thou art either strangelyconfident, my young friend, or else you have used your time well uponthe journey. But, by the cross of Saint Andrew, I will move Crevecoeurin thy behalf; and, as he truly fears that Duke Charles may be provokedagainst the King to the extremity of falling foul, I think it likely hemay grant thy request, though, by my honour, it is a comical one!"

  So saying, and shrugging up his shoulders, the old Lord left theapartment, followed by Ludovic Lesly, who, forming his looks on those ofhis principal, endeavoured, though knowing nothing of the cause of hiswonder, to look as mysterious and important as Crawford himself.

  In a few minutes Crawford returned, but without his attendant, LeBalafre. The old man seemed in singular humour, laughing and chucklingto himself in a manner which strangely distorted his stern and rigidfeatures, and at the same time shaking his head, as at something whichhe could not help condemning, while he found it irresistibly ludicrous."My certes, countryman," said he, "but you are not blate--you will neverlose fair lady for faint heart! Crevecoeur swallowed your proposal ashe would have done a cup of vinegar, and swore to me roundly, by all thesaints in Burgundy, that were less than the honour of princes and thepeace of kingdoms at stake, you should never see even so much as theprint of the Countess Isabelle's foot on the clay. Were it not that hehad a dame, and a fair one, I would have thought that he meant to breaka lance for the prize himself. Perhaps he thinks of his nephew, theCounty Stephen. A Countess!--would no less serve you to be mintingat?--But come along--your interview with her must be brief.--But I fancyyou know how to make the most of little time--ho! ho! ho!--By my faith,I can hardly chide thee for the presumption, I have such a good will tolaugh at it!"

  With a brow like scarlet, at once offended and disconcerted by the bluntinferences of the old soldier, and vexed at beholding in what an absurdlight his passion was viewed by every person of experience, Durwardfollowed Lord Crawford in silence to the Ursuline convent, in which theCountess was lodged, and in the parlour of which he found the Count deCrevecoeur.

  "So, young gallant," said the latter sternly, "you must see the faircompanion of your romantic expedition once more, it seems."

  "Yes, my Lord Count," answered Quentin firmly, "and what is more, I mustsee her alone."

  "That shall never be," said the Count de Crevecoeur.--"Lord Crawford,I make you judge. This young lady, the daughter of my old friend andcompanion in arms, the richest heiress in Burgundy, has confessed a sortof a--what was I going to say?--in short, she is a fool, and your manat arms here a presumptuous coxcomb.--In a word, they shall not meetalone."

  "Then will I not speak a single word to the Countess in your presence,"said Quentin, much delighted. "You have told me much that I did notdare, presumptuous as I may be, even to hope."

  "Ay, truly said, my friend," said Crawford. "You have been imprudentin your communications; and, since you refer to me, and there is a goodstout grating across the parlour, I would advise you to trust to it, andlet them do the worst with their tongues. What, man! the life of a King,and many thousands besides, is not to be weighed with the chance of twoyoung things whilly whawing in ilk other's ears for a minute."

  So saying, he dragged off Crevecoeur, who followed very reluctantly, andcast many angry glances at the young Archer as he left the room.

  In a moment after, the Countess Isabelle entered on the other side ofthe grate, and no sooner saw Quentin alone in the parlour, than shestopped short, and cast her eyes on the ground for the space of half aminute. "Yet why should I be ungrateful," she said, "because others areunjustly suspicious?--My friend--my preserver, I may almost say, so muchhave I been beset by treachery, my only faithful and constant friend!"

  As she spoke thus, she extended her hand to him through the grate,nay, suffered him to retain it until he had covered it with kisses,not unmingled with tears. She only said, "Durward, were we ever to meetagain, I would not permit this folly."

  If it be considered that Quentin had guided her through so manyperils--that he had been, in truth, her only faithful and zealousprotector, perhaps my fair readers, even if countesses and heiressesshould be of the number, will pardon the derogation.

  But the Countess extricated her hand at length, and stepping a pace backfrom the grate, asked Durward, in a very embarrassed tone, what boon hehad to ask of her?--"For that you have a request to make, I have learnedfrom the old Scottish Lord, who came here but now with my cousin ofCrevecoeur. Let it be but reasonable," she said, "but such as poorIsabelle can grant with duty and honour uninfringed, and you cannottax my slender powers too highly. But, oh! do not speak hastily--do notsay," she added, looking around with timidity, "aught that might, ifoverheard, do prejudice to us both!"

  "Fear not, noble lady," said Quentin sorrowfully; "it is not here that Ican forget the distance which fate has placed between us, or expose youto the censures of your proud kindred, as the object of the most devotedlove to one, poorer and less powerful--not perhaps less noble--thanthemselves. Let that pass like a dream of the night to all but onebosom, where, dream as it is, it will fill up the room of all existingrealities."

  "Hush! hush!" said Isabelle "for your own sake--for mine--be silent onsuch a theme. Tell me rather what it is you have to ask of me."

  "Forgiveness to one," replied Quentin, "who, for his own selfish views,hath conducted himself as your enemy."

  "I trust I forgive all my enemies," answered Isabelle; "but oh, Durward!through what scenes have your courage and presence of mind protectedme!--Yonder bloody hall--the good Bishop--I knew not till yesterday halfthe horrors I had unconsciously witnessed!"

  "Do not think on them," said Quentin, who saw the transient colour whichhad come to her cheek during their conference fast fading into the mostdeadly paleness.--"Do not look back, but look steadily forward, asthey needs must who walk in a perilous road. Hearken to me. KingLouis deserves nothing better at your hand, of all others; than to beproclaimed the wily and insidious politician which he really is. But totax him as the encourager of your flight--still more as the author ofa plan to throw you into the hands of De la Marck--will at this momentproduce perhaps the King's death or dethronement; and, at all events,the most bloody war between France and Burgundy which the two countrieshave ever been engaged in."

  "These evils shall not arrive for my sake, if they can be prevented,"said the Countess Isabelle; "and indeed your slightest request wereen
ough to make me forego my revenge, were that at any time a passionwhich I deeply cherish. Is it possible I would rather remember KingLouis's injuries than your invaluable services?--Yet how is this tobe?--When I am called before my Sovereign, the Duke of Burgundy, I musteither stand silent or speak the truth. The former would be contumacy;and to a false tale you will not desire me to train my tongue."

  "Surely not," said Durward; "but let your evidence concerning Louis beconfined to what you yourself positively know to be truth; and when youmention what others have reported, no matter how credibly, let it be asreports only, and beware of pledging your own personal evidence to that,which, though you may fully believe, you cannot personally know to betrue. The assembled Council of Burgundy cannot refuse to a monarch thejustice which in my country is rendered to the meanest person underaccusation. They must esteem him innocent, until direct and sufficientproof shall demonstrate his guilt. Now, what does not consist with yourown certain knowledge, should be proved by other evidence than yourreport from hearsay."

  "I think I understand you," said the Countess Isabelle.

  "I will make my meaning plainer," said Quentin; and was illustrating itaccordingly by more than one instance when the convent bell tolled.

  "That," said the Countess, "is a signal that we must part--part forever!--But do not forget me, Durward; I will never forget you--yourfaithful services--"

  She could not speak more, but again extended her hand, which was againpressed to his lips; and I know not how it was, that, in endeavouringto withdraw her hand, the Countess came so close to the grating thatQuentin was encouraged to press the adieu on her lips. The younglady did not chide him--perhaps there was no time; for Crevecoeur andCrawford, who had been from some loophole eye witnesses if not earwitnesses, also, of what was passing, rushed into the apartment, thefirst in a towering passion, the latter laughing, and holding the Countback.

  "To your chamber, young mistress--to your chamber!" exclaimed the Countto Isabelle, who, flinging down her veil, retired in all haste--"whichshould be exchanged for a cell, and bread and water.--And you, gentlesir, who are so malapert, the time will come when the interests of kingsand kingdoms may not be connected with such as you are; and you shallthen learn the penalty of your audacity in raising your beggarly eyes--"

  "Hush! hush!--enough said--rein up--rein up," said the old Lord"and you, Quentin, I command you to be silent, and begone to yourquarters.--There is no such room for so much scorn, neither, Sir Countof Crevecoeur, that I must say now he is out of hearing.--QuentinDurward is as much a gentleman as the King, only, as the Spaniard says,not so rich. He is as noble as myself, and I am chief of my name. Tush,tush! man, you must not speak to us of penalties."

  "My lord, my lord," said Crevecoeur impatiently, "the insolence of theseforeign mercenaries is proverbial, and should receive rather rebuke thanencouragement from you, who are their leader."

  "My Lord Count," answered Crawford, "I have ordered my command for thesefifty years without advice either from Frenchman or Burgundian; and Iintend to do so, under your favour, so long as I shall continue to holdit."

  "Well, well, my lord," said Crevecoeur, "I meant you no disrespect; yournobleness, as well as your age, entitle you to be privileged in yourimpatience; and for these young people. I am satisfied to overlook thepast, since I will take care that they never meet again."

  "Do not take that upon your salvation, Crevecoeur," said the old Lord,laughing; "mountains, it is said, may meet, and why not mortal creaturesthat have legs, and life and love to put those legs in motion? Yon kiss,Crevecoeur, came tenderly off--methinks it was ominous."

  "You are striving again to disturb my patience," said Crevecoeur, "but Iwill not give you that advantage over me.---Hark! they toll the summonsto the Castle--an awful meeting, of which God only can foretell theissue."

  "This issue I can foretell," said the old Scottish lord, "that ifviolence is to be offered to the person of the King, few as his friendsare, and surrounded by his shall neither fall alone nor unavenged;and grieved I am that his own positive orders have prevented my takingmeasures to prepare for such an issue."

  "My Lord of Crawford," said the Burgundian, "to anticipate such evilis the sure way to give occasion to it. Obey the orders of your royalmaster, and give no pretext for violence by taking hasty offence, andyou will find that the day will pass over more smoothly than you nowconjecture."