The hunchback's answer to her words was a comic bow, which made
Gonzague's friends laugh. Gabrielle looked at the laughing gentlemen, and
there was something so brave, so stately in her gaze that the laughter
died away.
"Gentlemen," she said, "you bear honorable names, you wear honorable
swords. Gentlemen, the daughter of Nevers appeals to you to protect her
from insult."
Even Gonzague's band, hardened by the influence of long association with
their master, could not hear that appeal unmoved, though no man among
them made any motion of responding to it.
Chavernay, however, rested his hand lightly upon his sword-hilt. "Rely on
me," he said, boldly.
Gonzague looked at him contemptuously. "No heroics, sir. The lady is free
to choose between the husband I offer and the law that chastises
impostors." He turned to the hunchback, who stood near him. "I fear your
love affair goes ill, Æsop."
The hunchback did not seem at all disheartened. "It will go better when I
take it in hand myself. Let me speak to the lady alone."