human
Ah, good Castleman, said De Rose,
gpt
Your words imply bad news, monsieur, returned Castleman.
human
I have already heard hints of trouble, though all was quiet when I left Peronne.
gpt
When did you leave?
human
More than two months ago,
gpt
With our rapidly moving duke, two months is ample time to make a deal of trouble, to gain victories, and to compel peace among his quarrelsome neighbors, answered De Rose.
human
It is publicly known that I carry defiance to the Swiss. They cannot comply with Burgundy's terms, and war will surely follow. Our duke will teach these Swiss sheep to stop bleating, and when this war is finished, the dominion of Burgundy will include the Alps. Duke Charles will have fresh ice for his dinner every day--ice from the mountain tops.
gpt
That is all he will get from the barren Swiss land, I fear,
human
But if he wants it?
gpt
Yes, returned Castleman,
human
There are many persons in Burgundy foolish enough to agree with you, answered De Rose, laughingly,
gpt
Amen!
human
There is but one will in Burgundy, and that will be done.
gpt
Where is the duke?
human
He is at home in Ghent,
gpt
Is he to remain there?
human
I believe he goes soon to Peronne to look after his affairs, on the French border, and to see the duchess and the princess before leaving for Switzerland. It is also publicly known that the duke, while at Peronne, intends to arrange for the immediate marriage of the princess to the Dauphin. He wishes to tie the hands of King Louis before making war elsewhere, and he is going to Peronne to cause this marriage to be celebrated before he leaves Burgundy.
gpt
Sacred God! exclaimed the usually phlegmatic burgher.
human
We must hasten home. Farewell, Monsieur de Rose. Your news indeed is bad--your news of war.
gpt
Last Week
human
Your father will soon be in Peronne. The duke leaves Ghent within a day or two.
gpt
Holy Virgin! cried Yolanda, excitedly.
human
We must make all haste, good uncle. Hereafter we must travel night and day. We must double our retinue at Strasburg and hasten forward regardless of danger and fatigue. I wish we were across Lorraine and well out of Metz. If this war begins, Lorraine will surely turn upon Burgundy.
gpt
I begged you not to come upon this journey,
human
I know you did, uncle,
gpt
But you would come, continued Castleman, determined to give vent to his feelings.
human
I could not dissuade you, and now if the duke leaves Ghent--if your father reaches Peronne--before we return, God help us all.
gpt
Yes, dear uncle, said Yolanda, humbly;