he explained: “It was Sluys’s box. Therefore, he was the host. Therefore, it was his responsibility to make a formal introduction of Étienne d’Arcachon to you, mademoiselle. But he was too Dutch, drunk, and distracted to perform his proper rôle. I never cleared my throat so many times—but to no avail. Monsieur d’Arcachon was placed in an impossible situation!” “So he tried to take his own life?” “It was the only honourable course,” d’Avaux said simply. “He is the politest man in France,” Monmouth added. “You saved the day,” d’Avaux said. “Oh, that—’twas Mr. Sluys’s suggestion.” D’Avaux looked
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