"Hm. I gather our visitor missed his timing. If he had waited a mere two years, he might have joined the forces of law along the Rue Transnonain, and killed old men in their beds with good company, instead of before our unappreciative audience." His smile vanishes in a curse, and he throws his wine glass into the fireplace.

It shatters; Bahorel watches as the fire briefly flickers another color, and for a while longer. It is really very helpful.

When he speaks again, it's with a touch of real warmth. "Bossuet will be cross with me. He was very insistent that I tell the rest of you about this gently." Ridiculous, to try and be gentle about such things; but Bossuet would think to try, and that thought makes him grin in amusement and fondness.