My name is Francis Crawford, and my brother and I studied at St Barbe.' 'I know that,' said Moses. He took the ring, and stood, the broad grin stamped on his features. 'It is true what you did to all the Professors' boots?' Lymond stared at him. 'Oh,' he said. 'Yes. I'm afraid it is.' 'Is it true about the mathematical proposition you placed before Orontius Finnaeus that spelt …' 'I don't know how you heard about it,' said M. de Sevigny. 'Perhaps you had better not tell me what else you know about my misspent youth.' Moses said, 'When the ladies of the rue Glatigny were invited …?' 'That,' said M. de Sevigny, 'is what I meant.
In this excerpt from Dorothy Dunnett's Checkmate, Francis Crawford introduces himself and mentions his brother, highlighting their shared history at St. Barbe. Moses responds with familiarity, recognizing Francis and joking about his mischievous reputation, such as causing trouble with professors’ boots. The characters exchange hints about past deeds and shared secrets, creating a tone of camaraderie and intrigue.
Quotes in the dialogue reveal hints of scandal and hidden knowledge. M. de Sevigny acknowledges potentially knowing about Francis's past misdeeds and warns him not to reveal too much, suggesting a complex history filled with mischief and secret dealings. Their conversation hints at deeper stories involving academic and social misdemeanors behind their public personas.
