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diff --git a/old/ironm11h.htm b/old/ironm11h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 68a5d2d..0000000 --- a/old/ironm11h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,29237 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> -<html> -<head> -<title>New File</title> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= -"text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> -<style type="text/css"> -<!-- -body {margin:10%; text-align:justify} -blockquote {font-size:14pt} -P {font-size:14pt} ---> -</style> -</head> -<body> -<div class="Section1"> -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>Project -Gutenberg Etext The Man in the Iron Mask, by Dumas, Pere</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>#28 in our -series by Alexandre Dumas, Pere</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>Copyright -laws are changing all over the world, be sure to check</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>the laws -for your country before redistributing these files!!!</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>Please take -a look at the important information in this header.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>We -encourage you to keep this file on your own disk, keeping an</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>electronic -path open for the next readers.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>Please do -not remove this.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>This should -be the first thing seen when anyone opens the book.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>Do not -change or edit it without written permission. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.07.00*END*</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">As you may be aware, Project Gutenberg has -been involved with</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">the writings of both the Alexandre Dumases -for some time now,</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">and since we get a few questions about the -order in which the</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">books should be read, and in which they were -published, these</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">following comments should hopefully help -most of our readers.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">***</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>The Vicomte de Bragelonne</u> is the -final volume of D'Artagnan Romances:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">it is usually split into three or four -parts, and the final portion</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">is entitled <u>The Man in the Iron -Mask</u>. <u>The Man in the Iron Mask</u> we're</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">familiar with today is the last volume of -the four-volume edition.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">[Not all the editions split them in the same -manner, hence some of</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">the confusion. . .but wait. . .there's yet -more reason for confusion.]</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">We intend to do ALL of <u>The Vicomte de -Bragelonne</u>, split into four etexts</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">entitled <u>The Vicomte de Bragelonne</u>, -<u>Ten Years Later</u>, <u>Louise de la Vallière</u>,</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">and <u>The Man in the Iron Mask.</u></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">One thing that may be causing confusion is -that the etext we have now,</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">entitled <u>Ten Years Later</u>, says it's -the sequel to <u>The Three Musketeers</u>.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">While this is technically true, there's -another book, <u>Twenty Years After</u>,</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">that comes between. The confusion is -generated by the two facts that we</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">published <u>Ten Years Later</u> BEFORE we -published <u>Twenty Years After</u>, and</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">that many people see those titles as meaning -Ten and Twenty Years "After"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">the original story. . .however, this is why -the different words "After" and</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">"Later". . .the Ten Years "After" is ten -years after the Twenty Years later. . .as</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">per history. Also, the third book of the -D'Artagnan Romances, while entitled</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>The Vicomte de Bragelonne</u>, has the -subtitle <u>Ten Years Later</u>. These two</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">titles are also given to different volumes: -<u>The Vicomte de Bragelonne</u> can</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">refer to the whole book, or the first volume -of the three or four-volume</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">editions. <u>Ten Years Later</u> can, -similarly, refer to the whole book, or the</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">second volume of the four-volume edition. -To add to the confusion, in</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">the case of our etexts, it refers to the -first 104 chapters of the whole book,</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">covering material in the first and second -etexts in the new series. Here is a</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">guide to the series which may prove -helpful:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>The Three Musketeers</u>: Etext 1257 - -First book of the D'Artagnan Romances.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Covers the years 1625-1628.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Twenty Years After</u>: Etext 1259 - -Second book of the D'Artagnan Romances.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Covers the years 1648-1649.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">[Third in the order that we published, but -second in time sequence!!!]</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Ten Years Later</u>: Etext 1258 - First -104 chapters of the third book of the</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">D'Artagnan Romances.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Covers the years 1660-1661.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>The Vicomte de Bragelonne</u>: Etext 2609 -(first in the new series) - First 75 chapters</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">of the third book of the D'Artagnan -Romances.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Covers the year 1660.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Ten Years Later</u>: Etext 2681 (second -in the new series) - Chapters 76-140 of that</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">third book of the D'Artagnan Romances.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Covers the years 1660-1661.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">[In this particular editing of it]</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Louise de la Vallière</u>: Etext -2710 (third in the new series) - Chapters 141-208 of the</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">third book of the D'Artagnan Romances.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Covers the year 1661.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>The Man in the Iron Mask</u>: Etext 2759 -(our new text) - Chapters 209-269 of</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">the third book of the D'Artagnan -Romances.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Covers the years 1661-1673.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Here is a list of the other Dumas Etexts we -have published so far:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Sep 1999 La Tulipe Noire, by Alexandre -Dumas[Pere#6/French][tlpnrxxx.xxx]1910</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">This is an abridged edition in French, also -see our full length English Etext</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Jul 1997 The Black Tulip, by Alexandre -Dumas[Pere][Dumas#1][tbtlpxxx.xxx] 965</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Jan 1998 The Count of Monte Cristo by -Alexandre Dumas[Pere][crstoxxx.xxx]1184</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">Many thanks to Dr. David Coward, whose -editions of the D'Artagnan Romances have proved an invaluable -source of information.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Introduction:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>In the months of -March-July in 1844, in the magazine <i>Le Siècle</i>, the -first portion of a story appeared, penned by the celebrated -playwright Alexandre Dumas. It was based, he claimed, on some -manuscripts he had found a year earlier in the Bibliotheque -Nationale while researching a history he planned to write on -Louis XIV. They chronicled the adventures of a young man named -D'Artagnan who, upon entering Paris, became almost immediately -embroiled in court intrigues, international politics, and -ill-fated affairs between royal lovers. Over the next six years, -readers would enjoy the adventures of this youth and his three -famous friends, Porthos, Athos, and Aramis, as their exploits -unraveled behind the scenes of some of the most momentous events -in French and even English history.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Eventually these serialized -adventures were published in novel form, and became the three -D'Artagnan Romances known today. Here is a brief summary of the -first two novels:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>The Three Musketeers</u> (serialized -March - July, 1844): The year is 1625. The young D'Artagnan -arrives in Paris at the tender age of 18, and almost immediately -offends three musketeers, Porthos, Aramis, and Athos. Instead of -dueling, the four are attacked by five of the Cardinal's guards, -and the courage of the youth is made apparent during the battle. -The four become fast friends, and, when asked by D'Artagnan's -landlord to find his missing wife, embark upon an adventure that -takes them across both France and England in order to thwart the -plans of the Cardinal Richelieu. Along the way, they encounter a -beautiful young spy, named simply Milady, who will stop at -nothing to disgrace Queen Anne of Austria before her husband, -Louis XIII, and take her revenge upon the four friends.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Twenty Years After</u> (serialized -January - August, 1845): The year is now 1648, twenty years since -the close of the last story. Louis XIII has died, as has -Cardinal Richelieu, and while the crown of France may sit upon -the head of Anne of Austria as Regent for the young Louis XIV, -the real power resides with the Cardinal Mazarin, her secret -husband. D'Artagnan is now a lieutenant of musketeers, and his -three friends have retired to private life. Athos turned out to -be a nobleman, the Comte de la Fère, and has retired to -his home with his son, Raoul de Bragelonne. Aramis, whose real -name is D'Herblay, has followed his intention of shedding the -musketeer's cassock for the priest's robes, and Porthos has -married a wealthy woman, who left him her fortune upon her -death. But trouble is stirring in both France and England. -Cromwell menaces the institution of royalty itself while marching -against Charles I, and at home the Fronde is threatening to tear -France apart. D'Artagnan brings his friends out of retirement to -save the threatened English monarch, but Mordaunt, the son of -Milady, who seeks to avenge his mother's death at the musketeers' -hands, thwarts their valiant efforts. Undaunted, our heroes -return to France just in time to help save the young Louis XIV, -quiet the Fronde, and tweak the nose of Cardinal Mazarin.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The third novel, <u>The -Vicomte de Bragelonne</u> (serialized October, 1847 - January, -1850), has enjoyed a strange history in its English translation. -It has been split into three, four, or five volumes at various -points in its history. The five-volume edition generally does -not give titles to the smaller portions, but the others do. In -the three-volume edition, the novels are entitled <u>The Vicomte -de Bragelonne</u>, <u>Louise de la Vallière</u>, and -<u>The Man in the Iron Mask</u>. For the purposes of this etext, -I have chosen to split the novel as the four-volume edition does, -with these titles: <u>The Vicomte de Bragelonne</u>, <u>Ten Years -Later</u>, <u>Louise de la Vallière</u>, and <u>The Man in -the Iron Mask</u>. In the first two etexts:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>The Vicomte de Bragelonne</u> (Etext -2609): It is the year 1660, and D'Artagnan, after thirty-five -years of loyal service, has become disgusted with serving King -Louis XIV while the real power resides with the Cardinal Mazarin, -and has tendered his resignation. He embarks on his own project, -that of restoring Charles II to the throne of England, and, with -the help of Athos, succeeds, earning himself quite a fortune in -the process. D'Artagnan returns to Paris to live the life of a -rich citizen, and Athos, after negotiating the marriage of -Philip, the king's brother, to Princess Henrietta of England, -likewise retires to his own estate, La Fère. Meanwhile, -Mazarin has finally died, and left Louis to assume the reigns of -power, with the assistance of M. Colbert, formerly Mazarin's -trusted clerk. Colbert has an intense hatred for M. Fouquet, the -king's superintendent of finances, and has resolved to use any -means necessary to bring about his fall. With the new rank of -intendant bestowed on him by Louis, Colbert succeeds in having -two of Fouquet's loyal friends tried and executed. He then -brings to the king's attention that Fouquet is fortifying the -island of Belle-Île-en-Mer, and could possibly be planning -to use it as a base for some military operation against the -king. Louis calls D'Artagnan out of retirement and sends him to -investigate the island, promising him a tremendous salary and his -long-promised promotion to captain of the musketeers upon his -return. At Belle-Isle, D'Artagnan discovers that the engineer of -the fortifications is, in fact, Porthos, now the Baron du Vallon, -and that's not all. The blueprints for the island, although in -Porthos's handwriting, show evidence of another script that has -been erased, that of Aramis. D'Artagnan later discovers that -Aramis has become the bishop of Vannes, which is, coincidentally, -a parish belonging to M. Fouquet. Suspecting that D'Artagnan has -arrived on the king's behalf to investigate, Aramis tricks -D'Artagnan into wandering around Vannes in search of Porthos, and -sends Porthos on an heroic ride back to Paris to warn Fouquet of -the danger. Fouquet rushes to the king, and gives him Belle-Isle -as a present, thus allaying any suspicion, and at the same time -humiliating Colbert, just minutes before the usher announces -someone else seeking an audience with the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Ten Years Later</u> (Etext 2681): As 1661 -approaches, Princess Henrietta of England arrives for her -marriage, and throws the court of France into complete disorder. -The jealousy of the Duke of Buckingham, who is in love with her, -nearly occasions a war on the streets of Le Havre, thankfully -prevented by Raoul's timely and tactful intervention. After the -marriage, though, Monsieur Philip becomes horribly jealous of -Buckingham, and has him exiled. Before leaving, however, the -duke fights a duel with M. de Wardes at Calais. De Wardes is a -malicious and spiteful man, the sworn enemy of D'Artagnan, and, -by the same token, that of Athos, Aramis, Porthos, and Raoul as -well. Both men are seriously wounded, and the duke is taken back -to England to recover. Raoul's friend, the comte de Guiche, is -the next to succumb to Henrietta's charms, and Monsieur obtains -his exile as well, though De Guiche soon effects a -reconciliation. But then the king's eye falls on Madame -Henrietta during the comte's absence, and this time Monsieur's -jealousy has no recourse. Anne of Austria intervenes, and the -king and his sister-in-law decide to pick a young lady with whom -the king can pretend to be in love, the better to mask their own -affair. They unfortunately select Louise de la Vallière, -Raoul's fiancée. While the court is in residence at -Fontainebleau, the king unwitting overhears Louise confessing her -love for him while chatting with her friends beneath the royal -oak, and the king promptly forgets his affection for Madame. -That same night, Henrietta overhears, at the same oak, De Guiche -confessing his love for her to Raoul. The two embark on their -own affair. A few days later, during a rainstorm, Louis and -Louise are trapped alone together, and the whole court begins to -talk of the scandal while their love affair blossoms. Aware of -Louise's attachment, the king arranges for Raoul to be sent to -England for an indefinite period.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Meanwhile, the struggle for -power continues between Fouquet and Colbert. Although the -Belle-Isle plot backfired, Colbert prompts the king to ask -Fouquet for more and more money, and without his two friends to -raise it for him, Fouquet is sorely pressed. The situation gets -so bad that his new mistress, Madame de Bellière, must -resort to selling all her jewels and her gold and silver plate. -Aramis, while this is going on, has grown friendly with the -governor of the Bastile, M. de Baisemeaux, a fact that Baisemeaux -unwittingly reveals to D'Artagnan while inquiring of him as to -Aramis's whereabouts. This further arouses the suspicions of the -musketeer, who was made to look ridiculous by Aramis. He had -ridden overnight at an insane pace, but arrived a few minutes -after Fouquet had already presented Belle-Isle to the king. -Aramis learns from the governor the location of a mysterious -prisoner, who bears a remarkable resemblance to Louis XIV - in -fact, the two are identical. He uses the existence of this -secret to persuade a dying Franciscan monk, the general of the -society of the Jesuits, to name him, Aramis, the new general of -the order. On Aramis's advice, hoping to use Louise's influence -with the king to counteract Colbert's influence, Fouquet also -writes a love letter to La Vallière, unfortunately -undated. It never reaches its destination, however, as the -servant ordered to deliver it turns out to be an agent of -Colbert's.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><u>Louise de la Vallière (Etext -2710)</u>: Believing D'Artagnan occupied at Fontainebleau and -Porthos safely tucked away at Paris, Aramis holds a funeral for -the dead Franciscan - but in fact, Aramis is wrong in both -suppositions. D'Artagnan has left Fontainebleau, bored to tears -by the <i>fêtes</i>, retrieved Porthos, and is visiting the -country-house of Planchet, his old lackey. This house happens to -be right next door to the graveyard, and upon observing Aramis at -this funeral, and his subsequent meeting with a mysterious hooded -lady, D'Artagnan, suspicions aroused, resolves to make a little -trouble for the bishop. He presents Porthos to the king at the -same time as Fouquet presents Aramis, thereby surprising the wily -prelate. Aramis's professions of affection and innocence do only -a little to allay D'Artagnan's concerns, and he continues to -regard Aramis's actions with a curious and wary eye. Meanwhile, -much to his delight, Porthos is invited to dine with the king as -a result of his presentation, and with D'Artagnan's guidance, -manages to behave in such a manner as to procure the king's -marked favor.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The mysterious woman turns -out to be the Duchesse de Chevreuse, a notorious schemer and -former friend of Anne of Austria. She comes bearing more bad -news for Fouquet, who is already in trouble, as the king has -invited himself to a <i>fête</i> at Vaux, Fouquet's -magnificent mansion, that will surely bankrupt the poor -superintendent. The Duchesse has letters from Mazarin that prove -that Fouquet has received thirteen million francs from the royal -coffers, and she wishes to sell these letters to Aramis. Aramis -refuses, and the letters are instead sold to Colbert. Fouquet, -meanwhile, discovers that the receipt that proves his innocence -in the affair has been stolen from him. Even worse, Fouquet, -desperate for money, is forced to sell the parliamentary position -that renders him untouchable by any court proceedings. As part -of her deal with Colbert, though, Chevreuse also obtains a secret -audience with the queen-mother, where the two discuss a shocking -secret - Louis XIV has a twin brother, long believed, however, to -be dead.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Meanwhile, in other -quarters, De Wardes, Raoul's inveterate enemy, has returned from -Calais, barely recovered from his wounds, and no sooner does he -return than he begins again to insult people, particularly La -Vallière, and this time the comte de Guiche is the one to -challenge him. The duel leaves De Guiche horribly wounded, but -enables Madame to use her influence to destroy De Wardes's -standing at court. The <i>fêtes</i>, however, come to an -end, and the court returns to Paris. The king has been more than -obvious about his affections for Louise, and Madame, the -queen-mother, and the queen join forces to destroy her. She is -dishonorably discharged from court, and in despair, she flees to -the convent at Chaillot. Along the way, though, she runs into -D'Artagnan, who manages to get word back to the king of what has -taken place. By literally begging Madame in tears, Louis manages -to secure Louise's return to court - but Madame still places -every obstacle possible before the lovers. They have to resort -to building a secret staircase and meeting in the apartments of -M. de Saint-Aignan, where Louis has a painter create a portrait -of Louise. But Madame recalls Raoul from London and shows him -these proofs of Louise's infidelity. Raoul, crushed, challenges -Saint-Aignan to a duel, which the king prevents, and Athos, -furious, breaks his sword before the king. The king has -D'Artagnan arrest Athos, and at the Bastile they encounter -Aramis, who is paying Baisemeaux another visit. Raoul learns of -Athos's arrest, and with Porthos in tow, they effect a daring -rescue, surprising the carriage containing D'Artagnan and Athos -as they leave the Bastile. Although quite impressive, the -intrepid raid is in vain, as D'Artagnan has already secured -Athos's pardon from the king. Instead, everybody switches modes -of transport; D'Artagnan and Porthos take the horses back to -Paris, and Athos and Raoul take the carriage back to La -Fère, where they intend to reside permanently, as the king -is now their sworn enemy, Raoul cannot bear to see Louise, and -they have no more dealings in Paris.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis, left alone with -Baisemeaux, inquires the governor of the prison about his -loyalties, in particular to the Jesuits. The bishop reveals that -he is a confessor of the society, and invokes their regulations -in order to obtain access to this mysterious prisoner who bears -such a striking resemblance to Louis XIV...</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">And so Baisemeaux is conducting Aramis to -the prisoner as the final section of <u>The Vicomte de -Bragelonne</u> and this final story of the D'Artagnan Romances -opens. I have written a "Cast of Historical Characters," Etext -2760, that will enable curious readers to compare personages in -the novel with their historical counterparts. Also of interest -may be an essay Dumas wrote on the possible identity of the real -Man in the Iron Mask, which is Project Gutenberg Etext 2751. -Enjoy!</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'>John -Bursey</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'> -Mordaunt@aol.com</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'> -August, 2000</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<b><i><u><span style='font-size:20.0pt;'>The Man in the Iron -Mask</span></u></i></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;'>by Alexandre -Dumas</span></i></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<i><span style='font-size:14.0pt;'> </span></i></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter I:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Prisoner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>S</span>ince Aramis's -singular transformation into a confessor of the order, Baisemeaux -was no longer the same man. Up to that period, the place which -Aramis had held in the worthy governor's estimation was that of a -prelate whom he respected and a friend to whom he owed a debt of -gratitude; but now he felt himself an inferior, and that Aramis -was his master. He himself lighted a lantern, summoned a -turnkey, and said, returning to Aramis, "I am at your orders, -monseigneur." Aramis merely nodded his head, as much as to say, -"Very good"; and signed to him with his hand to lead the way. -Baisemeaux advanced, and Aramis followed him. It was a calm and -lovely starlit night; the steps of three men resounded on the -flags of the terraces, and the clinking of the keys hanging from -the jailer's girdle made itself heard up to the stories of the -towers, as if to remind the prisoners that the liberty of earth -was a luxury beyond their reach. It might have been said that -the alteration effected in Baisemeaux extended even to the -prisoners. The turnkey, the same who, on Aramis's first arrival -had shown himself so inquisitive and curious, was now not only -silent, but impassible. He held his head down, and seemed afraid -to keep his ears open. In this wise they reached the basement of -the Bertaudière, the two first stories of which were -mounted silently and somewhat slowly; for Baisemeaux, though far -from disobeying, was far from exhibiting any eagerness to obey. -On arriving at the door, Baisemeaux showed a disposition to enter -the prisoner's chamber; but Aramis, stopping him on the -threshold, said, "The rules do not allow the governor to hear the -prisoner's confession."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux bowed, and made -way for Aramis, who took the lantern and entered; and then signed -to them to close the door behind him. For an instant he remained -standing, listening whether Baisemeaux and the turnkey had -retired; but as soon as he was assured by the sound of their -descending footsteps that they had left the tower, he put the -lantern on the table and gazed around. On a bed of green serge, -similar in all respect to the other beds in the Bastile, save -that it was newer, and under curtains half-drawn, reposed a young -man, to whom we have already once before introduced Aramis. -According to custom, the prisoner was without a light. At the -hour of curfew, he was bound to extinguish his lamp, and we -perceive how much he was favored, in being allowed to keep it -burning even till then. Near the bed a large leathern armchair, -with twisted legs, sustained his clothes. A little table - -without pens, books, paper, or ink - stood neglected in sadness -near the window; while several plates, still unemptied, showed -that the prisoner had scarcely touched his evening meal. Aramis -saw that the young man was stretched upon his bed, his face half -concealed by his arms. The arrival of a visitor did not caused -any change of position; either he was waiting in expectation, or -was asleep. Aramis lighted the candle from the lantern, pushed -back the armchair, and approached the bed with an evident mixture -of interest and respect. The young man raised his head. "What -is it?" said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You desired a confessor?" -replied Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."<br> - "Because you were ill?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."<br> - "Very ill?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The young man gave Aramis a -piercing glance, and answered, "I thank you." After a moment's -silence, "I have seen you before," he continued. Aramis -bowed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Doubtless the scrutiny the -prisoner had just made of the cold, crafty, and imperious -character stamped upon the features of the bishop of Vannes was -little reassuring to one in his situation, for he added, "I am -better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And so?" said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, then - being better, I -have no longer the same need of a confessor, I think."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not even of the hair-cloth, -which the note you found in your bread informed you of?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The young man started; but -before he had either assented or denied, Aramis continued, "Not -even of the ecclesiastic from whom you were to hear an important -revelation?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If it be so," said the -young man, sinking again on his pillow, "it is different; I am -listening."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis then looked at him -more closely, and was struck with the easy majesty of his mien, -one which can never be acquired unless Heaven has implanted it in -the blood or heart. "Sit down, monsieur," said the prisoner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis bowed and obeyed. -"How does the Bastile agree with you?" asked the bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You do not suffer?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have nothing to -regret?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not even your liberty?"<br> - "What do you call liberty, monsieur?" asked the -prisoner, with the tone of a man who is preparing for a -struggle.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I call liberty, the -flowers, the air, light, the stars, the happiness of going -whithersoever the sinewy limbs of one-and-twenty chance to wish -to carry you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The young man smiled, -whether in resignation or contempt, it was difficult to tell. -"Look," said he, "I have in that Japanese vase two roses gathered -yesterday evening in the bud from the governor's garden; this -morning they have blown and spread their vermilion chalice -beneath my gaze; with every opening petal they unfold the -treasures of their perfumes, filling my chamber with a fragrance -that embalms it. Look now on these two roses; even among roses -these are beautiful, and the rose is the most beautiful of -flowers. Why, then, do you bid me desire other flowers when I -possess the loveliest of all?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis gazed at the young -man in surprise.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If <i>flowers</i> -constitute liberty," sadly resumed the captive, "I am free, for I -possess them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But the air!" cried Aramis; -"air is so necessary to life!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, monsieur," returned -the prisoner; "draw near to the window; it is open. Between high -heaven and earth the wind whirls on its waftages of hail and -lightning, exhales its torrid mist or breathes in gentle -breezes. It caresses my face. When mounted on the back of this -armchair, with my arm around the bars of the window to sustain -myself, I fancy I am swimming the wide expanse before me." The -countenance of Aramis darkened as the young man continued: "Light -I have! what is better than light? I have the sun, a friend who -comes to visit me every day without the permission of the -governor or the jailer's company. He comes in at the window, and -traces in my room a square the shape of the window, which lights -up the hangings of my bed and floods the very floor. This -luminous square increases from ten o'clock till midday, and -decreases from one till three slowly, as if, having hastened to -my presence, it sorrowed at bidding me farewell. When its last -ray disappears I have enjoyed its presence for five hours. Is -not that sufficient? I have been told that there are unhappy -beings who dig in quarries, and laborers who toil in mines, who -never behold it at all." Aramis wiped the drops from his brow. -"As to the stars which are so delightful to view," continued the -young man, "they all resemble each other save in size and -brilliancy. I am a favored mortal, for if you had not lighted -that candle you would have been able to see the beautiful stars -which I was gazing at from my couch before your arrival, whose -silvery rays were stealing through my brain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis lowered his head; he -felt himself overwhelmed with the bitter flow of that sinister -philosophy which is the religion of the captive.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So much, then, for the -flowers, the air, the daylight, and the stars," tranquilly -continued the young man; "there remains but exercise. Do I not -walk all day in the governor's garden if it is fine - here if it -rains? in the fresh air if it is warm; in perfect warmth, thanks -to my winter stove, if it be cold? Ah! monsieur, do you fancy," -continued the prisoner, not without bitterness, "that men have -not done everything for me that a man can hope for or -desire?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Men!" said Aramis; "be it -so; but it seems to me you are forgetting Heaven."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Indeed I have forgotten -Heaven," murmured the prisoner, with emotion; "but why do you -mention it? Of what use is it to talk to a prisoner of -Heaven?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis looked steadily at -this singular youth, who possessed the resignation of a martyr -with the smile of an atheist. "Is not Heaven in everything?" he -murmured in a reproachful tone.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Say rather, at the end of -everything," answered the prisoner, firmly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Be it so," said Aramis; -"but let us return to our starting-point."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I ask nothing better," -returned the young man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am your confessor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, then, you ought, as a -penitent, to tell me the truth."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My whole desire is to tell -it you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Every prisoner has -committed some crime for which he has been imprisoned. What -crime, then, have <i>you</i> committed?"<br> - "You asked me the same question the first time -you saw me," returned the prisoner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And then, as now you evaded -giving me an answer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And what reason have you -for thinking that I shall now reply to you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because this time I am your -confessor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then if you wish me to tell -what crime I have committed, explain to me in what a crime -consists. For as my conscience does not accuse me, I aver that I -am not a criminal."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We are often criminals in -the sight of the great of the earth, not alone for having -ourselves committed crimes, but because we know that crimes have -been committed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The prisoner manifested the -deepest attention.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I understand you," he -said, after a pause; "yes, you are right, monsieur; it is very -possible that, in such a light, I am a criminal in the eyes of -the great of the earth."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! then you know -something," said Aramis, who thought he had pierced not merely -through a defect in the harness, but through the joints of -it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, I am not aware of -anything," replied the young man; "but sometimes I think - and I -say to myself - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What do you say to -yourself?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That if I were to think but -a little more deeply I should either go mad or I should divine a -great deal."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And then - and then?" said -Aramis, impatiently.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then I leave off."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You leave off?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; my head becomes -confused and my ideas melancholy; I feel <i>ennui</i> overtaking -me; I wish - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I don't know; but I do not -like to give myself up to longing for things which I do not -possess, when I am so happy with what I have."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are afraid of death?" -said Aramis, with a slight uneasiness.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," said the young man, -smiling.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis felt the chill of -that smile, and shuddered. "Oh, as you fear death, you know more -about matters than you say," he cried.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you," returned the -prisoner, "who bade me to ask to see you; you, who, when I did -ask to see you, came here promising a world of confidence; how is -it that, nevertheless, it is you who are silent, leaving it for -me to speak? Since, then, we both wear masks, either let us both -retain them or put them aside together."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis felt the force and -justice of the remark, saying to himself, "This is no ordinary -man; I must be cautious. - Are you ambitious?" said he suddenly -to the prisoner, aloud, without preparing him for the -alteration.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What do you mean by -ambitious?" replied the youth.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ambition," replied Aramis, -"is the feeling which prompts a man to desire more - much more - -than he possesses."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I said that I was -contented, monsieur; but, perhaps, I deceive myself. I am -ignorant of the nature of ambition; but it is not impossible I -may have some. Tell me your mind; that is all I ask."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "An ambitious man," said -Aramis, "is one who covets that which is beyond his station."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I covet nothing beyond my -station," said the young man, with an assurance of manner which -for the second time made the bishop of Vannes tremble.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He was silent. But to look -at the kindling eye, the knitted brow, and the reflective -attitude of the captive, it was evident that he expected -something more than silence, - a silence which Aramis now broke. -"You lied the first time I saw you," said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Lied!" cried the young man, -starting up on his couch, with such a tone in his voice, and such -a lightning in his eyes, that Aramis recoiled, in spite of -himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I <i>should</i> say," -returned Aramis, bowing, "you concealed from me what you knew of -your infancy."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A man's secrets are his -own, monsieur," retorted the prisoner, "and not at the mercy of -the first chance-comer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "True," said Aramis, bowing -still lower than before, "'tis true; pardon me, but to-day do I -still occupy the place of a chance-comer? I beseech you to -reply, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This title slightly -disturbed the prisoner; but nevertheless he did not appear -astonished that it was given him. "I do not know you, monsieur," -said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, but if I dared, I would -take your hand and kiss it!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The young man seemed as if -he were going to give Aramis his hand; but the light which beamed -in his eyes faded away, and he coldly and distrustfully withdrew -his hand again. "Kiss the hand of a prisoner," he said, shaking -his head, "to what purpose?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why did you tell me," said -Aramis, "that you were happy here? Why, that you aspired to -nothing? Why, in a word, by thus speaking, do you prevent me -from being frank in my turn?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The same light shone a third -time in the young man's eyes, but died ineffectually away as -before.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You distrust me," said -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And why say you so, -monsieur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, for a very simple -reason; if you know what you ought to know, you ought to mistrust -everybody."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then do not be astonished -that I am mistrustful, since you suspect me of knowing what I do -not know."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis was struck with -admiration at this energetic resistance. "Oh, monseigneur! you -drive me to despair," said he, striking the armchair with his -fist.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And, on my part, I do not -comprehend you, monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, then, try to -understand me." The prisoner looked fixedly at Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sometimes it seems to me," -said the latter, "that I have before me the man whom I seek, and -then - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And then your man -disappears, - is it not so?" said the prisoner, smiling. "So -much the better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis rose. "Certainly," -said he; "I have nothing further to say to a man who mistrusts me -as you do."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I, monsieur," said the -prisoner, in the same tone, "have nothing to say to a man who -will not understand that a prisoner ought to be mistrustful of -everybody."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Even of his old friends," -said Aramis. "Oh, monseigneur, you are <i>too</i> prudent!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Of my old friends? - you -one of my old friends, - you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you no longer remember," -said Aramis, "that you once saw, in the village where your early -years were spent - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you know the name of the -village?" asked the prisoner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang= -"FR">"Noisy-le-Sec, monseigneur," answered Aramis, -firmly.</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR"> </span> "Go -on," said the young man, with an immovable aspect.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Stay, monseigneur," said -Aramis; "if you are positively resolved to carry on this game, -let us break off. I am here to tell you many things, 'tis true; -but you must allow me to see that, on your side, you have a -desire to know them. Before revealing the important matters I -still withhold, be assured I am in need of some encouragement, if -not candor; a little sympathy, if not confidence. But you keep -yourself intrenched in a pretended which paralyzes me. Oh, not -for the reason you think; for, ignorant as you may be, or -indifferent as you feign to be, you are none the less what you -are, monseigneur, and there is nothing - nothing, mark me! which -can cause you not to be so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I promise you," replied the -prisoner, "to hear you without impatience. Only it appears to me -that I have a right to repeat the question I have already asked, -'Who <i>are</i> you?'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you remember, fifteen or -eighteen years ago, seeing at Noisy-le-Sec a cavalier, -accompanied by a lady in black silk, with flame-colored ribbons -in her hair?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," said the young man; -"I once asked the name of this cavalier, and they told me that he -called himself the Abbé d'Herblay. I was astonished that -the abbé had so warlike an air, and they replied that -there was nothing singular in that, seeing that he was one of -Louis XIII.'s musketeers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," said Aramis, "that -musketeer and abbé, afterwards bishop of Vannes, is your -confessor now."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I know it; I recognized -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then, monseigneur, if you -know that, I must further add a fact of which you are ignorant - -that if the king were to know this evening of the presence of -this musketeer, this abbé, this bishop, this confessor, -<i>here</i> - he, who has risked everything to visit you, -to-morrow would behold the steely glitter of the executioner's -axe in a dungeon more gloomy, more obscure than yours."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> While listening to these -words, delivered with emphasis, the young man had raised himself -on his couch, and was now gazing more and more eagerly at -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The result of his scrutiny -was that he appeared to derive some confidence from it. "Yes," -he murmured, "I remember perfectly. The woman of whom you speak -came once with you, and twice afterwards with another." He -hesitated.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With another, who came to -see you every month - is it not so, monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you know who this lady -was?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The light seemed ready to -flash from the prisoner's eyes. "I am aware that she was one of -the ladies of the court," he said.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You remember that lady -well, do you not?"<br> - "Oh, my recollection can hardly be very confused -on this head, " said the young prisoner. "I saw that lady once -with a gentleman about forty-five years old. I saw her once with -you, and with the lady dressed in black. I have seen her twice -since then with the same person. These four people, with my -master, and old Perronnette, my jailer, and the governor of the -prison, are the only persons with whom I have ever spoken, and, -indeed, almost the only persons I have ever seen."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then you were in -prison?"<br> - "If I am a prisoner here, then I was -comparatively free, although in a very narrow sense - a house I -never quitted, a garden surrounded with walls I could not climb, -these constituted my residence, but you know it, as you have been -there. In a word, being accustomed to live within these bounds, -I never cared to leave them. And so you will understand, -monsieur, that having never seen anything of the world, I have -nothing left to care for; and therefore, if you relate anything, -you will be obliged to explain each item to me as you go -along."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I will do so," said -Aramis, bowing; "for it is my duty, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, then, begin by -telling me who was my tutor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A worthy and, above all, an -honorable gentleman, monseigneur; fit guide for both body and -soul. Had you ever any reason to complain of him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, no; quite the -contrary. But this gentleman of yours often used to tell me that -my father and mother were dead. Did he deceive me, or did he -speak the truth?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He was compelled to comply -with the orders given him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then he lied?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In one respect. Your -father is dead."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And my mother?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "She is dead <i>for -you</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But then she lives for -others, does she not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I - and I, then" (the -young man looked sharply at Aramis) "am compelled to live in the -obscurity of a prison?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Alas! I fear so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And that because my -presence in the world would lead to the revelation of a great -secret?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Certainly, a very great -secret."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My enemy must indeed be -powerful, to be able to shut up in the Bastile a child such as I -then was."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "More powerful than my -mother, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And why do you ask -that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Because my mother -would have taken my part."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Aramis hesitated. -"Yes, monseigneur; more powerful than your mother."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Seeing, then, that -my nurse and preceptor were carried off, and that I, also, was -separated from them - either they were, or I am, very dangerous -to my enemy?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes; but you are -alluding to a peril from which he freed himself, by causing the -nurse and preceptor to disappear," answered Aramis, quietly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Disappear!" cried -the prisoner, "how did they disappear?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In a very sure -way," answered Aramis - "they are dead."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The young man -turned pale, and passed his hand tremblingly over his face. -"Poison?" he asked.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Poison."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The prisoner -reflected a moment. "My enemy must indeed have been very cruel, -or hard beset by necessity, to assassinate those two innocent -people, my sole support; for the worthy gentleman and the poor -nurse had never harmed a living being."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In your family, -monseigneur, necessity is stern. And so it is necessity which -compels me, to my great regret, to tell you that this gentleman -and the unhappy lady have been assassinated."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, you tell me -nothing I am not aware of," said the prisoner, knitting his -brows.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"How?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I suspected -it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Why?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I will tell -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>At this moment the -young man, supporting himself on his two elbows, drew close to -Aramis's face, with such an expression of dignity, of -self-command and of defiance even, that the bishop felt the -electricity of enthusiasm strike in devouring flashes from that -great heart of his, into his brain of adamant.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Speak, -monseigneur. I have already told you that by conversing with you -I endanger my life. Little value as it has, I implore you to -accept it as the ransom of your own."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well," resumed the -young man, "this is why I suspected they had killed my nurse and -my preceptor - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Whom you used to -call your father?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes; whom I called -my father, but whose son I well knew I was not."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Who caused you to -suppose so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Just as you, -monsieur, are too respectful for a friend, he was also too -respectful for a father."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I, however," said -Aramis, "have no intention to disguise myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The young man -nodded assent and continued: "Undoubtedly, I was not destined to -perpetual seclusion," said the prisoner; "and that which makes me -believe so, above all, now, is the care that was taken to render -me as accomplished a cavalier as possible. The gentleman -attached to my person taught me everything he knew himself - -mathematics, a little geometry, astronomy, fencing and riding. -Every morning I went through military exercises, and practiced on -horseback. Well, one morning during the summer, it being very -hot, I went to sleep in the hall. Nothing, up to that period, -except the respect paid me, had enlightened me, or even roused my -suspicions. I lived as children, as birds, as plants, as the air -and the sun do. I had just turned my fifteenth year - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"This, then, is -eight years ago?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, nearly; but I -have ceased to reckon time."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Excuse me; but -what did your tutor tell you, to encourage you to work?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He used to say -that a man was bound to make for himself, in the world, that -fortune which Heaven had refused him at his birth. He added -that, being a poor, obscure orphan, I had no one but myself to -look to; and that nobody either did, or ever would, take any -interest in me. I was, then, in the hall I have spoken of, -asleep from fatigue with long fencing. My preceptor was in his -room on the first floor, just over me. Suddenly I heard him -exclaim, and then he called: 'Perronnette! Perronnette!' It was -my nurse whom he called."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, I know it," -said Aramis. "Continue, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Very likely she -was in the garden; for my preceptor came hastily downstairs. I -rose, anxious at seeing him anxious. He opened the garden-door, -still crying out, 'Perronnette! Perronnette!' The windows of -the hall looked into the court; the shutters were closed; but -through a chink in them I saw my tutor draw near a large well, -which was almost directly under the windows of his study. He -stooped over the brim, looked into the well, and again cried out, -and made wild and affrighted gestures. Where I was, I could not -only see, but hear - and see and hear I did."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Go on, I pray -you," said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Dame Perronnette -came running up, hearing the governor's cries. He went to meet -her, took her by the arm, and drew her quickly towards the edge; -after which, as they both bent over it together, 'Look, look,' -cried he, 'what a misfortune!'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'Calm yourself, -calm yourself,' said Perronnette; 'what is the matter?'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'The letter!' he -exclaimed; 'do you see that letter?' pointing to the bottom of -the well.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'What letter?' she -cried.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'The letter you -see down there; the last letter from the queen.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"At this word I -trembled. My tutor - he who passed for my father, he who was -continually recommending me modesty and humility - in -correspondence with the queen!</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'The queen's last -letter!' cried Perronnette, without showing more astonishment -than at seeing this letter at the bottom of the well; 'but how -came it there?'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'A chance, Dame -Perronnette - a singular chance. I was entering my room, and on -opening the door, the window, too, being open, a puff of air came -suddenly and carried off this paper - this letter of her -majesty's; I darted after it, and gained the window just in time -to see it flutter a moment in the breeze and disappear down the -well.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'Well,' said Dame -Perronnette; 'and if the letter has fallen into the well, 'tis -all the same as if it was burnt; and as the queen burns all her -letters every time she comes - '</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And so you see -this lady who came every month was the queen," said the -prisoner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'Doubtless, -doubtless,' continued the old gentleman; 'but this letter -contained instructions - how can I follow them?'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'Write immediately -to her; give her a plain account of the accident, and the queen -will no doubt write you another letter in place of this.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'Oh! the queen -would never believe the story,' said the good gentleman, shaking -his head; 'she will imagine that I want to keep this letter -instead of giving it up like the rest, so as to have a hold over -her. She is so distrustful, and M. de Mazarin so - Yon devil of -an Italian is capable of having us poisoned at the first breath -of suspicion.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Aramis almost -imperceptibly smiled.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'You know, Dame -Perronnette, they are both so suspicious in all that concerns -Philippe.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Philippe was the -name they gave me," said the prisoner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'Well, 'tis no use -hesitating,' said Dame Perronnette, 'somebody must go down the -well.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'Of course; so -that the person who goes down may read the paper as he is coming -up.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'But let us choose -some villager who cannot read, and then you will be at ease.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'Granted; but will -not any one who descends guess that a paper must be important for -which we risk a man's life? However, you have given me an idea, -Dame Perronnette; somebody shall go down the well, but that -somebody shall be myself.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But at this notion -Dame Perronnette lamented and cried in such a manner, and so -implored the old nobleman, with tears in her eyes, that he -promised her to obtain a ladder long enough to reach down, while -she went in search of some stout-hearted youth, whom she was to -persuade that a jewel had fallen into the well, and that this -jewel was wrapped in a paper. 'And as paper,' remarked my -preceptor, 'naturally unfolds in water, the young man would not -be surprised at finding nothing, after all, but the letter wide -open.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'But perhaps the -writing will be already effaced by that time,' said Dame -Perronnette.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"'No consequence, -provided we secure the letter. On returning it to the queen, she -will see at once that we have not betrayed her; and consequently, -as we shall not rouse the distrust of Mazarin, we shall have -nothing to fear from him.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Having come to -this resolution, they parted. I pushed back the shutter, and, -seeing that my tutor was about to re-enter, I threw myself on my -couch, in a confusion of brain caused by all I had just heard. -My governor opened the door a few moments after, and thinking I -was asleep gently closed it again. As soon as ever it was shut, -I rose, and, listening, heard the sound of retiring footsteps. -Then I returned to the shutters, and saw my tutor and Dame -Perronnette go out together. I was alone in the house. They had -hardly closed the gate before I sprang from the window and ran to -the well. Then, just as my governor had leaned over, so leaned -I. Something white and luminous glistened in the green and -quivering silence of the water. The brilliant disk fascinated -and allured me; my eyes became fixed, and I could hardly -breathe. The well seemed to draw me downwards with its slimy -mouth and icy breath; and I thought I read, at the bottom of the -water, characters of fire traced upon the letter the queen had -touched. Then, scarcely knowing what I was about, and urged on -by one of those instinctive impulses which drive men to -destruction, I lowered the cord from the windlass of the well to -within about three feet of the water, leaving the bucket -dangling, at the same time taking infinite pains not to disturb -that coveted letter, which was beginning to change its white tint -for the hue of chrysoprase, - proof enough that it was sinking, - -and then, with the rope weltering in my hands, slid down into the -abyss. When I saw myself hanging over the dark pool, when I saw -the sky lessening above my head, a cold shudder came over me, a -chill fear got the better of me, I was seized with giddiness, and -the hair rose on my head; but my strong will still reigned -supreme over all the terror and disquietude. I gained the water, -and at once plunged into it, holding on by one hand, while I -immersed the other and seized the dear letter, which, alas! came -in two in my grasp. I concealed the two fragments in my -body-coat, and, helping myself with my feet against the sides of -the pit, and clinging on with my hands, agile and vigorous as I -was, and, above all, pressed for time, I regained the brink, -drenching it as I touched it with the water that streamed off -me. I was no sooner out of the well with my prize, than I rushed -into the sunlight, and took refuge in a kind of shrubbery at the -bottom of the garden. As I entered my hiding-place, the bell -which resounded when the great gate was opened, rang. It was my -preceptor come back again. I had but just time. I calculated -that it would take ten minutes before he would gain my place of -concealment, even if, guessing where I was, he came straight to -it; and twenty if he were obliged to look for me. But this was -time enough to allow me to read the cherished letter, whose -fragments I hastened to unite again. The writing was already -fading, but I managed to decipher it all.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And will you tell -me what you read therein, monseigneur?" asked Aramis, deeply -interested.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Quite enough, -monsieur, to see that my tutor was a man of noble rank, and that -Perronnette, without being a lady of quality, was far better than -a servant; and also to perceived that I must myself be high-born, -since the queen, Anne of Austria, and Mazarin, the prime -minister, commended me so earnestly to their care." Here the -young man paused, quite overcome.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And what -happened?" asked Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It happened, -monsieur," answered he, "that the workmen they had summoned found -nothing in the well, after the closest search; that my governor -perceived that the brink was all watery; that I was not so dried -by the sun as to prevent Dame Perronnette spying that my garments -were moist; and, lastly, that I was seized with a violent fever, -owing to the chill and the excitement of my discovery, an attack -of delirium supervening, during which I related the whole -adventure; so that, guided by my avowal, my governor found the -pieces of the queen's letter inside the bolster where I had -concealed them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah!" said Aramis, -"now I understand."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Beyond this, all -is conjecture. Doubtless the unfortunate lady and gentleman, not -daring to keep the occurrence secret, wrote of all this to the -queen and sent back the torn letter."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"After which," said -Aramis, "you were arrested and removed to the Bastile."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"As you see."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your two -attendants disappeared?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Alas!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Let us not take up -our time with the dead, but see what can be done with the -living. You told me you were resigned."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I repeat it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Without any desire -for freedom?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"As I told -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Without ambition, -sorrow, or thought?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The young man made -no answer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well," asked -Aramis, "why are you silent?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I think I have -spoken enough," answered the prisoner, "and that now it is your -turn. I am weary."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Aramis gathered -himself up, and a shade of deep solemnity spread itself over his -countenance. It was evident that he had reached the crisis in -the part he had come to the prison to play. "One question," said -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What is it? -speak."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In the house you -inhabited there were neither looking-glasses nor mirrors?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What are those two -words, and what is their meaning?" asked the young man; "I have -no sort of knowledge of them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"They designate two -pieces of furniture which reflect objects; so that, for instance, -you may see in them your own lineaments, as you see mine now, -with the naked eye."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No; there was -neither a glass nor a mirror in the house," answered the young -man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Aramis looked round -him. "Nor is there anything of the kind here, either," he said; -"they have again taken the same precaution."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To what end?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You will know -directly. Now, you have told me that you were instructed in -mathematics, astronomy, fencing, and riding; but you have not -said a word about history."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"My tutor sometimes -related to me the principal deeds of the king, St. Louis, King -Francis I., and King Henry IV."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Is that all?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Very nearly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"This also was done -by design, then; just as they deprived you of mirrors, which -reflect the present, so they left you in ignorance of history, -which reflects the past. Since your imprisonment, books have -been forbidden you; so that you are unacquainted with a number of -facts, by means of which you would be able to reconstruct the -shattered mansion of your recollections and your hopes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is true," said -the young man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Listen, then; I -will in a few words tell you what has passed in France during the -last twenty-three or twenty-four years; that is, from the -probable date of your birth; in a word, from the time that -interests you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Say on." And the -young man resumed his serious and attentive attitude.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Do you know who -was the son of Henry IV.?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"At least I know -who his successor was."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"How?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"By means of a coin -dated 1610, which bears the effigy of Henry IV.; and another of -1612, bearing that of Louis XIII. So I presumed that, there -being only two years between the two dates, Louis was Henry's -successor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Then," said -Aramis, "you know that the last reigning monarch was Louis -XIII.?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I do," answered -the youth, slightly reddening.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well, he was a -prince full of noble ideas and great projects, always, alas! -deferred by the trouble of the times and the dread struggle that -his minister Richelieu had to maintain against the great nobles -of France. The king himself was of a feeble character, and died -young and unhappy."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I know it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He had been long -anxious about having a heir; a care which weighs heavily on -princes, who desire to leave behind them more than one pledge -that their best thoughts and works will be continued."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Did the king, -then, die childless?" asked the prisoner, smiling.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, but he was -long without one, and for a long while thought he should be the -last of his race. This idea had reduced him to the depths of -despair, when suddenly, his wife, Anne of Austria - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The prisoner -trembled.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Did you know," -said Aramis, "that Louis XIII.'s wife was called Anne of -Austria?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Continue," said -the young man, without replying to the question.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"When suddenly," -resumed Aramis, "the queen announced an interesting event. There -was great joy at the intelligence, and all prayed for her happy -delivery. On the 5th of September, 1638, she gave birth to a -son."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Here Aramis looked -at his companion, and thought he observed him turning pale. "You -are about to hear," said Aramis, "an account which few indeed -could now avouch; for it refers to a secret which they imagined -buried with the dead, entombed in the abyss of the -confessional."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And you will tell -me this secret?" broke in the youth.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh!" said Aramis, -with unmistakable emphasis, "I do not know that I ought to risk -this secret by intrusting it to one who has no desire to quit the -Bastile."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I hear you, -monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The queen, then, -gave birth to a son. But while the court was rejoicing over the -event, when the king had show the new-born child to the nobility -and people, and was sitting gayly down to table, to celebrate the -event, the queen, who was alone in her room, was again taken ill -and gave birth to a second son."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh!" said the -prisoner, betraying a bitter acquaintance with affairs than he -had owned to, "I thought that Monsieur was only born in - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Aramis raised his -finger; "Permit me to continue," he said.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The prisoner sighed -impatiently, and paused.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes," said Aramis, -"the queen had a second son, whom Dame Perronnette, the midwife, -received in her arms."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Dame Perronnette!" -murmured the young man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"They ran at once -to the banqueting-room, and whispered to the king what had -happened; he rose and quitted the table. But this time it was no -longer happiness that his face expressed, but something akin to -terror. The birth of twins changed into bitterness the joy to -which that of an only son had given rise, seeing that in France -(a fact you are assuredly ignorant of) it is the oldest of the -king's sons who succeeds his father."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I know it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And that the -doctors and jurists assert that there is ground for doubting -whether the son that first makes his appearance is the elder by -the law of heaven and of nature."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The prisoner -uttered a smothered cry, and became whiter than the coverlet -under which he hid himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Now you -understand," pursued Aramis, "that the king, who with so much -pleasure saw himself repeated in one, was in despair about two; -fearing that the second might dispute the first's claim to -seniority, which had been recognized only two hours before; and -so this second son, relying on party interests and caprices, -might one day sow discord and engender civil war throughout the -kingdom; by these means destroying the very dynasty he should -have strengthened."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, I understand! -- I understand!" murmured the young man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well," continued -Aramis; "this is what they relate, what they declare; this is why -one of the queen's two sons, shamefully parted from his brother, -shamefully sequestered, is buried in profound obscurity; this is -why that second son has disappeared, and so completely, that not -a soul in France, save his mother, is aware of his -existence."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes! his mother, -who has cast him off," cried the prisoner in a tone of -despair.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Except, also," -Aramis went on, "the lady in the black dress; and, finally, -excepting - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Excepting yourself -- is it not? You who come and relate all this; you, who rouse in -my soul curiosity, hatred, ambition, and, perhaps, even the -thirst of vengeance; except you, monsieur, who, if you are the -man to whom I expect, whom the note I have received applies to, -whom, in short, Heaven ought to send me, must possess about you - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What?" asked -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A portrait of the -king, Louis XIV., who at this moment reigns upon the throne of -France."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Here is the -portrait," replied the bishop, handing the prisoner a miniature -in enamel, on which Louis was depicted life-like, with a -handsome, lofty mien. The prisoner eagerly seized the portrait, -and gazed at it with devouring eyes.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And now, -monseigneur," said Aramis, "here is a mirror." Aramis left the -prisoner time to recover his ideas.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"So high! - so -high!" murmured the young man, eagerly comparing the likeness of -Louis with his own countenance reflected in the glass.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What do you think -of it?" at length said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I think that I am -lost," replied the captive; "the king will never set me -free."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And I - I demand -to know," added the bishop, fixing his piercing eyes -significantly upon the prisoner, "I demand to know which of these -two is king; the one this miniature portrays, or whom the glass -reflects?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The king, -monsieur," sadly replied the young man, "is he who is on the -throne, who is not in prison; and who, on the other hand, can -cause others to be entombed there. Royalty means power; and you -behold how powerless I am."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur," -answered Aramis, with a respect he had not yet manifested, "the -king, mark me, will, if you desire it, be the one that, quitting -his dungeon, shall maintain himself upon the throne, on which his -friends will place him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Tempt me not, -monsieur," broke in the prisoner bitterly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Be not weak, -monseigneur," persisted Aramis; "I have brought you all the -proofs of your birth; consult them; satisfy yourself that you are -a king's son; it is for <i>us</i> to act."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, no; it is -impossible."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Unless, indeed," -resumed the bishop ironically, "it be the destiny of your race, -that the brothers excluded from the throne should be always -princes void of courage and honesty, as was your uncle, M. Gaston -d'Orléans, who ten times conspired against his brother -Louis XIII."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What!" cried the -prince, astonished; "my uncle Gaston 'conspired against his -brother'; conspired to dethrone him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Exactly, -monseigneur; for no other reason. I tell you the truth."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And he had friends -- devoted friends?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"As much so as I am -to you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And, after all, -what did he do? - Failed!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He failed, I -admit; but always through his own fault; and, for the sake of -purchasing - not his life - for the life of the king's brother is -sacred and inviolable - but his liberty, he sacrificed the lives -of all his friends, one after another. And so, at this day, he -is a very blot on history, the detestation of a hundred noble -families in this kingdom."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I understand, -monsieur; either by weakness or treachery, my uncle slew his -friends."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"By weakness; -which, in princes, is always treachery."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And cannot a man -fail, then, from incapacity and ignorance? Do you really believe -it possible that a poor captive such as I, brought up, not only -at a distance from the court, but even from the world - do you -believe it possible that such a one could assist those of his -friends who should attempt to serve him?" And as Aramis was -about to reply, the young man suddenly cried out, with a violence -which betrayed the temper of his blood, "We are speaking of -friends; but how can <i>I</i> have any friends - I, whom no one -knows; and have neither liberty, money, nor influence, to gain -any?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I fancy I had the -honor to offer myself to your royal highness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, do not style -me so, monsieur; 'tis either treachery or cruelty. Bid me not -think of aught beyond these prison-walls, which so grimly confine -me; let me again love, or, at least, submit to my slavery and my -obscurity."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur, -monseigneur; if you again utter these desperate words - if, after -having received proof of your high birth, you still remain -poor-spirited in body and soul, I will comply with your desire, I -will depart, and renounce forever the service of a master, to -whom so eagerly I came to devote my assistance and my life!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur," cried -the prince, "would it not have been better for you to have -reflected, before telling me all that you have done, that you -have broken my heart forever?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And so I desire to -do, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To talk to me -about power, grandeur, eye, and to prate of thrones! Is a prison -the fit place? You wish to make me believe in splendor, and we -are lying lost in night; you boast of glory, and we are -smothering our words in the curtains of this miserable bed; you -give me glimpses of power absolute whilst I hear the footsteps of -the every-watchful jailer in the corridor - that step which, -after all, makes you tremble more than it does me. To render me -somewhat less incredulous, free me from the Bastile; let me -breathe the fresh air; give me my spurs and trusty sword, then we -shall begin to understand each other."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is precisely my -intention to give you all this, monseigneur, and more; only, do -you desire it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A word more," said -the prince. "I know there are guards in every gallery, bolts to -every door, cannon and soldiery at every barrier. How will you -overcome the sentries - spike the guns? How will you break -through the bolts and bars?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur, - how -did you get the note which announced my arrival to you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You can bribe a -jailer for such a thing as a note."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"If we can corrupt -one turnkey, we can corrupt ten."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well; I admit that -it may be possible to release a poor captive from the Bastile; -possible so to conceal him that the king's people shall not again -ensnare him; possible, in some unknown retreat, to sustain the -unhappy wretch in some suitable manner."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur!" said -Aramis, smiling.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I admit that, -whoever would do this much for me, would seem more than mortal in -my eyes; but as you tell me I am a prince, brother of the king, -how can you restore me the rank and power which my mother and my -brother have deprived me of? And as, to effect this, I must pass -a life of war and hatred, how can you cause me to prevail in -those combats - render me invulnerable by my enemies? Ah! -monsieur, reflect on all this; place me, to-morrow, in some dark -cavern at a mountain's base; yield me the delight of hearing in -freedom sounds of the river, plain and valley, of beholding in -freedom the sun of the blue heavens, or the stormy sky, and it is -enough. Promise me no more than this, for, indeed, more you -cannot give, and it would be a crime to deceive me, since you -call yourself my friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Aramis waited in -silence. "Monseigneur," he resumed, after a moment's reflection, -"I admire the firm, sound sense which dictates your words; I am -happy to have discovered my monarch's mind."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Again, again! oh, -God! for mercy's sake," cried the prince, pressing his icy hands -upon his clammy brow, "do not play with me! I have no need to be -a king to be the happiest of men."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But I, -monseigneur, wish you to be a king for the good of humanity."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah!" said the -prince, with fresh distrust inspired by the word; "ah! with what, -then, has humanity to reproach my brother?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I forgot to say, -monseigneur, that if you would allow me to guide you, and if you -consent to become the most powerful monarch in Christendom, you -will have promoted the interests of all the friends whom I devote -to the success of your cause, and these friends are -numerous."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Numerous?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Less numerous than -powerful, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Explain -yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is impossible; -I will explain, I swear before Heaven, on that day that I see you -sitting on the throne of France."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But my -brother?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You shall decree -his fate. Do you pity him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Him, who leaves me -to perish in a dungeon? No, no. For him I have no pity!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"So much the -better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He might have -himself come to this prison, have taken me by the hand, and have -said, 'My brother, Heaven created us to love, not to contend with -one another. I come to you. A barbarous prejudice has condemned -you to pass your days in obscurity, far from mankind, deprived of -every joy. I will make you sit down beside me; I will buckle -round your waist our father's sword. Will you take advantage of -this reconciliation to put down or restrain me? Will you employ -that sword to spill my blood?' 'Oh! never,' I would have replied -to him, 'I look on you as my preserver, I will respect you as my -master. You give me far more than Heaven bestowed; for through -you I possess liberty and the privilege of loving and being loved -in this world.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And you would have -kept your word, monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"On my life! While -now - now that I have guilty ones to punish - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In what manner, -monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What do you say as -to the resemblance that Heaven has given me to my brother?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I say that there -was in that likeness a providential instruction which the king -ought to have heeded; I say that your mother committed a crime in -rendering those different in happiness and fortune whom nature -created so startlingly alike, of her own flesh, and I conclude -that the object of punishment should be only to restore the -equilibrium."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"By which you mean -- "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That if I restore -you to your place on your brother's throne, he shall take yours -in prison."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Alas! there's such -infinity of suffering in prison, especially it would be so for -one who has drunk so deeply of the cup of enjoyment."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your royal -highness will always be free to act as you may desire; and if it -seems good to you, after punishment, you will have it in your -power to pardon."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Good. And now, -are you aware of one thing, monsieur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Tell me, my -prince."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is that I will -hear nothing further from you till I am clear of the -Bastile."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I was going to say -to your highness that I should only have the pleasure of seeing -you once again."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And when?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The day when my -prince leaves these gloomy walls."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Heavens! how will -you give me notice of it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"By myself coming -to fetch you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yourself?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"My prince, do not -leave this chamber save with me, or if in my absence you are -compelled to do so, remember that I am not concerned in it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And so I am not to -speak a word of this to any one whatever, save to you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Save only to me." -Aramis bowed very low. The prince offered his hand.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur," he -said, in a tone that issued from his heart, "one word more, my -last. If you have sought me for my destruction; if you are only -a tool in the hands of my enemies; if from our conference, in -which you have sounded the depths of my mind, anything worse than -captivity result, that is to say, if death befall me, still -receive my blessing, for you will have ended my troubles and -given me repose from the tormenting fever that has preyed on me -for eight long, weary years."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur, wait -the results ere you judge me," said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I say that, in -such a case, I bless and forgive you. If, on the other hand, you -are come to restore me to that position in the sunshine of -fortune and glory to which I was destined by Heaven; if by your -means I am enabled to live in the memory of man, and confer -luster on my race by deeds of valor, or by solid benefits -bestowed upon my people; if, from my present depths of sorrow, -aided by your generous hand, I raise myself to the very height of -honor, then to you, whom I thank with blessings, to you will I -offer half my power and my glory: though you would still be but -partly recompensed, and your share must always remain incomplete, -since I could not divide with you the happiness received at your -hands."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur," -replied Aramis, moved by the pallor and excitement of the young -man, "the nobleness of your heart fills me with joy and -admiration. It is not you who will have to thank me, but rather -the nation whom you will render happy, the posterity whose name -you will make glorious. Yes; I shall indeed have bestowed upon -you more than life, I shall have given you immortality."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The prince offered -his hand to Aramis, who sank upon his knee and kissed it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is the first -act of homage paid to our future king," said he. "When I see you -again, I shall say, 'Good day, sire.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Till then," said -the young man, pressing his wan and wasted fingers over his -heart, - "till then, no more dreams, no more strain on my life - -my heart would break! Oh, monsieur, how small is my prison - how -low the window - how narrow are the doors! To think that so much -pride, splendor, and happiness, should be able to enter in and to -remain here!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your royal -highness makes me proud," said Aramis, "since you infer it is I -who brought all this." And he rapped immediately on the door. -The jailer came to open it with Baisemeaux, who, devoured by fear -and uneasiness, was beginning, in spite of himself, to listen at -the door. Happily, neither of the speakers had forgotten to -smother his voice, even in the most passionate outbreaks.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What a confessor!" -said the governor, forcing a laugh; "who would believe that a -compulsory recluse, a man as though in the very jaws of death, -could have committed crimes so numerous, and so long to tell -of?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Aramis made no -reply. He was eager to leave the Bastile, where the secret which -overwhelmed him seemed to double the weight of the walls. As -soon as they reached Baisemeaux's quarters, "Let us proceed to -business, my dear governor," said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Alas!" replied -Baisemeaux.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You have to ask me -for my receipt for one hundred and fifty thousand livres," said -the bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And to pay over -the first third of the sum," added the poor governor, with a -sigh, taking three steps towards his iron strong-box.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Here is the -receipt," said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And here is the -money," returned Baisemeaux, with a threefold sigh.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The order -instructed me only to give a receipt; it said nothing about -receiving the money," rejoined Aramis. <span lang="FR">"Adieu, -monsieur le governeur!"</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And he departed, -leaving Baisemeaux almost more than stifled with joy and surprise -at this regal present so liberally bestowed by the confessor -extraordinary to the Bastile.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter II:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>How -Mouston Had Become Fatter without Giving Porthos Notice Thereof, -and of the Troubles Which Consequently Befell that Worthy -Gentleman.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>S</span>ince the -departure of Athos for Blois, Porthos and D'Artagnan were seldom -together. One was occupied with harassing duties for the king, -the other had been making many purchases of furniture which he -intended to forward to his estate, and by aid of which he hoped -to establish in his various residences something of the courtly -luxury he had witnessed in all its dazzling brightness in his -majesty's society. D'Artagnan, ever faithful, one morning during -an interval of service thought about Porthos, and being uneasy at -not having heard anything of him for a fortnight, directed his -steps towards his hotel, and pounced upon him just as he was -getting up. The worthy baron had a pensive - nay, more than -pensive - melancholy air. He was sitting on his bed, only -half-dressed, and with legs dangling over the edge, contemplating -a host of garments, which with their fringes, lace, embroidery, -and slashes of ill-assorted hues, were strewed all over the -floor. Porthos, sad and reflective as La Fontaine's hare, did -not observe D'Artagnan's entrance, which was, moreover, screened -at this moment by M. Mouston, whose personal corpulency, quite -enough at any time to hide one man from another, was effectually -doubled by a scarlet coat which the intendant was holding up for -his master's inspection, by the sleeves, that he might the better -see it all over. D'Artagnan stopped at the threshold and looked -in at the pensive Porthos and then, as the sight of the -innumerable garments strewing the floor caused mighty sighs to -heave the bosom of that excellent gentleman, D'Artagnan thought -it time to put an end to these dismal reflections, and coughed by -way of announcing himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" exclaimed Porthos, -whose countenance brightened with joy; "ah! ah! <span lang= -"FR">Here is D'Artagnan. </span> I shall then get hold of an -idea!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At these words Mouston, -doubting what was going on behind him, got out of the way, -smiling kindly at the friend of his master, who thus found -himself freed from the material obstacle which had prevented his -reaching D'Artagnan. Porthos made his sturdy knees crack again -in rising, and crossing the room in two strides, found himself -face to face with his friend, whom he folded to his breast with a -force of affection that seemed to increase with every day. "Ah!" -he repeated, "you are always welcome, dear friend; but just now -you are more welcome than ever."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But you seem to have the -megrims here!" exclaimed D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos replied by a look -expressive of dejection. "Well, then, tell me all about it, -Porthos, my friend, unless it is a secret."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In the first place," -returned Porthos, "you know I have no secrets from you. This, -then, is what saddens me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Wait a minute, Porthos; let -me first get rid of all this litter of satin and velvet!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, never mind," said -Porthos, contemptuously; "it is all trash."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Trash, Porthos! Cloth at -twenty-five livres an ell! gorgeous satin! regal velvet!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then you think these -clothes are - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Splendid, Porthos, -splendid! I'll wager that you alone in France have so many; and -suppose you never had any more made, and were to live to be a -hundred years of age, which wouldn't astonish me in the very -least, you could still wear a new dress the day of your death, -without being obliged to see the nose of a single tailor from now -till then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos shook his head.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, my friend," said -D'Artagnan, "this unnatural melancholy in you frightens me. My -dear Porthos, pray get it out, then. And the sooner the -better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, my friend, so I will: -if, indeed, it is possible."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Perhaps you have received -bad news from Bracieux?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No: they have felled the -wood, and it has yielded a third more than the estimate."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then there has been a -falling-off in the pools of Pierrefonds?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, my friend: they have -been fished, and there is enough left to stock all the pools in -the neighborhood."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Perhaps your estate at -Vallon has been destroyed by an earthquake?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, my friend; on the -contrary, the ground was struck with lightning a hundred paces -from the château, and a fountain sprung up in a place -entirely destitute of water."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What in the world <i>is</i> -the matter, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The fact is, I have -received an invitation for the <i>fête</i> at Vaux," said -Porthos, with a lugubrious expression.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! do you complain of -that? The king has caused a hundred mortal heart-burnings among -the courtiers by refusing invitations. And so, my dear friend, -you are really going to Vaux?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Indeed I am!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will see a magnificent -sight."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Alas! I doubt it, -though."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Everything that is grand in -France will be brought together there!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" cried Porthos, tearing -out a lock of hair in his despair.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! good heavens, are you -ill?" cried D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am as firm as the -Pont-Neuf! It isn't that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But what is it, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis that I have no -clothes!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan stood petrified. -"No clothes! Porthos, no clothes!" he cried, "when I see at -least fifty suits on the floor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Fifty, truly; but not one -which fits me!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What? not one that fits -you? But are you not measured, then, when you give an -order?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To be sure he is," answered -Mouston; "but unfortunately <i>I</i> have gotten stouter!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! <i>you</i> -stouter!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So much so that I am now -bigger than the baron. Would you believe it, monsieur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Parbleu!</i> it seems to -me that is quite evident."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you see, stupid?" said -Porthos, "that is quite evident!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Be still, my dear Porthos," -resumed D'Artagnan, becoming slightly impatient, "I don't -understand why your clothes should not fit you, because Mouston -has grown stouter."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am going to explain it," -said Porthos. "You remember having related to me the story of -the Roman general Antony, who had always seven wild boars kept -roasting, each cooked up to a different point; so that he might -be able to have his dinner at any time of the day he chose to ask -for it. Well, then, I resolved, as at any time I might be -invited to court to spend a week, I resolved to have always seven -suits ready for the occasion."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Capitally reasoned, Porthos -- only a man must have a fortune like yours to gratify such -whims. Without counting the time lost in being measured, the -fashions are always changing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is exactly the point," -said Porthos, "in regard to which I flattered myself I had hit on -a very ingenious device."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Tell me what it is; for I -don't doubt your genius."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You remember what Mouston -once was, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; when he used to call -himself Mousqueton."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you remember, too, the -period when he began to grow fatter?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, not exactly. I beg -your pardon, my good Mouston."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! you are not in fault, -monsieur," said Mouston, graciously. "You were in Paris, and as -for us, we were at Pierrefonds."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, well, my dear -Porthos; there was a time when Mouston began to grow fat. Is -that what you wished to say?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, my friend; and I -greatly rejoice over the period."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Indeed, I believe you do," -exclaimed D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You understand," continued -Porthos, "what a world of trouble it spared for me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, I don't - by any -means."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Look here, my friend. In -the first place, as you have said, to be measured is a loss of -time, even though it occur only once a fortnight. And then, one -may be travelling; and then you wish to have seven suits always -with you. In short, I have a horror of letting any one take my -measure. Confound it! either one is a nobleman or not. To be -scrutinized and scanned by a fellow who completely analyzes you, -by inch and line - 'tis degrading! Here, they find you too -hollow; there, too prominent. They recognize your strong and -weak points. See, now, when we leave the measurer's hands, we -are like those strongholds whose angles and different thicknesses -have been ascertained by a spy."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In truth, my dear Porthos, -you possess ideas entirely original."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! you see when a man is -an engineer - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And has fortified -Belle-Isle - 'tis natural, my friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, I had an idea, which -would doubtless have proved a good one, but for Mouston's -carelessness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan glanced at -Mouston, who replied by a slight movement of his body, as if to -say, "You will see whether I am at all to blame in all this."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I congratulated myself, -then," resumed Porthos, "at seeing Mouston get fat; and I did all -I could, by means of substantial feeding, to make him stout - -always in the hope that he would come to equal myself in girth, -and could then be measured in my stead."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="FR">"Ah!" cried -D'Artagnan. </span> "I see - that spared you both time and -humiliation."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Consider my joy when, after -a year and a half's judicious feeding - for I used to feed him up -myself - the fellow - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! I lent a good hand -myself, monsieur," said Mouston, humbly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That's true. Consider my -joy when, one morning, I perceived Mouston was obliged to squeeze -in, as I once did myself, to get through the little secret door -that those fools of architects had made in the chamber of the -late Madame du Vallon, in the château of Pierrefonds. And, -by the way, about that door, my friend, I should like to ask you, -who know everything, why these wretches of architects, who ought -to have the compasses run into them, just to remind them, came to -make doorways through which nobody but thin people can pass?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, those doors," answered -D'Artagnan, "were meant for gallants, and they have generally -slight and slender figures."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Madame du Vallon had no -gallant!" answered Porthos, majestically.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Perfectly true, my friend," -resumed D'Artagnan; "but the architects were probably making -their calculations on a basis of the probability of your marrying -again."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! that is possible," said -Porthos. "And now I have received an explanation of how it is -that doorways are made too narrow, let us return to the subject -of Mouston's fatness. But see how the two things apply to each -other. I have always noticed that people's ideas run parallel. -And so, observe this phenomenon, D'Artagnan. I was talking to -you of Mouston, who is fat, and it led us on to Madame du Vallon -- "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who was thin?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Hum! Is it not -marvelous?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear friend, a -<i>savant</i> of my acquaintance, M. Costar, has made the same -observation as you have, and he calls the process by some Greek -name which I forget."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! my remark is not then -original?" cried Porthos, astounded. "I thought I was the -discoverer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My friend, the fact was -known before Aristotle's days - that is to say, nearly two -thousand years ago."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, well, 'tis no less -true," said Porthos, delighted at the idea of having jumped to a -conclusion so closely in agreement with the greatest sages of -antiquity.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Wonderfully - but suppose -we return to Mouston. It seems to me, we have left him fattening -under our very eyes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur," said -Mouston.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," said Porthos, -"Mouston fattened so well, that he gratified all my hopes, by -reaching my standard; a fact of which I was well able to convince -myself, by seeing the rascal, one day, in a waistcoat of mine, -which he had turned into a coat - a waistcoat, the mere -embroidery of which was worth a hundred pistoles."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Twas only to try it on, -monsieur," said Mouston.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "From that moment I -determined to put Mouston in communication with my tailors, and -to have him measured instead of myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A capital idea, Porthos; -but Mouston is a foot and a half shorter than you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Exactly! They measured him -down to the ground, and the end of the skirt came just below my -knee."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What a marvelous man you -are, Porthos! Such a thing could happen only to you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! yes; pay your -compliments; you have ample grounds to go upon. It was exactly -at that time - that is to say, nearly two years and a half ago - -that I set out for Belle-Isle, instructing Mouston (so as always -to have, in every event, a pattern of every fashion) to have a -coat made for himself every month."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And did Mouston neglect -complying with your instructions? Ah! that was anything but -right, Mouston."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, monsieur, quite the -contrary; quite the contrary!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, he never forgot to have -his coats made; but he forgot to inform me that he had got -stouter!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But it was not my fault, -monsieur! your tailor never told me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And this to such an extent, -monsieur," continued Porthos, "that the fellow in two years has -gained eighteen inches in girth, and so my last dozen coats are -all too large, from a foot to a foot and a half."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But the rest; those which -were made when you were of the same size?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They are no longer the -fashion, my dear friend. Were I to put them on, I should look -like a fresh arrival from Siam; and as though I had been two -years away from court."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I understand your -difficulty. You have how many new suits? nine? thirty-six? and -yet not one to wear. Well, you must have a thirty-seventh made, -and give the thirty-six to Mouston."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! monsieur!" said -Mouston, with a gratified air. "The truth is, that monsieur has -always been very generous to me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you mean to insinuate -that I hadn't that idea, or that I was deterred by the expense? -But it wants only two days to the <i>fête</i>; I received -the invitation yesterday; made Mouston post hither with my -wardrobe, and only this morning discovered my misfortune; and -from now till the day after to-morrow, there isn't a single -fashionable tailor who will undertake to make me a suit."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is to say, one covered -all over with gold, isn't it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I wish it so! undoubtedly, -all over."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, we shall manage it. -You won't leave for three days. The invitations are for -Wednesday, and this is only Sunday morning."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis true; but Aramis has -strongly advised me to be at Vaux twenty-four hours -beforehand."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How, Aramis?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, it was Aramis who -brought me the invitation."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! to be sure, I see. You -are invited on the part of M. Fouquet?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "By no means! by the king, -dear friend. The letter bears the following as large as life: -'M. le Baron du Vallon is informed that the king has condescended -to place him on the invitation list - '"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good; but you leave -with M. Fouquet?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And when I think," cried -Porthos, stamping on the floor, "when I think I shall have no -clothes, I am ready to burst with rage! I should like to -strangle somebody or smash something!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Neither strangle anybody -nor smash anything, Porthos; I will manage it all; put on one of -your thirty-six suits, and come with me to a tailor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pooh! my agent has seen -them all this morning."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Even M. Percerin?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who is M. Percerin?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! only the king's -tailor!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, ah, yes," said Porthos, -who wished to appear to know the king's tailor, but now heard his -name mentioned for the first time; "to M. Percerin's, by Jove! I -was afraid he would be too busy."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Doubtless he will be; but -be at ease, Porthos; he will do for me what he wouldn't do for -another. Only you must allow yourself to be measured!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said Porthos, with a -sigh, "'tis vexatious, but what would you have me do?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do? As others do; as the -king does."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! do they measure the -king, too? does <i>he</i> put up with it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king is a beau, my good -friend, and so are you, too, whatever you may say about it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos smiled -triumphantly. "Let us go to the king's tailor," he said; "and -since he measures the king, I think, by my faith, I may do worse -than allow him to measure <i>me!</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter III:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>Who -Messire Jean Percerin Was.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he king's -tailor, Messire Jean Percerin, occupied a rather large house in -the Rue St. Honoré, near the Rue de l'Arbre Sec. He was a -man of great taste in elegant stuffs, embroideries, and velvets, -being hereditary tailor to the king. The preferment of his house -reached as far back as the time of Charles IX.; from whose reign -dated, as we know, fancy in <i>bravery</i> difficult enough to -gratify. The Percerin of that period was a Huguenot, like -Ambrose Paré, and had been spared by the Queen of Navarre, -the beautiful Margot, as they used to write and say, too, in -those days; because, in sooth, he was the only one who could make -for her those wonderful riding-habits which she so loved to wear, -seeing that they were marvelously well suited to hide certain -anatomical defects, which the Queen of Navarre used very -studiously to conceal. Percerin being saved, made, out of -gratitude, some beautiful black bodices, very inexpensively -indeed, for Queen Catherine, who ended by being pleased at the -preservation of a Huguenot people, on whom she had long looked -with detestation. But Percerin was a very prudent man; and -having heard it said that there was no more dangerous sign for a -Protestant than to be smiled up on by Catherine, and having -observed that her smiles were more frequent than usual, he -speedily turned Catholic with all his family; and having thus -become irreproachable, attained the lofty position of master -tailor to the Crown of France. Under Henry III., gay king as he -was, this position was a grand as the height of one of the -loftiest peaks of the Cordilleras. Now Percerin had been a -clever man all his life, and by way of keeping up his reputation -beyond the grave, took very good care not to make a bad death of -it, and so contrived to die very skillfully; and that at the very -moment he felt his powers of invention declining. He left a son -and a daughter, both worthy of the name they were called upon to -bear; the son, a cutter as unerring and exact as the square rule; -the daughter, apt at embroidery, and at designing ornaments. The -marriage of Henry IV. and Marie de Medici, and the exquisite -court-mourning for the afore-mentioned queen, together with a few -words let fall by M. de Bassompière, king of the -<i>beaux</i> of the period, made the fortune of the second -generation of Percerins. M. Concino Concini, and his wife -Galligaï, who subsequently shone at the French court, sought -to Italianize the fashion, and introduced some Florentine -tailors; but Percerin, touched to the quick in his patriotism and -his self-esteem, entirely defeated these foreigners, and that so -well that Concino was the first to give up his compatriots, and -held the French tailor in such esteem that he would never employ -any other, and thus wore a doublet of his on the very day that -Vitry blew out his brains with a pistol at the Pont du -Louvre.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And so it was a doublet -issuing from M. Percerin's workshop, which the Parisians rejoiced -in hacking into so many pieces with the living human body it -contained. Notwithstanding the favor Concino Concini had shown -Percerin, the king, Louis XIII., had the generosity to bear no -malice to his tailor, and to retain him in his service. At the -time that Louis the Just afforded this great example of equity, -Percerin had brought up two sons, one of whom made his -<i>début</i> at the marriage of Anne of Austria, invented -that admirable Spanish costume, in which Richelieu danced a -saraband, made the costumes for the tragedy of "Mirame," and -stitched on to Buckingham's mantle those famous pearls which were -destined to be scattered about the pavements of the Louvre. A -man becomes easily notable who has made the dresses of a Duke of -Buckingham, a M. de Cinq-Mars, a Mademoiselle Ninon, a M. de -Beaufort, and a Marion de Lorme. And thus Percerin the third had -attained the summit of his glory when his father died. This same -Percerin III., old, famous and wealthy, yet further dressed Louis -XIV.; and having no son, which was a great cause of sorrow to -him, seeing that with himself his dynasty would end, he had -brought up several hopeful pupils. He possessed a carriage, a -country house, men-servants the tallest in Paris; and by special -authority from Louis XIV., a pack of hounds. He worked for MM. -de Lyonne and Letellier, under a sort of patronage; but politic -man as he was, and versed in state secrets, he never succeeded in -fitting M. Colbert. This is beyond explanation; it is a matter -for guessing or for intuition. Great geniuses of every kind live -on unseen, intangible ideas; they act without themselves knowing -why. The great Percerin (for, contrary to the rule of dynasties, -it was, above all, the last of the Percerins who deserved the -name of Great), the great Percerin was inspired when he cut a -robe for the queen, or a coat for the king; he could mount a -mantle for Monsieur, the clock of a stocking for Madame; but, in -spite of his supreme talent, he could never hit off anything -approaching a creditable fit for M. Colbert. "That man," he used -often to say, "is beyond my art; my needle can never dot him -down." We need scarcely say that Percerin was M. Fouquet's -tailor, and that the superintendent highly esteemed him. M. -Percerin was nearly eighty years old, nevertheless still fresh, -and at the same time so dry, the courtiers used to say, that he -was positively brittle. His renown and his fortune were great -enough for M. le Prince, that king of fops, to take his arm when -talking over the fashions; and for those least eager to pay never -to dare to leave their accounts in arrear with him; for Master -Percerin would for the first time make clothes upon credit, but -the second never, unless paid for the former order.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> It is easy to see at once -that a tailor of such renown, instead of running after customers, -made difficulties about obliging any fresh ones. And so Percerin -declined to fit <i>bourgeois</i>, or those who had but recently -obtained patents of nobility. A story used to circulate that -even M. de Mazarin, in exchange for Percerin supplying him with a -full suit of ceremonial vestments as cardinal, one fine day -slipped letters of nobility into his pocket.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> It was to the house of this -grand llama of tailors that D'Artagnan took the despairing -Porthos; who, as they were going along, said to his friend, "Take -care, my good D'Artagnan, not to compromise the dignity of a man -such as I am with the arrogance of this Percerin, who will, I -expect, be very impertinent; for I give you notice, my friend, -that if he is wanting in respect I will infallibly chastise -him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Presented by me," replied -D'Artagnan, "you have nothing to fear, even though you were what -you are not."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! 'tis because - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What? Have you anything -against Percerin, Porthos?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I think that I once sent -Mouston to a fellow of that name."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The fellow refused to -supply me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, a misunderstanding, no -doubt, which it will be now exceedingly easy to set right. -Mouston must have made a mistake."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Perhaps."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He has confused the -names."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Possibly. That rascal -Mouston never can remember names."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will take it all upon -myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Stop the carriage, Porthos; -here we are."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Here! how here? We are at -the Halles; and you told me the house was at the corner of the -Rue de l'Arbre Sec."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis true, but look."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, I do look, and I see -- "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Pardieu!</i> that we are -at the Halles!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You do not, I suppose, want -our horses to clamber up on the roof of the carriage in front of -us?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nor the carriage in front -of us to mount on top of the one in front of it. Nor that the -second should be driven over the roofs of the thirty or forty -others which have arrived before us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, you are right, indeed. -What a number of people! And what are they all about?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis very simple. They are -waiting their turn."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah! Have the comedians of -the Hôtel de Bourgogne shifted their quarters?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; their turn to obtain an -entrance to M. Percerin's house."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And we are going to wait -too?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, we shall show ourselves -prompter and not so proud."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What are we to do, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Get down, pass through the -footmen and lackeys, and enter the tailor's house, which I will -answer for our doing, if you go first."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come along, then," said -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> They accordingly alighted -and made their way on foot towards the establishment. The cause -of the confusion was that M. Percerin's doors were closed, while -a servant, standing before them, was explaining to the -illustrious customers of the illustrious tailor that just then M. -Percerin could not receive anybody. It was bruited about outside -still, on the authority of what the great lackey had told some -great noble whom he favored, in confidence, that M. Percerin was -engaged on five costumes for the king, and that, owing to the -urgency of the case, he was meditating in his office on the -ornaments, colors, and cut of these five suits. Some, contented -with this reason, went away again, contented to repeat the tale -to others, but others, more tenacious, insisted on having the -doors opened, and among these last three Blue Ribbons, intended -to take parts in a ballet, which would inevitably fail unless the -said three had their costumes shaped by the very hand of the -great Percerin himself. D'Artagnan, pushing on Porthos, who -scattered the groups of people right and left, succeeded in -gaining the counter, behind which the journeyman tailors were -doing their best to answer queries. (We forgot to mention that -at the door they wanted to put off Porthos like the rest, but -D'Artagnan, showing himself, pronounced merely these words, "The -king's order," and was let in with his friend.) The poor fellows -had enough to do, and did their best, to reply to the demands of -the customers in the absence of their master, leaving off drawing -a stitch to knit a sentence; and when wounded pride, or -disappointed expectation, brought down upon them too cutting a -rebuke, he who was attacked made a dive and disappeared under the -counter. The line of discontented lords formed a truly -remarkable picture. Our captain of musketeers, a man of sure and -rapid observation, took it all in at a glance; and having run -over the groups, his eye rested on a man in front of him. This -man, seated upon a stool, scarcely showed his head above the -counter that sheltered him. He was about forty years of age, -with a melancholy aspect, pale face, and soft luminous eyes. He -was looking at D'Artagnan and the rest, with his chin resting -upon his hand, like a calm and inquiring amateur. Only on -perceiving, and doubtless recognizing, our captain, he pulled his -hat down over his eyes. It was this action, perhaps, that -attracted D'Artagnan's attention. If so, the gentleman who had -pulled down his hat produced an effect entirely different from -what he had desired. In other respects his costume was plain, -and his hair evenly cut enough for customers, who were not close -observers, to take him for a mere tailor's apprentice, perched -behind the board, and carefully stitching cloth or velvet. -Nevertheless, this man held up his head too often to be very -productively employed with his fingers. D'Artagnan was not -deceived, - not he; and he saw at once that if this man was -working at anything, it certainly was not at velvet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh!" said he, addressing -this man, "and so you have become a tailor's boy, Monsieur -Molière!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Hush, M. d'Artagnan!" -replied the man, softly, "you will make them recognize me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, and what harm?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The fact is, there is no -harm, but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You were going to say there -is no good in doing it either, is it not so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Alas! no; for I was -occupied in examining some excellent figures."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Go on - go on, Monsieur -Molière. I quite understand the interest you take in the -plates - I will not disturb your studies."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Thank you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But on one condition; that -you tell me where M. Percerin really is."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! willingly; in his own -room. Only - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Only that one can't enter -it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Unapproachable."<br> - "For everybody?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Everybody. He brought me -here so that I might be at my ease to make my observations, and -then he went away."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, my dear Monsieur -Molière, but you will go and tell him I am here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I!" exclaimed -Molière, in the tone of a courageous dog, from which you -snatch the bone it has legitimately gained; "I disturb myself! -Ah! Monsieur d'Artagnan, how hard you are upon me!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If you don't go directly -and tell M. Percerin that I am here, my dear Molière," -said D'Artagnan, in a low tone, "I warn you of one thing: that I -won't exhibit to you the friend I have brought with me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Molière indicated -Porthos by an imperceptible gesture, "This gentleman, is it -not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Molière fixed upon -Porthos one of those looks which penetrate the minds and hearts -of men. The subject doubtless appeared a very promising one, for -he immediately rose and led the way into the adjoining -chamber.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter IV:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Patterns.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>D</span>uring all -this time the noble mob was slowly heaving away, leaving at every -angle of the counter either a murmur or a menace, as the waves -leave foam or scattered seaweed on the sands, when they retire -with the ebbing tide. In about ten minutes Molière -reappeared, making another sign to D'Artagnan from under the -hangings. The latter hurried after him, with Porthos in the -rear, and after threading a labyrinth of corridors, introduced -him to M. Percerin's room. The old man, with his sleeves turned -up, was gathering up in folds a piece of gold-flowered brocade, -so as the better to exhibit its luster. Perceiving D'Artagnan, -he put the silk aside, and came to meet him, by no means radiant -with joy, and by no means courteous, but, take it altogether, in -a tolerably civil manner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The captain of the king's -musketeers will excuse me, I am sure, for I am engaged."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! yes, on the king's -costumes; I know that, my dear Monsieur Percerin. You are making -three, they tell me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Five, my dear sir, -five."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Three or five, 'tis all the -same to me, my dear monsieur; and I know that you will make them -most exquisitely."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I know. Once made -they will be the most beautiful in the world, I do not deny it; -but that they may be the most beautiful in the word, they must -first be made; and to do this, captain, I am pressed for -time."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, bah! there are two days -yet; 'tis much more than you require, Monsieur Percerin," said -D'Artagnan, in the coolest possible manner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Percerin raised his head -with the air of a man little accustomed to be contradicted, even -in his whims; but D'Artagnan did not pay the least attention to -the airs which the illustrious tailor began to assume.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear M. Percerin," he -continued, "I bring you a customer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! ah!" exclaimed -Percerin, crossly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="FR">"M. le Baron -du Vallon de Bracieux de Pierrefonds," continued -D'Artagnan. </span> Percerin attempted a bow, which found no -favor in the eyes of the terrible Porthos, who, from his first -entry into the room, had been regarding the tailor askance.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A very good friend of -mine," concluded D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will attend to monsieur," -said Percerin, "but later."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Later? but when?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "When I have time."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have already told my -valet as much," broke in Porthos, discontentedly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very likely," said -Percerin; "I am nearly always pushed for time."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My friend," returned -Porthos, sententiously, "there is always time to be found when -one chooses to seek it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Percerin turned crimson; an -ominous sign indeed in old men blanched by age.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur is quite at -liberty to confer his custom elsewhere."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, come, Percerin," -interposed D'Artagnan, "you are not in a good temper to-day. -Well, I will say one more word to you, which will bring you on -your knees; monsieur is not only a friend of mine, but more, a -friend of M. Fouquet's."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! ah!" exclaimed the -tailor, "that is another thing." Then turning to Porthos, -"Monsieur le baron is attached to the superintendent?" he -inquired.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am attached to myself," -shouted Porthos, at the very moment that the tapestry was raised -to introduce a new speaker in the dialogue. Molière was -all observation, D'Artagnan laughed, Porthos swore.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear Percerin," said -D'Artagnan, "you will make a dress for the baron. 'Tis I who ask -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To you I will not say nay, -captain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But that is not all; you -will make it for him at once."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis impossible within -eight days."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That, then, is as much as -to refuse, because the dress is wanted for the <i>fête</i> -at Vaux."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I repeat that it is -impossible," returned the obstinate old man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "By no means, dear Monsieur -Percerin, above all if <i>I</i> ask you," said a mild voice at -the door, a silvery voice which made D'Artagnan prick up his -ears. It was the voice of Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur d'Herblay!" cried -the tailor.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="FR">"Aramis," -murmured D'Artagnan.</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR"> </span> "Ah! -our bishop!" said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good morning, D'Artagnan; -good morning, Porthos; good-morning, my dear friends," said -Aramis. "Come, come, M. Percerin, make the baron's dress; and I -will answer for it you will gratify M. Fouquet." And he -accompanied the words with a sign, which seemed to say, "Agree, -and dismiss them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> It appeared that Aramis had -over Master Percerin an influence superior even to D'Artagnan's, -for the tailor bowed in assent, and turning round upon Porthos, -said, "Go and get measured on the other side."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos colored in a -formidable manner. D'Artagnan saw the storm coming, and -addressing Molière, said to him, in an undertone, "You see -before you, my dear monsieur, a man who considers himself -disgraced, if you measure the flesh and bones that Heaven has -given him; study this type for me, Master Aristophanes, and -profit by it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Molière had no need -of encouragement, and his gaze dwelt long and keenly on the Baron -Porthos. "Monsieur," he said, "if you will come with me, I will -make them take your measure without touching you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" said Porthos, "how do -you make that out, my friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I say that they shall apply -neither line nor rule to the seams of your dress. It is a new -method we have invented for measuring people of quality, who are -too sensitive to allow low-born fellows to touch them. We know -some susceptible persons who will not put up with being measured, -a process which, as I think, wounds the natural dignity of a man; -and if perchance monsieur should be one of these - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Corbœuf!</i> I -believe I am too!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, that is a capital and -most consolatory coincidence, and you shall have the benefit of -our invention."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But how in the world can it -be done?" asked Porthos, delighted.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said -Molière, bowing, "if you will deign to follow me, you will -see."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis observed this scene -with all his eyes. Perhaps he fancied from D'Artagnan's -liveliness that he would leave with Porthos, so as not to lose -the conclusion of a scene well begun. But, clear-sighted as he -was, Aramis deceived himself. Porthos and Molière left -together: D'Artagnan remained with Percerin. Why? From -curiosity, doubtless; probably to enjoy a little longer the -society of his good friend Aramis. As Molière and Porthos -disappeared, D'Artagnan drew near the bishop of Vannes, a -proceeding which appeared particularly to disconcert him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A dress for you, also, is -it not, my friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis smiled. "No," said -he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will go to Vaux, -however?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall go, but without a -new dress. You forget, dear D'Artagnan, that a poor bishop of -Vannes is not rich enough to have new dresses for every -<i>fête</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah!" said the musketeer, -laughing, "and do we write no more poems now, either?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! D'Artagnan," exclaimed -Aramis, "I have long ago given up all such tomfoolery."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "True," repeated D'Artagnan, -only half convinced. As for Percerin, he was once more absorbed -in contemplation of the brocades.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Don't you perceive," said -Aramis, smiling, "that we are greatly boring this good gentleman, -my dear D'Artagnan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! ah!" murmured the -musketeer, aside; "that is, I am boring you, my friend." Then -aloud, "Well, then, let us leave; I have no further business -here, and if you are as disengaged as I, Aramis - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, not I - I wished - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! you had something -particular to say to M. Percerin? Why did you not tell me so at -once?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Something particular, -certainly," repeated Aramis, "but not for you, D'Artagnan. But, -at the same time, I hope you will believe that I can never have -anything so particular to say that a friend like you may not hear -it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, no, no! I am going," -said D'Artagnan, imparting to his voice an evident tone of -curiosity; for Aramis's annoyance, well dissembled as it was, had -not a whit escaped him; and he knew that, in that impenetrable -mind, every thing, even the most apparently trivial, was designed -to some end; an unknown one, but an end that, from the knowledge -he had of his friend's character, the musketeer felt must be -important.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> On his part, Aramis saw that -D'Artagnan was not without suspicion, and pressed him. "Stay, by -all means," he said, "this is what it is." Then turning towards -the tailor, "My dear Percerin," said he, - "I am even very happy -that you are here, D'Artagnan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, indeed," exclaimed the -Gascon, for the third time, even less deceived this time than -before.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Percerin never moved. -Aramis roused him violently, by snatching from his hands the -stuff upon which he was engaged. "My dear Percerin," said he, "I -have, near hand, M. Lebrun, one of M. Fouquet's painters."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, very good," thought -D'Artagnan; "but why Lebrun?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis looked at D'Artagnan, -who seemed to be occupied with an engraving of Mark Antony. "And -you wish that I should make him a dress, similar to those of the -Epicureans?" answered Percerin. And while saying this, in an -absent manner, the worthy tailor endeavored to recapture his -piece of brocade.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "An Epicurean's dress?" -asked D'Artagnan, in a tone of inquiry.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I see," said Aramis, with a -most engaging smile, "it is written that our dear D'Artagnan -shall know all our secrets this evening. Yes, friend, you have -surely heard speak of M. Fouquet's Epicureans, have you not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Undoubtedly. Is it not a -kind of poetical society, of which La Fontaine, Loret, -Pélisson, and Molière are members, and which holds -its sittings at Saint-Mandé?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Exactly so. Well, we are -going to put our poets in uniform, and enroll them in a regiment -for the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, very well, I -understand; a surprise M. Fouquet is getting up for the king. Be -at ease; if that is the secret about M. Lebrun, I will not -mention it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Always agreeable, my -friend. No, Monsieur Lebrun has nothing to do with this part of -it; the secret which concerns him is far more important than the -other."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then, if it is so important -as all that, I prefer not to know it," said D'Artagnan, making a -show of departure.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come in, M. Lebrun, come -in," said Aramis, opening a side-door with his right hand, and -holding back D'Artagnan with his left.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I'faith, I too, am quite in -the dark," quoth Percerin.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis took an -"opportunity," as is said in theatrical matters.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear M. de Percerin," -Aramis continued, "you are making five dresses for the king, are -you not? One in brocade; one in hunting-cloth; one in velvet; -one in satin; and one in Florentine stuffs."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; but how - do you know -all that, monseigneur?" said Percerin, astounded.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is all very simple, my -dear monsieur; there will be a hunt, a banquet, concert, -promenade and reception; these five kinds of dress are required -by etiquette."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You know everything, -monseigneur!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And a thing or two in -addition," muttered D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But," cried the tailor, in -triumph, "what you do not know, monseigneur - prince of the -church though you are - what nobody will know - what only the -king, Mademoiselle de la Vallière, and myself do know, is -the color of the materials and nature of the ornaments, and the -cut, the <i>ensemble</i>, the finish of it all!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," said Aramis, "that -is precisely what I have come to ask you, dear Percerin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, bah!" exclaimed the -tailor, terrified, though Aramis had pronounced these words in -his softest and most honeyed tones. The request appeared, on -reflection, so exaggerated, so ridiculous, so monstrous to M. -Percerin that first he laughed to himself, then aloud, and -finished with a shout. D'Artagnan followed his example, not -because he found the matter so "very funny," but in order not to -allow Aramis to cool.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At the outset, I appear to -be hazarding an absurd question, do I not?" said Aramis. "But -D'Artagnan, who is incarnate wisdom itself, will tell you that I -could not do otherwise than ask you this."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us see," said the -attentive musketeer; perceiving with his wonderful instinct that -they had only been skirmishing till now, and that the hour of -battle was approaching.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us see," said Percerin, -incredulously.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, now," continued -Aramis, "does M. Fouquet give the king a <i>fête?</i> - Is -it not to please him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Assuredly," said Percerin. -<span lang="FR">D'Artagnan nodded assent.</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR"> </span> "By -delicate attentions? by some happy device? by a succession of -surprises, like that of which we were talking? - the enrolment of -our Epicureans."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Admirable."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, then; this is the -surprise we intend. M. Lebrun here is a man who draws most -excellently."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," said Percerin; "I -have seen his pictures, and observed that his dresses were highly -elaborated. That is why I at once agreed to make him a costume - -whether to agree with those of the Epicureans, or an original -one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear monsieur, we accept -your offer, and shall presently avail ourselves of it; but just -now, M. Lebrun is not in want of the dresses you will make for -himself, but of those you are making for the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Percerin made a bound -backwards, which D'Artagnan - calmest and most appreciative of -men, did not consider overdone, so many strange and startling -aspects wore the proposal which Aramis had just hazarded. "The -king's dresses! Give the king's dresses to any mortal whatever! -Oh! for once, monseigneur, your grace is mad!" cried the poor -tailor in extremity.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Help me now, D'Artagnan," -said Aramis, more and more calm and smiling. "Help me now to -persuade monsieur, for <i>you</i> understand; do you not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! eh! - not exactly, I -declare."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! you do not understand -that M. Fouquet wishes to afford the king the surprise of finding -his portrait on his arrival at Vaux; and that the portrait, which -be a striking resemblance, ought to be dressed exactly as the -king will be on the day it is shown?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! yes, yes," said the -musketeer, nearly convinced, so plausible was this reasoning. -"Yes, my dear Aramis, you are right; it is a happy idea. I will -wager it is one of your own, Aramis."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, I don't know," -replied the bishop; "either mine or M. Fouquet's." Then scanning -Percerin, after noticing D'Artagnan's hesitation, "Well, Monsieur -Percerin," he asked, "what do you say to this?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I say, that - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That you are, doubtless, -free to refuse. I know well - and I by no means count upon -compelling you, my dear monsieur. I will say more, I even -understand all the delicacy you feel in taking up with M. -Fouquet's idea; you dread appearing to flatter the king. A noble -spirit, M. Percerin, a noble spirit!" The tailor stammered. "It -would, indeed, be a very pretty compliment to pay the young -prince," continued Aramis; "but as the surintendant told me, 'if -Percerin refuse, tell him that it will not at all lower him in my -opinion, and I shall always esteem him, only - '"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Only?'" repeated Percerin, -rather troubled.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Only,'" continued Aramis, -"'I shall be compelled to say to the king,' - you understand, my -dear Monsieur Percerin, that these are M. Fouquet's words, - 'I -shall be constrained to say to the king, "Sire, I had intended to -present your majesty with your portrait, but owing to a feeling -of delicacy, slightly exaggerated perhaps, although creditable, -M. Percerin opposed the project."'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Opposed!" cried the tailor, -terrified at the responsibility which would weigh upon him; "I to -oppose the desire, the will of M. Fouquet when he is seeking to -please the king! Oh, what a hateful word you have uttered, -monseigneur. Oppose! Oh, 'tis not I who said it, Heaven have -mercy on me. I call the captain of the musketeers to witness -it! Is it not true, Monsieur d'Artagnan, that I have opposed -nothing?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan made a sign -indicating that he wished to remain neutral. He felt that there -was an intrigue at the bottom of it, whether comedy or tragedy; -he was at his wit's end at not being able to fathom it, but in -the meanwhile wished to keep clear.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But already Percerin, goaded -by the idea that the king was to be told he stood in the way of a -pleasant surprise, had offered Lebrun a chair, and proceeded to -bring from a wardrobe four magnificent dresses, the fifth being -still in the workmen's hands; and these masterpieces he -successively fitted upon four lay figures, which, imported into -France in the time of Concini, had been given to Percerin II. by -Marshal d'Onore, after the discomfiture of the Italian tailors -ruined in their competition. The painter set to work to draw and -then to paint the dresses. But Aramis, who was closely watching -all the phases of his toil, suddenly stopped him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I think you have not quite -got it, my dear Lebrun," he said; "your colors will deceive you, -and on canvas we shall lack that exact resemblance which is -absolutely requisite. Time is necessary for attentively -observing the finer shades."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Quite true," said Percerin, -"but time is wanting, and on that head, you will agree with me, -monseigneur, I can do nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then the affair will fail," -said Aramis, quietly, "and that because of a want of precision in -the colors."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Nevertheless Lebrun went on -copying the materials and ornaments with the closest fidelity - a -process which Aramis watched with ill-concealed impatience.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What in the world, now, is -the meaning of this imbroglio?" the musketeer kept saying to -himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That will never do," said -Aramis: "M. Lebrun, close your box, and roll up your canvas."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But, monsieur," cried the -vexed painter, "the light is abominable here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "An idea, M. Lebrun, an -idea! If we had a pattern of the materials, for example, and -with time, and a better light - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, then," cried Lebrun, "I -would answer for the effect."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good!" said D'Artagnan, -"this ought to be the knotty point of the whole thing; they want -a pattern of each of the materials. <i>Mordioux!</i> Will this -Percerin give in now?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Percerin, beaten from his -last retreat, and duped, moreover, by the feigned good-nature of -Aramis, cut out five patterns and handed them to the bishop of -Vannes.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I like this better. That -is your opinion, is it not?" said Aramis to D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear Aramis," said -D'Artagnan, "my opinion is that you are always the same."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And, consequently, always -your friend," said the bishop in a charming tone.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, yes," said D'Artagnan, -aloud; then, in a low voice, "If I am your dupe, double Jesuit -that you are, I will not be your accomplice; and to prevent it, -'tis time I left this place. - Adieu, Aramis," he added aloud, -"adieu; I am going to rejoin Porthos."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then wait for me," said -Aramis, pocketing the patterns, "for I have done, and shall be -glad to say a parting word to our dear old friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Lebrun packed up his paints -and brushes, Percerin put back the dresses into the closet, -Aramis put his hand on his pocket to assure himself the patterns -were secure, - and they all left the study.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter V:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Where, Probably, Molière Obtained His First Idea of the -Bourgeois Gentilhomme.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>D</span>'Artagnan -found Porthos in the adjoining chamber; but no longer an -irritated Porthos, or a disappointed Porthos, but Porthos -radiant, blooming, fascinating, and chattering with -Molière, who was looking upon him with a species of -idolatry, and as a man would who had not only never seen anything -greater, but not even ever anything so great. Aramis went -straight up to Porthos and offered him his white hand, which lost -itself in the gigantic clasp of his old friend, - an operation -which Aramis never hazarded without a certain uneasiness. But -the friendly pressure having been performed not too painfully for -him, the bishop of Vannes passed over to Molière.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, monsieur," said he, -"will you come with me to Saint-Mandé?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will go anywhere you -like, monseigneur," answered Molière.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To Saint-Mandé!" -cried Porthos, surprised at seeing the proud bishop of Vannes -fraternizing with a journeyman tailor. "What, Aramis, are you -going to take this gentleman to Saint-Mandé?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," said Aramis, smiling, -"our work is pressing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And besides, my dear -Porthos," continued D'Artagnan, "M. Molière is not -altogether what he seems."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In what way?" asked -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, this gentleman is one -of M. Percerin's chief clerks, and is expected at -Saint-Mandé to try on the dresses which M. Fouquet has -ordered for the Epicureans."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis precisely so," said -Molière.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, then, my dear M. -Molière," said Aramis, "that is, if you have done with M. -du Vallon."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We have finished," replied -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you are satisfied?" -asked D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Completely so," replied -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Molière took his -leave of Porthos with much ceremony, and grasped the hand which -the captain of the musketeers furtively offered him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pray, monsieur," concluded -Porthos, mincingly, "above all, be exact."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will have your dress -the day after to-morrow, monsieur le baron," answered -Molière. And he left with Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Then D'Artagnan, taking -Porthos's arm, "What has this tailor done for you, my dear -Porthos," he asked, "that you are so pleased with him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What has he done for me, my -friend! done for me!" cried Porthos, enthusiastically.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I ask you, what has he -done for you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My friend, he has done that -which no tailor ever yet accomplished: he has taken my measure -without touching me!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, bah! tell me how he did -it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "First, then, they went, I -don't know where, for a number of lay figures, of all heights and -sizes, hoping there would be one to suit mine, but the largest - -that of the drum-major of the Swiss guard - was two inches too -short, and a half foot too narrow in the chest."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Indeed!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is exactly as I tell -you, D'Artagnan; but he is a great man, or at the very least a -great tailor, is this M. Molière. He was not at all put -at fault by the circumstance."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What did he do, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! it is a very simple -matter. I'faith, 'tis an unheard-of thing that people should -have been so stupid as not to have discovered this method from -the first. What annoyance and humiliation they would have spared -me!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not to mention of the -costumes, my dear Porthos."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, thirty dresses."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, my dear Porthos, -come, tell me M. Molière's plan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Molière? You call -him so, do you? I shall make a point of recollecting his -name."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; or Poquelin, if you -prefer that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; I like Molière -best. When I wish to recollect his name, I shall think of -<i>volière</i> [an aviary]; and as I have one at -Pierrefonds - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="FR">"Capital!" -returned D'Artagnan. </span> "And M. Molière's plan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis this: instead of -pulling me to pieces, as all these rascals do - of making me bend -my back, and double my joints - all of them low and dishonorable -practices - " D'Artagnan made a sign of approbation with his -head. "'Monsieur,' he said to me," continued Porthos, "'a -gentleman ought to measure himself. Do me the pleasure to draw -near this glass;' and I drew near the glass. I must own I did -not exactly understand what this good M. Volière wanted -with me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang= -"FR">"Molière!"</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR"> "Ah! yes, -Molière - Molière. </span> And as the fear of being -measured still possessed me, 'Take care,' said I to him, 'what -you are going to do with me; I am very ticklish, I warn you.' -But he, with his soft voice (for he is a courteous fellow, we -must admit, my friend), he with his soft voice, 'Monsieur,' said -he, 'that your dress may fit you well, it must be made according -to your figure. Your figure is exactly reflected in this -mirror. We shall take the measure of this reflection.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In fact," said D'Artagnan, -"you saw yourself in the glass; but where did they find one in -which you could see your whole figure?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My good friend, it is the -very glass in which the king is used to look to see himself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; but the king is a foot -and a half shorter than you are."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! well, I know not how -that may be; it is, no doubt, a cunning way of flattering the -king; but the looking-glass was too large for me. 'Tis true that -its height was made up of three Venetian plates of glass, placed -one above another, and its breadth of three similar -parallelograms in juxtaposition."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, Porthos! what excellent -words you have command of. Where in the word did you acquire -such a voluminous vocabulary?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At Belle-Isle. Aramis and -I had to use such words in our strategic studies and -castramentative experiments."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan recoiled, as -though the sesquipedalian syllables had knocked the breath out of -his body.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! very good. Let us -return to the looking-glass, my friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then, this good M. -Volière - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Molière."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes - Molière - you -are right. You will see now, my dear friend, that I shall -recollect his name quite well. This excellent M. Molière -set to work tracing out lines on the mirror, with a piece of -Spanish chalk, following in all the make of my arms and my -shoulders, all the while expounding this maxim, which I thought -admirable: 'It is advisable that a dress should not incommode its -wearer.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In reality," said -D'Artagnan, "that is an excellent maxim, which is, unfortunately, -seldom carried out in practice."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is why I found it all -the more astonishing, when he expatiated upon it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! he expatiated?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Parbleu!"</i></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><i> </i> "Let me hear his -theory."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Seeing that,' he -continued, 'one may, in awkward circumstances, or in a -troublesome position, have one's doublet on one's shoulder, and -not desire to take one's doublet off - '"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="FR">"True," said -D'Artagnan.</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR"> </span> "'And -so,' continued M. Volière - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang= -"FR">"Molière."</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR"> -"Molière, yes. </span> 'And so,' went on M. -Molière, 'you want to draw your sword, monsieur, and you -have your doublet on your back. What do you do?'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'I take it off,' I -answered.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"'Well, no,' he -replied.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"'How no?'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'I say that the dress -should be so well made, that it will in no way encumber you, even -in drawing your sword.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"'Ah, ah!'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"'Throw yourself on -guard,' pursued he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I did it with such -wondrous firmness, that two panes of glass burst out of the -window.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"''Tis nothing, -nothing,' said he. 'Keep your position.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I raised my left arm in the -air, the forearm gracefully bent, the ruffle drooping, and my -wrist curved, while my right arm, half extended, securely covered -my wrist with the elbow, and my breast with the wrist."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Yes," said -D'Artagnan, "'tis the true guard - the academic guard."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"You have said the -very word, dear friend. In the meanwhile, Volière - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'> -"Molière."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Hold! I should -certainly, after all, prefer to call him - what did you say his -other name was?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Poquelin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I prefer to call -him Poquelin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And how will you -remember this name better than the other?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"You understand, he -calls himself Poquelin, does he not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"If I were to call -to mind Madame Coquenard."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Good."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And change -<i>Coc</i> into <i>Poc</i>, <i>nard</i> into <i>lin</i>; and -instead of Coquenard I shall have Poquelin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis wonderful," cried -D'Artagnan, astounded. "Go on, my friend, I am listening to you -with admiration."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"This Coquelin -sketched my arm on the glass."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I beg your pardon -- Poquelin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"What did I say, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"You said -Coquelin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! true. This Poquelin, -then, sketched my arm on the glass; but he took his time over it; -he kept looking at me a good deal. The fact is, that I must have -been looking particularly handsome."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"'Does it weary -you?' he asked.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"'A little,' I -replied, bending a little in my hands, 'but I could hold out for -an hour or so longer.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'No, no, I will not allow -it; the willing fellows will make it a duty to support your arms, -as of old, men supported those of the prophet.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"'Very good,' I -answered.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"'That will not be -humiliating to you?'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'My friend,' said I, 'there -is, I think, a great difference between being supported and being -measured.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"The distinction is -full of the soundest sense," interrupted D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then," continued Porthos, -"he made a sign: two lads approached; one supported my left arm, -while the other, with infinite address, supported my right."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Another, my man,' cried -he. A third approached. 'Support monsieur by the waist,' said -he. The <i>garçon</i> complied."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"So that you were -at rest?" asked D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Perfectly; and -Pocquenard drew me on the glass."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Poquelin, my -friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Poquelin - you are -right. Stay, decidedly I prefer calling him Volière."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Yes; and then it -was over, wasn't it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"During that time -Volière drew me as I appeared in the mirror."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"'Twas delicate in -him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I much like the -plan; it is respectful, and keeps every one in his place."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And there it -ended?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Without a soul -having touched me, my friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Except the three -<i>garçons</i> who supported you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Doubtless; but I have, I -think, already explained to you the difference there is between -supporting and measuring."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis true," answered -D'Artagnan; who said afterwards to himself, "I'faith, I greatly -deceive myself, or I have been the means of a good windfall to -that rascal Molière, and we shall assuredly see the scene -hit off to the life in some comedy or other." Porthos -smiled.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"What are you -laughing at?" asked D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Must I confess? -Well, I was laughing over my good fortune."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, that is true; I don't -know a happier man than you. But what is this last piece of luck -that has befallen you?'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Well, my dear -fellow, congratulate me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I desire nothing -better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"It seems that I am -the first who has had his measure taken in that manner."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Are you so sure of -it?'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nearly so. Certain signs -of intelligence which passed between Volière and the other -<i>garçons</i> showed me the fact."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Well, my friend, -that does not surprise me from Molière," said -D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Volière, my -friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, no, no, indeed! I am -very willing to leave you to go on saying Volière; but, as -for me, I shall continued to say Molière. Well, this, I -was saying, does not surprise me, coming from Molière, who -is a very ingenious fellow, and inspired you with this grand -idea."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"It will be of -great use to him by and by, I am sure."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Won't it be of use to him, -indeed? I believe you, it will, and that in the highest degree; -- for you see my friend Molière is of all known tailors -the man who best clothes our barons, comtes, and marquises - -according to their measure."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> On this observation, neither -the application nor depth of which we shall discuss, D'Artagnan -and Porthos quitted M. de Percerin's house and rejoined their -carriages, wherein we will leave them, in order to look after -Molière and Aramis at Saint-Mandé.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter VI:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Bee-Hive, the Bees, and the Honey.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he bishop of -Vannes, much annoyed at having met D'Artagnan at M. Percerin's, -returned to Saint-Mandé in no very good humor. -Molière, on the other hand, quite delighted at having made -such a capital rough sketch, and at knowing where to find his -original again, whenever he should desire to convert his sketch -into a picture, Molière arrived in the merriest of moods. -All the first story of the left wing was occupied by the most -celebrated Epicureans in Paris, and those on the freest footing -in the house - every one in his compartment, like the bees in -their cells, employed in producing the honey intended for that -royal cake which M. Fouquet proposed to offer his majesty Louis -XIV. during the <i>fête</i> at Vaux. Pélisson, his -head leaning on his hand, was engaged in drawing out the plan of -the prologue to the "Fâcheux," a comedy in three acts, -which was to be put on the stage by Poquelin de Molière, -as D'Artagnan called him, or Coquelin de Volière, as -Porthos styled him. Loret, with all the charming innocence of a -gazetteer, - the gazetteers of all ages have always been so -artless! - Loret was composing an account of the -<i>fêtes</i> at Vaux, before those <i>fêtes</i> had -taken place. La Fontaine sauntered about from one to the other, -a peripatetic, absent-minded, boring, unbearable dreamer, who -kept buzzing and humming at everybody's elbow a thousand poetic -abstractions. He so often disturbed Pélisson, that the -latter, raising his head, crossly said, "At least, La Fontaine, -supply me with a rhyme, since you have the run of the gardens at -Parnassus."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What rhyme do you want?" -asked the <i>Fabler</i> as Madame de Sévigné used -to call him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I want a rhyme to -<i>lumière</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang= -"FR">"<i>Ornière</i>," answered La Fontaine.</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR"> </span> "Ah, -but, my good friend, one cannot talk of <i>wheel-ruts</i> when -celebrating the delights of Vaux," said Loret.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Besides, it doesn't rhyme," -answered Pélisson.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! doesn't rhyme!" cried -La Fontaine, in surprise.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; you have an abominable -habit, my friend, - a habit which will ever prevent your becoming -a poet of the first order. You rhyme in a slovenly manner."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, oh, you think so, do -you, Pélisson?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I do, indeed. -Remember that a rhyme is never good so long as one can find a -better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then I will never write -anything again save in prose," said La Fontaine, who had taken up -Pélisson's reproach in earnest. "Ah! I often suspected I -was nothing but a rascally poet! Yes, 'tis the very truth."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do not say so; your remark -is too sweeping, and there is much that is good in your -'Fables.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And to begin," continued La -Fontaine, following up his idea, "I will go and burn a hundred -verses I have just made."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Where are your verses?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In my head."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, if they are in your -head you cannot burn them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "True," said La Fontaine; -"but if I do not burn them - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, what will happen if -you do not burn them?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They will remain in my -mind, and I shall never forget them!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The deuce!" cried Loret; -"what a dangerous thing! One would go mad with it!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The deuce! the deuce!" -repeated La Fontaine; "what can I do?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have discovered the way," -said Molière, who had entered just at this point of the -conversation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What way?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Write them first and burn -them afterwards."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How simple! Well, I should -never have discovered that. What a mind that devil of a -Molière has!" said La Fontaine. Then, striking his -forehead, "Oh, thou wilt never be aught but an ass, Jean La -Fontaine!" he added.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>What</i> are you saying -there, my friend?" broke in Molière, approaching the poet, -whose aside he had heard.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I say I shall never be -aught but an ass," answered La Fontaine, with a heavy sigh and -swimming eyes. "Yes, my friend," he added, with increasing -grief, "it seems that I rhyme in a slovenly manner."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, 'tis wrong to say -so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nay, I am a poor -creature!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who said so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Parbleu!</i> 'twas -Pélisson; did you not, Pélisson?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Pélisson, again -absorbed in his work, took good care not to answer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But if Pélisson said -you were so," cried Molière, "Pélisson has -seriously offended you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you think so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! I advise you, as you -are a gentleman, not to leave an insult like that -unpunished."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>What!</i>" exclaimed La -Fontaine.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Did you ever fight?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Once only, with a -lieutenant in the light horse."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What wrong had he done -you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It seems he ran away with -my wife."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, ah!" said -Molière, becoming slightly pale; but as, at La Fontaine's -declaration, the others had turned round, Molière kept -upon his lips the rallying smile which had so nearly died away, -and continuing to make La Fontaine speak -</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And what was the result of -the duel?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The result was, that on the -ground my opponent disarmed me, and then made an apology, -promising never again to set foot in my house."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you considered yourself -satisfied?" said Molière.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not at all! on the -contrary, I picked up my sword. 'I beg your pardon, monsieur,' I -said, 'I have not fought you because you were my wife's friend, -but because I was told I ought to fight. So, as I have never -known any peace save since you made her acquaintance, do me the -pleasure to continue your visits as heretofore, or -<i>morbleu!</i> let us set to again.' And so," continued La -Fontaine, "he was compelled to resume his friendship with madame, -and I continue to be the happiest of husbands."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> All burst out laughing. -Molière alone passed his hand across his eyes. Why? -Perhaps to wipe away a tear, perhaps to smother a sigh. Alas! we -know that Molière was a moralist, but he was not a -philosopher. "'Tis all one," he said, returning to the topic of -the conversation, "Pélisson has insulted you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, truly! I had already -forgotten it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I am going to challenge -him on your behalf."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, you can do so, if you -think it indispensable."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I do think it -indispensable, and I am going to - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Stay," exclaimed La -Fontaine, "I want your advice."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Upon what? this -insult?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; tell me really now -whether <i>lumière</i> does not rhyme with -<i>ornière</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I should make them -rhyme."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! I knew you would."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I have made a hundred -thousand such rhymes in my time."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A hundred thousand!" cried -La Fontaine. "Four times as many as 'La Pucelle,' which M. -Chaplain is meditating. Is it also on this subject, too, that -you have composed a hundred thousand verses?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Listen to me, you eternally -absent-minded creature," said Molière.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is certain," continued -La Fontaine, "that <i>légume</i>, for instance, rhymes -with <i>posthume</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In the plural, above -all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, above all in the -plural, seeing that then it rhymes not with three letters, but -with four; as <i>ornière</i> does with -<i>lumière</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But give me -<i>ornières</i> and <i>lumières</i> in the plural, -my dear Pélisson," said La Fontaine, clapping his hand on -the shoulder of his friend, whose insult he had quite forgotten, -"and they will rhyme."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Hem!" coughed -Pélisson.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Molière says so, and -Molière is a judge of such things; he declares he has -himself made a hundred thousand verses."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come," said Molière, -laughing, "he is off now."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is like <i>rivage</i>, -which rhymes admirably with <i>herbage</i>. I would take my oath -of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But - " said -Molière.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I tell you all this," -continued La Fontaine, "because you are preparing a -<i>divertissement</i> for Vaux, are you not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, the -'Fâcheux.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, yes, the -'Fâcheux;' yes, I recollect. Well, I was thinking a -prologue would admirably suit your <i>divertissement</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Doubtless it would suit -capitally."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! you are of my -opinion?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So much so, that I have -asked you to write this very prologue."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You asked <i>me</i> to -write it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, you, and on your -refusal begged you to ask Pélisson, who is engaged upon it -at this moment."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! that is what -Pélisson is doing, then? I'faith, my dear Molière, -you are indeed often right."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "When?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "When you call me -absent-minded. It is a monstrous defect; I will cure myself of -it, and do your prologue for you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But inasmuch as -Pélisson is about it! - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, true, miserable rascal -that I am! Loret was indeed right in saying I was a poor -creature."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It was not Loret who said -so, my friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, then, whoever said -so, 'tis the same to me! And so your <i>divertissement</i> is -called the 'Fâcheux?' Well, can you make <i>heureux</i> -rhyme with <i>fâcheux?</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If obliged, yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And even with -<i>capriceux</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, no, no."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It would be hazardous, and -yet why so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is too great a -difference in the cadences."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I was fancying," said La -Fontaine, leaving Molière for Loret - "I was fancying - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What were you fancying?" -said Loret, in the middle of a sentence. "Make haste."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are writing the -prologue to the 'Fâcheux,' are you not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No! <i>mordieu!</i> it is -Pélisson."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, Pélisson," cried -La Fontaine, going over to him, "I was fancying," he continued, -"that the nymph of Vaux - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, beautiful!" cried -Loret. "The nymph of Vaux! thank you, La Fontaine; you have just -given me the two concluding verses of my paper."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, if you can rhyme so -well, La Fontaine," said Pélisson, "tell me now in what -way you would begin my prologue?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I should say, for instance, -'Oh! nymph, who - ' After 'who' I should place a verb in the -second person singular of the present indicative; and should go -on thus: 'this grot profound.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But the verb, the verb?" -asked Pélisson.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To admire the greatest king -of all kings round," continued La Fontaine.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But the verb, the verb," -obstinately insisted Pélisson. "This second person -singular of the present indicative?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, then; quittest:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:8.0pt;'>"Oh, nymph, who quittest now this grot -profound,</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span style= -'font-size:8.0pt;'> To admire the -greatest king of all kings round."</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You would not put 'who -quittest,' would you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Quittest,' after 'you -who'?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! my dear fellow," -exclaimed La Fontaine, "you are a shocking pedant!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Without counting," said -Molière, "that the second verse, 'king of all kings -round,' is very weak, my dear La Fontaine."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then you see clearly I am -nothing but a poor creature, - a shuffler, as you said."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I never said so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then, as Loret said."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And it was not Loret -either; it was Pélisson."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, Pélisson was -right a hundred times over. But what annoys me more than -anything, my dear Molière, is, that I fear we shall not -have our Epicurean dresses."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You expected yours, then, -for the <i>fête?</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, for the -<i>fête</i>, and then for after the <i>fête</i>. My -housekeeper told me that my own is rather faded."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Diable!</i> your -housekeeper is right; rather more than faded."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, you see," resumed La -Fontaine, "the fact is, I left it on the floor in my room, and my -cat - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, your cat - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "She made her nest upon it, -which has rather changed its color."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Molière burst out -laughing; Pélisson and Loret followed his example. At -this juncture, the bishop of Vannes appeared, with a roll of -plans and parchments under his arm. As if the angel of death had -chilled all gay and sprightly fancies - as if that wan form had -scared away the Graces to whom Xenocrates sacrificed - silence -immediately reigned through the study, and every one resumed his -self-possession and his pen. Aramis distributed the notes of -invitation, and thanked them in the name of M. Fouquet. "The -superintendent," he said, "being kept to his room by business, -could not come and see them, but begged them to send him some of -the fruits of their day's work, to enable him to forget the -fatigue of his labor in the night."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At these words, all settled -down to work. La Fontaine placed himself at a table, and set his -rapid pen an endless dance across the smooth white vellum; -Pélisson made a fair copy of his prologue; Molière -contributed fifty fresh verses, with which his visit to Percerin -had inspired him; Loret, an article on the marvelous -<i>fêtes</i> he predicted; and Aramis, laden with his booty -like the king of the bees, that great black drone, decked with -purple and gold, re-entered his apartment, silent and busy. But -before departing, "Remember, gentlemen," said he, "we leave -to-morrow evening."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In that case, I must give -notice at home," said Molière.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; poor Molière!" -said Loret, smiling; "he loves his home."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'<i>He</i> loves,' yes," -replied Molière, with his sad, sweet smile. "'He loves,' -that does not mean, they love <i>him</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As for me," said La -Fontaine, "they love me at Château Thierry, I am very -sure."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis here re-entered after -a brief disappearance.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Will any one go with me?" -he asked. "I am going by Paris, after having passed a quarter of -an hour with M. Fouquet. I offer my carriage."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good," said Molière, -"I accept it. I am in a hurry."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall dine here," said -Loret. "M. de Gourville has promised me some craw-fish."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He has promised me some -whitings. Find a rhyme for that, La Fontaine."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis went out laughing, as -only he could laugh, and Molière followed him. They were -at the bottom of the stairs, when La Fontaine opened the door, -and shouted out:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:8.0pt;'>"He has promised us some whitings,</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span style= -'font-size:8.0pt;'> In return for -these our writings."</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The shouts of laughter -reached the ears of Fouquet at the moment Aramis opened the door -of the study. As to Molière, he had undertaken to order -the horses, while Aramis went to exchange a parting word with the -superintendent. "Oh, how they are laughing there!" said Fouquet, -with a sigh.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you not laugh, -monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I laugh no longer now, M. -d'Herblay. The <i>fête</i> is approaching; money is -departing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have I not told you that -was my business?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, you promised me -millions."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You shall have them the day -after the king's <i>entrée</i> into Vaux."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet looked closely at -Aramis, and passed the back of his icy hand across his moistened -brow. Aramis perceived that the superintendent either doubted -him, or felt he was powerless to obtain the money. How could -Fouquet suppose that a poor bishop, ex-abbé, ex-musketeer, -could find any?</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why doubt me?" said -Aramis. Fouquet smiled and shook his head.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Man of little faith!" added -the bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear M. d'Herblay," -answered Fouquet, "if I fall - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well; if you 'fall'?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall, at least, fall -from such a height, that I shall shatter myself in falling." -Then giving himself a shake, as though to escape from himself, -"Whence came you," said he, "my friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "From Paris - from -Percerin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And what have you been -doing at Percerin's, for I suppose you attach no great importance -to our poets' dresses?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; I went to prepare a -surprise."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Surprise?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; which you are going to -give to the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And will it cost much?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! a hundred pistoles you -will give Lebrun."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A painting? - Ah! all the -better! And what is this painting to represent?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will tell you; then at -the same time, whatever you may say or think of it, I went to see -the dresses for our poets."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah! and they will be rich -and elegant?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Splendid! There will be -few great monseigneurs with so good. People will see the -difference there is between the courtiers of wealth and those of -friendship."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ever generous and grateful, -dear prelate."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In your school."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet grasped his hand. -"And where are you going?" he said.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I am off to Paris, -when you shall have given a certain letter."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"For whom?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"M. de Lyonne."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And what do you -want with Lyonne?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I wish to make him -sign a <i>lettre de cachet</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'><span lang= -"FR">"'<i>Lettre de cachet!</i>' </span> Do you desire to put -somebody in the Bastile?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"On the contrary - -to let somebody out."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And who?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A poor devil - a youth, a -lad who has been Bastiled these ten years, for two Latin verses -he made against the Jesuits."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Two Latin verses!' and, -for 'two Latin verses,' the miserable being has been in prison -for ten years!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Yes!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And has committed -no other crime?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Beyond this, he is -as innocent as you or I."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"On your word?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"On my honor!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And his name is - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Seldon."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Yes. - But it is -too bad. You knew this, and you never told me!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"'Twas only -yesterday his mother applied to me, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And the woman is -poor!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"In the deepest -misery."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Heaven," said Fouquet, -"sometimes bears with such injustice on earth, that I hardly -wonder there are wretches who doubt of its existence. Stay, M. -d'Herblay." And Fouquet, taking a pen, wrote a few rapid lines -to his colleague Lyonne. Aramis took the letter and made ready -to go.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Wait," said Fouquet. He -opened his drawer, and took out ten government notes which were -there, each for a thousand francs. "Stay," he said; "set the son -at liberty, and give this to the mother; but, above all, do not -tell her - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"What, -monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That she is ten thousand -livres richer than I. She would say I am but a poor -superintendent! Go! and I pray that God will bless those who are -mindful of his poor!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"So also do I -pray," replied Aramis, kissing Fouquet's hand.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And he went out quickly, -carrying off the letter for Lyonne and the notes for Seldon's -mother, and taking up Molière, who was beginning to lose -patience.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter VII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Another Supper at the Bastile.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>S</span>even o'clock -sounded from the great clock of the Bastile, that famous clock, -which, like all the accessories of the state prison, the very use -of which is a torture, recalled to the prisoners' minds the -destination of every hour of their punishment. The time-piece of -the Bastile, adorned with figures, like most of the clocks of the -period, represented St. Peter in bonds. It was the supper hour -of the unfortunate captives. The doors, grating on their -enormous hinges, opened for the passage of the baskets and trays -of provisions, the abundance and the delicacy of which, as M. de -Baisemeaux has himself taught us, was regulated by the condition -in life of the prisoner. We understand on this head the theories -of M. de Baisemeaux, sovereign dispenser of gastronomic -delicacies, head cook of the royal fortress, whose trays, -full-laden, were ascending the steep staircases, carrying some -consolation to the prisoners in the shape of honestly filled -bottles of good vintages. This same hour was that of M. le -gouverneur's supper also. He had a guest to-day, and the spit -turned more heavily than usual. Roast partridges, flanked with -quails and flanking a larded leveret; boiled fowls; hams, fried -and sprinkled with white wine, <i>cardons</i> of Guipuzcoa and -<i>la bisque écrevisses</i>: these, together with soups -and <i>hors d'œuvres</i>, constituted the governor's bill -of fare. Baisemeaux, seated at table, was rubbing his hands and -looking at the bishop of Vannes, who, booted like a cavalier, -dressed in gray and sword at side, kept talking of his hunger and -testifying the liveliest impatience. M. de Baisemeaux de -Montlezun was not accustomed to the unbending movements of his -greatness my lord of Vannes, and this evening Aramis, becoming -sprightly, volunteered confidence on confidence. The prelate had -again a little touch of the musketeer about him. The bishop just -trenched on the borders only of license in his style of -conversation. As for M. de Baisemeaux, with the facility of -vulgar people, he gave himself up entirely upon this point of his -guest's freedom. "Monsieur," said he, "for indeed to-night I -dare not call you monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "By no means," said Aramis; -"call me monsieur; I am booted."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you know, monsieur, of -whom you remind me this evening?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No! faith," said Aramis, -taking up his glass; "but I hope I remind you of a capital -guest."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You remind me of two, -monsieur. François, shut the window; the wind may annoy -his greatness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And let him go," added -Aramis. "The supper is completely served, and we shall eat it -very well without waiters. I like exceedingly to be -<i>tête-à-tête</i> when I am with a friend." -Baisemeaux bowed respectfully.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I like exceedingly," -continued Aramis, "to help myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="FR">"Retire, -François," cried Baisemeaux. </span> "I was saying that -your greatness puts me in mind of two persons; one very -illustrious, the late cardinal, the great Cardinal de la -Rochelle, who wore boots like you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Indeed," said Aramis; "and -the other?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The other was a certain -musketeer, very handsome, very brave, very adventurous, very -fortunate, who, from being abbé, turned musketeer, and -from musketeer turned abbé." Aramis condescended to -smile. "From abbé," continued Baisemeaux, encouraged by -Aramis's smile - "from abbé, bishop - and from bishop - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! stay there, I beg," -exclaimed Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have just said, monsieur, -that you gave me the idea of a cardinal."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Enough, dear M. -Baisemeaux. As you said, I have on the boots of a cavalier, but -I do not intend, for all that, to embroil myself with the church -this evening."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But you have wicked -intentions, nevertheless, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, yes, wicked, I own, as -everything mundane is."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You traverse the town and -the streets in disguise?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In disguise, as you -say."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you still make use of -your sword?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I should think so; but -only when I am compelled. Do me the pleasure to summon -François."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have you no wine -there?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis not for wine, but -because it is hot here, and the window is shut."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shut the windows at -supper-time so as not to hear the sounds or the arrival of -couriers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, yes. You hear them -when the window is open?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But too well, and that -disturbs me. You understand?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nevertheless I am -suffocated. <span lang="FR">François." François -entered. </span> "Open the windows, I pray you, Master -François," said Aramis. "You will allow him, dear M. -Baisemeaux?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are at home here," -answered the governor. The window was opened. "Do you not -think," said M. de Baisemeaux, "that you will find yourself very -lonely, now M. de la Fère has returned to his household -gods at Blois? He is a very old friend, is he not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You know it as I do, -Baisemeaux, seeing that you were in the musketeers with us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah! with my friends I -reckon neither bottles of wine nor years."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you are right. But I -do more than love M. de la Fère, dear Baisemeaux; I -venerate him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, for my part, though -'tis singular," said the governor, "I prefer M. d'Artagnan to -him. There is a man for you, who drinks long and well! That -kind of people allow you at least to penetrate their -thoughts."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Baisemeaux, make me tipsy -to-night; let us have a merry time of it as of old, and if I have -a trouble at the bottom of my heart, I promise you, you shall see -it as you would a diamond at the bottom of your glass."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bravo!" said Baisemeaux, -and he poured out a great glass of wine and drank it off at a -draught, trembling with joy at the idea of being, by hook or by -crook, in the secret of some high archiepiscopal misdemeanor. - While he was drinking he did not see with what attention Aramis -was noting the sounds in the great court. A courier came in -about eight o'clock as François brought in the fifth -bottle, and, although the courier made a great noise, Baisemeaux -heard nothing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The devil take him," said -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! who?" asked -Baisemeaux. "I hope 'tis neither the wine you drank nor he who -is the cause of your drinking it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; it is a horse, who is -making noise enough in the court for a whole squadron."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pooh! some courier or -other," replied the governor, redoubling his attention to the -passing bottle. "Yes; and may the devil take him, and so quickly -that we shall never hear him speak more. Hurrah! hurrah!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You forget me, Baisemeaux! -my glass is empty," said Aramis, lifting his dazzling Venetian -goblet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Upon my honor, you delight -me. <span lang="FR">François, wine!" François -entered. </span> "Wine, fellow! and better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur, yes; but a -courier has just arrived."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let him go to the devil, I -say."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur, but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let him leave his news at -the office; we will see to it to-morrow. To-morrow, there will -be time to-morrow; there will be daylight," said Baisemeaux, -chanting the words.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, monsieur," grumbled the -soldier François, in spite of himself, "monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Take care," said Aramis, -"take care!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Of what? dear M. -d'Herblay," said Baisemeaux, half intoxicated.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The letter which the -courier brings to the governor of a fortress is sometimes an -order."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nearly always."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do not orders issue from -the ministers?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, undoubtedly; but - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And what to these ministers -do but countersign the signature of the king?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Perhaps you are right. -Nevertheless, 'tis very tiresome when you are sitting before a -good table, <i>tête-à-tête</i> with a friend - -Ah! I beg your pardon, monsieur; I forgot it is I who engage you -at supper, and that I speak to a future cardinal."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us pass over that, dear -Baisemeaux, and return to our soldier, to François."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, and what has -François done?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He has demurred!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He was wrong, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "However, he <i>has</i> -demurred, you see; 'tis because there is something extraordinary -in this matter. It is very possible that it was not -François who was wrong in demurring, but you, who are in -the wrong in not listening to him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Wrong? I to be wrong -before François? that seems rather hard."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pardon me, merely an -irregularity. But I thought it my duty to make an observation -which I deem important."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! perhaps you are right," -stammered Baisemeaux. "The king's order is sacred; but as to -orders that arrive when one is at supper, I repeat that the devil -- "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If you had said as much to -the great cardinal - hem! my dear Baisemeaux, and if his order -had any importance."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I do it that I may not -disturb a bishop. <i>Mordioux!</i> am I not, then, -excusable?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do not forget, Baisemeaux, -that I have worn the soldier's coat, and I am accustomed to -obedience everywhere."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You wish, then - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I wish that you would do -your duty, my friend; yes, at least before this soldier."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis mathematically true," -exclaimed Baisemeaux. François still waited: "Let them -send this order of the king's up to me," he repeated, recovering -himself. And he added in a low tone, "Do you know what it is? I -will tell you something about as interesting as this. 'Beware of -fire near the powder magazine;' or, 'Look close after such and -such a one, who is clever at escaping,' Ah! if you only knew, -monseigneur, how many times I have been suddenly awakened from -the very sweetest, deepest slumber, by messengers arriving at -full gallop to tell me, or rather, bring me a slip of paper -containing these words: 'Monsieur de Baisemeaux, what news?' -'Tis clear enough that those who waste their time writing such -orders have never slept in the Bastile. They would know better; -they have never considered the thickness of my walls, the -vigilance of my officers, the number of rounds we go. But, -indeed, what can you expect, monseigneur? It is their business -to write and torment me when I am at rest, and to trouble me when -I am happy," added Baisemeaux, bowing to Aramis. "Then let them -do their business."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And do you do yours," added -the bishop, smiling.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> François re-entered; -Baisemeaux took from his hands the minister's order. He slowly -undid it, and as slowly read it. Aramis pretended to be -drinking, so as to be able to watch his host through the glass. -Then, Baisemeaux, having read it: "What was I just saying?" he -exclaimed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is it?" asked the -bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "An order of release! -There, now; excellent news indeed to disturb us!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Excellent news for him whom -it concerns, you will at least agree, my dear governor!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And at eight o'clock in the -evening!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is charitable!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! charity is all very -well, but it is for that fellow who says he is so weary and -tired, but not for me who am amusing myself," said Baisemeaux, -exasperated.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Will you lose by him, -then? And is the prisoner who is to be set at liberty a good -payer?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, yes, indeed! a -miserable, five-franc rat!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let me see it," asked M. -d'Herblay. "It is no indiscretion?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "By no means; read it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is 'Urgent,' on the -paper; you have seen that, I suppose?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, admirable! 'Urgent!' - -a man who has been there ten years! It is <i>urgent</i> to set -him free to-day, this very evening, at eight o'clock! - -<i>urgent!</i>" And Baisemeaux, shrugging his shoulders with an -air of supreme disdain, flung the order on the table and began -eating again.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They are fond of these -tricks!" he said, with his mouth full; "they seize a man, some -fine day, keep him under lock and key for ten years, and write to -you, 'Watch this fellow well,' or 'Keep him very strictly.' And -then, as soon as you are accustomed to look upon the prisoner as -a dangerous man, all of a sudden, without rhyme or reason they -write - 'Set him at liberty,' and actually add to their missive - -'urgent.' You will own, my lord, 'tis enough to make a man at -dinner shrug his shoulders!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What do you expect? It is -for them to write," said Aramis, "for you to execute the -order."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good! good! execute it! -Oh, patience! You must not imagine that I am a slave."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Gracious Heaven! my very -good M. Baisemeaux, who ever said so? Your independence is well -known."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Thank Heaven!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But your goodness of heart -is also known."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! don't speak of it!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And your obedience to your -superiors. Once a soldier, you see, Baisemeaux, always a -soldier."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I shall directly obey; -and to-morrow morning, at daybreak, the prisoner referred to -shall be set free."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To-morrow?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At dawn."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why not this evening, -seeing that the <i>lettre de cachet</i> bears, both on the -direction and inside, '<i>urgent</i>'?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because this evening we are -at supper, and our affairs are urgent, too!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Dear Baisemeaux, booted -though I be, I feel myself a priest, and charity has higher -claims upon me than hunger and thirst. This unfortunate man has -suffered long enough, since you have just told me that he has -been your prisoner these ten years. Abridge his suffering. His -good time has come; give him the benefit quickly. God will repay -you in Paradise with years of felicity."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You wish it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I entreat you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! in the very middle of -our repast?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I implore you; such an -action is worth ten Benedicites."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It shall be as you desire, -only our supper will get cold."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! never heed that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux leaned back to -ring for François, and by a very natural motion turned -round towards the door. The order had remained on the table; -Aramis seized the opportunity when Baisemeaux was not looking to -change the paper for another, folded in the same manner, which he -drew swiftly from his pocket. "François," said the -governor, "let the major come up here with the turnkeys of the -Bertaudière." François bowed and quitted the room, -leaving the two companions alone.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter VIII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -General of the Order.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>here was now -a brief silence, during which Aramis never removed his eyes from -Baisemeaux for a moment. The latter seemed only half decided to -disturb himself thus in the middle of supper, and it was clear he -was trying to invent some pretext, whether good or bad, for -delay, at any rate till after dessert. And it appeared also that -he had hit upon an excuse at last.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! but it is impossible!" -he cried.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How impossible?" said -Aramis. "Give me a glimpse of this impossibility."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis impossible to set a -prisoner at liberty at such an hour. Where can he go to, a man -so unacquainted with Paris?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He will find a place -wherever he can."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You see, now, one might as -well set a blind man free!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have a carriage, and will -take him wherever he wishes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have an answer for -everything. François, tell monsieur le major to go and -open the cell of M. Seldon, No. 3, Bertaudière."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Seldon!" exclaimed Aramis, -very naturally. "You said Seldon, I think?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I said Seldon, of course. -'Tis the name of the man they set free."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! you mean to say -Marchiali?" said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Marchiali? oh! yes, -indeed. No, no, Seldon."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I think you are making a -mistake, Monsieur Baisemeaux."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have read the order."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I also."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I saw 'Seldon' in -letters as large as that," and Baisemeaux held up his finger.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I read 'Marchiali' in -characters as large as this," said Aramis, also holding up two -fingers.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To the proof; let us throw -a light on the matter," said Baisemeaux, confident he was right. -"There is the paper, you have only to read it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I read 'Marchiali,'" -returned Aramis, spreading out the paper. "Look."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux looked, and his -arms dropped suddenly. "Yes, yes," he said, quite overwhelmed; -"yes, Marchiali. 'Tis plainly written Marchiali! Quite -true!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How? the man of whom we -have talked so much? The man whom they are every day telling me -to take such care of?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is 'Marchiali,'" -repeated the inflexible Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I must own it, -monseigneur. But I understand nothing about it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You believe your eyes, at -any rate."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To tell me very plainly -there is 'Marchiali.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And in a good handwriting, -too."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis a wonder! I still see -this order and the name of Seldon, Irishman. I see it. Ah! I -even recollect that under this name there was a blot of ink."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, there is no ink; no, -there is no blot."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! but there was, though; -I know it, because I rubbed my finger - this very one - in the -powder that was over the blot."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In a word, be it how it -may, dear M. Baisemeaux," said Aramis, "and whatever you may have -seen, the order is signed to release Marchiali, blot or no -blot."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The order is signed to -release Marchiali," replied Baisemeaux, mechanically, endeavoring -to regain his courage.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you are going to -release this prisoner. If your heart dictates you to deliver -Seldon also, I declare to you I will not oppose it the least in -the world." Aramis accompanied this remark with a smile, the -irony of which effectually dispelled Baisemeaux's confusion of -mind, and restored his courage.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur," he said, -"this Marchiali is the very same prisoner whom the other day a -priest confessor of <i>our order</i> came to visit in so -imperious and so secret a manner."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I don't know that, -monsieur," replied the bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis no such long time ago, -dear Monsieur d'Herblay."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is true. But <i>with -us</i>, monsieur, it is good that the man of to-day should no -longer know what the man of yesterday did."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In any case," said -Baisemeaux, "the visit of the Jesuit confessor must have given -happiness to this man."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis made no reply, but -recommenced eating and drinking. As for Baisemeaux, no longer -touching anything that was on the table, he again took up the -order and examined it every way. This investigation, under -ordinary circumstances, would have made the ears of the impatient -Aramis burn with anger; but the bishop of Vannes did not become -incensed for so little, above all, when he had murmured to -himself that to do so was dangerous. "Are you going to release -Marchiali?" he said. "What mellow, fragrant and delicious sherry -this is, my dear governor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur," replied -Baisemeaux, "I shall release the prisoner Marchiali when I have -summoned the courier who brought the order, and above all, when, -by interrogating him, I have satisfied myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The order is sealed, and -the courier is ignorant of the contents. What do you want to -satisfy yourself about?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Be it so, monseigneur; but -I shall send to the ministry, and M. de Lyonne will either -confirm or withdraw the order."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the good of all -that?" asked Aramis, coldly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What good?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; what is your object, I -ask?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The object of never -deceiving oneself, monseigneur; nor being wanting in the respect -which a subaltern owes to his superior officers, nor infringing -the duties of a service one has accepted of one's own free -will."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good; you have just -spoken so eloquently, that I cannot but admire you. It is true -that a subaltern owes respect to his superiors; he is guilty when -he deceives himself, and he should be punished if he infringed -either the duties or laws of his office."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux looked at the -bishop with astonishment.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It follows," pursued -Aramis, "that you are going to ask advice, to put your conscience -at ease in the matter?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And if a superior officer -gives you orders, you will obey?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Never doubt it, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You know the king's -signature well, M. de Baisemeaux?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is it not on this order of -release?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is true, but it may - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Be forged, you mean?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is evident, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are right. And that of -M. de Lyonne?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I see it plain enough on -the order; but for the same reason that the king's signature may -have been forged, so also, and with even greater probability, may -M. de Lyonne's."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your logic has the stride -of a giant, M. de Baisemeaux," said Aramis; "and your reasoning -is irresistible. But on what special grounds do you base your -idea that these signatures are false?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On this: the absence of -counter-signatures. Nothing checks his majesty's signature; and -M. de Lyonne is not there to tell me he has signed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, Monsieur de -Baisemeaux," said Aramis, bending an eagle glance on the -governor, "I adopt so frankly your doubts, and your mode of -clearing them up, that I will take a pen, if you will give me -one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux gave him a -pen.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And a sheet of white -paper," added Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux handed him some -paper.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Now, I - I, also - I, here -present - incontestably, I - am going to write an order to which -I am certain you will give credence, incredulous as you are!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux turned pale at -this icy assurance of manner. It seemed to him that the voice of -the bishop's, but just now so playful and gay, had become -funereal and sad; that the wax lights changed into the tapers of -a mortuary chapel, the very glasses of wine into chalices of -blood.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis took a pen and -wrote. Baisemeaux, in terror, read over his shoulder.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A. M. D. G.," wrote the -bishop; and he drew a cross under these four letters, which -signify <i>ad majorem Dei gloriam</i>, "to the greater glory of -God;" and thus he continued: "It is our pleasure that the order -brought to M. de Baisemeaux de Montlezun, governor, for the king, -of the castle of the Bastile, be held by him good and effectual, -and be immediately carried into operation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'> -"(Signed) D'HERBLAY</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'> -"General of the Order, by the grace of God."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux was so profoundly -astonished, that his features remained contracted, his lips -parted, and his eyes fixed. He did not move an inch, nor -articulate a sound. Nothing could be heard in that large chamber -but the wing-whisper of a little moth, which was fluttering to -its death about the candles. Aramis, without even deigning to -look at the man whom he had reduced to so miserable a condition, -drew from his pocket a small case of black wax; he sealed the -letter, and stamped it with a seal suspended at his breast, -beneath his doublet, and when the operation was concluded, -presented - still in silence - the missive to M. de Baisemeaux. -The latter, whose hands trembled in a manner to excite pity, -turned a dull and meaningless gaze upon the letter. A last gleam -of feeling played over his features, and he fell, as if -thunder-struck, on a chair.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, come," said Aramis, -after a long silence, during which the governor of the Bastile -had slowly recovered his senses, "do not lead me to believe, dear -Baisemeaux, that the presence of the general of the order is as -terrible as His, and that men die merely from having seen Him. -Take courage, rouse yourself; give me your hand - obey."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux, reassured, if -not satisfied, obeyed, kissed Aramis's hand, and rose. -"Immediately?" he murmured.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, there is no pressing -haste, my host; take your place again, and do the honors over -this beautiful dessert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur, I shall never -recover such a shock as this; I who have laughed, who have jested -with you! I who have dared to treat you on a footing of -equality!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Say nothing about it, old -comrade," replied the bishop, who perceived how strained the cord -was and how dangerous it would have been to break it; "say -nothing about it. Let us each live in our own way; to you, my -protection and my friendship; to me, your obedience. Having -exactly fulfilled these two requirements, let us live -happily."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux reflected; he -perceived, at a glance, the consequence of this withdrawal of a -prisoner by means of a forged order; and, putting in the scale -the guarantee offered him by the official order of the general, -did not consider it of any value.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis divined this. "My -dear Baisemeaux," said he, "you are a simpleton. Lose this habit -of reflection when I give myself the trouble to think for -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And at another gesture he -made, Baisemeaux bowed again. "How shall I set about it?" he -said.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the process for -releasing a prisoner?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have the -regulations."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, then, follow the -regulations, my friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I go with my major to the -prisoner's room, and conduct him, if he is a personage of -importance."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But this Marchiali is not -an important personage," said Aramis carelessly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I don't know," answered the -governor, as if he would have said, "It is for you to instruct -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then if you don't know it, -I am right; so act towards Marchiali as you act towards one of -obscure station."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good; the regulations so -provide. They are to the effect that the turnkey, or one of the -lower officials, shall bring the prisoner before the governor, in -the office."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, 'tis very wise, that; -and then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then we return to the -prisoner the valuables he wore at the time of his imprisonment, -his clothes and papers, if the minister's orders have not -otherwise dictated."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What was the minister's -order as to this Marchiali?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing; for the unhappy -man arrived here without jewels, without papers, and almost -without clothes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "See how simple, then, all -is. Indeed, Baisemeaux, you make a mountain of everything. -Remain here, and make them bring the prisoner to the governor's -house."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux obeyed. He -summoned his lieutenant, and gave him an order, which the latter -passed on, without disturbing himself about it, to the next whom -it concerned.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Half an hour afterwards they -heard a gate shut in the court; it was the door to the dungeon, -which had just rendered up its prey to the free air. Aramis blew -out all the candles which lighted the room but one, which he left -burning behind the door. This flickering glare prevented the -sight from resting steadily on any object. It multiplied tenfold -the changing forms and shadows of the place, by its wavering -uncertainty. Steps drew near.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Go and meet your men," said -Aramis to Baisemeaux.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The governor obeyed. The -sergeant and turnkeys disappeared. Baisemeaux re-entered, -followed by a prisoner. Aramis had placed himself in the shade; -he saw without being seen. Baisemeaux, in an agitated tone of -voice, made the young man acquainted with the order which set him -at liberty. The prisoner listened, without making a single -gesture or saying a word."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will swear ('tis the -regulation that requires it)," added the governor, "never to -reveal anything that you have seen or heard in the Bastile."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The prisoner perceived a -crucifix; he stretched out his hands and swore with his lips. -"And now, monsieur, you are free. Whither do you intend -going?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The prisoner turned his -head, as if looking behind him for some protection, on which he -ought to rely. Then was it that Aramis came out of the shade: "I -am here," he said, "to render the gentleman whatever service he -may please to ask."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The prisoner slightly -reddened, and, without hesitation, passed his arm through that of -Aramis. "God have you in his holy keeping," he said, in a voice -the firmness of which made the governor tremble as much as the -form of the blessing astonished him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis, on shaking hands -with Baisemeaux, said to him; "Does my order trouble you? Do you -fear their finding it here, should they come to search?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I desire to keep it, -monseigneur," said Baisemeaux. "If they found it here, it would -be a certain indication I should be lost, and in that case you -would be a powerful and a last auxiliary for me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Being your accomplice, you -mean?" answered Aramis, shrugging his shoulders. "Adieu, -Baisemeaux," said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The horses were in waiting, -making each rusty spring reverberate the carriage again with -their impatience. Baisemeaux accompanied the bishop to the -bottom of the steps. Aramis caused his companion to mount before -him, then followed, and without giving the driver any further -order, "Go on," said he. The carriage rattled over the pavement -of the courtyard. An officer with a torch went before the -horses, and gave orders at every post to let them pass. During -the time taken in opening all the barriers, Aramis barely -breathed, and you might have heard his "sealed heart knock -against his ribs." The prisoner, buried in a corner of the -carriage, made no more sign of life than his companion. At -length, a jolt more sever than the others announced to them that -they had cleared the last watercourse. Behind the carriage -closed the last gate, that in the Rue St. Antoine. No more walls -either on the right or the left; heaven everywhere, liberty -everywhere, and life everywhere. The horses, kept in check by a -vigorous hand, went quietly as far as the middle of the -faubourg. There they began to trot. Little by little, whether -they were warming to their work, or whether they were urged, they -gained in swiftness, and once past Bercy, the carriage seemed to -fly, so great was the ardor of the coursers. The horses galloped -thus as far as Villeneuve St. George's, where relays were -waiting. Then four instead of two whirled the carriage away in -the direction of Melun, and pulled up for a moment in the middle -of the forest of Senart. No doubt the order had been given the -postilion beforehand, for Aramis had no occasion even to make a -sign.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the matter?" asked -the prisoner, as if waking from a long dream.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The matter is, -monseigneur," said Aramis, "that before going further, it is -necessary your royal highness and I should converse."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will await an -opportunity, monsieur," answered the young prince.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We could not have a better, -monseigneur. We are in the middle of a forest, and no one can -hear us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The postilion?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The postilion of this relay -is deaf and dumb, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am at your service, M. -d'Herblay."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is it your pleasure to -remain in the carriage?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; we are comfortably -seated, and I like this carriage, for it has restored me to -liberty."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Wait, monseigneur; there is -yet a precaution to be taken."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We are here on the highway; -cavaliers or carriages traveling like ourselves might pass, and -seeing us stopping, deem us in some difficulty. Let us avoid -offers of assistance, which would embarrass us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Give the postilion orders -to conceal the carriage in one of the side avenues."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis exactly what I wished -to do, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis made a sign to the -deaf and dumb driver of the carriage, whom he touched on the -arm. The latter dismounted, took the leaders by the bridle, and -led them over the velvet sward and the mossy grass of a winding -alley, at the bottom of which, on this moonless night, the deep -shades formed a curtain blacker than ink. This done, the man lay -down on a slope near his horses, who, on either side, kept -nibbling the young oak shoots.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am listening," said the -young prince to Aramis; "but what are you doing there?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am disarming myself of my -pistols, of which we have no further need, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter IX:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Tempter.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>"M</span>y prince," -said Aramis, turning in the carriage towards his companion, "weak -creature as I am, so unpretending in genius, so low in the scale -of intelligent beings, it has never yet happened to me to -converse with a man without penetrating his thoughts through that -living mask which has been thrown over our mind, in order to -retain its expression. But to-night, in this darkness, in the -reserve which you maintain, I can read nothing on your features, -and something tells me that I shall have great difficulty in -wresting from you a sincere declaration. I beseech you, then, -not for love of me, for subjects should never weigh as anything -in the balance which princes hold, but for love of yourself, to -retain every syllable, every inflexion which, under the present -most grave circumstances, will all have a sense and value as -important as any every uttered in the world."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I listen," replied the -young prince, "decidedly, without either eagerly seeking or -fearing anything you are about to say to me." And he buried -himself still deeper in the thick cushions of the carriage, -trying to deprive his companion not only of the sight of him, but -even of the very idea of his presence.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Black was the darkness which -fell wide and dense from the summits of the intertwining trees. -The carriage, covered in by this prodigious roof, would not have -received a particle of light, not even if a ray could have -struggled through the wreaths of mist that were already rising in -the avenue.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur," resumed -Aramis, "you know the history of the government which to-day -controls France. The king issued from an infancy imprisoned like -yours, obscure as yours, and confined as yours; only, instead of -ending, like yourself, this slavery in a prison, this obscurity -in solitude, these straightened circumstances in concealment, he -was fain to bear all these miseries, humiliations, and -distresses, in full daylight, under the pitiless sun of royalty; -on an elevation flooded with light, where every stain appears a -blemish, every glory a stain. The king has suffered; it rankles -in his mind; and he will avenge himself. He will be a bad king. -I say not that he will pour out his people's blood, like Louis -XI., or Charles IX.; for he has no mortal injuries to avenge; but -he will devour the means and substance of his people; for he has -himself undergone wrongs in his own interest and money. In the -first place, then, I acquit my conscience, when I consider openly -the merits and the faults of this great prince; and if I condemn -him, my conscience absolves me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis paused. It was not -to listen if the silence of the forest remained undisturbed, but -it was to gather up his thoughts from the very bottom of his soul -- to leave the thoughts he had uttered sufficient time to eat -deeply into the mind of his companion.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "All that Heaven does, -Heaven does well," continued the bishop of Vannes; "and I am so -persuaded of it that I have long been thankful to have been -chosen depositary of the secret which I have aided you to -discover. To a just Providence was necessary an instrument, at -once penetrating, persevering, and convinced, to accomplish a -great work. I am this instrument. I possess penetration, -perseverance, conviction; I govern a mysterious people, who has -taken for its motto, the motto of God, '<i>Patiens quia -œternus</i>.'" The prince moved. "I divine, monseigneur, -why you are raising your head, and are surprised at the people I -have under my command. You did not know you were dealing with a -king - oh! monseigneur, king of a people very humble, much -disinherited; humble because they have no force save when -creeping; disinherited, because never, almost never in this -world, do my people reap the harvest they sow, nor eat the fruit -they cultivate. They labor for an abstract idea; they heap -together all the atoms of their power, to from a single man; and -round this man, with the sweat of their labor, they create a -misty halo, which his genius shall, in turn, render a glory -gilded with the rays of all the crowns in Christendom. Such is -the man you have beside you, monseigneur. It is to tell you that -he has drawn you from the abyss for a great purpose, to raise you -above the powers of the earth - above himself." -<b><sup>1</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The prince lightly touched -Aramis's arm. "You speak to me," he said, "of that religious -order whose chief you are. For me, the result of your words is, -that the day you desire to hurl down the man you shall have -raised, the event will be accomplished; and that you will keep -under your hand your creation of yesterday."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Undeceive yourself, -monseigneur," replied the bishop. "I should not take the trouble -to play this terrible game with your royal highness, if I had not -a double interest in gaining it. The day you are elevated, you -are elevated forever; you will overturn the footstool, as you -rise, and will send it rolling so far, that not even the sight of -it will ever again recall to you its right to simple -gratitude."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, monsieur!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your movement, monseigneur, -arises from an excellent disposition. I thank you. Be well -assured, I aspire to more than gratitude! I am convinced that, -when arrived at the summit, you will judge me still more worthy -to be your friend; and then, monseigneur, we two will do such -great deeds, that ages hereafter shall long speak of them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Tell me plainly, monsieur - -tell me without disguise - what I am to-day, and what you aim at -my being to-morrow."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are the son of King -Louis XIII., brother of Louis XIV., natural and legitimate heir -to the throne of France. In keeping you near him, as Monsieur -has been kept - Monsieur, your younger brother - the king -reserved to himself the right of being legitimate sovereign. The -doctors only could dispute his legitimacy. But the doctors -always prefer the king who is to the king who is not. Providence -has willed that you should be persecuted; this persecution to-day -consecrates you king of France. You had, then, a right to reign, -seeing that it is disputed; you had a right to be proclaimed -seeing that you have been concealed; and you possess royal blood, -since no one has dared to shed yours, as that of your servants -has been shed. Now see, then, what this Providence, which you -have so often accused of having in every way thwarted you, has -done for you. It has given you the features, figure, age, and -voice of your brother; and the very causes of your persecution -are about to become those of your triumphant restoration. -To-morrow, after to-morrow - from the very first, regal phantom, -living shade of Louis XIV., you will sit upon his throne, whence -the will of Heaven, confided in execution to the arm of man, will -have hurled him, without hope of return."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I understand," said the -prince, "my brother's blood will not be shed, then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will be sole arbiter of -his fate."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The secret of which they -made an evil use against me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will employ it against -him. What did he do to conceal it? He concealed you. Living -image of himself, you will defeat the conspiracy of Mazarin and -Anne of Austria. You, my prince, will have the same interest in -concealing him, who will, as a prisoner, resemble you, as you -will resemble him as a king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I fall back on what I was -saying to you. Who will guard him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who guarded -<i>you?</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You know this secret - you -have made use of it with regard to myself. Who else knows -it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The queen-mother and Madame -de Chevreuse."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What will they do?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing, if you -choose."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How is that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How can they recognize you, -if you act in such a manner that no one can recognize you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Tis true; but there are -grave difficulties."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "State them, prince."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My brother is married; I -cannot take my brother's wife."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will cause Spain to -consent to a divorce; it is in the interest of your new policy; -it is human morality. All that is really noble and really useful -in this world will find its account therein."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The imprisoned king will -speak."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To whom do you think he -will speak - to the walls?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You mean, by walls, the men -in whom you put confidence."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If need be, yes. And -besides, your royal highness - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Besides?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I was going to say, that -the designs of Providence do not stop on such a fair road. Every -scheme of this caliber is completed by its results, like a -geometrical calculation. The king, in prison, will not be for -you the cause of embarrassment that you have been for the king -enthroned. His soul is naturally proud and impatient; it is, -moreover, disarmed and enfeebled, by being accustomed to honors, -and by the license of supreme power. The same Providence which -has willed that the concluding step in the geometrical -calculation I have had the honor of describing to your royal -highness should be your ascension to the throne, and the -destruction of him who is hurtful to you, has also determined -that the conquered one shall soon end both his own and your -sufferings. Therefore, his soul and body have been adapted for -but a brief agony. Put into prison as a private individual, left -alone with your doubts, deprived of everything, you have -exhibited the most sublime, enduring principle of life in -withstanding all this. But your brother, a captive, forgotten, -and in bonds, will not long endure the calamity; and Heaven will -resume his soul at the appointed time - that is to say, -<i>soon</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At this point in Aramis's -gloomy analysis, a bird of night uttered from the depths of the -forest that prolonged and plaintive cry which makes every -creature tremble.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will exile the deposed -king," said Philippe, shuddering; "'twill be more human."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king's good pleasure -will decide the point," said Aramis. "But has the problem been -well put? Have I brought out of the solution according to the -wishes or the foresight of your royal highness?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur, yes; you -have forgotten nothing - except, indeed, two things."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The first?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us speak of it at once, -with the same frankness we have already conversed in. Let us -speak of the causes which may bring about the ruin of all the -hopes we have conceived. Let us speak of the risks we are -running."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They would be immense, -infinite, terrific, insurmountable, if, as I have said, all -things did not concur to render them of absolutely no account. -There is no danger either for you or for me, if the constancy and -intrepidity of your royal highness are equal to that perfection -of resemblance to your brother which nature has bestowed upon -you. I repeat it, there are no dangers, only obstacles; a word, -indeed, which I find in all languages, but have always -ill-understood, and, were I king, would have obliterated as -useless and absurd."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, indeed, monsieur; -there is a very serious obstacle, an insurmountable danger, which -you are forgetting."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is conscience, which -cries aloud; remorse, that never dies."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "True, true," said the -bishop; "there is a weakness of heart of which you remind me. -You are right, too, for that, indeed, is an immense obstacle. -The horse afraid of the ditch, leaps into the middle of it, and -is killed! The man who trembling crosses his sword with that of -another leaves loopholes whereby his enemy has him in his -power."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have you a brother?" said -the young man to Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am alone in the world," -said the latter, with a hard, dry voice.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But, surely, there is some -one in the world whom you love?" added Philippe.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No one! - Yes, I love -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The young man sank into so -profound a silence, that the mere sound of his respiration seemed -like a roaring tumult for Aramis. "Monseigneur," he resumed, "I -have not said all I had to say to your royal highness; I have not -offered you all the salutary counsels and useful resources which -I have at my disposal. It is useless to flash bright visions -before the eyes of one who seeks and loves darkness: useless, -too, is it to let the magnificence of the cannon's roar make -itself heard in the ears of one who loves repose and the quiet of -the country. Monseigneur, I have your happiness spread out -before me in my thoughts; listen to my words; precious they -indeed are, in their import and their sense, for you who look -with such tender regard upon the bright heavens, the verdant -meadows, the pure air. I know a country instinct with delights -of every kind, an unknown paradise, a secluded corner of the -world - where alone, unfettered and unknown, in the thick covert -of the woods, amidst flowers, and streams of rippling water, you -will forget all the misery that human folly has so recently -allotted you. Oh! listen to me, my prince. I do not jest. I -have a heart, and mind, and soul, and can read your own, - aye, -even to its depths. I will not take you unready for your task, -in order to cast you into the crucible of my own desires, of my -caprice, or my ambition. Let it be all or nothing. You are -chilled and galled, sick at heart, overcome by excess of the -emotions which but one hour's liberty has produced in you. For -me, that is a certain and unmistakable sign that you do not wish -to continue at liberty. Would you prefer a more humble life, a -life more suited to your strength? Heaven is my witness, that I -wish your happiness to be the result of the trial to which I have -exposed you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Speak, speak," said the -prince, with a vivacity which did not escape Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I know," resumed the -prelate, "in the Bas-Poitou, a canton, of which no one in France -suspects the existence. Twenty leagues of country is immense, is -it not? Twenty leagues, monseigneur, all covered with water and -herbage, and reeds of the most luxuriant nature; the whole -studded with islands covered with woods of the densest foliage. -These large marshes, covered with reeds as with a thick mantle, -sleep silently and calmly beneath the sun's soft and genial -rays. A few fishermen with their families indolently pass their -lives away there, with their great living-rafts of poplar and -alder, the flooring formed of reeds, and the roof woven out of -thick rushes. These barks, these floating-houses, are wafted to -and fro by the changing winds. Whenever they touch a bank, it is -but by chance; and so gently, too, that the sleeping fisherman is -not awakened by the shock. Should he wish to land, it is merely -because he has seen a large flight of landrails or plovers, of -wild ducks, teal, widgeon, or woodchucks, which fall an easy pray -to net or gun. Silver shad, eels, greedy pike, red and gray -mullet, swim in shoals into his nets; he has but to choose the -finest and largest, and return the others to the waters. Never -yet has the food of the stranger, be he soldier or simple -citizen, never has any one, indeed, penetrated into that -district. The sun's rays there are soft and tempered: in plots -of solid earth, whose soil is swart and fertile, grows the vine, -nourishing with generous juice its purple, white, and golden -grapes. Once a week, a boat is sent to deliver the bread which -has been baked at an oven - the common property of all. There - -like the seigneurs of early days - powerful in virtue of your -dogs, your fishing-lines, your guns, and your beautiful -reed-built house, would you live, rich in the produce of the -chase, in plentitude of absolute secrecy. There would years of -your life roll away, at the end of which, no longer recognizable, -for you would have been perfectly transformed, you would have -succeeded in acquiring a destiny accorded to you by Heaven. -There are a thousand pistoles in this bag, monseigneur - more, -far more, than sufficient to purchase the whole marsh of which I -have spoken; more than enough to live there as many years as you -have days to live; more than enough to constitute you the -richest, the freest, and the happiest man in the country. Accept -it, as I offer it you - sincerely, cheerfully. Forthwith, -without a moment's pause, I will unharness two of my horses, -which are attached to the carriage yonder, and they, accompanied -by my servant - my deaf and dumb attendant - shall conduct you - -traveling throughout the night, sleeping during the day - to the -locality I have described; and I shall, at least, have the -satisfaction of knowing that I have rendered to my prince the -major service he himself preferred. I shall have made one human -being happy; and Heaven for that will hold me in better account -than if I had made one man powerful; the former task is far more -difficult. And now, monseigneur, your answer to this -proposition? Here is the money. Nay, do not hesitate. At -Poitou, you can risk nothing, except the chance of catching the -fevers prevalent there; and even of them, the so-called wizards -of the country will cure you, for the sake of your pistoles. If -you play the other game, you run the chance of being assassinated -on a throne, strangled in a prison-cell. Upon my soul, I assure -you, now I begin to compare them together, I myself should -hesitate which lot I should accept."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," replied the -young prince, "before I determine, let me alight from this -carriage, walk on the ground, and consult that still voice within -me, which Heaven bids us all to hearken to. Ten minutes is all I -ask, and then you shall have your answer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As you please, -monseigneur," said Aramis, bending before him with respect, so -solemn and august in tone and address had sounded these strange -words.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter X:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Crown and Tiara.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>A</span>ramis was the -first to descend from the carriage; he held the door open for the -young man. He saw him place his foot on the mossy ground with a -trembling of the whole body, and walk round the carriage with an -unsteady and almost tottering step. It seemed as if the poor -prisoner was unaccustomed to walk on God's earth. It was the -15th of August, about eleven o'clock at night; thick clouds, -portending a tempest, overspread the heavens, and shrouded every -light and prospect underneath their heavy folds. The extremities -of the avenues were imperceptibly detached from the copse, by a -lighter shadow of opaque gray, which, upon closer examination, -became visible in the midst of the obscurity. But the fragrance -which ascended from the grass, fresher and more penetrating than -that which exhaled from the trees around him; the warm and balmy -air which enveloped him for the first time for many years past; -the ineffable enjoyment of liberty in an open country, spoke to -the prince in so seductive a language, that notwithstanding the -preternatural caution, we would almost say dissimulation of his -character, of which we have tried to give an idea, he could not -restrain his emotion, and breathed a sigh of ecstasy. Then, by -degrees, he raised his aching head and inhaled the softly scented -air, as it was wafted in gentle gusts to his uplifted face. -Crossing his arms on his chest, as if to control this new -sensation of delight, he drank in delicious draughts of that -mysterious air which interpenetrates at night the loftiest -forests. The sky he was contemplating, the murmuring waters, the -universal freshness - was not all this reality? Was not Aramis a -madman to suppose that he had aught else to dream of in this -world? Those exciting pictures of country life, so free from -fears and troubles, the ocean of happy days that glitters -incessantly before all young imaginations, are real allurements -wherewith to fascinate a poor, unhappy prisoner, worn out by -prison cares, emaciated by the stifling air of the Bastile. It -was the picture, it will be remembered, drawn by Aramis, when he -offered the thousand pistoles he had with him in the carriage to -the prince, and the enchanted Eden which the deserts of -Bas-Poitou hid from the eyes of the world. Such were the -reflections of Aramis as he watched, with an anxiety impossible -to describe, the silent progress of the emotions of Philippe, -whom he perceived gradually becoming more and more absorbed in -his meditations. The young prince was offering up an inward -prayer to Heaven, to be divinely guided in this trying moment, -upon which his life or death depended. It was an anxious time -for the bishop of Vannes, who had never before been so -perplexed. His iron will, accustomed to overcome all obstacles, -never finding itself inferior or vanquished on any occasion, to -be foiled in so vast a project from not having foreseen the -influence which a view of nature in all its luxuriance would have -on the human mind! Aramis, overwhelmed by anxiety, contemplated -with emotion the painful struggle that was taking place in -Philippe's mind. This suspense lasted the whole ten minutes -which the young man had requested. During this space of time, -which appeared an eternity, Philippe continued gazing with an -imploring and sorrowful look towards the heavens; Aramis did not -remove the piercing glance he had fixed on Philippe. Suddenly -the young man bowed his head. His thought returned to the earth, -his looks perceptibly hardened, his brow contracted, his mouth -assuming an expression of undaunted courage; again his looks -became fixed, but this time they wore a worldly expression, -hardened by covetousness, pride, and strong desire. Aramis's -look immediately became as soft as it had before been gloomy. -Philippe, seizing his hand in a quick, agitated manner, -exclaimed:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Lead me to where the crown -of France is to be found."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is this your decision, -monseigneur?" asked Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Irrevocably so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Philippe did not even deign -to reply. He gazed earnestly at the bishop, as if to ask him if -it were possible for a man to waver after having once made up his -mind.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Such looks are flashes of -the hidden fire that betrays men's character," said Aramis, -bowing over Philippe's hand; "you will be great, monseigneur, I -will answer for that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us resume our -conversation. I wished to discuss two points with you; in the -first place the dangers, or the obstacles we may meet with. That -point is decided. The other is the conditions you intend -imposing on me. It is your turn to speak, M. d'Herblay."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="FR">"The -conditions, monseigneur?"</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR"> </span> -"Doubtless. You will not allow so mere a trifle to stop me, and -you will not do me the injustice to suppose that I think you have -no interest in this affair. Therefore, without subterfuge or -hesitation, tell me the truth - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will do so, monseigneur. -Once a king - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "When will that be?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To-morrow evening - I mean -in the night."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Explain yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "When I shall have asked -your highness a question."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I sent to your highness a -man in my confidence with instructions to deliver some closely -written notes, carefully drawn up, which will thoroughly acquaint -your highness with the different persons who compose and will -compose your court."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I perused those notes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Attentively?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I know them by heart."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And understand them? -Pardon me, but I may venture to ask that question of a poor, -abandoned captive of the Bastile? In a week's time it will not -be requisite to further question a mind like yours. You will -then be in full possession of liberty and power."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Interrogate me, then, and I -will be a scholar representing his lesson to his master."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We will begin with your -family, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My mother, Anne of Austria! -all her sorrows, her painful malady. Oh! I know her - I know -her."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your second brother?" asked -Aramis, bowing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To these notes," replied -the prince, "you have added portraits so faithfully painted, that -I am able to recognize the persons whose characters, manners, and -history you have so carefully portrayed. Monsieur, my brother, -is a fine, dark young man, with a pale face; he does not love his -wife, Henrietta, whom I, Louis XIV., loved a little, and still -flirt with, even although she made me weep on the day she wished -to dismiss Mademoiselle de la Vallière from her service in -disgrace."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will have to be careful -with regard to the watchfulness of the latter," said Aramis; "she -is sincerely attached to the actual king. The eyes of a woman -who loves are not easily deceived."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "She is fair, has blue eyes, -whose affectionate gaze reveals her identity. She halts slightly -in her gait; she writes a letter every day, to which I have to -send an answer by M. de Saint-Aignan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you know the -latter?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As if I saw him, and I know -the last verses he composed for me, as well as those I composed -in answer to his."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good. Do you know -your ministers?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Colbert, an ugly, -dark-browed man, but intelligent enough, his hair covering his -forehead, a large, heavy, full head; the mortal enemy of M. -Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As for the latter, we need -not disturb ourselves about him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; because necessarily you -will not require me to exile him, I suppose?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis, struck with -admiration at the remark, said, "You will become very great, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You see," added the prince, -"that I know my lesson by heart, and with Heaven's assistance, -and yours afterwards, I shall seldom go wrong."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have still an awkward -pair of eyes to deal with, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, the captain of the -musketeers, M. d'Artagnan, your friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; I can well say 'my -friend.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He who escorted La -Vallière to Le Chaillot; he who delivered up Monk, cooped -in an iron box, to Charles II.; he who so faithfully served my -mother; he to whom the crown of France owes so much that it owes -everything. Do you intend to ask me to exile him also?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Never, sire. D'Artagnan is -a man to whom, at a certain given time, I will undertake to -reveal everything; but be on your guard with him, for if he -discovers our plot before it is revealed to him, you or I will -certainly be killed or taken. He is a bold and enterprising -man."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will think it over. Now -tell me about M. Fouquet; what do you wish to be done with regard -to him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "One moment more, I entreat -you, monseigneur; and forgive me, if I seem to fail in respect to -questioning you further."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is your duty to do so, -nay, more than that, your right."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Before we pass to M. -Fouquet, I should very much regret forgetting another friend of -mine."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. du Vallon, the Hercules -of France, you mean; oh! as far as he is concerned, his interests -are more than safe."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; it is not he whom I -intended to refer to."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="FR">"The Comte -de la Fère, then?"</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR"> </span> "And -his son, the son of all four of us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That poor boy who is dying -of love for La Vallière, whom my brother so disloyally -bereft him of? Be easy on that score. I shall know how to -rehabilitate his happiness. Tell me only one thing, Monsieur -d'Herblay; do men, when they love, forget the treachery that has -been shown them? Can a man ever forgive the woman who has -betrayed him? Is that a French custom, or is it one of the laws -of the human heart?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A man who loves deeply, as -deeply as Raoul loves Mademoiselle de la Vallière, -finishes by forgetting the fault or crime of the woman he loves; -but I do not yet know whether Raoul will be able to forget."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will see after that. -Have you anything further to say about your friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; that is all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, then, now for M. -Fouquet. What do you wish me to do for him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To keep him on as -surintendant, in the capacity in which he has hitherto acted, I -entreat you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Be it so; but he is the -first minister at present."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not quite so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A king, ignorant and -embarrassed as I shall be, will, as a matter of course, require a -first minister of state."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your majesty will require a -friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have only one, and that -is yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will have many others -by and by, but none so devoted, none so zealous for your -glory."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You shall be my first -minister of state."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not immediately, -monseigneur, for that would give rise to too much suspicion and -astonishment."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. de Richelieu, the first -minister of my grandmother, Marie de Medici, was simply bishop of -Luçon, as you are bishop of Vannes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I perceive that your royal -highness has studied my notes to great advantage; your amazing -perspicacity overpowers me with delight."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am perfectly aware that -M. de Richelieu, by means of the queen's protection, soon became -cardinal."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It would be better," said -Aramis, bowing, "that I should not be appointed first minister -until your royal highness has procured my nomination as -cardinal."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You shall be nominated -before two months are past, Monsieur d'Herblay. But that is a -matter of very trifling moment; you would not offend me if you -were to ask more than that, and you would cause me serious regret -if you were to limit yourself to that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In that case, I have -something still further to hope for, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Speak! speak!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. Fouquet will not keep -long at the head of affairs, he will soon get old. He is fond of -pleasure, consistently, I mean, with all his labors, thanks to -the youthfulness he still retains; but this protracted youth will -disappear at the approach of the first serious annoyance, or at -the first illness he may experience. We will spare him the -annoyance, because he is an agreeable and noble-hearted man; but -we cannot save him from ill-health. So it is determined. When -you shall have paid all M. Fouquet's debts, and restored the -finances to a sound condition, M. Fouquet will be able to remain -the sovereign ruler in his little court of poets and painters, - -we shall have made him rich. When that has been done, and I have -become your royal highness's prime minister, I shall be able to -think of my own interests and yours."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The young man looked at his -interrogator.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. de Richelieu, of whom we -were speaking just now, was very much to blame in the fixed idea -he had of governing France alone, unaided. He allowed two kings, -King Louis XIII. and himself, to be seated on the self-same -throne, whilst he might have installed them more conveniently -upon two separate and distinct thrones."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Upon two thrones?" said the -young man, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In fact," pursued Aramis, -quietly, "a cardinal, prime minister of France, assisted by the -favor and by the countenance of his Most Christian Majesty the -King of France, a cardinal to whom the king his master lends the -treasures of the state, his army, his counsel, such a man would -be acting with twofold injustice in applying these mighty -resources to France alone. Besides," added Aramis, "you will not -be a king such as your father was, delicate in health, slow in -judgment, whom all things wearied; you will be a king governing -by your brain and by your sword; you will have in the government -of the state no more than you will be able to manage unaided; I -should only interfere with you. Besides, our friendship ought -never to be, I do not say impaired, but in any degree affected, -by a secret thought. I shall have given you the throne of -France, you will confer on me the throne of St. Peter. Whenever -your loyal, firm, and mailed hand should joined in ties of -intimate association the hand of a pope such as I shall be, -neither Charles V., who owned two-thirds of the habitable globe, -nor Charlemagne, who possessed it entirely, will be able to reach -to half your stature. I have no alliances, I have no -predilections; I will not throw you into persecutions of -heretics, nor will I cast you into the troubled waters of family -dissension; I will simply say to you: The whole universe is our -own; for me the minds of men, for you their bodies. And as I -shall be the first to die, you will have my inheritance. What do -you say of my plan, monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I say that you render me -happy and proud, for no other reason than that of having -comprehended you thoroughly. Monsieur d'Herblay, you shall be -cardinal, and when cardinal, my prime minister; and then you will -point out to me the necessary steps to be taken to secure your -election as pope, and I will take them. You can ask what -guarantees from me you please."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is useless. Never shall -I act except in such a manner that you will be the gainer; I -shall never ascend the ladder of fortune, fame, or position, -until I have first seen you placed upon the round of the ladder -immediately above me; I shall always hold myself sufficiently -aloof from you to escape incurring your jealousy, sufficiently -near to sustain your personal advantage and to watch over your -friendship. All the contracts in the world are easily violated -because the interests included in them incline more to one side -than to another. With us, however, this will never be the case; -I have no need of any guarantees."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And so - my dear brother - -will disappear?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Simply. We will remove him -from his bed by means of a plank which yields to the pressure of -the finger. Having retired to rest a crowned sovereign, he will -awake a captive. Alone you will rule from that moment, and you -will have no interest dearer and better than that of keeping me -near you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I believe it. There is my -hand on it, Monsieur d'Herblay."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Allow me to kneel before -you, sire, most respectfully. We will embrace each other on the -day we shall have upon our temples, you the crown, I the -tiara."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Still embrace me this very -day also, and be, for and towards me, more than great, more than -skillful, more than sublime in genius; be kind and indulgent - be -my father!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis was almost overcome -as he listened to his voice; he fancied he detected in his own -heart an emotion hitherto unknown; but this impression was -speedily removed. "His father!" he thought; "yes, his Holy -Father."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And they resumed their -places in the carriage, which sped rapidly along the road leading -to Vaux-le-Vicomte.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span lang="FR" style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XI:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span lang="FR">The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span lang="FR"> </span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="FR"> </span> <span -style='font-size: 20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he -château of Vaux-le-Vicomte, situated about a league from -Melun, had been built by Fouquet in 1655, at a time when there -was a scarcity of money in France; Mazarin had taken all that -there was, and Fouquet expended the remainder. However, as -certain men have fertile, false, and useful vices, Fouquet, in -scattering broadcast millions of money in the construction of -this palace, had found a means of gathering, as the result of his -generous profusion, three illustrious men together: Levau, the -architect of the building; Lenôtre, the designer of the -gardens; and Lebrun, the decorator of the apartments. If the -Château de Vaux possessed a single fault with which it -could be reproached, it was its grand, pretentious character. It -is even at the present day proverbial to calculate the number of -acres of roofing, the restoration of which would, in our age, be -the ruin of fortunes cramped and narrowed as the epoch itself. -Vaux-le-Vicomte, when its magnificent gates, supported by -caryatides, have been passed through, has the principal front of -the main building opening upon a vast, so-called, court of honor, -inclosed by deep ditches, bordered by a magnificent stone -balustrade. Nothing could be more noble in appearance than the -central forecourt raised upon the flight of steps, like a king -upon his throne, having around it four pavilions at the angles, -the immense Ionic columns of which rose majestically to the whole -height of the building. The friezes ornamented with arabesques, -and the pediments which crowned the pilasters, conferred richness -and grace on every part of the building, while the domes which -surmounted the whole added proportion and majesty. This mansion, -built by a subject, bore a far greater resemblance to those royal -residences which Wolsey fancied he was called upon to construct, -in order to present them to his master form the fear of rendering -him jealous. But if magnificence and splendor were displayed in -any one particular part of this palace more than another, - if -anything could be preferred to the wonderful arrangement of the -interior, to the sumptuousness of the gilding, and to the -profusion of the paintings and statues, it would be the park and -gardens of Vaux. The <i>jets d'eau</i>, which were regarded as -wonderful in 1653, are still so, even at the present time; the -cascades awakened the admiration of kings and princes; and as for -the famous grotto, the theme of so many poetical effusions, the -residence of that illustrious nymph of Vaux, whom Pélisson -made converse with La Fontaine, we must be spared the description -of all its beauties. We will do as Despréaux did, - we -will enter the park, the trees of which are of eight years' -growth only - that is to say, in their present position - and -whose summits even yet, as they proudly tower aloft, blushingly -unfold their leaves to the earliest rays of the rising sun. -Lenôtre had hastened the pleasure of the Mæcenas of -his period; all the nursery-grounds had furnished trees whose -growth had been accelerated by careful culture and the richest -plant-food. Every tree in the neighborhood which presented a -fair appearance of beauty or stature had been taken up by its -roots and transplanted to the park. Fouquet could well afford to -purchase trees to ornament his park, since he had bought up three -villages and their appurtenances (to use a legal word) to -increase its extent. M. de Scudéry said of this palace, -that, for the purpose of keeping the grounds and gardens well -watered, M. Fouquet had divided a river into a thousand -fountains, and gathered the waters of a thousand fountains into -torrents. This same Monsieur de Scudéry said a great many -other things in his "Clélie," about this palace of -Valterre, the charms of which he describes most minutely. We -should be far wiser to send our curious readers to Vaux to judge -for themselves, than to refer them to "Clélie;" and yet -there are as many leagues from Paris to Vaux, as there are -volumes of the "Clélie."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This magnificent palace had -been got ready for the reception of the greatest reigning -sovereign of the time. M. Fouquet's friends had transported -thither, some their actors and their dresses, others their troops -of sculptors and artists; not forgetting others with their -ready-mended pens, - floods of impromptus were contemplated. The -cascades, somewhat rebellious nymphs though they were, poured -forth their waters brighter and clearer than crystal: they -scattered over the bronze triton and nereids their waves of foam, -which glistened like fire in the rays of the sun. An army of -servants were hurrying to and fro in squadrons in the courtyard -and corridors; while Fouquet, who had only that morning arrived, -walked all through the palace with a calm, observant glance, in -order to give his last orders, after his intendants had inspected -everything.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> It was, as we have said, the -15th of August. The sun poured down its burning rays upon the -heathen deities of marble and bronze: it raised the temperature -of the water in the conch shells, and ripened, on the walls, -those magnificent peaches, of which the king, fifty years later, -spoke so regretfully, when, at Marly, on an occasion of a -scarcity of the finer sorts of peaches being complained of, in -the beautiful gardens there - gardens which had cost France -double the amount that had been expended on Vaux - the <i>great -king</i> observed to some one: "You are far too young to have -eaten any of M. Fouquet's peaches."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Oh, fame! Oh, blazon of -renown! Oh, glory of this earth! That very man whose judgment -was so sound and accurate where merit was concerned - he who had -swept into his coffers the inheritance of Nicholas Fouquet, who -had robbed him of Lenôtre and Lebrun, and had sent him to -rot for the remainder of his life in one of the state prisons - -merely remembered the peaches of that vanquished, crushed, -forgotten enemy! It was to little purpose that Fouquet had -squandered thirty millions of francs in the fountains of his -gardens, in the crucibles of his sculptors, in the writing-desks -of his literary friends, in the portfolios of his painters; -vainly had he fancied that thereby he might be remembered. A -peach - a blushing, rich-flavored fruit, nestling in the trellis -work on the garden-wall, hidden beneath its long, green leaves, - -this little vegetable production, that a dormouse would nibble up -without a thought, was sufficient to recall to the memory of this -great monarch the mournful shade of the last surintendant of -France.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> With a perfect reliance that -Aramis had made arrangements fairly to distribute the vast number -of guests throughout the palace, and that he had not omitted to -attend to any of the internal regulations for their comfort, -Fouquet devoted his entire attention to the <i>ensemble</i> -alone. In one direction Gourville showed him the preparations -which had been made for the fireworks; in another, Molière -led him over the theater; at last, after he had visited the -chapel, the <i>salons</i>, and the galleries, and was again going -downstairs, exhausted with fatigue, Fouquet saw Aramis on the -staircase. The prelate beckoned to him. The surintendant joined -his friend, and, with him, paused before a large picture scarcely -finished. Applying himself, heart and soul, to his work, the -painter Lebrun, covered with perspiration, stained with paint, -pale from fatigue and the inspiration of genius, was putting the -last finishing touches with his rapid brush. It was the portrait -of the king, whom they were expecting, dressed in the court suit -which Percerin had condescended to show beforehand to the bishop -of Vannes. Fouquet placed himself before this portrait, which -seemed to live, as one might say, in the cool freshness of its -flesh, and in its warmth of color. He gazed upon it long and -fixedly, estimated the prodigious labor that had been bestowed -upon it, and, not being able to find any recompense sufficiently -great for this Herculean effort, he passed his arm round the -painter's neck and embraced him. The surintendant, by this -action, had utterly ruined a suit of clothes worth a thousand -pistoles, but he had satisfied, more than satisfied, Lebrun. It -was a happy moment for the artist; it was an unhappy moment for -M. Percerin, who was walking behind Fouquet, and was engaged in -admiring, in Lebrun's painting, the suit that he had made for his -majesty, a perfect <i>objet d'art</i>, as he called it, which was -not to be matched except in the wardrobe of the surintendant. -His distress and his exclamations were interrupted by a signal -which had been given from the summit of the mansion. In the -direction of Melun, in the still empty, open plain, the sentinels -of Vaux had just perceived the advancing procession of the king -and the queens. His majesty was entering Melun with his long -train of carriages and cavaliers.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In an hour - " said Aramis -to Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In an hour!" replied the -latter, sighing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And the people who ask one -another what is the good of these royal <i>fêtes!</i>" -continued the bishop of Vannes, laughing, with his false -smile.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Alas! I, too, who am not -the people, ask myself the same thing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will answer you in four -and twenty hours, monseigneur. Assume a cheerful countenance, -for it should be a day of true rejoicing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, believe me or not, as -you like, D'Herblay," said the surintendant, with a swelling -heart, pointing at the <i>cortège</i> of Louis, visible in -the horizon, "he certainly loves me but very little, and I do not -care much more for him; but I cannot tell you how it is, that -since he is approaching my house - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, what?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, since I know he is on -his way here, as my guest, he is more sacred than ever for me; he -is my acknowledged sovereign, and as such is very dear to -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Dear? yes," said Aramis, -playing upon the word, as the Abbé Terray did, at a later -period, with Louis XV.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do not laugh, D'Herblay; I -feel that, if he really seemed to wish it, I could love that -young man."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You should not say that to -me," returned Aramis, "but rather to M. Colbert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To M. Colbert!" exclaimed -Fouquet. "Why so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because he would allow you -a pension out of the king's privy purse, as soon as he becomes -surintendant," said Aramis, preparing to leave as soon as he had -dealt this last blow.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Where are you going?" -returned Fouquet, with a gloomy look.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To my own apartment, in -order to change my costume, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Whereabouts are you -lodging, D'Herblay?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In the blue room on the -second story."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The room immediately over -the king's room?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Precisely."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will be subject to very -great restraint there. What an idea to condemn yourself to a -room where you cannot stir or move about!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "During the night, -monseigneur, I sleep or read in my bed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And your servants?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have but one attendant -with me. I find my reader quite sufficient. Adieu, monseigneur; -do not overfatigue yourself; keep yourself fresh for the arrival -of the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We shall see you by and by, -I suppose, and shall see your friend Du Vallon also?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is lodging next to me, -and is at this moment dressing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And Fouquet, bowing, with a -smile, passed on like a commander-in-chief who pays the different -outposts a visit after the enemy has been signaled in sight. -<b><sup>2</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Wine of Melun.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he king had, -in point of fact, entered Melun with the intention of merely -passing through the city. The youthful monarch was most eagerly -anxious for amusements; only twice during the journey had he been -able to catch a glimpse of La Vallière, and, suspecting -that his only opportunity of speaking to her would be after -nightfall, in the gardens, and after the ceremonial of reception -had been gone through, he had been very desirous to arrive at -Vaux as early as possible. But he reckoned without his captain -of the musketeers, and without M. Colbert. Like Calypso, who -could not be consoled at the departure of Ulysses, our Gascon -could not console himself for not having guessed why Aramis had -asked Percerin to show him the king's new costumes. "There is -not a doubt," he said to himself, "that my friend the bishop of -Vannes had some motive in that;" and then he began to rack his -brains most uselessly. D'Artagnan, so intimately acquainted with -all the court intrigues, who knew the position of Fouquet better -than even Fouquet himself did, had conceived the strangest -fancies and suspicions at the announcement of the -<i>fête</i>, which would have ruined a wealthy man, and -which became impossible, utter madness even, for a man so poor as -he was. And then, the presence of Aramis, who had returned from -Belle-Isle, and been nominated by Monsieur Fouquet -inspector-general of all the arrangements; his perseverance in -mixing himself up with all the surintendant's affairs; his visits -to Baisemeaux; all this suspicious singularity of conduct had -excessively troubled and tormented D'Artagnan during the last two -weeks.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With men of Aramis's -stamp," he said, "one is never the stronger except sword in -hand. So long as Aramis continued a soldier, there was hope of -getting the better of him; but since he has covered his cuirass -with a stole, we are lost. But what can Aramis's object possibly -be?" And D'Artagnan plunged again into deep thought. "What does -it matter to me, after all," he continued, "if his only object is -to overthrow M. Colbert? And what else can he be after?" And -D'Artagnan rubbed his forehead - that fertile land, whence the -plowshare of his nails had turned up so many and such admirable -ideas in his time. He, at first, thought of talking the matter -over with Colbert, but his friendship for Aramis, the oath of -earlier days, bound him too strictly. He revolted at the bare -idea of such a thing, and, besides, he hated the financier too -cordially. Then, again, he wished to unburden his mind to the -king; but yet the king would not be able to understand the -suspicions which had not even a shadow of reality at their base. -He resolved to address himself to Aramis, direct, the first time -he met him. "I will get him," said the musketeer, "between a -couple of candles, suddenly, and when he least expects it, I will -place my hand upon his heart, and he will tell me - What will he -tell me? Yes, he will tell me something, for <i>mordioux!</i> -there is something in it, I know."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Somewhat calmer, D'Artagnan -made every preparation for the journey, and took the greatest -care that the military household of the king, as yet very -inconsiderable in numbers, should be well officered and well -disciplined in its meager and limited proportions. The result -was that, through the captain's arrangements, the king, on -arriving at Melun, saw himself at the head of both the musketeers -and Swiss guards, as well as a picket of the French guards. It -might almost have been called a small army. M. Colbert looked at -the troops with great delight: he even wished they had been a -third more in number.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But why?" said the -king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In order to show greater -honor to M. Fouquet," replied Colbert.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In order to ruin him the -sooner," thought D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> When this little army -appeared before Melun, the chief magistrates came out to meet the -king, and to present him with the keys of the city, and invited -him to enter the Hôtel de Ville, in order to partake of the -wine of honor. The king, who expected to pass through the city -and to proceed to Vaux without delay, became quite red in the -face from vexation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who was fool enough to -occasion this delay?" muttered the king, between his teeth, as -the chief magistrate was in the middle of a long address.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not I, certainly," replied -D'Artagnan, "but I believe it was M. Colbert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert, having heard his -name pronounced, said, "What was M. d'Artagnan good enough to -say?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I was good enough to remark -that it was you who stopped the king's progress, so that he might -taste the <i>vin de Brie</i>. Was I right?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Quite so, monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In that case, then, it was -you whom the king called some name or other."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What name?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I hardly know; but wait a -moment - idiot, I think it was - no, no, it was fool or dolt. -Yes; his majesty said that the man who had thought of the <i>vin -de Melun</i> was something of the sort."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan, after this -broadside, quietly caressed his mustache; M. Colbert's large head -seemed to become larger and larger than ever. D'Artagnan, seeing -how ugly anger made him, did not stop half-way. The orator still -went on with his speech, while the king's color was visibly -increasing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Mordioux!</i>" said the -musketeer, coolly, "the king is going to have an attack of -determination of blood to the head. Where the deuce did you get -hold of that idea, Monsieur Colbert? You have no luck."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said the -financier, drawing himself up, "my zeal for the king's service -inspired me with the idea."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur, Melun is a city, -an excellent city, which pays well, and which it would be -imprudent to displease."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There, now! I, who do not -pretend to be a financier, saw only one idea in your idea."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What was that, -monsieur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That of causing a little -annoyance to M. Fouquet, who is making himself quite giddy on his -donjons yonder, in waiting for us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This was a home-stroke, hard -enough in all conscience. Colbert was completely thrown out of -the saddle by it, and retired, thoroughly discomfited. -Fortunately, the speech was now at an end; the king drank the -wine which was presented to him, and then every one resumed the -progress through the city. The king bit his lips in anger, for -the evening was closing in, and all hope of a walk with La -Vallière was at an end. In order that the whole of the -king's household should enter Vaux, four hours at least were -necessary, owing to the different arrangements. The king, -therefore, who was boiling with impatience, hurried forward as -much as possible, in order to reach it before nightfall. But, at -the moment he was setting off again, other and fresh difficulties -arose.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is not the king going to -sleep at Melun?" said Colbert, in a low tone of voice, to -D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> M. Colbert must have been -badly inspired that day, to address himself in that manner to the -chief of the musketeers; for the latter guessed that the king's -intention was very far from that of remaining where he was. -D'Artagnan would not allow him to enter Vaux except he were well -and strongly accompanied; and desired that his majesty would not -enter except with all the escort. On the other hand, he felt -that these delays would irritate that impatient monarch beyond -measure. In what way could he possibly reconcile these -difficulties? D'Artagnan took up Colbert's remark, and -determined to repeated it to the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire," he said, "M. Colbert -has been asking me if your majesty does not intend to sleep at -Melun."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sleep at Melun! What for?" -exclaimed Louis XIV. "Sleep at Melun! Who, in Heaven's name, -can have thought of such a thing, when M. Fouquet is expecting us -this evening?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It was simply," replied -Colbert, quickly, "the fear of causing your majesty the least -delay; for, according to established etiquette, you cannot enter -any place, with the exception of your own royal residences, until -the soldiers' quarters have been marked out by the quartermaster, -and the garrison properly distributed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan listened with the -greatest attention, biting his mustache to conceal his vexation; -and the queens were not less interested. They were fatigued, and -would have preferred to go to rest without proceeding any -farther; more especially, in order to prevent the king walking -about in the evening with M. de Saint-Aignan and the ladies of -the court, for, if etiquette required the princesses to remain -within their own rooms, the ladies of honor, as soon as they had -performed the services required of them, had no restrictions -placed upon them, but were at liberty to walk about as they -pleased. It will easily be conjectured that all these rival -interests, gathering together in vapors, necessarily produced -clouds, and that the clouds were likely to be followed by a -tempest. The king had no mustache to gnaw, and therefore kept -biting the handle of his whip instead, with ill-concealed -impatience. How could he get out of it? D'Artagnan looked as -agreeable as possible, and Colbert as sulky as he could. Who was -there he could get in a passion with?</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We will consult the queen," -said Louis XIV., bowing to the royal ladies. And this kindness -of consideration softened Maria Theresa's heart, who, being of a -kind and generous disposition, when left to her own free-will, -replied:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall be delighted to do -whatever your majesty wishes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How long will it take us to -get to Vaux?" inquired Anne of Austria, in slow and measured -accents, placing her hand upon her bosom, where the seat of her -pain lay.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "An hour for your majesty's -carriages," said D'Artagnan; "the roads are tolerably good."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king looked at him. -"And a quarter of an hour for the king," he hastened to add.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We should arrive by -daylight?" said Louis XIV.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But the billeting of the -king's military escort," objected Colbert, softly, "will make his -majesty lose all the advantage of his speed, however quick he may -be."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Double ass that you are!" -thought D'Artagnan; "if I had any interest or motive in -demolishing your credit with the king, I could do it in ten -minutes. If I were in the king's place," he added aloud, "I -should, in going to M. Fouquet, leave my escort behind me; I -should go to him as a friend; I should enter accompanied only by -my captain of the guards; I should consider that I was acting -more nobly, and should be invested with a still more sacred -character by doing so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Delight sparkled in the -king's eyes. "That is indeed a very sensible suggestion. We -will go to see a friend as friends; the gentlemen who are with -the carriages can go slowly: but we who are mounted will ride -on." And he rode off, accompanied by all those who were -mounted. Colbert hid his ugly head behind his horse's neck.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall be quits," said -D'Artagnan, as he galloped along, "by getting a little talk with -Aramis this evening. And then, M. Fouquet is a man of honor. -<i>Mordioux!</i> I have said so, and it must be so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And this was the way how, -towards seven o'clock in the evening, without announcing his -arrival by the din of trumpets, and without even his advanced -guard, without out-riders or musketeers, the king presented -himself before the gate of Vaux, where Fouquet, who had been -informed of his royal guest's approach, had been waiting for the -last half-hour, with his head uncovered, surrounded by his -household and his friends.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XIII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Nectar and Ambrosia.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>M</span>. Fouquet -held the stirrup of the king, who, having dismounted, bowed most -graciously, and more graciously still held out his hand to him, -which Fouquet, in spite of a slight resistance on the king's -part, carried respectfully to his lips. The king wished to wait -in the first courtyard for the arrival of the carriages, nor had -he long to wait, for the roads had been put into excellent order -by the superintendent, and a stone would hardly have been found -of the size of an egg the whole way from Melun to Vaux; so that -the carriages, rolling along as though on a carpet, brought the -ladies to Vaux, without jolting or fatigue, by eight o'clock. -They were received by Madame Fouquet, and at the moment they made -their appearance, a light as bright as day burst forth from every -quarter, trees, vases, and marble statues. This species of -enchantment lasted until their majesties had retired into the -palace. All these wonders and magical effects which the -chronicler has heaped up, or rather embalmed, in his recital, at -the risk of rivaling the brain-born scenes of romancers; these -splendors whereby night seemed vanquished and nature corrected, -together with every delight and luxury combined for the -satisfaction of all the senses, as well as the imagination, -Fouquet did in real truth offer to his sovereign in that -enchanting retreat of which no monarch could at that time boast -of possessing an equal. We do not intend to describe the grand -banquet, at which the royal guests were present, nor the -concerts, nor the fairy-like and more than magic transformations -and metamorphoses; it will be enough for our purpose to depict -the countenance the king assumed, which, from being gay, soon -wore a very gloomy, constrained, and irritated expression. He -remembered his own residence, royal though it was, and the mean -and indifferent style of luxury that prevailed there, which -comprised but little more than what was merely useful for the -royal wants, without being his own personal property. The large -vases of the Louvre, the older furniture and plate of Henry II., -of Francis I., and of Louis XI., were but historic monuments of -earlier days; nothing but specimens of art, the relics of his -predecessors; while with Fouquet, the value of the article was as -much in the workmanship as in the article itself. Fouquet ate -from a gold service, which artists in his own employ had modeled -and cast for him alone. Fouquet drank wines of which the king of -France did not even know the name, and drank them out of goblets -each more valuable than the entire royal cellar.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> What, too, was to be said of -the apartments, the hangings, the pictures, the servants and -officers, of every description, of his household? What of the -mode of service in which etiquette was replaced by order; stiff -formality by personal, unrestrained comfort; the happiness and -contentment of the guest became the supreme law of all who obeyed -the host? The perfect swarm of busily engaged persons moving -about noiselessly; the multitude of guests, - who were, however, -even less numerous than the servants who waited on them, - the -myriad of exquisitely prepared dishes, of gold and silver vases; -the floods of dazzling light, the masses of unknown flowers of -which the hot-houses had been despoiled, redundant with -luxuriance of unequaled scent and beauty; the perfect harmony of -the surroundings, which, indeed, was no more than the prelude of -the promised <i>fête</i>, charmed all who were there; and -they testified their admiration over and over again, not by voice -or gesture, but by deep silence and rapt attention, those two -languages of the courtier which acknowledge the hand of no master -powerful enough to restrain them.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> As for the king, his eyes -filled with tears; he dared not look at the queen. Anne of -Austria, whose pride was superior to that of any creature -breathing, overwhelmed her host by the contempt with which she -treated everything handed to her. The young queen, kind-hearted -by nature and curious by disposition, praised Fouquet, ate with -an exceedingly good appetite, and asked the names of the strange -fruits as they were placed upon the table. Fouquet replied that -he was not aware of their names. The fruits came from his own -stores; he had often cultivated them himself, having an intimate -acquaintance with the cultivation of exotic fruits and plants. -The king felt and appreciated the delicacy of the replies, but -was only the more humiliated; he thought the queen a little too -familiar in her manners, and that Anne of Austria resembled Juno -a little too much, in being too proud and haughty; his chief -anxiety, however, was himself, that he might remain cold and -distant in his behavior, bordering lightly the limits of supreme -disdain or simple admiration.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But Fouquet had foreseen all -this; he was, in fact, one of those men who foresee everything. -The king had expressly declared that, so long as he remained -under Fouquet's roof, he did not wish his own different repasts -to be served in accordance with the usual etiquette, and that he -would, consequently, dine with the rest of society; but by the -thoughtful attention of the surintendant, the king's dinner was -served up separately, if one may so express it, in the middle of -the general table; the dinner, wonderful in every respect, from -the dishes of which was composed, comprised everything the king -liked and generally preferred to anything else. Louis had no -excuse - he, indeed, who had the keenest appetite in his kingdom -- for saying that he was not hungry. Nay, M. Fouquet did even -better still; he certainly, in obedience to the king's expressed -desire, seated himself at the table, but as soon as the soups -were served, he arose and personally waited on the king, while -Madame Fouquet stood behind the queen-mother's armchair. The -disdain of Juno and the sulky fits of temper of Jupiter could not -resist this excess of kindly feeling and polite attention. The -queen ate a biscuit dipped in a glass of San-Lucar wine; and the -king ate of everything, saying to M. Fouquet: "It is impossible, -monsieur le surintendant, to dine better anywhere." Whereupon -the whole court began, on all sides, to devour the dishes spread -before them with such enthusiasm that it looked as though a cloud -of Egyptian locusts was settling down on green and growing -crops.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> As soon, however, as his -hunger was appeased, the king became morose and overgloomed -again; the more so in proportion to the satisfaction he fancied -he had previously manifested, and particularly on account of the -deferential manner which his courtiers had shown towards -Fouquet. D'Artagnan, who ate a good deal and drank but little, -without allowing it to be noticed, did not lose a single -opportunity, but made a great number of observations which he -turned to good profit.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> When the supper was -finished, the king expressed a wish not to lose the promenade. -The park was illuminated; the moon, too, as if she had placed -herself at the orders of the lord of Vaux, silvered the trees and -lake with her own bright and quasi-phosphorescent light. The air -was strangely soft and balmy; the daintily shell-gravelled walks -through the thickly set avenues yielded luxuriously to the feet. -The <i>fête</i> was complete in every respect, for the -king, having met La Vallière in one of the winding paths -of the wood, was able to press her hand and say, "I love you," -without any one overhearing him except M. d'Artagnan, who -followed, and M. Fouquet, who preceded him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The dreamy night of magical -enchantments stole smoothly on. The king having requested to be -shown to his room, there was immediately a movement in every -direction. The queens passed to their own apartments, -accompanied by them music of theorbos and lutes; the king found -his musketeers awaiting him on the grand flight of steps, for M. -Fouquet had brought them on from Melun and had invited them to -supper. D'Artagnan's suspicions at once disappeared. He was -weary, he had supped well, and wished, for once in his life, -thoroughly to enjoy a <i>fête</i> given by a man who was in -every sense of the word a king. "M. Fouquet," he said, "is the -man for me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king was conducted with -the greatest ceremony to the chamber of Morpheus, of which we owe -some cursory description to our readers. It was the handsomest -and largest in the palace. Lebrun had painted on the vaulted -ceiling the happy as well as the unhappy dreams which Morpheus -inflicts on kings as well as on other men. Everything that sleep -gives birth to that is lovely, its fairy scenes, its flowers and -nectar, the wild voluptuousness or profound repose of the senses, -had the painter elaborated on his frescoes. It was a composition -as soft and pleasing in one part as dark and gloomy and terrible -in another. The poisoned chalice, the glittering dagger -suspended over the head of the sleeper; wizards and phantoms with -terrific masks, those half-dim shadows more alarming than the -approach of fire or the somber face of midnight, these, and such -as these, he had made the companions of his more pleasing -pictures. No sooner had the king entered his room than a cold -shiver seemed to pass through him, and on Fouquet asking him the -cause of it, the king replied, as pale as death:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am sleepy, that is -all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Does your majesty wish for -your attendants at once?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; I have to talk with a -few persons first," said the king. "Will you have the goodness -to tell M. Colbert I wish to see him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet bowed and left the -room.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XIV:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>A -Gascon, and a Gascon and a Half.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>D</span>'Artagnan had -determined to lose no time, and in fact he never was in the habit -of doing so. After having inquired for Aramis, he had looked for -him in every direction until he had succeeded in finding him. -Besides, no sooner had the king entered Vaux, than Aramis had -retired to his own room, meditating, doubtless, some new piece of -gallant attention for his majesty's amusement. D'Artagnan -desired the servants to announce him, and found on the second -story (in a beautiful room called the Blue Chamber, on account of -the color of its hangings) the bishop of Vannes in company with -Porthos and several of the modern Epicureans. Aramis came -forward to embrace his friend, and offered him the best seat. As -it was after awhile generally remarked among those present that -the musketeer was reserved, and wished for an opportunity for -conversing secretly with Aramis, the Epicureans took their -leave. Porthos, however, did not stir; for true it is that, -having dined exceedingly well, he was fast asleep in his -armchair; and the freedom of conversation therefore was not -interrupted by a third person. Porthos had a deep, harmonious -snore, and people might talk in the midst of its loud bass -without fear of disturbing him. D'Artagnan felt that he was -called upon to open the conversation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, and so we have come -to Vaux," he said.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, yes, D'Artagnan. And -how do you like the place?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very much, and I like M. -Fouquet, also."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is he not a charming -host?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No one could be more -so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am told that the king -began by showing great distance of manner towards M. Fouquet, but -that his majesty grew much more cordial afterwards."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You did not notice it, -then, since you say you have been told so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; I was engaged with the -gentlemen who have just left the room about the theatrical -performances and the tournaments which are to take place -to-morrow."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, indeed! you are the -comptroller-general of the <i>fêtes</i> here, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You know I am a friend of -all kinds of amusement where the exercise of the imagination is -called into activity; I have always been a poet in one way or -another."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I remember the verses -you used to write, they were charming."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have forgotten them, but -I am delighted to read the verses of others, when those others -are known by the names of Molière, Pélisson, La -Fontaine, etc."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you know what idea -occurred to me this evening, Aramis?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; tell me what it was, -for I should never be able to guess it, you have so many."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, the idea occurred to -me, that the true king of France is not Louis XIV."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>What!</i>" said Aramis, -involuntarily, looking the musketeer full in the eyes.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, it is Monsieur -Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis breathed again, and -smiled. "Ah! you are like all the rest, jealous," he said. "I -would wager that it was M. Colbert who turned that pretty -phrase." D'Artagnan, in order to throw Aramis off his guard, -related Colbert's misadventures with regard to the <i>vin de -Melun</i>.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He comes of a mean race, -does Colbert," said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Quite true."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "When I think, too," added -the bishop, "that that fellow will be your minister within four -months, and that you will serve him as blindly as you did -Richelieu or Mazarin - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And as you serve M. -Fouquet," said D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With this difference, -though, that M. Fouquet is not M. Colbert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "True, true," said -D'Artagnan, as he pretended to become sad and full of reflection; -and then, a moment after, he added, "Why do you tell me that M. -Colbert will be minister in four months?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because M. Fouquet will -have ceased to be so," replied Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He will be ruined, you -mean?" said D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Completely so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why does he give these -<i>fêtes</i>, then?" said the musketeer, in a tone so full -of thoughtful consideration, and so well assumed, that the bishop -was for the moment deceived by it. "Why did you not dissuade him -from it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The latter part of the -phrase was just a little too much, and Aramis's former suspicions -were again aroused. "It is done with the object of humoring the -king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "By ruining himself?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, by ruining himself for -the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A most eccentric, one might -say, sinister calculation, that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Necessity, necessity, my -friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I don't see that, dear -Aramis."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you not? Have you not -remarked M. Colbert's daily increasing antagonism, and that he is -doing his utmost to drive the king to get rid of the -superintendent?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "One must be blind not to -see it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And that a cabal is already -armed against M. Fouquet?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is well known."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What likelihood is there -that the king would join a party formed against a man who will -have spent everything he had to please him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "True, true," said -D'Artagnan, slowly, hardly convinced, yet curious to broach -another phase of the conversation. "There are follies, and -follies," he resumed, "and I do not like those you are -committing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What do you allude to?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As for the banquet, the -ball, the concert, the theatricals, the tournaments, the -cascades, the fireworks, the illuminations, and the presents - -these are well and good, I grant; but why were not these expenses -sufficient? Why was it necessary to have new liveries and -costumes for your whole household?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are quite right. I -told M. Fouquet that myself; he replied, that if he were rich -enough he would offer the king a newly erected château, -from the vanes at the houses to the very sub-cellars; completely -new inside and out; and that, as soon as the king had left, he -would burn the whole building and its contents, in order that it -might not be made use of by any one else."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How completely -Spanish!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I told him so, and he then -added this: 'Whoever advises me to spare expense, I shall look -upon as my enemy.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is positive madness; and -that portrait, too!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What portrait?" said -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That of the king, and the -surprise as well."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What surprise?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The surprise you seem to -have in view, and on account of which you took some specimens -away, when I met you at Percerin's." D'Artagnan paused. The -shaft was discharged, and all he had to do was to wait and watch -its effect.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is merely an act of -graceful attention," replied Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan went up to his -friend, took hold of both his hands, and looking him full in the -eyes, said, "Aramis, do you still care for me a very little?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What a question to -ask!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good. One favor, -then. Why did you take some patterns of the king's costumes at -Percerin's?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come with me and ask poor -Lebrun, who has been working upon them for the last two days and -nights."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Aramis, that may be truth -for everybody else, but for me - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Upon my word, D'Artagnan, -you astonish me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Be a little considerate. -Tell me the exact truth; you would not like anything disagreeable -to happen to me, would you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear friend, you are -becoming quite incomprehensible. What suspicion can you have -possibly got hold of?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you believe in my -instinctive feelings? Formerly you used to have faith in them. -Well, then, an instinct tells me that you have some concealed -project on foot."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I - a project?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am convinced of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What nonsense!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am not only sure of it, -but I would even swear it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Indeed, D'Artagnan, you -cause me the greatest pain. Is it likely, if I have any project -in hand that I ought to keep secret from you, I should tell you -about it? If I had one that I could and ought to have revealed, -should I not have long ago divulged it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, Aramis, no. There are -certain projects which are never revealed until the favorable -opportunity arrives."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In that case, my dear -fellow," returned the bishop, laughing, "the only thing now is, -that the 'opportunity' has not yet arrived."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan shook his head -with a sorrowful expression. "Oh, friendship, friendship!" he -said, "what an idle word you are! Here is a man who, if I were -but to ask it, would suffer himself to be cut in pieces for my -sake."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are right," said -Aramis, nobly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And this man, who would -shed every drop of blood in his veins for me, will not open up -before me the least corner in his heart. Friendship, I repeat, -is nothing but an unsubstantial shadow - a lure, like everything -else in this bright, dazzling world."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is not thus you should -speak of <i>our</i> friendship," replied the bishop, in a firm, -assured voice; "for ours is not of the same nature as those of -which you have been speaking."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Look at us, Aramis; three -out of the old 'four.' You are deceiving me; I suspect you; and -Porthos is fast asleep. An admirable trio of friends, don't you -think so? What an affecting relic of the former dear old -times!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I can only tell you one -thing, D'Artagnan, and I swear it on the Bible: I love you just -as I used to do. If I ever suspect you, it is on account of -others, and not on account of either of us. In everything I may -do, and should happen to succeed in, you will find your fourth. -Will you promise me the same favor?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If I am not mistaken, -Aramis, your words - at the moment you pronounce them - are full -of generous feeling."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Such a thing is very -possible."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are conspiring against -M. Colbert. If that be all, <i>mordioux</i>, tell me so at -once. I have the instrument in my own hand, and will pull out -the tooth easily enough."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis could not conceal a -smile of disdain that flitted over his haughty features. "And -supposing that I were conspiring against Colbert, what harm would -there be in <i>that?</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, no; that would be too -trifling a matter for you to take in hand, and it was not on that -account you asked Percerin for those patterns of the king's -costumes. Oh! Aramis, we are not enemies, remember - we are -brothers. Tell me what you wish to undertake, and, upon the word -of a D'Artagnan, if I cannot help you, I will swear to remain -neuter."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am undertaking nothing," -said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Aramis, a voice within me -speaks and seems to trickle forth a rill of light within my -darkness: it is a voice that has never yet deceived me. It is -the king you are conspiring against."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king?" exclaimed the -bishop, pretending to be annoyed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your face will not convince -me; the king, I repeat."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Will you help me?" said -Aramis, smiling ironically.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Aramis, I will do more than -help you - I will do more than remain neuter - I will save -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are mad, -D'Artagnan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am the wiser of the two, -in this matter."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You to suspect me of -wishing to assassinate the king!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who spoke of such a thing?" -smiled the musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, let us understand one -another. I do not see what any one can do to a legitimate king -as ours is, if he does not assassinate him." D'Artagnan did not -say a word. "Besides, you have your guards and your musketeers -here," said the bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "True."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are not in M. Fouquet's -house, but in your own."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "True; but in spite of that, -Aramis, grant me, for pity's sake, one single word of a true -friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A true friend's word is -ever truth itself. If I think of touching, even with my finger, -the son of Anne of Austria, the true king of this realm of France -- if I have not the firm intention of prostrating myself before -his throne - if in every idea I may entertain to-morrow, here at -Vaux, will not be the most glorious day my king ever enjoyed - -may Heaven's lightning blast me where I stand!" Aramis had -pronounced these words with his face turned towards the alcove of -his own bedroom, where D'Artagnan, seated with his back towards -the alcove, could not suspect that any one was lying concealed. -The earnestness of his words, the studied slowness with which he -pronounced them, the solemnity of his oath, gave the musketeer -the most complete satisfaction. He took hold of both Aramis's -hands, and shook them cordially. Aramis had endured reproaches -without turning pale, and had blushed as he listened to words of -praise. D'Artagnan, deceived, did him honor; but D'Artagnan, -trustful and reliant, made him feel ashamed. "Are you going -away?" he said, as he embraced him, in order to conceal the flush -on his face.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes. Duty summons me. I -have to get the watch-word. It seems I am to be lodged in the -king's ante-room. Where does Porthos sleep?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Take him away with you, if -you like, for he rumbles through his sleepy nose like a park of -artillery."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! he does not stay with -you, then?" said D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not the least in the -world. He has a chamber to himself, but I don't know where."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good!" said the -musketeer; from whom this separation of the two associates -removed his last suspicion, and he touched Porthos lightly on the -shoulder; the latter replied by a loud yawn. "Come," said -D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What, D'Artagnan, my dear -fellow, is that you? What a lucky chance! Oh, yes - true; I -have forgotten; I am at the <i>fête</i> at Vaux."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; and your beautiful -dress, too."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, it was very attentive -on the part of Monsieur Coquelin de Volière, was it -not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Hush!" said Aramis. "You -are walking so heavily you will make the flooring give way."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "True," said the musketeer; -"this room is above the dome, I think."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I did not choose it for -a fencing-room, I assure you," added the bishop. "The ceiling of -the king's room has all the lightness and calm of wholesome -sleep. Do not forget, therefore, that my flooring is merely the -covering of his ceiling. Good night, my friends, and in ten -minutes I shall be asleep myself." And Aramis accompanied them -to the door, laughing quietly all the while. As soon as they -were outside, he bolted the door, hurriedly; closed up the chinks -of the windows, and then called out, "Monseigneur! - -monseigneur!" Philippe made his appearance from the alcove, as -he pushed aside a sliding panel placed behind the bed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. d'Artagnan entertains a -great many suspicions, it seems," he said.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! - you recognized M. -d'Artagnan, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Before you called him by -his name, even."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is your captain of -musketeers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is very devoted to -<i>me</i>," replied Philippe, laying a stress upon the personal -pronoun.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As faithful as a dog; but -he bites sometimes. If D'Artagnan does not recognize you before -<i>the other</i> has disappeared, rely upon D'Artagnan to the end -of the world; for in that case, if he has seen nothing, he will -keep his fidelity. If he sees, when it is too late, he is a -Gascon, and will never admit that he has been deceived."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I thought so. What are we -to do, now?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sit in this folding-chair. -I am going to push aside a portion of the flooring; you will look -through the opening, which answers to one of the false windows -made in the dome of the king's apartment. Can you see?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Yes," said -Philippe, starting as at the sight of an enemy; "I see the -king!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"What is he -doing?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"He seems to wish -some man to sit down close to him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"M. Fouquet?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"No, no; wait a -moment - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Look at the notes -and the portraits, my prince."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"The man whom the -king wishes to sit down in his presence is M. Colbert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Colbert sit down -in the king's presence!" exclaimed Aramis. "It is -impossible."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Look."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis looked through the -opening in the flooring. "Yes," he said. "Colbert himself. Oh, -monseigneur! what can we be going to hear - and what can result -from this intimacy?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Nothing good for -M. Fouquet, at all events."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>The prince did not -deceive himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> We have seen that Louis XIV. -had sent for Colbert, and Colbert had arrived. The conversation -began between them by the king according to him one of the -highest favors that he had ever done; it was true the king was -alone with his subject. "Colbert," said he, "sit down."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The intendant, overcome with -delight, for he feared he was about to be dismissed, refused this -unprecedented honor.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Does he accept?" -said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"No, he remains -standing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us listen, then." And -the future king and the future pope listened eagerly to the -simple mortals they held under their feet, ready to crush them -when they liked.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Colbert," said the -king, "you have annoyed me exceedingly to-day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I know it, -sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'> "Very good; I like -that answer. Yes, you knew it, and there was courage in the -doing of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I ran the risk of -displeasing your majesty, but I risked, also, the concealment of -your best interests."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"What! you were -afraid of something on <i>my</i> account?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I was, sire, even if it -were nothing more than an indigestion," said Colbert; "for people -do not give their sovereigns such banquets as the one of to-day, -unless it be to stifle them beneath the burden of good living." -Colbert awaited the effect this coarse jest would produce upon -the king; and Louis XIV., who was the vainest and the most -fastidiously delicate man in his kingdom, forgave Colbert the -joke.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The truth is," he said, -"that M. Fouquet has given me too good a meal. Tell me, Colbert, -where does he get all the money required for this enormous -expenditure, - can you tell?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Yes, I do know, -sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Will you be able -to prove it with tolerable certainty?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Easily; and to the -utmost farthing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I know you are -very exact."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Exactitude is the -principal qualification required in an intendant of -finances."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"But all are not -so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I thank you -majesty for so flattering a compliment from your own lips."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"M. Fouquet, -therefore, is rich - very rich, and I suppose every man knows he -is so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Every one, sire; -the living as well as the dead."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"What does that -mean, Monsieur Colbert?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The living are witnesses of -M. Fouquet's wealth, - they admire and applaud the result -produced; but the dead, wiser and better informed than we are, -know how that wealth was obtained - and they rise up in -accusation."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"So that M. Fouquet -owes his wealth to some cause or other."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"The occupation of -an intendant very often favors those who practice it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have something to say -to me more confidentially, I perceive; do not be afraid, we are -quite alone."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am never afraid of -anything under the shelter of my own conscience, and under the -protection of your majesty," said Colbert, bowing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"If the dead, -therefore, were to speak - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"They do speak -sometimes, sire, - read."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" murmured Aramis, in -the prince's ear, who, close beside him, listened without losing -a syllable, "since you are placed here, monseigneur, in order to -learn your vocation of a king, listen to a piece of infamy - of a -nature truly royal. You are about to be a witness of one of -those scenes which the foul fiend alone conceives and executes. -Listen attentively, - you will find your advantage in it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The prince redoubled his -attention, and saw Louis XIV. take from Colbert's hands a letter -the latter held out to him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"The late -cardinal's handwriting," said the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your majesty has an -excellent memory," replied Colbert, bowing; "it is an immense -advantage for a king who is destined for hard work to recognize -handwritings at the first glance."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king read Mazarin's -letter, and, as its contents are already known to the reader, in -consequence of the misunderstanding between Madame de Chevreuse -and Aramis, nothing further would be learned if we stated them -here again.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I do not quite -understand," said the king, greatly interested.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Your majesty has -not acquired the utilitarian habit of checking the public -accounts."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I see that it -refers to money that had been given to M. Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Thirteen -millions. A tolerably good sum."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes. Well, these thirteen -millions are wanting to balance the total of the account. That -is what I do not very well understand. How was this deficit -possible?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Possible I do not -say; but there is no doubt about fact that it is really so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"You say that these -thirteen millions are found to be wanting in the accounts?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I do not say so, -but the registry does."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And this letter of M. -Mazarin indicates the employment of that sum and the name of the -person with whom it was deposited?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"As your majesty -can judge for yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Yes; and the -result is, then, that M. Fouquet has not yet restored the -thirteen millions."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"That results from -the accounts, certainly, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Well, and, -consequently - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, sire, in that case, -inasmuch as M. Fouquet has not yet given back the thirteen -millions, he must have appropriated them to his own purpose; and -with those thirteen millions one could incur four times and a -little more as much expense, and make four times as great a -display, as your majesty was able to do at Fontainebleau, where -we only spent three millions altogether, if you remember."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> For a blunderer, the -<i>souvenir</i> he had evoked was a rather skillfully contrived -piece of baseness; for by the remembrance of his own -<i>fête</i> he, for the first time, perceived its -inferiority compared with that of Fouquet. Colbert received back -again at Vaux what Fouquet had given him at Fontainebleau, and, -as a good financier, returned it with the best possible -interest. Having once disposed the king's mind in this artful -way, Colbert had nothing of much importance to detain him. He -felt that such was the case, for the king, too, had again sunk -into a dull and gloomy state. Colbert awaited the first words -from the king's lips with as much impatience as Philippe and -Aramis did from their place of observation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you aware what is the -usual and natural consequence of all this, Monsieur Colbert?" -said the king, after a few moments' reflection.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"No, sire, I do not -know."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Well, then, the -fact of the appropriation of the thirteen millions, if it can be -proved - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"But it is so -already."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I mean if it were -to be declared and certified, M. Colbert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I think it will be -to-morrow, if your majesty - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Were we not under M. -Fouquet's roof, you were going to say, perhaps," replied the -king, with something of nobility in his demeanor.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king is in his own -palace wherever he may be - especially in houses which the royal -money has constructed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I think," said Philippe in -a low tone to Aramis, "that the architect who planned this dome -ought, anticipating the use it could be put to at a future -opportunity, so to have contrived that it might be made to fall -upon the heads of scoundrels such as M. Colbert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I think so too," -replied Aramis; "but M. Colbert is so very <i>near the king</i> -at this moment."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"That is true, and -that would open the succession."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Of which your younger -brother would reap all the advantage, monseigneur. But stay, let -us keep quiet, and go on listening."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"We shall not have -long to listen," said the young prince.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Why not, -monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Because, if I were -king, I should make no further reply."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And what would you -do?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I should wait -until to-morrow morning to give myself time for reflection."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Louis XIV. at last raised -his eyes, and finding Colbert attentively waiting for his next -remarks, said, hastily, changing the conversation, "M. Colbert, I -perceive it is getting very late, and I shall now retire to bed. -By to-morrow morning I shall have made up my mind."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good, sire," returned -Colbert, greatly incensed, although he restrained himself in the -presence of the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king made a gesture of -adieu, and Colbert withdrew with a respectful bow. "My -attendants!" cried the king; and, as they entered the apartment, -Philippe was about to quit his post of observation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A moment longer," said -Aramis to him, with his accustomed gentleness of manner; "what -has just now taken place is only a detail, and to-morrow we shall -have no occasion to think anything more about it; but the -ceremony of the king's retiring to rest, the etiquette observed -in addressing the king, that indeed is of the greatest -importance. Learn, sire, and study well how you ought to go to -bed of a night. Look! look!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XV:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Colbert.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>H</span>istory will -tell us, or rather history has told us, of the various events of -the following day, of the splendid <i>fêtes</i> given by -the surintendant to his sovereign. Nothing but amusement and -delight was allowed to prevail throughout the whole of the -following day; there was a promenade, a banquet, a comedy to be -acted, and a comedy, too, in which, to his great amazement, -Porthos recognized "M. Coquelin de Volière" as one of the -actors, in the piece called "Les Fâcheux." Full of -preoccupation, however, from the scene of the previous evening, -and hardly recovered from the effects of the poison which Colbert -had then administered to him, the king, during the whole of the -day, so brilliant in its effects, so full of unexpected and -startling novelties, in which all the wonders of the "Arabian -Night's Entertainments" seemed to be reproduced for his especial -amusement - the king, we say, showed himself cold, reserved, and -taciturn. Nothing could smooth the frowns upon his face; every -one who observed him noticed that a deep feeling of resentment, -of remote origin, increased by slow degrees, as the source -becomes a river, thanks to the thousand threads of water that -increase its body, was keenly alive in the depths of the king's -heart. Towards the middle of the day only did he begin to resume -a little serenity of manner, and by that time he had, in all -probability, made up his mind. Aramis, who followed him step by -step in his thoughts, as in his walk, concluded that the event he -was expecting would not be long before it was announced. This -time Colbert seemed to walk in concert with the bishop of Vannes, -and had he received for every annoyance which he inflicted on the -king a word of direction from Aramis, he could not have done -better. During the whole of the day the king, who, in all -probability, wished to free himself from some of the thoughts -which disturbed his mind, seemed to seek La Vallière's -society as actively as he seemed to show his anxiety to flee that -of M. Colbert or M. Fouquet. The evening came. The king had -expressed a wish not to walk in the park until after cards in the -evening. In the interval between supper and the promenade, cards -and dice were introduced. The king won a thousand pistoles, and, -having won them, put them in his pocket, and then rose, saying, -"And now, gentlemen, to the park." He found the ladies of the -court were already there. The king, we have before observed, had -won a thousand pistoles, and had put them in his pocket; but M. -Fouquet had somehow contrived to lose ten thousand, so that among -the courtiers there was still left a hundred and ninety thousand -francs' profit to divide, a circumstance which made the -countenances of the courtiers and the officers of the king's -household the most joyous countenances in the world. It was not -the same, however, with the king's face; for, notwithstanding his -success at play, to which he was by no means insensible, there -still remained a slight shade of dissatisfaction. Colbert was -waiting for or upon him at the corner of one of the avenues; he -was most probably waiting there in consequence of a rendezvous -which had been given him by the king, as Louis XIV., who had -avoided him, or who had seemed to avoid him, suddenly made him a -sign, and they then struck into the depths of the park together. -But La Vallière, too, had observed the king's gloomy -aspect and kindling glances; she had remarked this - and as -nothing which lay hidden or smoldering in his heart was hidden -from the gaze of her affection, she understood that this -repressed wrath menaced some one; she prepared to withstand the -current of his vengeance, and intercede like an angel of mercy. -Overcome by sadness, nervously agitated, deeply distressed at -having been so long separated from her lover, disturbed at the -sight of the emotion she had divined, she accordingly presented -herself to the king with an embarrassed aspect, which in his then -disposition of mind the king interpreted unfavorably. Then, as -they were alone - nearly alone, inasmuch as Colbert, as soon as -he perceived the young girl approaching, had stopped and drawn -back a dozen paces - the king advanced towards La Vallière -and took her by the hand. "Mademoiselle," he said to her, -"should I be guilty of an indiscretion if I were to inquire if -you were indisposed? for you seem to breathe as if you were -oppressed by some secret cause of uneasiness, and your eyes are -filled with tears."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! sire, if I be indeed -so, and if my eyes are indeed full of tears, I am sorrowful only -at the sadness which seems to oppress your majesty."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My sadness? You are -mistaken, mademoiselle; no, it is not sadness I experience."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is it, then, -sire?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Humiliation."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Humiliation? oh! sire, what -a word for you to use!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I mean, mademoiselle, that -wherever I may happen to be, no one else ought to be the master. -Well, then, look round you on every side, and judge whether I am -not eclipsed - I, the king of France - before the monarch of -these wide domains. Oh!" he continued, clenching his hands and -teeth, "when I think that this king - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, sire?" said Louise, -terrified.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> " - That this king is a -faithless, unworthy servant, who grows proud and self-sufficient -upon the strength of property that belongs to me, and which he -has stolen. And therefore I am about to change this impudent -minister's <i>fête</i> into sorrow and mourning, of which -the nymph of Vaux, as the poets say, shall not soon lose the -remembrance."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! your majesty - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, mademoiselle, are you -about to take M. Fouquet's part?" said Louis, impatiently.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, sire; I will only ask -whether you are well informed. Your majesty has more than once -learned the value of accusations made at court."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Louis XIV. made a sign for -Colbert to approach. "Speak, Monsieur Colbert," said the young -prince, "for I almost believe that Mademoiselle de la -Vallière has need of your assistance before she can put -any faith in the king's word. Tell mademoiselle what M. Fouquet -has done; and you, mademoiselle, will perhaps have the kindness -to listen. It will not be long."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Why did Louis XIV. insist -upon it in such a manner? A very simple reason - his heart was -not at rest, his mind was not thoroughly convinced; he imagined -there lay some dark, hidden, tortuous intrigue behind these -thirteen millions of francs; and he wished that the pure heart of -La Vallière, which had revolted at the idea of theft or -robbery, should approve - even were it only by a single word - -the resolution he had taken, and which, nevertheless, he -hesitated before carrying into execution.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Speak, monsieur," said La -Vallière to Colbert, who had advanced; "speak, since the -king wishes me to listen to you. Tell me, what is the crime with -which M. Fouquet is charged?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! not very heinous, -mademoiselle," he returned, "a mere abuse of confidence."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Speak, speak, Colbert; and -when you have related it, leave us, and go and inform M. -d'Artagnan that I have certain orders to give him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. d'Artagnan, sire!" -exclaimed La Vallière; "but why send for M. d'Artagnan? I -entreat you to tell me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Pardieu!</i> in order to -arrest this haughty, arrogant Titan who, true to his menace, -threatens to scale my heaven."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Arrest M. Fouquet, do you -say?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! does that surprise -you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In his own house!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why not? If he be guilty, -he is as guilty in his own house as anywhere else."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. Fouquet, who at this -moment is ruining himself for his sovereign."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In plain truth, -mademoiselle, it seems as if you were defending this -traitor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert began to chuckle -silently. The king turned round at the sound of this suppressed -mirth.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire," said La -Vallière, "it is not M. Fouquet I am defending; it is -yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Me! you are defending -me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire, you would dishonor -yourself if you were to give such an order."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Dishonor myself!" murmured -the king, turning pale with anger. "In plain truth, -mademoiselle, you show a strange persistence in what you -say."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If I do, sire, my only -motive is that of serving your majesty," replied the -noble-hearted girl: "for that I would risk, I would sacrifice my -very life, without the least reserve."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert seemed inclined to -grumble and complain. La Vallière, that timid, gentle -lamb, turned round upon him, and with a glance like lightning -imposed silence upon him. "Monsieur," she said, "when the king -acts well, whether, in doing so, he does either myself or those -who belong to me an injury, I have nothing to say; but were the -king to confer a benefit either upon me or mine, and if he acted -badly, I should tell him so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But it appears to me, -mademoiselle," Colbert ventured to say, "that I too love the -king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur, we both -love him, but each in a different manner," replied La -Vallière, with such an accent that the heart of the young -king was powerfully affected by it. "I love him so deeply, that -the whole world is aware of it; so purely, that the king himself -does not doubt my affection. He is my king and my master; I am -the least of all his servants. But whoso touches his honor -assails my life. Therefore, I repeat, that they dishonor the -king who advise him to arrest M. Fouquet under his own roof."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert hung down his head, -for he felt that the king had abandoned him. However, as he bent -his head, he murmured, "Mademoiselle, I have only one word to -say."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do not say it, then, -monsieur; for I would not listen to it. Besides, what could you -have to tell me? That M. Fouquet has been guilty of certain -crimes? I believe he has, because the king has said so; and, -from the moment the king said, 'I think so,' I have no occasion -for other lips to say, 'I affirm it.' But, were M. Fouquet the -vilest of men, I should say aloud, 'M. Fouquet's person is sacred -to the king because he is the guest of M. Fouquet. Were his -house a den of thieves, were Vaux a cave of coiners or robbers, -his home is sacred, his palace is inviolable, since his wife is -living in it; and that is an asylum which even executioners would -not dare to violate.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> La Vallière paused, -and was silent. In spite of himself the king could not but -admire her; he was overpowered by the passionate energy of her -voice; by the nobleness of the cause she advocated. Colbert -yielded, overcome by the inequality of the struggle. At last the -king breathed again more freely, shook his head, and held out his -hand to La Vallière. "Mademoiselle," he said, gently, -"why do you decide against me? Do you know what this wretched -fellow will do, if I give him time to breathe again?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is he not a prey which will -always be within your grasp?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Should he escape, and take -to flight?" exclaimed Colbert.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, monsieur, it will -always remain on record, to the king's eternal honor, that he -allowed M. Fouquet to flee; and the more guilty he may have been, -the greater will the king's honor and glory appear, compared with -such unnecessary misery and shame."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Louis kissed La -Vallière's hand, as he knelt before her.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am lost," thought -Colbert; then suddenly his face brightened up again. "Oh! no, -no, aha, old fox! - not yet," he said to himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And while the king, -protected from observation by the thick covert of an enormous -lime, pressed La Vallière to his breast, with all the -ardor of ineffable affection, Colbert tranquilly fumbled among -the papers in his pocket-book and drew out of it a paper folded -in the form of a letter, somewhat yellow, perhaps, but one that -must have been most precious, since the intendant smiled as he -looked at it; he then bent a look, full of hatred, upon the -charming group which the young girl and the king formed together -- a group revealed but for a moment, as the light of the -approaching torches shone upon it. Louis noticed the light -reflected upon La Vallière's white dress. "Leave me, -Louise," he said, "for some one is coming."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Mademoiselle, mademoiselle, -some one is coming," cried Colbert, to expedite the young girl's -departure.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Louise disappeared rapidly -among the trees; and then, as the king, who had been on his knees -before the young girl, was rising from his humble posture, -Colbert exclaimed, "Ah! Mademoiselle de la Vallière has -let something fall."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is it?" inquired the -king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A paper - a letter - -something white; look there, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king stooped down -immediately and picked up the letter, crumpling it in his hand, -as he did so; and at the same moment the torches arrived, -inundating the blackness of the scene with a flood of light as -bight as day.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XVI:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Jealousy.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he torches we -have just referred to, the eager attention every one displayed, -and the new ovation paid to the king by Fouquet, arrived in time -to suspend the effect of a resolution which La Vallière -had already considerably shaken in Louis XIV.'s heart. He looked -at Fouquet with a feeling almost of gratitude for having given La -Vallière an opportunity of showing herself so generously -disposed, so powerful in the influence she exercised over his -heart. The moment of the last and greatest display had arrived. -Hardly had Fouquet conducted the king towards the château, -when a mass of fire burst from the dome of Vaux, with a -prodigious uproar, pouring a flood of dazzling cataracts of rays -on every side, and illumining the remotest corners of the -gardens. The fireworks began. Colbert, at twenty paces from the -king, who was surrounded and <i>fêted</i> by the owner of -Vaux, seemed, by the obstinate persistence of his gloomy -thoughts, to do his utmost to recall Louis's attention, which the -magnificence of the spectacle was already, in his opinion, too -easily diverting. Suddenly, just as Louis was on the point of -holding it out to Fouquet, he perceived in his hand the paper -which, as he believed, La Vallière had dropped at his feet -as she hurried away. The still stronger magnet of love drew the -young prince's attention towards the <i>souvenir</i> of his idol; -and, by the brilliant light, which increased momentarily in -beauty, and drew from the neighboring villages loud cheers of -admiration, the king read the letter, which he supposed was a -loving and tender epistle La Vallière had destined for -him. But as he read it, a death-like pallor stole over his face, -and an expression of deep-seated wrath, illumined by the -many-colored fire which gleamed so brightly, soaringly around the -scene, produced a terrible spectacle, which every one would have -shuddered at, could they only have read into his heart, now torn -by the most stormy and most bitter passions. There was no truce -for him now, influenced as he was by jealousy and mad passion. -From the very moment when the dark truth was revealed to him, -every gentler feeling seemed to disappear; pity, kindness of -consideration, the religion of hospitality, all were forgotten. -In the bitter pang which wrung his heart, he, still too weak to -hide his sufferings, was almost on the point of uttering a cry of -alarm, and calling his guards to gather round him. This letter -which Colbert had thrown down at the king's feet, the reader has -doubtlessly guessed, was the same that had disappeared with the -porter Toby at Fontainebleau, after the attempt which Fouquet had -made upon La Vallière's heart. Fouquet saw the king's -pallor, and was far from guessing the evil; Colbert saw the -king's anger, and rejoiced inwardly at the approach of the -storm. Fouquet's voice drew the young prince from his wrathful -reverie.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the matter, sire?" -inquired the superintendent, with an expression of graceful -interest.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Louis made a violent effort -over himself, as he replied, "Nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am afraid your majesty is -suffering?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am suffering, and have -already told you so, monsieur; but it is nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And the king, without -waiting for the termination of the fireworks, turned towards the -château. Fouquet accompanied him, and the whole court -followed, leaving the remains of the fireworks consuming for -their own amusement. The superintendent endeavored again to -question Louis XIV., but did not succeed in obtaining a reply. -He imagined there had been some misunderstanding between Louis -and La Vallière in the park, which had resulted in a -slight quarrel; and that the king, who was not ordinarily sulky -by disposition, but completely absorbed by his passion for La -Vallière, had taken a dislike to every one because his -mistress had shown herself offended with him. This idea was -sufficient to console him; he had even a friendly and kindly -smile for the young king, when the latter wished him good night. -This, however, was not all the king had to submit to; he was -obliged to undergo the usual ceremony, which on that evening was -marked by close adherence to the strictest etiquette. The next -day was the one fixed for the departure; it was but proper that -the guests should thank their host, and show him a little -attention in return for the expenditure of his twelve millions. -The only remark, approaching to amiability, which the king could -find to say to M. Fouquet, as he took leave of him, were in these -words, "M. Fouquet, you shall hear from me. Be good enough to -desire M. d'Artagnan to come here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But the blood of Louis XIV., -who had so profoundly dissimulated his feelings, boiled in his -veins; and he was perfectly willing to order M. Fouquet to be put -an end to with the same readiness, indeed, as his predecessor had -caused the assassination of le Maréchal d'Ancre; and so he -disguised the terrible resolution he had formed beneath one of -those royal smiles which, like lightning-flashes, indicated -<i>coups d'état</i>. Fouquet took the king's hand and -kissed it; Louis shuddered throughout his whole frame, but -allowed M. Fouquet to touch his hand with his lips. Five minutes -afterwards, D'Artagnan, to whom the royal order had been -communicated, entered Louis XIV.'s apartment. Aramis and -Philippe were in theirs, still eagerly attentive, and still -listening with all their ears. The king did not even give the -captain of the musketeers time to approach his armchair, but ran -forward to meet him. "Take care," he exclaimed, "that no one -enters here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good, sire," replied -the captain, whose glance had for a long time past analyzed the -stormy indications on the royal countenance. He gave the -necessary order at the door; but, returning to the king, he said, -"Is there something fresh the matter, your majesty?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How many men have you -here?" inquired the king, without making any other reply to the -question addressed to him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What for, sire?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How many men have you, I -say?" repeated the king, stamping upon the ground with his -foot.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have the musketeers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well; and what others?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Twenty guards and thirteen -Swiss."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How many men will be -required to - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To do what, sire?" replied -the musketeer, opening his large, calm eyes.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To arrest M. Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan fell back a -step.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To arrest M. Fouquet!" he -burst forth.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you going to tell me -that it is impossible?" exclaimed the king, in tones of cold, -vindictive passion.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I never say that anything -is impossible," replied D'Artagnan, wounded to the quick.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well; do it, -then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan turned on his -heel, and made his way towards the door; it was but a short -distance, and he cleared it in half a dozen paces; when he -reached it he suddenly paused, and said, "Your majesty will -forgive me, but, in order to effect this arrest, I should like -written directions."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "For what purpose - and -since when has the king's word been insufficient for you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because the word of a king, -when it springs from a feeling of anger, may possibly change when -the feeling changes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A truce to set phrases, -monsieur; you have another thought besides that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, I, at least, have -certain thoughts and ideas, which, unfortunately, others have -not," D'Artagnan replied, impertinently.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king, in the tempest of -his wrath, hesitated, and drew back in the face of D'Artagnan's -frank courage, just as a horse crouches on his haunches under the -strong hand of a bold and experienced rider. "What is your -thought?" he exclaimed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This, sire," replied -D'Artagnan: "you cause a man to be arrested when you are still -under his roof; and passion is alone the cause of that. When -your anger shall have passed, you will regret what you have done; -and then I wish to be in a position to show you your signature. -If that, however, should fail to be a reparation, it will at -least show us that the king was wrong to lose his temper."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Wrong to lose his temper!" -cried the king, in a loud, passionate voice. "Did not my father, -my grandfathers, too, before me, lose their temper at times, in -Heaven's name?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king your father and -the king your grandfather never lost their temper except when -under the protection of their own palace."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king is master wherever -he may be."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is a flattering, -complimentary phrase which cannot proceed from any one but M. -Colbert; but it happens not to be the truth. The king is at home -in every man's house when he has driven its owner out of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king bit his lips, but -said nothing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Can it be possible?" said -D'Artagnan; "here is a man who is positively ruining himself in -order to please you, and you wish to have him arrested! -<i>Mordioux!</i> Sire, if my name was Fouquet, and people -treated me in that manner, I would swallow at a single gulp all -sorts of fireworks and other things, and I would set fire to -them, and send myself and everybody else in blown-up atoms to the -sky. But it is all the same; it is your wish, and it shall be -done."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Go," said the king; "but -have you men enough?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you suppose I am going -to take a whole host to help me? Arrest M. Fouquet! why, that is -so easy that a very child might do it! It is like drinking a -glass of wormwood; one makes an ugly face, and that is all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If he defends himself?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He! it is not at all -likely. Defend himself when such extreme harshness as you are -going to practice makes the man a very martyr! Nay, I am sure -that if he has a million of francs left, which I very much doubt, -he would be willing enough to give it in order to have such a -termination as this. But what does that matter? it shall be done -at once."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Stay," said the king; "do -not make his arrest a public affair."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That will be more -difficult."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because nothing is easier -than to go up to M. Fouquet in the midst of a thousand -enthusiastic guests who surround him, and say, 'In the king's -name, I arrest you.' But to go up to him, to turn him first one -way and then another, to drive him up into one of the corners of -the chess-board, in such a way that he cannot escape; to take him -away from his guests, and keep him a prisoner for you, without -one of them, alas! having heard anything about it; that, indeed, -is a genuine difficulty, the greatest of all, in truth; and I -hardly see how it is to be done."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You had better say it is -impossible, and you will have finished much sooner. Heaven help -me, but I seem to be surrounded by people who prevent me doing -what I wish."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I do not prevent your doing -anything. Have you indeed decided?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Take care of M. Fouquet, -until I shall have made up my mind by to-morrow morning."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That shall be done, -sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And return, when I rise in -the morning, for further orders; and now leave me to myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You do not even want M. -Colbert, then?" said the musketeer, firing his last shot as he -was leaving the room. The king started. With his whole mind -fixed on the thought of revenge, he had forgotten the cause and -substance of the offense.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, no one," he said; "no -one here! Leave me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan quitted the -room. The king closed the door with his own hands, and began to -walk up and down his apartment at a furious pace, like a wounded -bull in an arena, trailing from his horn the colored streamers -and the iron darts. At last he began to take comfort in the -expression of his violent feelings.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Miserable wretch that he -is! not only does he squander my finances, but with his -ill-gotten plunder he corrupts secretaries, friends, generals, -artists, and all, and tries to rob me of the one to whom I am -most attached. This is the reason that perfidious girl so boldly -took his part! Gratitude! and who can tell whether it was not a -stronger feeling - love itself?" He gave himself up for a moment -to the bitterest reflections. "A satyr!" he thought, with that -abhorrent hate with which young men regard those more advanced in -life, who still think of love. "A man who has never found -opposition or resistance in any one, who lavishes his gold and -jewels in every direction, and who retains his staff of painters -in order to take the portraits of his mistresses in the costume -of goddesses." The king trembled with passion as he continued, -"He pollutes and profanes everything that belongs to me! He -destroys everything that is mine. He will be my death at last, I -know. That man is too much for me; he is my mortal enemy, but he -shall forthwith fall! I hate him - I hate him - I hate him!" and -as he pronounced these words, he struck the arm of the chair in -which he was sitting violently, over and over again, and then -rose like one in an epileptic fit. "To-morrow! to-morrow! oh, -happy day!" he murmured, "when the sun rises, no other rival -shall that brilliant king of space possess but me. That man -shall fall so low that when people look at the abject ruin my -anger shall have wrought, they will be forced to confess at last -and at least that I am indeed greater than he." The king, who -was incapable of mastering his emotions any longer, knocked over -with a blow of his fist a small table placed close to his -bedside, and in the very bitterness of anger, almost weeping, and -half-suffocated, he threw himself on his bed, dressed as he was, -and bit the sheets in his extremity of passion, trying to find -repose of body at least there. The bed creaked beneath his -weight, and with the exception of a few broken sounds, emerging, -or, one might say, exploding, from his overburdened chest, -absolute silence soon reigned in the chamber of Morpheus.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XVII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -High Treason.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he -ungovernable fury which took possession of the king at the sight -and at the perusal of Fouquet's letter to La Vallière by -degrees subsided into a feeling of pain and extreme weariness. -Youth, invigorated by health and lightness of spirits, requiring -soon that what it loses should be immediately restored - youth -knows not those endless, sleepless nights which enable us to -realize the fable of the vulture unceasingly feeding on -Prometheus. In cases where the man of middle life, in his -acquired strength of will and purpose, and the old, in their -state of natural exhaustion, find incessant augmentation of their -bitter sorrow, a young man, surprised by the sudden appearance of -misfortune, weakens himself in sighs, and groans, and tears, -directly struggling with his grief, and is thereby far sooner -overthrown by the inflexible enemy with whom he is engaged. Once -overthrown, his struggles cease. Louis could not hold out more -than a few minutes, at the end of which he had ceased to clench -his hands, and scorch in fancy with his looks the invisible -objects of his hatred; he soon ceased to attack with his violent -imprecations not M. Fouquet alone, but even La Vallière -herself; from fury he subsided into despair, and from despair to -prostration. After he had thrown himself for a few minutes to -and fro convulsively on his bed, his nerveless arms fell quietly -down; his head lay languidly on his pillow; his limbs, exhausted -with excessive emotion, still trembled occasionally, agitated by -muscular contractions; while from his breast faint and infrequent -sighs still issued. Morpheus, the tutelary deity of the -apartment, towards whom Louis raised his eyes, wearied by his -anger and reconciled by his tears, showered down upon him the -sleep-inducing poppies with which his hands are ever filled; so -presently the monarch closed his eyes and fell asleep. Then it -seemed to him, as it often happens in that first sleep, so light -and gentle, which raises the body above the couch, and the soul -above the earth - it seemed to him, we say, as if the god -Morpheus, painted on the ceiling, looked at him with eyes -resembling human eyes; that something shone brightly, and moved -to and fro in the dome above the sleeper; that the crowd of -terrible dreams which thronged together in his brain, and which -were interrupted for a moment, half revealed a human face, with a -hand resting against the mouth, and in an attitude of deep and -absorbed meditation. And strange enough, too, this man bore so -wonderful a resemblance to the king himself, that Louis fancied -he was looking at his own face reflected in a mirror; with the -exception, however, that the face was saddened by a feeling of -the profoundest pity. Then it seemed to him as if the dome -gradually retired, escaping from his gaze, and that the figures -and attributes painted by Lebrun became darker and darker as the -distance became more and more remote. A gentle, easy movement, -as regular as that by which a vessel plunges beneath the waves, -had succeeded to the immovableness of the bed. Doubtless the -king was dreaming, and in this dream the crown of gold, which -fastened the curtains together, seemed to recede from his vision, -just as the dome, to which it remained suspended, had done, so -that the winged genius which, with both its hand, supported the -crown, seemed, though vainly so, to call upon the king, who was -fast disappearing from it. The bed still sunk. Louis, with his -eyes open, could not resist the deception of this cruel -hallucination. At last, as the light of the royal chamber faded -away into darkness and gloom, something cold, gloomy, and -inexplicable in its nature seemed to infect the air. No -paintings, nor gold, nor velvet hangings, were visible any -longer, nothing but walls of a dull gray color, which the -increasing gloom made darker every moment. And yet the bed still -continued to descend, and after a minute, which seemed in its -duration almost an age to the king, it reached a stratum of air, -black and chill as death, and then it stopped. The king could no -longer see the light in his room, except as from the bottom of a -well we can see the light of day. "I am under the influence of -some atrocious dream," he thought. "It is time to awaken from -it. Come! let me wake."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Every one has experienced -the sensation the above remark conveys; there is hardly a person -who, in the midst of a nightmare whose influence is suffocating, -has not said to himself, by the help of that light which still -burns in the brain when every human light is extinguished, "It is -nothing but a dream, after all." This was precisely what Louis -XIV. said to himself; but when he said, "Come, come! wake up," he -perceived that not only was he already awake, but still more, -that he had his eyes open also. And then he looked all round -him. On his right hand and on his left two armed men stood in -stolid silence, each wrapped in a huge cloak, and the face -covered with a mask; one of them held a small lamp in his hand, -whose glimmering light revealed the saddest picture a king could -look upon. Louis could not help saying to himself that his dream -still lasted, and that all he had to do to cause it to disappear -was to move his arms or to say something aloud; he darted from -his bed, and found himself upon the damp, moist ground. Then, -addressing himself to the man who held the lamp in his hand, he -said:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is this, monsieur, and -what is the meaning of this jest?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is no jest," replied in -a deep voice the masked figure that held the lantern.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you belong to M. -Fouquet?" inquired the king, greatly astonished at his -situation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It matters very little to -whom we belong," said the phantom; "we are your masters now, that -is sufficient."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king, more impatient -than intimidated, turned to the other masked figure. "If this is -a comedy," he said, "you will tell M. Fouquet that I find it -unseemly and improper, and that I command it should cease."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The second masked person to -whom the king had addressed himself was a man of huge stature and -vast circumference. He held himself erect and motionless as any -block of marble. "Well!" added the king, stamping his foot, "you -do not answer!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We do not answer you, my -good monsieur," said the giant, in a stentorian voice, "because -there is nothing to say."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At least, tell me what you -want," exclaimed Louis, folding his arms with a passionate -gesture.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will know by and by," -replied the man who held the lamp.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In the meantime tell me -where I am."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Look."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Louis looked all round him; -but by the light of the lamp which the masked figure raised for -the purpose, he could perceive nothing but the damp walls which -glistened here and there with the slimy traces of the snail. "Oh -- oh! - a dungeon," cried the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, a subterranean -passage."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Which leads - ?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Will you be good enough to -follow us?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall not stir from -hence!" cried the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If you are obstinate, my -dear young friend," replied the taller of the two, "I will lift -you up in my arms, and roll you up in your own cloak, and if you -should happen to be stifled, why - so much the worse for -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> As he said this, he -disengaged from beneath his cloak a hand of which Milo of Crotona -would have envied him the possession, on the day when he had that -unhappy idea of rending his last oak. The king dreaded violence, -for he could well believe that the two men into whose power he -had fallen had not gone so far with any idea of drawing back, and -that they would consequently be ready to proceed to extremities, -if necessary. He shook his head and said: "It seems I have -fallen into the hands of a couple of assassins. Move on, -then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Neither of the men answered -a word to this remark. The one who carried the lantern walked -first, the king followed him, while the second masked figure -closed the procession. In this manner they passed along a -winding gallery of some length, with as many staircases leading -out of it as are to be found in the mysterious and gloomy palaces -of Ann Radcliffe's creation. All these windings and turnings, -during which the king heard the sound of running water <i>over -his head</i>, ended at last in a long corridor closed by an iron -door. The figure with the lamp opened the door with one of the -keys he wore suspended at his girdle, where, during the whole of -the brief journey, the king had heard them rattle. As soon as -the door was opened and admitted the air, Louis recognized the -balmy odors that trees exhale in hot summer nights. He paused, -hesitatingly, for a moment or two; but the huge sentinel who -followed him thrust him out of the subterranean passage.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Another blow," said the -king, turning towards the one who had just had the audacity to -touch his sovereign; "what do you intend to do with the king of -France?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Try to forget that word," -replied the man with the lamp, in a tone which as little admitted -of a reply as one of the famous decrees of Minos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You deserve to be broken on -the wheel for the words that you have just made use of," said the -giant, as he extinguished the lamp his companion handed to him; -"but the king is too kind-hearted."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Louis, at that threat, made -so sudden a movement that it seemed as if he meditated flight; -but the giant's hand was in a moment placed on his shoulder, and -fixed him motionless where he stood. "But tell me, at least, -where we are going," said the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come," replied the former -of the two men, with a kind of respect in his manner, and leading -his prisoner towards a carriage which seemed to be in -waiting.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The carriage was completely -concealed amid the trees. Two horses, with their feet fettered, -were fastened by a halter to the lower branches of a large -oak.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Get in," said the same man, -opening the carriage-door and letting down the step. The king -obeyed, seated himself at the back of the carriage, the padded -door of which was shut and locked immediately upon him and his -guide. As for the giant, he cut the fastenings by which the -horses were bound, harnessed them himself, and mounted on the box -of the carriage, which was unoccupied. The carriage set off -immediately at a quick trot, turned into the road to Paris, and -in the forest of Senart found a relay of horses fastened to the -trees in the same manner the first horses had been, and without a -postilion. The man on the box changed the horses, and continued -to follow the road towards Paris with the same rapidity, so that -they entered the city about three o'clock in the morning. They -carriage proceeded along the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, and, after -having called out to the sentinel, "By the king's order," the -driver conducted the horses into the circular inclosure of the -Bastile, looking out upon the courtyard, called La Cour du -Gouvernement. There the horses drew up, reeking with sweat, at -the flight of steps, and a sergeant of the guard ran forward. -"Go and wake the governor," said the coachman in a voice of -thunder.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> With the exception of this -voice, which might have been heard at the entrance of the -Faubourg Saint-Antoine, everything remained as calm in the -carriage as in the prison. Ten minutes afterwards, M. de -Baisemeaux appeared in his dressing-gown on the threshold of the -door. "What is the matter now?" he asked; "and whom have you -brought me there?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The man with the lantern -opened the carriage-door, and said two or three words to the one -who acted as driver, who immediately got down from his seat, took -up a short musket which he kept under his feet, and placed its -muzzle on his prisoner's chest.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And fire at once if he -speaks!" added aloud the man who alighted from the carriage.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good," replied his -companion, without another remark.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> With this recommendation, -the person who had accompanied the king in the carriage ascended -the flight of steps, at the top of which the governor was -awaiting him. "Monsieur d'Herblay!" said the latter.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Hush!" said Aramis. "Let -us go into your room."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good heavens! what brings -you here at this hour?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A mistake, my dear Monsieur -de Baisemeaux," Aramis replied, quietly. "It appears that you -were quite right the other day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What about?" inquired the -governor.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "About the order of release, -my dear friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Tell me what you mean, -monsieur - no, monseigneur," said the governor, almost suffocated -by surprise and terror.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is a very simple affair: -you remember, dear M. de Baisemeaux, that an order of release was -sent to you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, for Marchiali."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good! we both thought -that it was for Marchiali?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Certainly; you will -recollect, however, that I would not credit it, but that you -compelled me to believe it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! Baisemeaux, my good -fellow, what a word to make use of! - strongly recommended, that -was all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Strongly recommended, yes; -strongly recommended to give him up to you; and that you carried -him off with you in your carriage."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, my dear Monsieur de -Baisemeaux, it was a mistake; it was discovered at the ministry, -so that I now bring you an order from the king to set at liberty -Seldon, - that poor Seldon fellow, you know."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Seldon! are you sure this -time?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, read it yourself," -added Aramis, handing him the order.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why," said Baisemeaux, -"this order is the very same that has already passed through my -hands."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Indeed?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is the very one I -assured you I saw the other evening. <i>Parbleu!</i> I -recognize it by the blot of ink."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I do not know whether it is -that; but all I know is, that I bring it for you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But then, what about the -other?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What other?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Marchiali."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have got him here with -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But that is not enough for -me. I require a new order to take him back again."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Don't talk such nonsense, -my dear Baisemeaux; you talk like a child! Where is the order -you received respecting Marchiali?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux ran to his iron -chest and took it out. Aramis seized hold of it, coolly tore it -in four pieces, held them to the lamp, and burnt them. "Good -heavens! what are you doing?" exclaimed Baisemeaux, in an -extremity of terror.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Look at your position -quietly, my good governor," said Aramis, with imperturbable -self-possession, "and you will see how very simple the whole -affair is. You no longer possess any order justifying -Marchiali's release."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am a lost man!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Far from it, my good -fellow, since I have brought Marchiali back to you, and all -accordingly is just the same as if he had never left."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said the governor, -completely overcome by terror.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Plain enough, you see; and -you will go and shut him up immediately."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I should think so, -indeed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you will hand over this -Seldon to me, whose liberation is authorized by this order. Do -you understand?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I - I - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You do understand, I see," -said Aramis. "Very good." Baisemeaux clapped his hands -together.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But why, at all events, -after having taken Marchiali away from me, do you bring him back -again?" cried the unhappy governor, in a paroxysm of terror, and -completely dumbfounded.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "For a friend such as you -are," said Aramis - "for so devoted a servant, I have no -secrets;" and he put his mouth close to Baisemeaux's ear, as he -said, in a low tone of voice, "you know the resemblance between -that unfortunate fellow, and - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And the king? - yes!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good; the first use -that Marchiali made of his liberty was to persist - Can you guess -what?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How is it likely I should -guess?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To persist in saying that -he was king of France; to dress himself up in clothes like those -of the king; and then pretend to assume that he was the king -himself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Gracious heavens!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is the reason why I -have brought him back again, my dear friend. He is mad and lets -every one see how mad he is."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is to be done, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is very simple; let no -one hold any communication with him. You understand that when -his peculiar style of madness came to the king's ears, the king, -who had pitied his terrible affliction, and saw that all his -kindness had been repaid by black ingratitude, became perfectly -furious; so that, now - and remember this very distinctly, dear -Monsieur de Baisemeaux, for it concerns you most closely - so -that there is now, I repeat, sentence of death pronounced against -all those who may allow him to communicate with any one else but -me or the king himself. You understand, Baisemeaux, sentence of -death!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You need not ask me whether -I understand."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And now, let us go down, -and conduct this poor devil back to his dungeon again, unless you -prefer he should come up here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What would be the good of -that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It would be better, -perhaps, to enter his name in the prison-book at once!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Of course, certainly; not a -doubt of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In that case, have him -up."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux ordered the drums -to be beaten and the bell to be rung, as a warning to every one -to retire, in order to avoid meeting a prisoner, about whom it -was desired to observe a certain mystery. Then, when the -passages were free, he went to take the prisoner from the -carriage, at whose breast Porthos, faithful to the directions -which had been given him, still kept his musket leveled. "Ah! is -that you, miserable wretch?" cried the governor, as soon as he -perceived the king. "Very good, very good." And immediately, -making the king get out of the carriage, he led him, still -accompanied by Porthos, who had not taken off his mask, and -Aramis, who again resumed his, up the stairs, to the second -Bertaudière, and opened the door of the room in which -Philippe for six long years had bemoaned his existence. The king -entered the cell without pronouncing a single word: he faltered -in as limp and haggard as a rain-struck lily. Baisemeaux shut -the door upon him, turned the key twice in the lock, and then -returned to Aramis. "It is quite true," he said, in a low tone, -"that he bears a striking resemblance to the king; but less so -than you said."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So that," said Aramis, "you -would not have been deceived by the substitution of the one for -the other?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What a question!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are a most valuable -fellow, Baisemeaux," said Aramis; "and now, set Seldon free."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, yes. I was going to -forget that. I will go and give orders at once."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah! to-morrow will be time -enough."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To-morrow! - oh, no. This -very minute."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well; go off to your -affairs, I will go away to mine. But it is quite understood, is -it not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What 'is quite -understood'?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That no one is to enter the -prisoner's cell, expect with an order from the king; an order -which I will myself bring."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Quite so. Adieu, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis returned to his -companion. "Now, Porthos, my good fellow, back again to Vaux, -and as fast as possible."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A man is light and easy -enough, when he has faithfully served his king; and, in serving -him, saved his country," said Porthos. "The horses will be as -light as if our tissues were constructed of the wind of heaven. -So let us be off." And the carriage, lightened of a prisoner, -who might well be - as he in fact was - very heavy in the sight -of Aramis, passed across the drawbridge of the Bastile, which was -raised again immediately behind it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XVIII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>A -Night at the Bastile.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>P</span>ain, anguish, -and suffering in human life are always in proportion to the -strength with which a man is endowed. We will not pretend to say -that Heaven always apportions to a man's capability of endurance -the anguish with which he afflicts him; for that, indeed, would -not be true, since Heaven permits the existence of death, which -is, sometimes, the only refuge open to those who are too closely -pressed - too bitterly afflicted, as far as the body is -concerned. Suffering is in proportion to the strength which has -been accorded; in other words, the weak suffer more, where the -trial is the same, than the strong. And what are the elementary -principles, we may ask, that compose human strength? Is it not - -more than anything else - exercise, habit, experience? We shall -not even take the trouble to demonstrate this, for it is an axiom -in morals, as in physics. When the young king, stupefied and -crushed in every sense and feeling, found himself led to a cell -in the Bastile, he fancied death itself is but a sleep; that it, -too, has its dreams as well; that the bed had broken through the -flooring of his room at Vaux; that death had resulted from the -occurrence; and that, still carrying out his dream, the king, -Louis XIV., now no longer living, was dreaming one of those -horrors, impossible to realize in life, which is termed -dethronement, imprisonment, and insult towards a sovereign who -formerly wielded unlimited power. To be present at - an actual -witness, too - of this bitterness of death; to float, -indecisively, in an incomprehensible mystery, between resemblance -and reality; to hear everything, to see everything, without -interfering in a single detail of agonizing suffering, was - so -the king thought within himself - a torture far more terrible, -since it might last forever. "Is this what is termed eternity - -hell?" he murmured, at the moment the door was closed upon him, -which we remember Baisemeaux had shut with his own hands. He did -not even look round him; and in the room, leaning with his back -against the wall, he allowed himself to be carried away by the -terrible supposition that he was already dead, as he closed his -eyes, in order to avoid looking upon something even worse still. -"How can I have died?" he said to himself, sick with terror. -"The bed might have been let down by some artificial means? But -no! I do not remember to have felt a bruise, nor any shock -either. Would they not rather have poisoned me at my meals, or -with the fumes of wax, as they did my ancestress, Jeanne -d'Albret?" Suddenly, the chill of the dungeons seemed to fall -like a wet cloak upon Louis's shoulders. "I have seen," he said, -"my father lying dead upon his funeral couch, in his regal -robes. That pale face, so calm and worn; those hands, once so -skillful, lying nerveless by his side; those limbs stiffened by -the icy grasp of death; nothing there betokened a sleep that was -disturbed by dreams. And yet, how numerous were the dreams which -Heaven might have sent that royal corpse - him whom so many -others had preceded, hurried away by him into eternal death! No, -that king was still the king: he was enthroned still upon that -funeral couch, as upon a velvet armchair; he had not abdicated -one title of his majesty. God, who had not punished him, cannot, -will not punish me, who have done nothing." A strange sound -attracted the young man's attention. He looked round him, and -saw on the mantel-shelf, just below an enormous crucifix, -coarsely painted in fresco on the wall, a rat of enormous size -engaged in nibbling a piece of dry bread, but fixing all the -time, an intelligent and inquiring look upon the new occupant of -the cell. The king could not resist a sudden impulse of fear and -disgust: he moved back towards the door, uttering a loud cry; and -as if he but needed this cry, which escaped from his breast -almost unconsciously, to recognize himself, Louis knew that he -was alive and in full possession of his natural senses. "A -prisoner!" he cried. "I - I, a prisoner!" He looked round him -for a bell to summon some one to him. "There are no bells in the -Bastile," he said, "and it is in the Bastile I am imprisoned. In -what way can I have been made a prisoner? It must have been -owing to a conspiracy of M. Fouquet. I have been drawn to Vaux, -as to a snare. M. Fouquet cannot be acting alone in this -affair. His agent - That voice that I but just now heard was M. -d'Herblay's; I recognized it. Colbert was right, then. But what -is Fouquet's object? To reign in my place and stead? - -Impossible. Yet who knows!" thought the king, relapsing into -gloom again. "Perhaps my brother, the Duc d'Orléans, is -doing that which my uncle wished to do during the whole of his -life against my father. But the queen? - My mother, too? And La -Vallière? Oh! La Vallière, she will have been -abandoned to Madame. Dear, dear girl! Yes, it is - it must be -so. They have shut her up as they have me. We are separated -forever!" And at this idea of separation the poor lover burst -into a flood of tears and sobs and groans.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is a governor in this -place," the king continued, in a fury of passion; "I will speak -to him, I will summon him to me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He called - no voice replied -to his. He seized hold of his chair, and hurled it against the -massive oaken door. The wood resounded against the door, and -awakened many a mournful echo in the profound depths of the -staircase; but from a human creature, none.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This was a fresh proof for -the king of the slight regard in which he was held at the -Bastile. Therefore, when his first fit of anger had passed away, -having remarked a barred window through which there passed a -stream of light, lozenge-shaped, which must be, he knew, the -bright orb of approaching day, Louis began to call out, at first -gently enough, then louder and louder still; but no one replied. -Twenty other attempts which he made, one after another, obtained -no other or better success. His blood began to boil within him, -and mount to his head. His nature was such, that, accustomed to -command, he trembled at the idea of disobedience. The prisoner -broke the chair, which was too heavy for him to lift, and made -use of it as a battering ram to strike against the door. He -struck so loudly, and so repeatedly, that the perspiration soon -began to pour down his face. The sound became tremendous and -continuous; certain stifled, smothered cries replied in different -directions. This sound produced a strange effect upon the king. -He paused to listen; it was the voice of the prisoners, formerly -his victims, now his companions. The voices ascended like vapors -through the thick ceilings and the massive walls, and rose in -accusations against the author of this noise, as doubtless their -sighs and tears accused, in whispered tones, the author of their -captivity. After having deprived so many people of their -liberty, the king came among them to rob them of their rest. -This idea almost drove him mad; it redoubled his strength, or -rather his well, bent upon obtaining some information, or a -conclusion to the affair. With a portion of the broken chair he -recommenced the noise. At the end of an hour, Louis heard -something in the corridor, behind the door of his cell, and a -violent blow, which was returned upon the door itself, made him -cease his own.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you mad?" said a rude, -brutal voice. "What is the matter with you this morning?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This morning!" thought the -king; but he said aloud, politely, "Monsieur, are you the -governor of the Bastile?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My good fellow, your head -is out of sorts," replied the voice; "but that is no reason why -you should make such a terrible disturbance. Be quiet; -<i>mordioux!</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you the governor?" the -king inquired again.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He heard a door on the -corridor close; the jailer had just left, not condescending to -reply a single word. When the king had assured himself of his -departure, his fury knew no longer any bounds. As agile as a -tiger, he leaped from the table to the window, and struck the -iron bars with all his might. He broke a pane of glass, the -pieces of which fell clanking into the courtyard below. He -shouted with increasing hoarseness, "The governor, the -governor!" This excess lasted fully an hour, during which time -he was in a burning fever. With his hair in disorder and matted -on his forehead, his dress torn and covered with dust and -plaster, his linen in shreds, the king never rested until his -strength was utterly exhausted, and it was not until then that he -clearly understood the pitiless thickness of the walls, the -impenetrable nature of the cement, invincible to every influence -but that of time, and that he possessed no other weapon but -despair. He leaned his forehead against the door, and let the -feverish throbbings of his heart calm by degrees; it had seemed -as if one single additional pulsation would have made it -burst.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A moment will come when the -food which is given to the prisoners will be brought to me. I -shall then see some one, I shall speak to him, and get an -answer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And the king tried to -remember at what hour the first repast of the prisoners was -served at the Bastile; he was ignorant even of this detail. The -feeling of remorse at this remembrance smote him like the thrust -of a dagger, that he should have lived for five and twenty years -a king, and in the enjoyment of every happiness, without having -bestowed a moment's thought on the misery of those who had been -unjustly deprived of their liberty. The king blushed for very -shame. He felt that Heaven, in permitting this fearful -humiliation, did no more than render to the man the same torture -as had been inflicted by that man upon so many others. Nothing -could be more efficacious for reawakening his mind to religious -influences than the prostration of his heart and mind and soul -beneath the feeling of such acute wretchedness. But Louis dared -not even kneel in prayer to God to entreat him to terminate his -bitter trial.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Heaven is right," he said; -"Heaven acts wisely. It would be cowardly to pray to Heaven for -that which I have so often refused my own fellow-creatures."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He had reached this stage of -his reflections, that is, of his agony of mind, when a similar -noise was again heard behind his door, followed this time by the -sound of the key in the lock, and of the bolts being withdrawn -from their staples. The king bounded forward to be nearer to the -person who was about to enter, but, suddenly reflecting that it -was a movement unworthy of a sovereign, he paused, assumed a -noble and calm expression, which for him was easy enough, and -waited with his back turned towards the window, in order, to some -extent, to conceal his agitation from the eyes of the person who -was about to enter. It was only a jailer with a basket of -provisions. The king looked at the man with restless anxiety, -and waited until he spoke.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said the latter, "you -have broken your chair. I said you had done so! Why, you have -gone quite mad."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said the king, -"be careful what you say; it will be a very serious affair for -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The jailer placed the basket -on the table, and looked at his prisoner steadily. "What do you -say?" he said.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Desire the governor to come -to me," added the king, in accents full of calm and dignity.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, my boy," said the -turnkey, "you have always been very quiet and reasonable, but you -are getting vicious, it seems, and I wish you to know it in -time. You have broken your chair, and made a great disturbance; -that is an offense punishable by imprisonment in one of the lower -dungeons. Promise me not to begin over again, and I will not say -a word about it to the governor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I wish to see the -governor," replied the king, still governing his passions.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He will send you off to one -of the dungeons, I tell you; so take care."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I insist upon it, do you -hear?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! ah! your eyes are -becoming wild again. Very good! I shall take away your -knife."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And the jailer did what he -said, quitted the prisoner, and closed the door, leaving the king -more astounded, more wretched, more isolated than ever. It was -useless, though he tried it, to make the same noise again on his -door, and equally useless that he threw the plates and dishes out -of the window; not a single sound was heard in recognition. Two -hours afterwards he could not be recognized as a king, a -gentleman, a man, a human being; he might rather be called a -madman, tearing the door with his nails, trying to tear up the -flooring of his cell, and uttering such wild and fearful cries -that the old Bastile seemed to tremble to its very foundations -for having revolted against its master. As for the governor, the -jailer did not even think of disturbing him; the turnkeys and the -sentinels had reported the occurrence to him, but what was the -good of it? Were not these madmen common enough in such a -prison? and were not the walls still stronger? M. de Baisemeaux, -thoroughly impressed with what Aramis had told him, and in -perfect conformity with the king's order, hoped only that one -thing might happen; namely, that the madman Marchiali might be -mad enough to hang himself to the canopy of his bed, or to one of -the bars of the window. In fact, the prisoner was anything but a -profitable investment for M. Baisemeaux, and became more annoying -than agreeable to him. These complications of Seldon and -Marchiali - the complications first of setting at liberty and -then imprisoning again, the complications arising from the strong -likeness in question - had at last found a very proper -<i>dénouement</i>. Baisemeaux even thought he had -remarked that D'Herblay himself was not altogether dissatisfied -with the result.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And then, really," said -Baisemeaux to his next in command, "an ordinary prisoner is -already unhappy enough in being a prisoner; he suffers quite -enough, indeed, to induce one to hope, charitably enough, that -his death may not be far distant. With still greater reason, -accordingly, when the prisoner has gone mad, and might bite and -make a terrible disturbance in the Bastile; why, in such a case, -it is not simply an act of mere charity to wish him dead; it -would be almost a good and even commendable action, quietly to -have him put out of his misery."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And the good-natured -governor thereupon sat down to his late breakfast.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XIX:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Shadow of M. Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>D</span>'Artagnan, -still confused and oppressed by the conversation he had just had -with the king, could not resist asking himself if he were really -in possession of his senses, if he were really and truly at Vaux; -if he, D'Artagnan, were really the captain of the musketeers, and -M. Fouquet the owner of the château in which Louis XIV. was -at that moment partaking of his hospitality. These reflections -were not those of a drunken man, although everything was in -prodigal profusion at Vaux, and the surintendant's wines had met -with a distinguished reception at the <i>fête</i>. The -Gascon, however, was a man of calm self-possession; and no sooner -did he touch his bright steel blade, than he knew how to adopt -morally the cold, keen weapon as his guide of action.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," he said, as he -quitted the royal apartment, "I seem now to be mixed up -historically with the destinies of the king and of the minister; -it will be written, that M. d'Artagnan, a younger son of a Gascon -family, placed his hand on the shoulder of M. Nicolas Fouquet, -the surintendant of the finances of France. My descendants, if I -have any, will flatter themselves with the distinction which this -arrest will confer, just as the members of the De Luynes family -have done with regard to the estates of the poor Maréchal -d'Ancre. But the thing is, how best to execute the king's -directions in a proper manner. Any man would know how to say to -M. Fouquet, 'Your sword, monsieur.' But it is not every one who -would be able to take care of M. Fouquet without others knowing -anything about it. How am I to manage, then, so that M. le -surintendant pass from the height of favor to the direst -disgrace; that Vaux be turned into a dungeon for him; that after -having been steeped to his lips, as it were, in all the perfumes -and incense of Ahasuerus, he is transferred to the gallows of -Haman; in other words, of Enguerrand de Marigny?" And at this -reflection, D'Artagnan's brow became clouded with perplexity. -The musketeer had certain scruples on the matter, it must be -admitted. To deliver up to death (for not a doubt existed that -Louis hated Fouquet mortally) the man who had just shown himself -so delightful and charming a host in every way, was a real insult -to one's conscience. "It almost seems," said D'Artagnan to -himself, "that if I am not a poor, mean, miserable fellow, I -should let M. Fouquet know the opinion the king has about him. -Yet, if I betray my master's secret, I shall be a false-hearted, -treacherous knave, a traitor, too, a crime provided for and -punishable by military laws - so much so, indeed, that twenty -times, in former days when wars were rife, I have seen many a -miserable fellow strung up to a tree for doing, in but a small -degree, what my scruples counsel me to undertake upon a great -scale now. No, I think that a man of true readiness of wit ought -to get out of this difficulty with more skill than that. And -now, let us admit that I do possess a little readiness of -invention; it is not at all certain, though, for, after having -for forty years absorbed so large a quantity, I shall be lucky if -there were to be a pistole's-worth left." D'Artagnan buried his -head in his hands, tore at his mustache in sheer vexation, and -added, "What can be the reason of M. Fouquet's disgrace? There -seem to be three good ones: the first, because M. Colbert doesn't -like him; the second, because he wished to fall in love with -Mademoiselle de la Vallière; and lastly, because the king -likes M. Colbert and loves Mademoiselle de la Vallière. -Oh! he is lost! But shall I put my foot on his neck, I, of all -men, when he is falling a prey to the intrigues of a pack of -women and clerks? For shame! If he be dangerous, I will lay him -low enough; if, however, he be only persecuted, I will look on. -I have come to such a decisive determination, that neither king -nor living man shall change my mind. If Athos were here, he -would do as I have done. Therefore, instead of going, in cold -blood, up to M. Fouquet, and arresting him off-hand and shutting -him up altogether, I will try and conduct myself like a man who -understands what good manners are. People will talk about it, of -course; but they shall talk well of it, I am determined." And -D'Artagnan, drawing by a gesture peculiar to himself his -shoulder-belt over his shoulder, went straight off to M. Fouquet, -who, after he had taken leave of his guests, was preparing to -retire for the night and to sleep tranquilly after the triumphs -of the day. The air was still perfumed, or infected, whichever -way it may be considered, with the odors of the torches and the -fireworks. The wax-lights were dying away in their sockets, the -flowers fell unfastened from the garlands, the groups of dancers -and courtiers were separating in the salons. Surrounded by his -friends, who complimented him and received his flattering remarks -in return, the surintendant half-closed his wearied eyes. He -longed for rest and quiet; he sank upon the bed of laurels which -had been heaped up for him for so many days past; it might almost -have been said that he seemed bowed beneath the weight of the new -debts which he had incurred for the purpose of giving the -greatest possible honor to this <i>fête</i>. Fouquet had -just retired to his room, still smiling, but more than -half-asleep. He could listen to nothing more, he could hardly -keep his eyes open; his bed seemed to possess a fascinating and -irresistible attraction for him. The god Morpheus, the presiding -deity of the dome painted by Lebrun, had extended his influence -over the adjoining rooms, and showered down his most -sleep-inducing poppies upon the master of the house. Fouquet, -almost entirely alone, was being assisted by his <i>valet de -chambre</i> to undress, when M. d'Artagnan appeared at the -entrance of the room. D'Artagnan had never been able to succeed -in making himself common at the court; and notwithstanding he was -seen everywhere and on all occasions, he never failed to produce -an effect wherever and whenever he made his appearance. Such is -the happy privilege of certain natures, which in that respect -resemble either thunder or lightning; every one recognizes them; -but their appearance never fails to arouse surprise and -astonishment, and whenever they occur, the impression is always -left that the last was the most conspicuous or most -important.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! M. d'Artagnan?" said -Fouquet, who had already taken his right arm out of the sleeve of -his doublet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At your service," replied -the musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come in, my dear M. -d'Artagnan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Thank you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have you come to criticise -the <i>fête?</i> You are ingenious enough in your -criticisms, I know."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "By no means."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are not your men looked -after properly?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In every way."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are not comfortably -lodged, perhaps?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing could be -better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In that case, I have to -thank you for being so amiably disposed, and I must not fail to -express my obligations to you for all your flattering -kindness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> These words were as much as -to say, "My dear D'Artagnan, pray go to bed, since you have a bed -to lie down on, and let me do the same."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan did not seem to -understand it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you going to bed -already?" he said to the superintendent.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; have you anything to -say to me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing, monsieur, nothing -at all. You sleep in this room, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; as you see."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have given a most -charming <i>fête</i> to the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you think so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! beautiful!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is the king pleased?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Enchanted."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Did he desire you to say as -much to me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He would not choose so -unworthy a messenger, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You do not do yourself -justice, Monsieur d'Artagnan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is that your bed, -there?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; but why do you ask? -Are you not satisfied with your own?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My I speak frankly to -you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Most assuredly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, then, I am not."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet started; and then -replied, "Will you take my room, Monsieur d'Artagnan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! deprive you of it, -monseigneur? never!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What am I to do, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Allow me to share yours -with you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet looked at the -musketeer fixedly. "Ah! ah!" he said, "you have just left the -king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And the king wishes you to -pass the night in my room?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well, Monsieur -d'Artagnan, very well. You are the master here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I assure you, monseigneur, -that I do not wish to abuse - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet turned to his valet, -and said, "Leave us." When the man had left, he said to -D'Artagnan, "You have something to say to me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A man of your superior -intelligence cannot have come to talk with a man like myself, at -such an hour as the present, without grave motives."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do not interrogate me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On the contrary. What do -you want with me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing more than the -pleasure of your society."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come into the garden, -then," said the superintendent suddenly, "or into the park."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No," replied the musketeer, -hastily, "no."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The fresh air - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, admit at once that -you arrest me," said the superintendent to the captain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Never!" said the -latter.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You intend to look after -me, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur, I do, -upon my honor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Upon your honor - ah! that -is quite another thing! So I am to be arrested in my own -house."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do not say such a -thing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On the contrary, I will -proclaim it aloud."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If you do so, I shall be -compelled to request you to be silent."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good! Violence -towards me, and in my own house, too."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We do not seem to -understand one another at all. Stay a moment; there is a -chess-board there; we will have a game, if you have no -objections."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur d'Artagnan, I am -in disgrace, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not at all; but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am prohibited, I suppose, -from withdrawing from your sight."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I do not understand a word -you are saying, monseigneur; and if you wish me to withdraw, tell -me so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear Monsieur -d'Artagnan, your mode of action is enough to drive me mad; I was -almost sinking for want of sleep, but you have completely -awakened me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall never forgive -myself, I am sure; and if you wish to reconcile me with myself, -why, go to sleep in your bed in my presence; and I shall be -delighted."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am under surveillance, I -see."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will leave the room if -you say any such thing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are beyond my -comprehension."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good night, monseigneur," -said D'Artagnan, as he pretended to withdraw.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet ran after him. "I -will not lie down," he said. "Seriously, and since you refuse to -treat me as a man, and since you finesse with me, I will try and -set you at bay, as a hunter does a wild boar."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah!" cried D'Artagnan, -pretending to smile.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall order my horses, -and set off for Paris," said Fouquet, sounding the captain of the -musketeers.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If that be the case, -monseigneur, it is very difficult."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will arrest me, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, but I shall go along -with you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is quite sufficient, -Monsieur d'Artagnan," returned Fouquet, coldly. "It was not for -nothing you acquired your reputation as a man of intelligence and -resource; but with me all this is quite superfluous. Let us come -to the point. Do me a service. Why do you arrest me? What have -I done?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! I know nothing about -what you may have done; but I do not arrest you - this evening, -at least!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This evening!" said -Fouquet, turning pale, "but to-morrow?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is not to-morrow just -yet, monseigneur. Who can ever answer for the morrow?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Quick, quick, captain! let -me speak to M. d'Herblay."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Alas! that is quite -impossible, monseigneur. I have strict orders to see that you -hold no communication with any one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With M. d'Herblay, captain -- with your friend!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur, is M. -d'Herblay the only person with whom you ought to be prevented -holding any communication?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet colored, and then -assuming an air of resignation, he said: "You are right, -monsieur; you have taught me a lesson I ought not to have -evoked. A fallen man cannot assert his right to anything, even -from those whose fortunes he may have made; for a still stronger -reason, he cannot claim anything from those to whom he may never -have had the happiness of doing a service."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is perfectly true, -Monsieur d'Artagnan; you have always acted in the most admirable -manner towards me - in such a manner, indeed, as most becomes the -man who is destined to arrest me. You, at least, have never -asked me anything."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," replied the -Gascon, touched by his eloquent and noble tone of grief, "will -you - I ask it as a favor - pledge me your word as a man of honor -that you will not leave this room?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the use of it, dear -Monsieur d'Artagnan, since you keep watch and ward over me? Do -you suppose I should contend against the most valiant sword in -the kingdom?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is not that, at all, -monseigneur; but that I am going to look for M. d'Herblay, and, -consequently, to leave you alone."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet uttered a cry of -delight and surprise.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To look for M. d'Herblay! -to leave me alone!" he exclaimed, clasping his hands -together.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Which is M. d'Herblay's -room? The blue room is it not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, my friend, yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your friend! thank you for -that word, monseigneur; you confer it upon me to-day, at least, -if you have never done so before."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! you have saved me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It will take a good ten -minutes to go from hence to the blue room, and to return?" said -D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nearly so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And then to wake Aramis, -who sleeps very soundly, when he <i>is</i> asleep, I put that -down at another five minutes; making a total of fifteen minutes' -absence. And now, monseigneur, give me your word that you will -not in any way attempt to make your escape, and that when I -return I shall find you here again."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I give it, monsieur," -replied Fouquet, with an expression of the warmest and deepest -gratitude.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan disappeared. -Fouquet looked at him as he quitted the room, waited with a -feverish impatience until the door was closed behind him, and as -soon as it was shut, flew to his keys, opened two or three secret -doors concealed in various articles of furniture in the room, -looked vainly for certain papers, which doubtless he had left at -Saint-Mandé, and which he seemed to regret not having -found in them; then hurriedly seizing hold of letters, contracts, -papers, writings, he heaped them up into a pile, which he burnt -in the extremest haste upon the marble hearth of the fireplace, -not even taking time to draw from the interior of it the vases -and pots of flowers with which it was filled. As soon as he had -finished, like a man who has just escaped an imminent danger, and -whose strength abandons him as soon as the danger is past, he -sank down, completely overcome, on a couch. When D'Artagnan -returned, he found Fouquet in the same position; the worthy -musketeer had not the slightest doubt that Fouquet, having given -his word, would not even think of failing to keep it, but he had -thought it most likely that Fouquet would turn his (D'Artagnan's) -absence to the best advantage in getting rid of all the papers, -memorandums, and contracts, which might possibly render his -position, which was even now serious enough, more dangerous than -ever. And so, lifting up his head like a dog who has regained -the scent, he perceived an odor resembling smoke he had relied on -finding in the atmosphere, and having found it, made a movement -of his head in token of satisfaction. As D'Artagnan entered, -Fouquet, on his side, raised his head, and not one of -D'Artagnan's movements escaped him. And then the looks of the -two men met, and they both saw that they had understood each -other without exchanging a syllable.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well!" asked Fouquet, the -first to speak, "and M. d'Herblay?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Upon my word, monseigneur," -replied D'Artagnan, "M. d'Herblay must be desperately fond of -walking out at night, and composing verses by moonlight in the -park of Vaux, with some of your poets, in all probability, for he -is not in his own room."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! not in his own room?" -cried Fouquet, whose last hope thus escaped him; for unless he -could ascertain in what way the bishop of Vannes could assist -him, he perfectly well knew that he could expect assistance from -no other quarter.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Or, indeed," continued -D'Artagnan, "if he is in his own room, he has very good reasons -for not answering."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"But surely you did -not call him in such a manner that he could have heard you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You can hardly suppose, -monseigneur, that having already exceeded my orders, which -forbade me leaving you a single moment - you can hardly suppose, -I say, that I should have been mad enough to rouse the whole -house and allow myself to be seen in the corridor of the bishop -of Vannes, in order that M. Colbert might state with positive -certainty that I gave you time to burn your papers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"My papers?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Of course; at least that is -what I should have done in your place. When any one opens a door -for me I always avail myself of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Yes, yes, and I -thank you, for I have availed myself of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you have done perfectly -right. Every man has his own peculiar secrets with which others -have nothing to do. But let us return to Aramis, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Well, then, I tell -you, you could not have called loud enough, or Aramis would have -heard you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "However softly any one may -call Aramis, monseigneur, Aramis always hears when he has an -interest in hearing. I repeat what I said before - Aramis was -not in his own room, or Aramis had certain reasons for not -recognizing my voice, of which I am ignorant, and of which you -may be even ignorant yourself, notwithstanding your liege-man is -His Greatness the Lord Bishop of Vannes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet drew a deep sigh, -rose from his seat, took three or four turns in his room, and -finished by seating himself, with an expression of extreme -dejection, upon his magnificent bed with velvet hangings, and -costliest lace. D'Artagnan looked at Fouquet with feelings of -the deepest and sincerest pity.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have seen a good many men -arrested in my life," said the musketeer, sadly; "I have seen -both M. de Cinq-Mars and M. de Chalais arrested, though I was -very young then. I have seen M. de Condé arrested with -the princes; I have seen M. de Retz arrested; I have seen M. -Broussel arrested. Stay a moment, monseigneur, it is -disagreeable to have to say, but the very one of all those whom -you most resemble at this moment was that poor fellow Broussel. -You were very near doing as he did, putting your dinner napkin in -your portfolio, and wiping your mouth with your papers. -<i>Mordioux!</i> Monseigneur Fouquet, a man like you ought not -to be dejected in this manner. Suppose your friends saw -you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur d'Artagnan," -returned the surintendant, with a smile full of gentleness, "you -do not understand me; it is precisely because my friends are not -looking on, that I am as you see me now. I do not live, exist -even, isolated from others; I am nothing when left to myself. -Understand that throughout my whole life I have passed every -moment of my time in making friends, whom I hoped to render my -stay and support. In times of prosperity, all these cheerful, -happy voices - rendered so through and by my means - formed in my -honor a concert of praise and kindly actions. In the least -disfavor, these humbler voices accompanied in harmonious accents -the murmur of my own heart. Isolation I have never yet known. -Poverty (a phantom I have sometimes beheld, clad in rags, -awaiting me at the end of my journey through life) - poverty has -been the specter with which many of my own friends have trifled -for years past, which they poetize and caress, and which has -attracted me towards them. Poverty! I accept it, acknowledge -it, receive it, as a disinherited sister; for poverty is neither -solitude, nor exile, nor imprisonment. Is it likely I shall ever -be poor, with such friends as Pélisson, as La Fontaine, as -Molière? with such a mistress as - Oh! if you knew how -utterly lonely and desolate I feel at this moment, and how you, -who separate me from all I love, seem to resemble the image of -solitude, of annihilation - death itself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But I have already told -you, Monsieur Fouquet," replied D'Artagnan, moved to the depths -of his soul, "that you are woefully exaggerating. The king likes -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"No, no," said -Fouquet, shaking his head.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"M. Colbert hates -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"M. Colbert! What -does that matter to me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"He will ruin -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Ah! I defy him to -do that, for I am ruined already."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At this singular confession -of the superintendent, D'Artagnan cast his glance all round the -room; and although he did not open his lips, Fouquet understood -him so thoroughly, that he added: "What can be done with such -wealth of substance as surrounds us, when a man can no longer -cultivate his taste for the magnificent? Do you know what good -the greater part of the wealth and the possessions which we rich -enjoy, confer upon us? merely to disgust us, by their very -splendor even, with everything which does not equal it! Vaux! -you will say, and the wonders of Vaux! What of it? What boot -these wonders? If I am ruined, how shall I fill with water the -urns which my Naiads bear in their arms, or force the air into -the lungs of my Tritons? To be rich enough, Monsieur d'Artagnan, -a man must be too rich."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>D'Artagnan shook -his head.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! I know very well what -you think," replied Fouquet, quickly. "If Vaux were yours, you -would sell it, and would purchase an estate in the country; an -estate which should have woods, orchards, and land attached, so -that the estate should be made to support its master. With forty -millions you might - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Ten millions," -interrupted D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not a million, my dear -captain. No one in France is rich enough to give two millions -for Vaux, and to continue to maintain it as I have done; no one -could do it, no one would know how."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Well," said -D'Artagnan, "in any case, a million is not abject misery."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is not far from it, my -dear monsieur. But you do not understand me. No; I will not -sell my residence at Vaux; I will give it to you, if you like;" -and Fouquet accompanied these words with a movement of the -shoulders to which it would be impossible to do justice.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Give it to the -king; you will make a better bargain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king does not require -me to give it to him," said Fouquet; "he will take it away from -me with the most absolute ease and grace, if it pleases him to do -so; and that is the very reason I should prefer to see it -perish. Do you know, Monsieur d'Artagnan, that if the king did -not happen to be under my roof, I would take this candle, go -straight to the dome, and set fire to a couple of huge chests of -fusees and fireworks which are in reserve there, and would reduce -my palace to ashes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah!" said the musketeer, -negligently. "At all events, you would not be able to burn the -gardens, and that is the finest feature of the place."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And yet," resumed Fouquet, -thoughtfully, "what was I saying? Great heavens! burn Vaux! -destroy my palace! But Vaux is not mine; these wonderful -creations are, it is true, the property, as far as sense of -enjoyment goes, of the man who has paid for them; but as far as -duration is concerned, they belong to those who created them. -Vaux belongs to Lebrun, to Lenôtre, to Pélisson, to -Levau, to La Fontaine, to Molière; Vaux belongs to -posterity, in fact. You see, Monsieur d'Artagnan, that my very -house has ceased to be my own."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is all well and good," -said D'Artagnan; "the idea is agreeable enough, and I recognize -M. Fouquet himself in it. That idea, indeed, makes me forget -that poor fellow Broussel altogether; and I now fail to recognize -in you the whining complaints of that old Frondeur. If you are -ruined, monsieur, look at the affair manfully, for you too, -<i>mordioux!</i> belong to posterity, and have no right to lessen -yourself in any way. Stay a moment; look at me, I who seem to -exercise in some degree a kind of superiority over you, because I -am arresting you; fate, which distributes their different parts -to the comedians of this world, accorded me a less agreeable and -less advantageous part to fill than yours has been. I am one of -those who think that the parts which kings and powerful nobles -are called upon to act are infinitely of more worth than the -parts of beggars or lackeys. It is far better on the stage - on -the stage, I mean, of another theater than the theater of this -world - it is far better to wear a fine coat and to talk a fine -language, than to walk the boards shod with a pair of old shoes, -or to get one's backbone gently polished by a hearty dressing -with a stick. In one word, you have been a prodigal with money, -you have ordered and been obeyed - have been steeped to the lips -in enjoyment; while I have dragged my tether after me, have been -commanded and have obeyed, and have drudged my life away. Well, -although I may seem of such trifling importance beside you, -monseigneur, I do declare to you, that the recollection of what I -have done serves me as a spur, and prevents me from bowing my old -head too soon. I shall remain unto the very end a trooper; and -when my turn comes, I shall fall perfectly straight, all in a -heap, still alive, after having selected my place beforehand. Do -as I do, Monsieur Fouquet, you will not find yourself the worse -for it; a fall happens only once in a lifetime to men like -yourself, and the chief thing is, to take it gracefully when the -chance presents itself. There is a Latin proverb - the words -have escaped me, but I remember the sense of it very well, for I -have thought over it more than once - which says, 'The end crowns -the work!'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet rose from his seat, -passed his arm round D'Artagnan's neck, and clasped him in a -close embrace, whilst with the other hand he pressed his hand. -"An excellent homily," he said, after a moment's pause.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"A soldier's, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"You have a regard -for me, in telling me all that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Perhaps."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet resumed his pensive -attitude once more, and then, a moment after, he said: "Where can -M. d'Herblay be? I dare not ask you to send for him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You would not ask me, -because I would not do it, Monsieur Fouquet. People would learn -it, and Aramis, who is not mixed up with the affair, might -possibly be compromised and included in your disgrace."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I will wait here -till daylight," said Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Yes; that is -best."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"What shall we do -when daylight comes?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I know nothing at -all about it, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Monsieur -d'Artagnan, will you do me a favor?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Most -willingly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"You guard me, I -remain; you are acting in the full discharge of your duty, I -suppose?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Certainly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good, then; remain as -close to me as my shadow if you like; and I infinitely prefer -such a shadow to any one else."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>D'Artagnan bowed to -the compliment.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But, forget that you are -Monsieur d'Artagnan, captain of the musketeers; forget that I am -Monsieur Fouquet, surintendant of the finances; and let us talk -about my affairs."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"That is rather a -delicate subject."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Indeed?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; but, for your sake, -Monsieur Fouquet, I will do what may almost be regarded as an -impossibility."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Thank you. What -did the king say to you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Ah! is that the -way you talk?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"The deuce!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"What do you think -of my situation?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I do not -know."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"However, unless -you have some ill feeling against me - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Your position is a -difficult one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"In what -respect?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Because you are -under your own roof."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"However difficult -it may be, I understand it very well."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Do you suppose -that, with any one else but yourself, I should have shown so much -frankness?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"What! so much -frankness, do you say? you, who refuse to tell me the slightest -thing?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"At all events, -then, so much ceremony and consideration."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Ah! I have -nothing to say in that respect."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "One moment, monseigneur: -let me tell you how I should have behaved towards any one but -yourself. It might be that I happened to arrive at your door -just as your guests or your friends had left you - or, if they -had not gone yet, I should wait until they were leaving, and -should then catch them one after the other, like rabbits; I -should lock them up quietly enough, I should steal softly along -the carpet of your corridor, and with one hand upon you, before -you suspected the slightest thing amiss, I should keep you safely -until my master's breakfast in the morning. In this way, I -should just the same have avoided all publicity, all disturbance, -all opposition; but there would also have been no warning for M. -Fouquet, no consideration for his feelings, none of those -delicate concessions which are shown by persons who are -essentially courteous in their natures, whenever the decisive -moment may arrive. Are you satisfied with the plan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"It makes me -shudder."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I thought you would not -like it. It would have been very disagreeable to have made my -appearance to-morrow, without any preparation, and to have asked -you to deliver up your sword."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Oh! monsieur, I -should have died of shame and anger."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Your gratitude is -too eloquently expressed. I have not done enough to deserve it, -I assure you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Most certainly, -monsieur, you will never get me to believe that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, then, monseigneur, if -you are satisfied with what I have done, and have somewhat -recovered from the shock which I prepared you for as much as I -possibly could, let us allow the few hours that remain to pass -away undisturbed. You are harassed, and should arrange your -thoughts; I beg you, therefore, go to sleep, or pretend to go to -sleep, either on your bed, or in your bed; I will sleep in this -armchair; and when I fall asleep, my rest is so sound that a -cannon would not wake me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet smiled. "I expect, -however," continued the musketeer, "the case of a door being -opened, whether a secret door, or any other; or the case of any -one going out of, or coming into, the room - for anything like -that my ear is as quick and sensitive as the ear of a mouse. -Creaking noises make me start. It arises, I suppose, from a -natural antipathy to anything of the kind. Move about as much as -you like; walk up and down in any part of the room, write, -efface, destroy, burn, - nothing like that will prevent me from -going to sleep or even prevent me from snoring, but do not touch -either the key or the handle of the door, for I should start up -in a moment, and that would shake my nerves and make me ill."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur d'Artagnan," said -Fouquet, "you are certainly the most witty and the most courteous -man I ever met with; and you will leave me only one regret, that -of having made your acquaintance so late."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan drew a deep sigh, -which seemed to say, "Alas! you have perhaps made it too soon." - He then settled himself in his armchair, while Fouquet, half -lying on his bed and leaning on his arm, was meditating on his -misadventures. In this way, both of them, leaving the candles -burning, awaited the first dawn of the day; and when Fouquet -happened to sigh too loudly, D'Artagnan only snored the louder. -Not a single visit, not even from Aramis, disturbed their -quietude: not a sound even was heard throughout the whole vast -palace. Outside, however, the guards of honor on duty, and the -patrol of musketeers, paced up and down; and the sound of their -feet could be heard on the gravel walks. It seemed to act as an -additional soporific for the sleepers, while the murmuring of the -wind through the trees, and the unceasing music of the fountains -whose waters tumbled in the basin, still went on uninterruptedly, -without being disturbed at the slight noises and items of little -moment that constitute the life and death of human nature.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XX:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Morning.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>I</span>n vivid -contrast to the sad and terrible destiny of the king imprisoned -in the Bastile, and tearing, in sheer despair, the bolts and bars -of his dungeon, the rhetoric of the chroniclers of old would not -fail to present, as a complete antithesis, the picture of -Philippe lying asleep beneath the royal canopy. We do not -pretend to say that such rhetoric is always bad, and always -scatters, in places where they have no right to grow, the flowers -with which it embellishes and enlivens history. But we shall, on -the present occasion, carefully avoid polishing the antithesis in -question, but shall proceed to draw another picture as minutely -as possible, to serve as foil and counterfoil to the one in the -preceding chapter. The young prince alighted from Aramis's room, -in the same way the king had descended from the apartment -dedicated to Morpheus. The dome gradually and slowly sank down -under Aramis's pressure, and Philippe stood beside the royal bed, -which had ascended again after having deposited its prisoner in -the secret depths of the subterranean passage. Alone, in the -presence of all the luxury which surrounded him; alone, in the -presence of his power; alone, with the part he was about to be -forced to act, Philippe for the first time felt his heart, and -mind, and soul expand beneath the influence of a thousand mutable -emotions, which are the vital throbs of a king's heart. He could -not help changing color when he looked upon the empty bed, still -tumbled by his brother's body. This mute accomplice had -returned, after having completed the work it had been destined to -perform; it returned with the traces of the crime; it spoke to -the guilty author of that crime, with the frank and unreserved -language which an accomplice never fears to use in the company of -his companion in guilt; for it spoke the truth. Philippe bent -over the bed, and perceived a pocket-handkerchief lying on it, -which was still damp from the cold sweat which had poured from -Louis XIV.'s face. This sweat-bestained handkerchief terrified -Philippe, as the gore of Abel frightened Cain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am face to face with my -destiny," said Philippe, his eyes on fire, and his face a livid -white. "Is it likely to be more terrifying than my captivity has -been sad and gloomy? Though I am compelled to follow out, at -every moment, the sovereign power and authority I have usurped, -shall I cease to listen to the scruples of my heart? Yes! the -king has lain on this bed; it is indeed his head that has left -its impression on this pillow; his bitter tears that have stained -this handkerchief: and yet, I hesitate to throw myself on the -bed, or to press in my hand the handkerchief which is embroidered -with my brother's arms. Away with such weakness; let me imitate -M. d'Herblay, who asserts that a man's action should be always -one degree above his thoughts; let me imitate M. d'Herblay, whose -thoughts are of and for himself alone, who regards himself as a -man of honor, so long as he injures or betrays his enemies only. -I, I alone, should have occupied this bed, if Louis XIV. had not, -owing to my mother's criminal abandonment, stood in my way; and -this handkerchief, embroidered with the arms of France, would in -right and justice belong to me alone, if, as M. d'Herblay -observes, I had been left my royal cradle. Philippe, son of -France, take your place on that bed; Philippe, sole king of -France, resume the blazonry that is yours! Philippe, sole heir -presumptive to Louis XIII., your father, show yourself without -pity or mercy for the usurper who, at this moment, has not even -to suffer the agony of the remorse of all that you have had to -submit to."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> With these words, Philippe, -notwithstanding an instinctive repugnance of feeling, and in -spite of the shudder of terror which mastered his will, threw -himself on the royal bed, and forced his muscles to press the -still warm place where Louis XIV. had lain, while he buried his -burning face in the handkerchief still moistened by his brother's -tears. With his head thrown back and buried in the soft down of -his pillow, Philippe perceived above him the crown of France, -suspended, as we have stated, by angels with outspread golden -wings.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A man may be ambitious of -lying in a lion's den, but can hardly hope to sleep there -quietly. Philippe listened attentively to every sound; his heart -panted and throbbed at the very suspicion of approaching terror -and misfortune; but confident in his own strength, which was -confirmed by the force of an overpoweringly resolute -determination, he waited until some decisive circumstance should -permit him to judge for himself. He hoped that imminent danger -might be revealed to him, like those phosphoric lights of the -tempest which show the sailors the altitude of the waves against -which they have to struggle. But nothing approached. Silence, -that mortal enemy of restless hearts, and of ambitious minds, -shrouded in the thickness of its gloom during the remainder of -the night the future king of France, who lay there sheltered -beneath his stolen crown. Towards the morning a shadow, rather -than a body, glided into the royal chamber; Philippe expected his -approach and neither expressed nor exhibited any surprise.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, M. d'Herblay?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, sire, all is -accomplished."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Exactly as we -expected."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Did he resist?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Terribly! tears and -entreaties."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A perfect stupor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But at last?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! at last, a complete -victory, and absolute silence."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Did the governor of the -Bastile suspect anything?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The resemblance, however - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Was the cause of the -success."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But the prisoner cannot -fail to explain himself. Think well of that. I have myself been -able to do as much as that, on former occasion."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have already provided for -every chance. In a few days, sooner if necessary, we will take -the captive out of his prison, and will send him out of the -country, to a place of exile so remote - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "People can return from -their exile, Monsieur d'Herblay."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To a place of exile so -distant, I was going to say, that human strength and the duration -of human life would not be enough for his return."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Once more a cold look of -intelligence passed between Aramis and the young king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And M. du Vallon?" asked -Philippe in order to change the conversation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He will be presented to you -to-day, and confidentially will congratulate you on the danger -which that conspirator has made you run."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is to be done with -him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With M. du Vallon?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; confer a dukedom on -him, I suppose."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A dukedom," replied Aramis, -smiling in a significant manner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why do you laugh, Monsieur -d'Herblay?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I laugh at the extreme -caution of your idea."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Cautious, why so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your majesty is doubtless -afraid that poor Porthos may possible become a troublesome -witness, and you wish to get rid of him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! in making him a -duke?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Certainly; you would -assuredly kill him, for he would die from joy, and the secret -would die with him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good heavens!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," said Aramis, -phlegmatically; "I should lose a very good friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At this moment, and in the -middle of this idle conversation, under the light tone of which -the two conspirators concealed their joy and pride at their -mutual success, Aramis heard something which made him prick up -his ears.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is that?" said -Philippe.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The dawn, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, before you retired to -bed last night, you probably decided to do something this morning -at break of day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I told my captain of -the musketeers," replied the young man hurriedly, "that I should -expect him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If you told him that, he -will certainly be here, for he is a most punctual man."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I hear a step in the -vestibule."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It must be he."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, let us begin the -attack," said the young king resolutely.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Be cautious for Heaven's -sake. To begin the attack, and with D'Artagnan, would be -madness. D'Artagnan knows nothing, he has seen nothing; he is a -hundred miles from suspecting our mystery in the slightest -degree, but if he comes into this room the first this morning, he -will be sure to detect something of what has taken place, and -which he would imagine it his business to occupy himself about. -Before we allow D'Artagnan to penetrate into this room, we must -air the room thoroughly, or introduce so many people into it, -that the keenest scent in the whole kingdom may be deceived by -the traces of twenty different persons."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But how can I send him -away, since I have given him a rendezvous?" observed the prince, -impatient to measure swords with so redoubtable an -antagonist.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will take care of that," -replied the bishop, "and in order to begin, I am going to strike -a blow which will completely stupefy our man."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He, too, is striking a -blow, for I hear him at the door," added the prince, -hurriedly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And, in fact, a knock at the -door was heard at that moment. Aramis was not mistaken; for it -was indeed D'Artagnan who adopted that mode of announcing -himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> We have seen how he passed -the night in philosophizing with M. Fouquet, but the musketeer -was very weary even of feigning to fall asleep, and as soon as -earliest dawn illumined with its gloomy gleams of light the -sumptuous cornices of the superintendent's room, D'Artagnan rose -from his armchair, arranged his sword, brushed his coat and hat -with his sleeve, like a private soldier getting ready for -inspection.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you going out?" said -Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur. And -you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall remain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You pledge your word?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Certainly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good. Besides, my -only reason for going out is to try and get that reply, - you -know what I mean?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"That sentence, you -mean - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Stay, I have something of -the old Roman in me. This morning, when I got up, I remarked -that my sword had got caught in one of the <i>aiguillettes</i>, -and that my shoulder-belt had slipped quite off. That is an -infallible sign."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Of -prosperity?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, be sure of it; for -every time that that confounded belt of mine stuck fast to my -back, it always signified a punishment from M. de -Tréville, or a refusal of money by M. de Mazarin. Every -time my sword hung fast to my shoulder-belt, it always predicted -some disagreeable commission or another for me to execute, and I -have had showers of them all my life through. Every time, too, -my sword danced about in its sheath, a duel, fortunate in its -result, was sure to follow: whenever it dangled about the calves -of my legs, it signified a slight wound; every time it fell -completely out of the scabbard, I was booked, and made up my mind -that I should have to remain on the field of battle, with two or -three months under surgical bandages into the bargain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I did not know your sword -kept you so well informed," said Fouquet, with a faint smile, -which showed how he was struggling against his own weakness. "Is -your sword bewitched, or under the influence of some imperial -charm?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, you must know that my -sword may almost be regarded as part of my own body. I have -heard that certain men seem to have warnings given them by -feeling something the matter with their legs, or a throbbing of -their temples. With me, it is my sword that warns me. Well, it -told me of nothing this morning. But, stay a moment - look here, -it has just fallen of its own accord into the last hole of the -belt. Do you know what that is a warning of?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"No."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Well, that tells -me of an arrest that will have to be made this very day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," said the -surintendant, more astonished than annoyed by this frankness, "if -there is nothing disagreeable predicted to you by your sword, I -am to conclude that it is not disagreeable for you to arrest -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"You! arrest -<i>you!</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Of course. The -warning - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Does not concern you, since -you have been arrested ever since yesterday. It is not you I -shall have to arrest, be assured of that. That is the reason why -I am delighted, and also the reason why I said that my day will -be a happy one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And with these words, -pronounced with the most affectionate graciousness of manner, the -captain took leave of Fouquet in order to wait upon the king. He -was on the point of leaving the room, when Fouquet said to him, -"One last mark of kindness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"What is it, -monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"M. d'Herblay; let -me see Monsieur d'Herblay."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I am going to try -and get him to come to you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan did not -think himself so good a prophet. It was written that the day -would pass away and realize all the predictions that had been -made in the morning. He had accordingly knocked, as we have -seen, at the king's door. The door opened. The captain thought -that it was the king who had just opened it himself; and this -supposition was not altogether inadmissible, considering the -state of agitation in which he had left Louis XIV. the previous -evening; but instead of his royal master, whom he was on the -point of saluting with the greatest respect, he perceived the -long, calm features of Aramis. So extreme was his surprise that -he could hardly refrain from uttering a loud exclamation. -"Aramis!" he said.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Good morning, dear -D'Artagnan," replied the prelate, coldly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"You here!" -stammered out the musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"His majesty -desires you to report that he is still sleeping, after having -been greatly fatigued during the whole night."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah!" said -D'Artagnan, who could not understand how the bishop of Vannes, -who had been so indifferent a favorite the previous evening, had -become in half a dozen hours the most magnificent mushroom of -fortune that had ever sprung up in a sovereign's bedroom. In -fact, to transmit the orders of the king even to the mere -threshold of that monarch's room, to serve as an intermediary of -Louis XIV. so as to be able to give a single order in his name at -a couple paces from him, he must have become more than Richelieu -had ever been to Louis XIII. D'Artagnan's expressive eye, -half-opened lips, his curling mustache, said as much indeed in -the plainest language to the chief favorite, who remained calm -and perfectly unmoved.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Moreover," -continued the bishop, "you will be good enough, monsieur le -capitaine des mousquetaires, to allow those only to pass into the -king's room this morning who have special permission. His -majesty does not wish to be disturbed just yet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But," objected -D'Artagnan, almost on the point of refusing to obey this order, -and particularly of giving unrestrained passage to the suspicions -which the king's silence had aroused - "but, monsieur -l'évêque, his majesty gave me a rendezvous for this -morning."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Later, later," -said the king's voice, from the bottom of the alcove; a voice -which made a cold shudder pass through the musketeer's veins. He -bowed, amazed, confused, and stupefied by the smile with which -Aramis seemed to overwhelm him, as soon as these words had been -pronounced.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And then," -continued the bishop, "as an answer to what you were coming to -ask the king, my dear D'Artagnan, here is an order of his -majesty, which you will be good enough to attend to forthwith, -for it concerns M. Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan took the -order which was held out to him. "To be set at liberty!" he -murmured. "Ah!" and he uttered a second "ah!" still more full of -intelligence than the former; for this order explained Aramis's -presence with the king, and that Aramis, in order to have -obtained Fouquet's pardon, must have made considerable progress -in the royal favor, and that this favor explained, in its tenor, -the hardly conceivable assurance with which M. d'Herblay issued -the order in the king's name. For D'Artagnan it was quite -sufficient to have understood something of the matter in hand to -order to understand the rest. He bowed and withdrew a couple of -paces, as though he were about to leave.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"I am going with -you," said the bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Where to?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"To M. Fouquet; I -wish to be a witness of his delight."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Ah! Aramis, how -you puzzled me just now!" said D'Artagnan again.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"But you understand -<i>now</i>, I suppose?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Of course I -understand," he said aloud; but added in a low tone to himself, -almost hissing the words between his teeth, "No, no, I do not -understand yet. But it is all the same, for here is the order -for it." And then he added, "I will lead the way, monseigneur," -and he conducted Aramis to Fouquet's apartments.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXI:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -King's Friend.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>F</span>ouquet was -waiting with anxiety; he had already sent away many of his -servants and friends, who, anticipating the usual hour of his -ordinary receptions, had called at his door to inquire after -him. Preserving the utmost silence respecting the danger which -hung suspended by a hair above his head, he only asked them, as -he did every one, indeed, who came to the door, where Aramis -was. When he saw D'Artagnan return, and when he perceived the -bishop of Vannes behind him, he could hardly restrain his -delight; it was fully equal to his previous uneasiness. The mere -sight of Aramis was a complete compensation to the surintendant -for the unhappiness he had undergone in his arrest. The prelate -was silent and grave; D'Artagnan completely bewildered by such an -accumulation of events.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, captain, so you have -brought M. d'Herblay to me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And something better still, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Liberty."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am free!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; by the king's -order."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet resumed his usual -serenity, that he might interrogate Aramis with a look.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! yes, you can thank M. -l'évêque de Vannes," pursued D'Artagnan, "for it is -indeed to him that you owe the change that has taken place in the -king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" said Fouquet, more -humiliated at the service than grateful at its success.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But you," continued -D'Artagnan, addressing Aramis - "you, who have become M. -Fouquet's protector and patron, can you not do something for -me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Anything in the wide world -you like, my friend," replied the bishop, in his calmest -tones.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "One thing only, then, and I -shall be perfectly satisfied. How on earth did you manage to -become the favorite of the king, you who have never spoken to him -more than twice in your life?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "From a friend such as you -are," said Aramis, "I cannot conceal anything."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! very good, tell me, -then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well. You think that -I have seen the king only twice, whilst the fact is I have seen -him more than a hundred times; only we have kept it very secret, -that is all." And without trying to remove the color which at -this revelation made D'Artagnan's face flush scarlet, Aramis -turned towards M. Fouquet, who was as much surprised as the -musketeer. "Monseigneur," he resumed, "the king desires me to -inform you that he is more than ever your friend, and that your -beautiful <i>fête</i>, so generously offered by you on his -behalf, has touched him to the very heart."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And thereupon he saluted M. -Fouquet with so much reverence of manner, that the latter, -incapable of understanding a man whose diplomacy was of so -prodigious a character, remained incapable of uttering a single -syllable, and equally incapable of thought or movement. -D'Artagnan fancied he perceived that these two men had something -to say to each other, and he was about to yield to that feeling -of instinctive politeness which in such a case hurries a man -towards the door, when he feels his presence is an inconvenience -for others; but his eager curiosity, spurred on by so many -mysteries, counseled him to remain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis thereupon turned -towards him, and said, in a quiet tone, "You will not forget, my -friend, the king's order respecting those whom he intends to -receive this morning on rising." These words were clear enough, -and the musketeer understood them; he therefore bowed to Fouquet, -and then to Aramis, - to the latter with a slight admixture of -ironical respect, - and disappeared.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> No sooner had he left, than -Fouquet, whose impatience had hardly been able to wait for that -moment, darted towards the door to close it, and then returning -to the bishop, he said, "My dear D'Herblay, I think it now high -time you should explain all that has passed, for, in plain and -honest truth, I do not understand anything."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We will explain all that to -you," said Aramis, sitting down, and making Fouquet sit down -also. "Where shall I begin?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With this first of all. -Why does the king set me at liberty?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You ought rather to ask me -what his reason was for having you arrested."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Since my arrest, I have had -time to think over it, and my idea is that it arises out of some -slight feeling of jealousy. My <i>fête</i> put M. Colbert -out of temper, and M. Colbert discovered some cause of complaint -against me; Belle-Isle, for instance."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; there is no question at -all just now of Belle-Isle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is it, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you remember those -receipts for thirteen millions which M. de Mazarin contrived to -steal from you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, of course!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, you are pronounced a -public robber."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good heavens!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! that is not all. Do -you also remember that letter you wrote to La -Vallière?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Alas! yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And that proclaims you a -traitor and a suborner."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why should he have pardoned -me, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We have not yet arrived at -that part of our argument. I wish you to be quite convinced of -the fact itself. Observe this well: the king knows you to be -guilty of an appropriation of public funds. Oh! of course -<i>I</i> know that you have done nothing of the kind; but, at all -events, the king has seen the receipts, and he can do no other -than believe you are incriminated."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I beg your pardon, I do not -see - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will see presently, -though. The king, moreover, having read your love-letter to La -Vallière, and the offers you there made her, cannot retain -any doubt of your intentions with regard to that young lady; you -will admit that, I suppose?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Certainly. Pray -conclude."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In the fewest words. The -king, we may henceforth assume, is your powerful, implacable, and -eternal enemy."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Agreed. But am I, then, so -powerful, that he has not dared to sacrifice me, notwithstanding -his hatred, with all the means which my weakness, or my -misfortunes, may have given him as a hold upon me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is clear, beyond all -doubt," pursued Aramis, coldly, "that the king has quarreled with -you - irreconcilably."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But, since he has absolved -me - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you believe it likely?" -asked the bishop, with a searching look.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Without believing in his -sincerity, I believe it in the accomplished fact."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis slightly shrugged his -shoulders.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But why, then, should Louis -XIV. have commissioned you to tell me what you have just -stated?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king charged me with no -message for you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With nothing!" said the -superintendent, stupefied. "But, that order - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! yes. You are quite -right. There <i>is</i> an order, certainly;" and these words -were pronounced by Aramis in so strange a tone, that Fouquet -could not resist starting.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are concealing -something from me, I see. What is it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis softly rubbed his -white fingers over his chin, but said nothing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Does the king exile -me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do not act as if you were -playing at the game children play at when they have to try and -guess where a thing has been hidden, and are informed, by a bell -being rung, when they are approaching near to it, or going away -from it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Speak, then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Guess."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You alarm me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah! that is because you -have not guessed, then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What did the king say to -you? In the name of our friendship, do not deceive me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king has not said one -word to me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are killing me with -impatience, D'Herblay. Am I still superintendent?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As long as you like."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But what extraordinary -empire have you so suddenly acquired over his majesty's -mind?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! that's the point."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He does your bidding?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I believe so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is hardly credible."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So any one would say."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "D'Herblay, by our alliance, -by our friendship, by everything you hold dearest in the world, -speak openly, I implore you. By what means have you succeeded in -overcoming Louis XIV.'s prejudices, for he did not like you, I am -certain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king will like me -<i>now</i>," said Aramis, laying stress upon the last word.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have something -particular, then, between you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A secret, perhaps?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A secret."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A secret of such a nature -as to change his majesty's interests?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are, indeed, a man of -superior intelligence, monseigneur, and have made a particularly -accurate guess. I have, in fact, discovered a secret, of a -nature to change the interests of the king of France."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said Fouquet, with the -reserve of a man who does not wish to ask any more questions.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you shall judge of it -yourself," pursued Aramis; "and you shall tell me if I am -mistaken with regard to the importance of this secret."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am listening, since you -are good enough to unbosom yourself to me; only do not forget -that I have asked you about nothing which it may be indiscreet in -you to communicate."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis seemed, for a moment, -as if he were collecting himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do not speak!" said -Fouquet: "there is still time enough."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you remember," said the -bishop, casting down his eyes, "the birth of Louis XIV.?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As if it were -yesterday."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have you ever heard -anything particular respecting his birth?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing; except that the -king was not really the son of Louis XIII."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That does not matter to us, -or the kingdom either; he is the son of his father, says the -French law, whose father is recognized by law."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "True; but it is a grave -matter, when the quality of races is called into question."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A merely secondary -question, after all. So that, in fact, you have never learned or -heard anything in particular?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is where my secret -begins. The queen, you must know, instead of being delivered of -a son, was delivered of twins."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet looked up suddenly -as he replied:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And the second is -dead?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will see. These twins -seemed likely to be regarded as the pride of their mother, and -the hope of France; but the weak nature of the king, his -superstitious feelings, made him apprehend a series of conflicts -between two children whose rights were equal; so he put out of -the way - he suppressed - one of the twins."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Suppressed, do you -say?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have patience. Both the -children grew up; the one on the throne, whose minister you are - -the other, who is my friend, in gloom and isolation."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good heavens! What are you -saying, Monsieur d'Herblay? And what is this poor prince -doing?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ask me, rather, what has he -done."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He was brought up in the -country, and then thrown into a fortress which goes by the name -of the Bastile."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is it possible?" cried the -surintendant, clasping his hands.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The one was the most -fortunate of men: the other the most unhappy and miserable of all -living beings."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Does his mother not know -this?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Anne of Austria knows it -all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And the king?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Knows absolutely -nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So much the better," said -Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This remark seemed to make a -great impression on Aramis; he looked at Fouquet with the most -anxious expression of countenance.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I beg your pardon; I -interrupted you," said Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I was saying," resumed -Aramis, "that this poor prince was the unhappiest of human -beings, when Heaven, whose thoughts are over all His creatures, -undertook to come to his assistance."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! in what way? Tell -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will see. The reigning -king - I say the reigning king - you can guess very well -why?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No. Why?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because <i>both</i> of -them, being legitimate princes, ought to have been kings. Is not -that your opinion?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is, certainly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Unreservedly?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Most unreservedly; twins -are one person in two bodies."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am pleased that a legist -of your learning and authority should have pronounced such an -opinion. It is agreed, then, that each of them possessed equal -rights, is it not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Incontestably! but, -gracious heavens, what an extraordinary circumstance!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We are not at the end of it -yet. - Patience."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! I shall find -'patience' enough."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Heaven wished to raise up -for that oppressed child an avenger, or a supporter, or -vindicator, if you prefer it. It happened that the reigning -king, the usurper - you are quite of my opinion, I believe, that -it is an act of usurpation quietly to enjoy, and selfishly to -assume the right over, an inheritance to which a man has only -half a right?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, usurpation is the -word."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In that case, I continue. -It was Heaven's will that the usurper should possess, in the -person of his first minister, a man of great talent, of large and -generous nature."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, well," said Fouquet, -"I understand you; you have relied upon me to repair the wrong -which has been done to this unhappy brother of Louis XIV. You -have thought well; I will help you. I thank you, D'Herblay, I -thank you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, no, it is not that at -all; you have not allowed me to finish," said Aramis, perfectly -unmoved.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will not say another -word, then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. Fouquet, I was -observing, the minister of the reigning sovereign, was suddenly -taken into the greatest aversion, and menaced with the ruin of -his fortune, loss of liberty, loss of life even, by intrigue and -personal hatred, to which the king gave too readily an attentive -ear. But Heaven permits (still, however, out of consideration -for the unhappy prince who had been sacrificed) that M. Fouquet -should in his turn have a devoted friend who knew this state -secret, and felt that he possessed strength and courage enough to -divulge this secret, after having had the strength to carry it -locked up in his own heart for twenty years.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Go no farther," said -Fouquet, full of generous feelings. "I understand you, and can -guess everything now. You went to see the king when the -intelligence of my arrest reached you; you implored him, he -refused to listen to you; then you threatened him with that -secret, threatened to reveal it, and Louis XIV., alarmed at the -risk of its betrayal, granted to the terror of your indiscretion -what he refused to your generous intercession. I understand, I -understand; you have the king in your power; I understand."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You understand -<i>nothing</i> - as yet," replied Aramis, "and again you -interrupt me. Then, too, allow me to observe that you pay no -attention to logical reasoning, and seem to forget what you ought -most to remember."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What do you mean?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You know upon what I laid -the greatest stress at the beginning of our conversation?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, his majesty's hate, -invincible hate for me; yes, but what feeling of hate could -resist the threat of such a revelation?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Such a revelation, do you -say? that is the very point where your logic fails you. What! do -you suppose that if I had made such a revelation to the king, I -should have been alive now?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is not ten minutes ago -that you were with the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That may be. He might not -have had the time to get me killed outright, but he would have -had the time to get me gagged and thrown in a dungeon. Come, -come, show a little consistency in your reasoning, -<i>mordieu!</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And by the mere use of this -word, which was so thoroughly his old musketeer's expression, -forgotten by one who never seemed to forget anything, Fouquet -could not but understand to what a pitch of exaltation the calm, -impenetrable bishop of Vannes had wrought himself. He -shuddered.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And then," replied the -latter, after having mastered his feelings, "should I be the man -I really am, should I be the true friend you believe me, if I -were to expose you, whom the king already hates so bitterly, to a -feeling more than ever to be dreaded in that young man? To have -robbed him, is nothing; to have addressed the woman he loves, is -not much; but to hold in your keeping both his crown and his -honor, why, he would pluck out your heart with his own -hands."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have not allowed him to -penetrate your secret, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I would sooner, far sooner, -have swallowed at one draught all the poisons that Mithridates -drank in twenty years, in order to try and avoid death, than have -betrayed my secret to the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What have you done, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! now we are coming to -the point, monseigneur. I think I shall not fail to excite in -you a little interest. You are listening, I hope."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How can you ask me if I am -listening? Go on."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis walked softly all -round the room, satisfied himself that they were alone, and that -all was silent, and then returned and placed himself close to the -armchair in which Fouquet was seated, awaiting with the deepest -anxiety the revelation he had to make.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I forgot to tell you," -resumed Aramis, addressing himself to Fouquet, who listened to -him with the most absorbed attention - "I forgot to mention a -most remarkable circumstance respecting these twins, namely, that -God had formed them so startlingly, so miraculously, like each -other, that it would be utterly impossible to distinguish the one -from the other. Their own mother would not be able to -distinguish them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is it possible?" exclaimed -Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The same noble character in -their features, the same carriage, the same stature, the same -voice."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But their thoughts? degree -of intelligence? their knowledge of human life?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is inequality there, -I admit, monseigneur. Yes; for the prisoner of the Bastile is, -most incontestably, superior in every way to his brother; and if, -from his prison, this unhappy victim were to pass to the throne, -France would not, from the earliest period of its history, -perhaps, have had a master more powerful in genius and nobility -of character."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet buried his face in -his hands, as if he were overwhelmed by the weight of this -immense secret. Aramis approached him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is a further -inequality," he said, continuing his work of temptation, "an -inequality which concerns yourself, monseigneur, between the -twins, both sons of Louis XIII., namely, the last comer does not -know M. Colbert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet raised his head -immediately - his features were pale and distorted. The bolt had -hit its mark - not his heart, but his mind and comprehension.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I understand you," he said -to Aramis; "you are proposing a conspiracy to me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Something like it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "One of those attempts -which, as you said at the beginning of this conversation, alters -the fate of empires?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And of superintendents, -too; yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In a word, you propose that -I should agree to the substitution of the son of Louis XIII., who -is now a prisoner in the Bastile, for the son of Louis XIII., who -is at this moment asleep in the Chamber of Morpheus?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis smiled with the -sinister expression of the sinister thought which was passing -through his brain. "Exactly," he said.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have you thought," -continued Fouquet, becoming animated with that strength of talent -which in a few seconds originates, and matures the conception of -a plan, and with that largeness of view which foresees all -consequences, and embraces every result at a glance - "have you -thought that we must assemble the nobility, the clergy, and the -third estate of the realm; that we shall have to depose the -reigning sovereign, to disturb by so frightful a scandal the tomb -of their dead father, to sacrifice the life, the honor of a -woman, Anne of Austria, the life and peace of mind and heart of -another woman, Maria Theresa; and suppose that it were all done, -if we were to succeed in doing it - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I do not understand you," -continued Aramis, coldly. "There is not a single syllable of -sense in all you have just said."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What!" said the -superintendent, surprised, "a man like you refuse to view the -practical bearing of the case! Do you confine yourself to the -childish delight of a political illusion, and neglect the chances -of its being carried into execution; in other words, the reality -itself, is it possible?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My friend," said Aramis, -emphasizing the word with a kind of disdainful familiarity, "what -does Heaven do in order to substitute one king for another?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Heaven!" exclaimed Fouquet -- "Heaven gives directions to its agent, who seizes upon the -doomed victim, hurries him away, and seats the triumphant rival -on the empty throne. But you forget that this agent is called -death. Oh! Monsieur d'Herblay, in Heaven's name, tell me if you -have had the idea - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is no question of -that, monseigneur; you are going beyond the object in view. Who -spoke of Louis XIV.'s death? who spoke of adopting the example -which Heaven sets in following out the strict execution of its -decrees? No, I wish you to understand that Heaven effects its -purposes without confusion or disturbance, without exciting -comment or remark, without difficulty or exertion; and that men, -inspired by Heaven, succeed like Heaven itself, in all their -undertakings, in all they attempt, in all they do."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What do you mean?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I mean, my <i>friend</i>," -returned Aramis, with the same intonation on the word friend that -he had applied to it the first time - "I mean that if there has -been any confusion, scandal, and even effort in the substitution -of the prisoner for the king, I defy you to prove it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What!" cried Fouquet, -whiter than the handkerchief with which he wiped his temples, -"what do you say?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Go to the king's -apartment," continued Aramis, tranquilly, "and you who know the -mystery, I defy even you to perceive that the prisoner of the -Bastile is lying in his brother's bed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But the king," stammered -Fouquet, seized with horror at the intelligence.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What king?" said Aramis, in -his gentlest tone; "the one who hates you, or the one who likes -you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king - of - -<i>yesterday</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king of yesterday! be -quite easy on that score; he has gone to take the place in the -Bastile which his victim occupied for so many years."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Great God! And who took -him there?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, and in the simplest -way. I carried him away last night. While he was descending -into midnight, the other was ascending into day. I do not think -there has been any disturbance whatever. A flash of lightning -without thunder awakens nobody."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet uttered a thick, -smothered cry, as if he had been struck by some invisible blow, -and clasping his head between his clenched hands, he murmured: -"You did that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Cleverly enough, too; what -do you think of it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You dethroned the king? -imprisoned him, too?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, that has been -done."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And such an action was -committed <i>here</i>, at Vaux?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, here, at Vaux, in the -Chamber of Morpheus. It would almost seem that it had been built -in anticipation of such an act."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And at what time did it -occur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Last night, between twelve -and one o'clock."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet made a movement as -if he were on the point of springing upon Aramis; he restrained -himself. "At Vaux; under my roof!" he said, in a half-strangled -voice.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I believe so! for it is -still your house, and it is likely to continue so, since M. -Colbert cannot rob you of it now."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It was under my roof, then, -monsieur, that you committed this crime?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This crime?" said Aramis, -stupefied.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This abominable crime!" -pursued Fouquet, becoming more and more excited; "this crime more -execrable than an assassination! this crime which dishonors my -name forever, and entails upon me the horror of posterity."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are not in your senses, -monsieur," replied Aramis, in an irresolute tone of voice; "you -are speaking too loudly; take care!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will call out so loudly, -that the whole world shall hear me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur Fouquet, take -care!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet turned round towards -the prelate, whom he looked at full in the face. "You have -dishonored me," he said, "in committing so foul an act of -treason, so heinous a crime upon my guest, upon one who was -peacefully reposing beneath my roof. Oh! woe, woe is me!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Woe to the man, rather, who -beneath your roof meditated the ruin of your fortune, your life. -Do you forget that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He was my guest, my -sovereign."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis rose, his eyes -literally bloodshot, his mouth trembling convulsively. "Have I a -man out of his senses to deal with?" he said.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have an honorable man -to deal with."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are mad."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A man who will prevent you -consummating your crime."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are mad, I say."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A man who would sooner, oh! -far sooner, die; who would kill you even, rather than allow you -to complete his dishonor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And Fouquet snatched up his -sword, which D'Artagnan had placed at the head of his bed, and -clenched it resolutely in his hand. Aramis frowned, and thrust -his hand into his breast as if in search of a weapon. This -movement did not escape Fouquet, who, full of nobleness and pride -in his magnanimity, threw his sword to a distance from him, and -approached Aramis so close as to touch his shoulder with his -disarmed hand. "Monsieur," he said, "I would sooner die here on -the spot than survive this terrible disgrace; and if you have any -pity left for me, I entreat you to take my life."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis remained silent and -motionless.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You do not reply?" said -Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis raised his head -gently, and a glimmer of hope might be seen once more to animate -his eyes. "Reflect, monseigneur," he said, "upon everything we -have to expect. As the matter now stands, the king is still -alive, and his imprisonment saves your life."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," replied Fouquet, "you -may have been acting on my behalf, but I will not, do not, accept -your services. But, first of all, I do not wish your ruin. You -will leave this house."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis stifled the -exclamation which almost escaped his broken heart.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am hospitable towards all -who are dwellers beneath my roof," continued Fouquet, with an air -of inexpressible majesty; "you will not be more fatally lost than -he whose ruin you have consummated."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will be so," said -Aramis, in a hoarse, prophetic voice, "you will be so, believe -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I accept the augury, -Monsieur d'Herblay; but nothing shall prevent me, nothing shall -stop me. You will leave Vaux - you must leave France; I give you -four hours to place yourself out of the king's reach."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Four hours?" said Aramis, -scornfully and incredulously.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Upon the word of Fouquet, -no one shall follow you before the expiration of that time. You -will therefore have four hours' advance of those whom the king -may wish to dispatch after you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Four hours!" repeated -Aramis, in a thick, smothered voice.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is more than you will -need to get on board a vessel and flee to Belle-Isle, which I -give you as a place of refuge."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" murmured Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Belle-Isle is as much mine -for you, as Vaux is mine for the king. Go, D'Herblay, go! as -long as I live, not a hair of your head shall be injured."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Thank you," said Aramis, -with a cold irony of manner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Go at once, then, and give -me your hand, before we both hasten away; you to save your life, -I to save my honor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis withdrew from his -breast the hand he had concealed there; it was stained with his -blood. He had dug his nails into his flesh, as if in punishment -for having nursed so many projects, more vain, insensate, and -fleeting than the life of the man himself. Fouquet was -horror-stricken, and then his heart smote him with pity. He -threw open his arms as if to embrace him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I had no arms," murmured -Aramis, as wild and terrible in his wrath as the shade of Dido. -And then, without touching Fouquet's hand, he turned his head -aside, and stepped back a pace or two. His last word was an -imprecation, his last gesture a curse, which his blood-stained -hand seemed to invoke, as it sprinkled on Fouquet's face a few -drops of blood which flowed from his breast. And both of them -darted out of the room by the secret staircase which led down to -the inner courtyard. Fouquet ordered his best horses, while -Aramis paused at the foot of the staircase which led to Porthos's -apartment. He reflected profoundly and for some time, while -Fouquet's carriage left the courtyard at full gallop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Shall I go alone?" said -Aramis to himself, "or warn the prince? Oh! fury! Warn the -prince, and then - do what? Take him with me? To carry this -accusing witness about with me everywhere? War, too, would -follow - civil war, implacable in its nature! And without any -resource save myself - it is impossible! What could he do -without me? Oh! without me he will be utterly destroyed. Yet -who knows - let destiny be fulfilled - condemned he was, let him -remain so then! Good or evil Spirit - gloomy and scornful Power, -whom men call the genius of humanity, thou art a power more -restlessly uncertain, more baselessly useless, than wild mountain -wind! Chance, thou term'st thyself, but thou art nothing; thou -inflamest everything with thy breath, crumblest mountains at thy -approach, and suddenly art thyself destroyed at the presence of -the Cross of dead wood behind which stand another Power invisible -like thyself - whom thou deniest, perhaps, but whose avenging -hand is on thee, and hurls thee in the dust dishonored and -unnamed! Lost! - I am lost! What can be done? Flee to -Belle-Isle? Yes, and leave Porthos behind me, to talk and relate -the whole affair to every one! Porthos, too, who will have to -suffer for what he has done. I will not let poor Porthos -suffer. He seems like one of the members of my own frame; and -his grief or misfortune would be mine as well. Porthos shall -leave with me, and shall follow my destiny. It must be so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And Aramis, apprehensive of -meeting any one to whom his hurried movements might appear -suspicious, ascended the staircase without being perceived. -Porthos, so recently returned from Paris, was already in a -profound sleep; his huge body forgot its fatigue, as his mind -forgot its thoughts. Aramis entered, light as a shadow, and -placed his nervous grasp on the giant's shoulder. "Come, -Porthos," he cried, "come."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos obeyed, rose from -his bed, opened his eyes, even before his intelligence seemed to -be aroused.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We leave immediately," said -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" returned Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We shall go mounted, and -faster than we have ever gone in our lives."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" repeated Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Dress yourself, my -friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And he helped the giant to -dress himself, and thrust his gold and diamonds into his pocket. -Whilst he was thus engaged, a slight noise attracted his -attention, and on looking up, he saw D'Artagnan watching them -through the half-opened door. Aramis started.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What the devil are you -doing there in such an agitated manner?" said the musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Hush!" said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We are going off on a -mission of great importance," added the bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are very fortunate," -said the musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, dear me!" said Porthos, -"I feel so wearied; I would far sooner have been fast asleep. -But the service of the king…."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have you seen M. Fouquet?" -said Aramis to D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, this very minute, in a -carriage."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What did he say to -you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Adieu;' nothing more."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Was that all?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What else do you think he -could say? Am I worth anything now, since you have got into such -high favor?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Listen," said Aramis, -embracing the musketeer; "your good times are returning again. -You will have no occasion to be jealous of any one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! bah!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I predict that something -will happen to you to-day which will increase your importance -more than ever."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Really?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You know that I know all -the news?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, yes!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, Porthos, are you -ready? Let us go."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am quite ready, -Aramis."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us embrace D'Artagnan -first."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Most certainly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But the horses?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! there is no want of -them here. Will you have mine?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; Porthos has his own -stud. So adieu! adieu!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The fugitives mounted their -horses beneath the very eyes of the captain of the musketeers, -who held Porthos's stirrup for him, and gazed after them until -they were out of sight.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On any other occasion," -thought the Gascon, "I should say that those gentlemen were -making their escape; but in these days politics seem so changed -that such an exit is termed going on a mission. I have no -objection; let me attend to my own affairs, that is more than -enough for <i>me</i>," - and he philosophically entered his -apartments.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Showing How the Countersign Was Respected at the Bastile.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>F</span>ouquet tore -along as fast as his horses could drag him. On his way he -trembled with horror at the idea of what had just been revealed -to him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What must have been," he -thought, "the youth of those extraordinary men, who, even as age -is stealing fast upon them, are still able to conceive such -gigantic plans, and carry them through without a tremor?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At one moment he could not -resist the idea that all Aramis had just been recounting to him -was nothing more than a dream, and whether the fable itself was -not the snare; so that when Fouquet arrived at the Bastile, he -might possibly find an order of arrest, which would send him to -join the dethroned king. Strongly impressed with this idea, he -gave certain sealed orders on his route, while fresh horses were -being harnessed to his carriage. These orders were addressed to -M. d'Artagnan and to certain others whose fidelity to the king -was far above suspicion.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In this way," said Fouquet -to himself, "prisoner or not, I shall have performed the duty -that I owe my honor. The orders will not reach them until after -my return, if I should return free, and consequently they will -not have been unsealed. I shall take them back again. If I am -delayed; it will be because some misfortune will have befallen -me; and in that case assistance will be sent for me as well as -for the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Prepared in this manner, the -superintendent arrived at the Bastile; he had traveled at the -rate of five leagues and a half the hour. Every circumstance of -delay which Aramis had escaped in his visit to the Bastile befell -Fouquet. It was useless giving his name, equally useless his -being recognized; he could not succeed in obtaining an entrance. -By dint of entreaties, threats, commands, he succeeded in -inducing a sentinel to speak to one of the subalterns, who went -and told the major. As for the governor they did not even dare -disturb him. Fouquet sat in his carriage, at the outer gate of -the fortress, chafing with rage and impatience, awaiting the -return of the officers, who at last re-appeared with a -sufficiently sulky air.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," said Fouquet, -impatiently, "what did the major say?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, monsieur," replied -the soldier, "the major laughed in my face. He told me that M. -Fouquet was at Vaux, and that even were he at Paris, M. Fouquet -would not get up at so early an hour as the present."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Mordieu!</i> you are an -absolute set of fools," cried the minister, darting out of the -carriage; and before the subaltern had time to shut the gate, -Fouquet sprang through it, and ran forward in spite of the -soldier, who cried out for assistance. Fouquet gained ground, -regardless of the cries of the man, who, however, having at last -come up with Fouquet, called out to the sentinel of the second -gate, "Look out, look out, sentinel!" The man crossed his pike -before the minister; but the latter, robust and active, and -hurried away, too, by his passion, wrested the pike from the -soldier and struck him a violent blow on the shoulder with it. -The subaltern, who approached too closely, received a share of -the blows as well. Both of them uttered loud and furious cries, -at the sound of which the whole of the first body of the advanced -guard poured out of the guardhouse. Among them there was one, -however, who recognized the superintendent, and who called, -"Monseigneur, ah! monseigneur. Stop, stop, you fellows!" And he -effectually checked the soldiers, who were on the point of -revenging their companions. Fouquet desired them to open the -gate, but they refused to do so without the countersign; he -desired them to inform the governor of his presence; but the -latter had already heard the disturbance at the gate. He ran -forward, followed by his major, and accompanied by a picket of -twenty men, persuaded that an attack was being made on the -Bastile. Baisemeaux also recognized Fouquet immediately, and -dropped the sword he bravely had been brandishing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! monseigneur," he -stammered, "how can I excuse - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said the -superintendent, flushed with anger, and heated by his exertions, -"I congratulate you. Your watch and ward are admirably -kept."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux turned pale, -thinking that this remark was made ironically, and portended a -furious burst of anger. But Fouquet had recovered his breath, -and, beckoning the sentinel and the subaltern, who were rubbing -their shoulders, towards him, he said, "There are twenty pistoles -for the sentinel, and fifty for the officer. Pray receive my -compliments, gentlemen. I will not fail to speak to his majesty -about you. And now, M. Baisemeaux, a word with you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And he followed the governor -to his official residence, accompanied by a murmur of general -satisfaction. Baisemeaux was already trembling with shame and -uneasiness. Aramis's early visit, from that moment, seemed to -possess consequences, which a functionary such as he (Baisemeaux) -was, was perfectly justified in apprehending. It was quite -another thing, however, when Fouquet in a sharp tone of voice, -and with an imperious look, said, "You have seen M. d'Herblay -this morning?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And are you not horrified -at the crime of which you have made yourself an accomplice?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," thought Baisemeaux, -"good so far;" and then he added, aloud, "But what crime, -monseigneur, do you allude to?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That for which you can be -quartered alive, monsieur - do not forget that! But this is not -a time to show anger. Conduct me immediately to the -prisoner."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To what prisoner?" said -Baisemeaux, trembling.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You pretend to be -ignorant? Very good - it is the best plan for you, perhaps; for -if, in fact, you were to admit your participation in such a -crime, it would be all over with you. I wish, therefore, to seem -to believe in your assumption of ignorance."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I entreat you, monseigneur -- "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That will do. Lead me to -the prisoner."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To Marchiali?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who is Marchiali?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The prisoner who was -brought back this morning by M. d'Herblay."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is called Marchiali?" -said the superintendent, his conviction somewhat shaken by -Baisemeaux's cool manner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur; that is -the name under which he was inscribed here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet looked steadily at -Baisemeaux, as if he would read his very heart; and perceived, -with that clear-sightedness most men possess who are accustomed -to the exercise of power, that the man was speaking with perfect -sincerity. Besides, in observing his face for a few moments, he -could not believe that Aramis would have chosen such a -confidant.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is the prisoner," said -the superintendent to him, "whom M. d'Herblay carried away the -day before yesterday?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And whom he brought back -this morning?" added Fouquet, quickly: for he understood -immediately the mechanism of Aramis's plan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Precisely, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And his name is Marchiali, -you say?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, Marchiali. If -monseigneur has come here to remove him, so much the better, for -I was going to write about him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What has he done, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ever since this morning he -has annoyed me extremely. He has had such terrible fits of -passion, as almost to make me believe that he would bring the -Bastile itself down about our ears."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will soon relieve you of -his possession," said Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! so much the -better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Conduct me to his -prison."<br> - "Will monseigneur give me the order?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What order?"<br> - "An order from the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Wait until I sign you -one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That will not be -sufficient, monseigneur. I must have an order from the -king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet assumed an irritated -expression. "As you are so scrupulous," he said, "with regard to -allowing prisoners to leave, show me the order by which this one -was set at liberty."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Baisemeaux showed him the -order to release Seldon.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good," said Fouquet; -"but Seldon is not Marchiali."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But Marchiali is not at -liberty, monseigneur; he is here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But you said that M. -d'Herblay carried him away and brought him back again."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I did not say so."<br> - "So surely did you say it, that I almost seem to -hear it now."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It was a slip of my tongue, -then, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Take care, M. Baisemeaux, -take care."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have nothing to fear, -monseigneur; I am acting according to the very strictest -regulation."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Do you dare to say -so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I would say so in -the presence of one of the apostles. M. d'Herblay brought me an -order to set Seldon at liberty. Seldon is free."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I tell you that -Marchiali has left the Bastile."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You must prove -that, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Let me see -him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You, monseigneur, -who govern this kingdom, know very well that no one can see any -of the prisoners without an express order from the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"M. d'Herblay has -entered, however."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That remains to be -proved, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"M. de Baisemeaux, -once more I warn you to pay particular attention to what you are -saying."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"All the documents -are there, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"M. d'Herblay is -overthrown."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Overthrown? - M. -d'Herblay! Impossible!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You see that he -has undoubtedly influenced you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, monseigneur; -what does, in fact, influence me, is the king's service. I am -doing my duty. Give me an order from him, and you shall -enter."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Stay, M. le -gouverneur, I give you my word that if you allow me to see the -prisoner, I will give you an order from the king at once."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Give it to me now, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And that, if you -refuse me, I will have you and all your officers arrested on the -spot."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Before you commit -such an act of violence, monseigneur, you will reflect," said -Baisemeaux, who had turned very pale, "that we will only obey an -order signed by the king; and that it will be just as easy for -you to obtain one to see Marchiali as to obtain one to do me so -much injury; me, too, who am perfectly innocent."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"True. True!" -cried Fouquet, furiously; "perfectly true. M. de Baisemeaux," he -added, in a sonorous voice, drawing the unhappy governor towards -him, "do you know why I am so anxious to speak to the -prisoner?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, monseigneur; -and allow me to observe that you are terrifying me out of my -senses; I am trembling all over - in fact, I feel as though I -were about to faint."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You will stand a -better chance of fainting outright, Monsieur Baisemeaux, when I -return here at the head of ten thousand men and thirty pieces of -cannon."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Good heavens, -monseigneur, you are losing your senses."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"When I have roused -the whole population of Paris against you and your accursed -towers, and have battered open the gates of this place, and -hanged you to the topmost tree of yonder pinnacle!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur! -monseigneur! for pity's sake!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I give you ten -minutes to make up your mind," added Fouquet, in a calm voice. -"I will sit down here, in this armchair, and wait for you; if, in -ten minutes' time, you still persist, I leave this place, and you -may think me as mad as you like. Then - you shall -<i>see!</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Baisemeaux stamped -his foot on the ground like a man in a state of despair, but he -did not reply a single syllable; whereupon Fouquet seized a pen -and ink, and wrote:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Order for M. le -Prévôt des Marchands to assemble the municipal guard -and to march upon the Bastile on the king's immediate -service."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Baisemeaux shrugged -his shoulders. Fouquet wrote:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Order for the Duc -de Bouillon and M. le Prince de Condé to assume the -command of the Swiss guards, of the king's guards, and to march -upon the Bastile on the king's immediate service."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Baisemeaux -reflected. Fouquet still wrote:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Order for every -soldier, citizen, or gentleman to seize and apprehend, wherever -he may be found, le Chevalier d'Herblay, Evêque de Vannes, -and his accomplices, who are: first, M. de Baisemeaux, governor -of the Bastile, suspected of the crimes of high treason and -rebellion - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Stop, -monseigneur!" cried Baisemeaux; "I do not understand a single jot -of the whole matter; but so many misfortunes, even were it -madness itself that had set them at their awful work, might -happen here in a couple of hours, that the king, by whom I must -be judged, will see whether I have been wrong in withdrawing the -countersign before this flood of imminent catastrophes. Come -with me to the keep, monseigneur, you shall see Marchiali."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet darted out -of the room, followed by Baisemeaux as he wiped the perspiration -from his face. "What a terrible morning!" he said; "what a -disgrace for <i>me!</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Walk faster," -replied Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Baisemeaux made a -sign to the jailer to precede them. He was afraid of his -companion, which the latter could not fail to perceive.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A truce to this -child's play," he said, roughly. "Let the man remain here; take -the keys yourself, and show me the way. Not a single person, do -you understand, must hear what is going to take place here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah!" said -Baisemeaux, undecided.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Again!" cried M. -Fouquet. "Ah! say 'no' at once, and I will leave the Bastile and -will myself carry my own dispatches."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Baisemeaux bowed -his head, took the keys, and unaccompanied, except by the -minister, ascended the staircase. The higher they advanced up -the spiral staircase, the more clearly did certain muffled -murmurs become distinct appeals and fearful imprecations.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What is that?" -asked Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is your -Marchiali," said the governor; "this is the way these madmen -scream."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And he accompanied -that reply with a glance more pregnant with injurious allusion, -as far as Fouquet was concerned, than politeness. The latter -trembled; he had just recognized in one cry more terrible than -any that had preceded it, the king's voice. He paused on the -staircase, snatching the bunch of keys from Baisemeaux, who -thought this new madman was going to dash out his brains with one -of them. "Ah!" he cried, "M. d'Herblay did not say a word about -that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Give me the keys -at once!" cried Fouquet, tearing them from his hand. "Which is -the key of the door I am to open?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>A fearful cry, -followed by a violent blow against the door, made the whole -staircase resound with the echo.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Leave this place," -said Fouquet to Baisemeaux, in a threatening tone.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I ask nothing -better," murmured the latter, to himself. "There will be a -couple of madmen face to face, and the one will kill the other, I -am sure."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Go!" repeated -Fouquet. "If you place your foot on this staircase before I call -you, remember that you shall take the place of the meanest -prisoner in the Bastile."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"This job will kill -me, I am sure it will," muttered Baisemeaux, as he withdrew with -tottering steps.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The prisoner's -cries became more and more terrible. When Fouquet had satisfied -himself that Baisemeaux had reached the bottom of the staircase, -he inserted the key in the first lock. It was then that he heard -the hoarse, choking voice of the king, crying out, in a frenzy of -rage, "Help, help! I am the king." The key of the second door -was not the same as the first, and Fouquet was obliged to look -for it on the bunch. The king, however, furious and almost mad -with rage and passion, shouted at the top of his voice, "It was -M. Fouquet who brought me here. Help me against M. Fouquet! I -am the king! Help the king against M. Fouquet!" These cries -filled the minister's heart with terrible emotions. They were -followed by a shower of blows leveled against the door with a -part of the broken chair with which the king had armed himself. -Fouquet at last succeeded in finding the key. The king was -almost exhausted; he could hardly articulate distinctly as he -shouted, "Death to Fouquet! death to the traitor Fouquet!" The -door flew open.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXIII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -King's Gratitude.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he two men -were on the point of darting towards each other when they -suddenly and abruptly stopped, as a mutual recognition took -place, and each uttered a cry of horror.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have you come to -assassinate me, monsieur?" said the king, when he recognized -Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king in this state!" -murmured the minister.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Nothing could be more -terrible indeed than the appearance of the young prince at the -moment Fouquet had surprised him; his clothes were in tatters; -his shirt, open and torn to rags, was stained with sweat and with -the blood which streamed from his lacerated breast and arms. -Haggard, ghastly pale, his hair in disheveled masses, Louis XIV. -presented the most perfect picture of despair, distress, anger -and fear combined that could possibly be united in one figure. -Fouquet was so touched, so affected and disturbed by it, that he -ran towards him with his arms stretched out and his eyes filled -with tears. Louis held up the massive piece of wood of which he -had made such a furious use.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire," said Fouquet, in a -voice trembling with emotion, "do you not recognize the most -faithful of your friends?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A friend - you!" repeated -Louis, gnashing his teeth in a manner which betrayed his hate and -desire for speedy vengeance.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The most respectful of your -servants," added Fouquet, throwing himself on his knees. The -king let the rude weapon fall from his grasp. Fouquet approached -him, kissed his knees, and took him in his arms with -inconceivable tenderness.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My king, my child," he -said, "how you must have suffered!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Louis, recalled to himself -by the change of situation, looked at himself, and ashamed of the -disordered state of his apparel, ashamed of his conduct, and -ashamed of the air of pity and protection that was shown towards -him, drew back. Fouquet did not understand this movement; he did -not perceive that the king's feeling of pride would never forgive -him for having been a witness of such an exhibition of -weakness.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, sire," he said, "you -are free."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Free?" repeated the king. -"Oh! you set me at liberty, then, after having dared to lift up -your hand against me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You do not believe that!" -exclaimed Fouquet, indignantly; "you cannot believe me to be -guilty of such an act."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And rapidly, warmly even, he -related the whole particulars of the intrigue, the details of -which are already known to the reader. While the recital -continued, Louis suffered the most horrible anguish of mind; and -when it was finished, the magnitude of the danger he had run -struck him far more than the importance of the secret relative to -his twin brother.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," he said, -suddenly to Fouquet, "this double birth is a falsehood; it is -impossible - you cannot have been the dupe of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is impossible, I tell -you, that the honor, the virtue of my mother can be suspected, -and my first minister has not yet done justice on the -criminals!"<br> - "Reflect, sire, before you are hurried away by -anger," replied Fouquet. "The birth of your brother - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have only one brother - -and that is Monsieur. You know it as well as myself. There is a -plot, I tell you, beginning with the governor of the -Bastile."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Be careful, sire, for this -man has been deceived as every one else has by the prince's -likeness to yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Likeness? Absurd!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This Marchiali must be -singularly like your majesty, to be able to deceive every one's -eye," Fouquet persisted.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ridiculous!"<br> - "Do not say so, sire; those who had prepared -everything in order to face and deceive your ministers, your -mother, your officers of state, the members of your family, must -be quite confident of the resemblance between you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But where are these -persons, then?" murmured the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At Vaux."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At Vaux! and you suffer -them to remain there!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My most instant duty -appeared to me to be your majesty's release. I have accomplished -that duty; and now, whatever your majesty may command, shall be -done. I await your orders."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Louis reflected for a few -moments.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Muster all the troops in -Paris," he said.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "All the necessary orders -are given for that purpose," replied Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have given orders!" -exclaimed the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "For that purpose, yes, -sire; your majesty will be at the head of ten thousand men in -less than an hour."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The only reply the king made -was to take hold of Fouquet's hand with such an expression of -feeling, that it was very easy to perceive how strongly he had, -until that remark, maintained his suspicions of the minister, -notwithstanding the latter's intervention.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And with these troops," he -said, "we shall go at once and besiege in your house the rebels -who by this time will have established and intrenched themselves -therein."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I should be surprised if -that were the case," replied Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because their chief - the -very soul of the enterprise - having been unmasked by me, the -whole plan seems to me to have miscarried."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have unmasked this -false prince also?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, I have not seen -him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Whom have you seen, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The leader of the -enterprise, not that unhappy young man; the latter is merely an -instrument, destined through his whole life to wretchedness, I -plainly perceive."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Most certainly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is M. l'Abbé -d'Herblay, Evêque de Vannes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He was my friend, -sire," replied Fouquet, nobly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"An unfortunate -circumstance for you," said the king, in a less generous tone of -voice.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Such friendships, -sire, had nothing dishonorable in them so long as I was ignorant -of the crime."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You should have -foreseen it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"If I am guilty, I -place myself in your majesty's hands."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah! Monsieur -Fouquet, it was not that I meant," returned the king, sorry to -have shown the bitterness of his thought in such a manner. -"Well! I assure you that, notwithstanding the mask with which -the villain covered his face, I had something like a vague -suspicion that he was the very man. But with this chief of the -enterprise there was a man of prodigious strength, the one who -menaced me with a force almost herculean; what is he?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It must be his -friend the Baron du Vallon, formerly one of the musketeers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The friend of -D'Artagnan? the friend of the Comte de la Fère? Ah!" -exclaimed the king, as he paused at the name of the latter, "we -must not forget the connection that existed between the -conspirators and M. de Bragelonne."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Sire, sire, do not -go too far. M. de la Fère is the most honorable man in -France. Be satisfied with those whom I deliver up to you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"With those whom -you deliver up to me, you say? Very good, for you will deliver -up those who are guilty to me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What does your -majesty understand by that?" inquired Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I understand," -replied the king, "that we shall soon arrive at Vaux with a large -body of troops, that we will lay violent hands upon that nest of -vipers, and that not a soul shall escape."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your majesty will -put these men to death!" cried Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To the very -meanest of them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Let us understand -one another, Monsieur Fouquet," said the king, haughtily. "We no -longer live in times when assassination was the only and the last -resource kings held in reservation at extremity. No, Heaven be -praised! I have parliaments who sit and judge in my name, and I -have scaffolds on which supreme authority is carried out."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet turned -pale. "I will take the liberty of observing to your majesty, -that any proceedings instituted respecting these matters would -bring down the greatest scandal upon the dignity of the throne. -The august name of Anne of Austria must never be allowed to pass -the lips of the people accompanied by a smile."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Justice must be -done, however, monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Good, sire; but -royal blood must not be shed upon a scaffold."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The royal blood! -you believe that!" cried the king with fury in his voice, -stamping his foot on the ground. "This double birth is an -invention; and in that invention, particularly, do I see M. -d'Herblay's crime. It is the crime I wish to punish rather than -the violence, or the insult."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And punish it with -death, sire?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"With death; yes, -monsieur, I have said it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Sire," said the -surintendant, with firmness, as he raised his head proudly, "your -majesty will take the life, if you please, of your brother -Philippe of France; that concerns you alone, and you will -doubtless consult the queen-mother upon the subject. Whatever -she may command will be perfectly correct. I do not wish to mix -myself up in it, not even for the honor of your crown, but I have -a favor to ask of you, and I beg to submit it to you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Speak," said the -king, in no little degree agitated by his minister's last words. -"What do you require?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The pardon of M. -d'Herblay and of M. du Vallon."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"My assassins?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Two rebels, sire, -that is all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! I understand, -then, you ask me to forgive your friends."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"My friends!" said -Fouquet, deeply wounded.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your friends, -certainly; but the safety of the state requires that an exemplary -punishment should be inflicted on the guilty."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I will not permit -myself to remind your majesty that I have just restored you to -liberty, and have saved your life."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I will not allow -myself to remind your majesty that had M. d'Herblay wished to -carry out his character of an assassin, he could very easily have -assassinated your majesty this morning in the forest of Senart, -and all would have been over." The king started.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A pistol-bullet -through the head," pursued Fouquet, "and the disfigured features -of Louis XIV., which no one could have recognized, would be M. -d'Herblay's complete and entire justification."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king turned -pale and giddy at the bare idea of the danger he had escaped.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"If M. d'Herblay," -continued Fouquet, "had been an assassin, he had no occasion to -inform me of his plan in order to succeed. Freed from the real -king, it would have been impossible in all futurity to guess the -false. And if the usurper had been recognized by Anne of -Austria, he would still have been - her son. The usurper, as far -as Monsieur d'Herblay's conscience was concerned, was still a -king of the blood of Louis XIII. Moreover, the conspirator, in -that course, would have had security, secrecy, impunity. A -pistol-bullet would have procured him all that. For the sake of -Heaven, sire, grant me his forgiveness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king, instead -of being touched by the picture, so faithfully drawn in all -details, of Aramis's generosity, felt himself most painfully and -cruelly humiliated. His unconquerable pride revolted at the idea -that a man had held suspended at the end of his finger the thread -of his royal life. Every word that fell from Fouquet's lips, and -which he thought most efficacious in procuring his friend's -pardon, seemed to pour another drop of poison into the already -ulcerated heart of Louis XIV. Nothing could bend or soften him. -Addressing himself to Fouquet, he said, "I really don't know, -monsieur, why you should solicit the pardon of these men. What -good is there in asking that which can be obtained without -solicitation?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I do not -understand you, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is not -difficult, either. Where am I now?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In the Bastile, -sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes; in a -dungeon. I am looked upon as a madman, am I not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And no one is -known here but Marchiali?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Certainly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well; change -nothing in the position of affairs. Let the poor madman rot -between the slimy walls of the Bastile, and M. d'Herblay and M. -du Vallon will stand in no need of my forgiveness. Their new -king will absolve them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your majesty does -me a great injustice, sire; and you are wrong," replied Fouquet, -dryly; "I am not child enough, nor is M. d'Herblay silly enough, -to have omitted to make all these reflections; and if I had -wished to make a new king, as you say, I had no occasion to have -come here to force open the gates and doors of the Bastile, to -free you from this place. That would show a want of even common -sense. Your majesty's mind is disturbed by anger; otherwise you -would be far from offending, groundlessly, the very one of your -servants who has rendered you the most important service of -all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Louis perceived -that he had gone too far; that the gates of the Bastile were -still closed upon him, whilst, by degrees, the floodgates were -gradually being opened, behind which the generous-hearted Fouquet -had restrained his anger. "I did not say that to humiliate you, -Heaven knows, monsieur," he replied. "Only you are addressing -yourself to me in order to obtain a pardon, and I answer -according to my conscience. And so, judging by my conscience, -the criminals we speak of are not worthy of consideration or -forgiveness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet was -silent.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What I do is as -generous," added the king, "as what you have done, for I am in -your power. I will even say it is more generous, inasmuch as you -place before me certain conditions upon which my liberty, my -life, may depend; and to reject which is to make a sacrifice of -both."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I was wrong, -certainly," replied Fouquet. "Yes, - I had the appearance of -extorting a favor; I regret it, and entreat your majesty's -forgiveness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And you are -forgiven, my dear Monsieur Fouquet," said the king, with a smile, -which restored the serene expression of his features, which so -many circumstances had altered since the preceding evening.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I have my own -forgiveness," replied the minister, with some degree of -persistence; "but M. d'Herblay, and M. du Vallon?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"They will never -obtain theirs, as long as I live," replied the inflexible king. -"Do me the kindness not to speak of it again."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your majesty shall -be obeyed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And you will bear -me no ill-will for it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! no, sire; for -I anticipated the event."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You had -'anticipated' that I should refuse to forgive those -gentlemen?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Certainly; and all -my measures were taken in consequence."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What do you mean -to say?" cried the king, surprised.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"M. d'Herblay came, -as may be said, to deliver himself into my hands. M. d'Herblay -left to me the happiness of saving my king and my country. I -could not condemn M. d'Herblay to death; nor could I, on the -other hand, expose him to your majesty's justifiable wrath; it -would have been just the same as if I had killed him myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well! and what -have you done?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Sire, I gave M. -d'Herblay the best horses in my stables and four hours' start -over all those your majesty might, probably, dispatch after -him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Be it so!" -murmured the king. "But still, the world is wide enough and -large enough for those whom I may send to overtake your horses, -notwithstanding the 'four hours' start' which you have given to -M. d'Herblay."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In giving him -these four hours, sire, I knew I was giving him his life, and he -will save his life."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In what way?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"After having -galloped as hard as possible, with the four hours' start, before -your musketeers, he will reach my château of Belle-Isle, -where I have given him a safe asylum."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That may be! But -you forget that you have made me a present of Belle-Isle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But not for you to -arrest my friends."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You take it back -again, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"As far as that -goes - yes, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"My musketeers -shall capture it, and the affair will be at an end."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Neither your -musketeers, nor your whole army could take Belle-Isle," said -Fouquet, coldly. "Belle-Isle is impregnable."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king became -perfectly livid; a lightning flash seemed to dart from his eyes. -Fouquet felt that he was lost, but he as not one to shrink when -the voice of honor spoke loudly within him. He bore the king's -wrathful gaze; the latter swallowed his rage, and after a few -moments' silence, said, "Are we going to return to Vaux?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I am at your -majesty's orders," replied Fouquet, with a low bow; "but I think -that your majesty can hardly dispense with changing your clothes -previous to appearing before your court."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"We shall pass by -the Louvre," said the king. "Come." And they left the prison, -passing before Baisemeaux, who looked completely bewildered as he -saw Marchiali once more leave; and, in his helplessness, tore out -the major portion of his few remaining hairs. It was perfectly -true, however, that Fouquet wrote and gave him an authority for -the prisoner's release, and that the king wrote beneath it, "Seen -and approved, Louis"; a piece of madness that Baisemeaux, -incapable of putting two ideas together, acknowledged by giving -himself a terrible blow on the forehead with his own fist.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXIV:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -False King.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>I</span>n the -meantime, usurped royalty was playing out its part bravely at -Vaux. Philippe gave orders that for his <i>petit lever</i> the -<i>grandes entrées</i>, already prepared to appear before -the king, should be introduced. He determined to give this order -notwithstanding the absence of M. d'Herblay, who did not return - -our readers know the reason. But the prince, not believing that -absence could be prolonged, wished, as all rash spirits do, to -try his valor and his fortune far from all protection and -instruction. Another reason urged him to this - Anne of Austria -was about to appear; the guilty mother was about to stand in the -presence of her sacrificed son. Philippe was not willing, if he -had a weakness, to render the man a witness of it before whom he -was bound thenceforth to display so much strength. Philippe -opened his folding doors, and several persons entered silently. -Philippe did not stir whilst his <i>valets de chambre</i> dressed -him. He had watched, the evening before, all the habits of his -brother, and played the king in such a manner as to awaken no -suspicion. He was thus completely dressed in hunting costume -when he received his visitors. His own memory and the notes of -Aramis announced everybody to him, first of all Anne of Austria, -to whom Monsieur gave his hand, and then Madame with M. de -Saint-Aignan. He smiled at seeing these countenances, but -trembled on recognizing his mother. That still so noble and -imposing figure, ravaged by pain, pleaded in his heart the cause -of the famous queen who had immolated a child to reasons of -state. He found his mother still handsome. He knew that Louis -XIV. loved her, and he promised himself to love her likewise, and -not to prove a scourge to her old age. He contemplated his -brother with a tenderness easily to be understood. The latter -had usurped nothing, had cast no shades athwart his life. A -separate tree, he allowed the stem to rise without heeding its -elevation or majestic life. Philippe promised himself to be a -kind brother to this prince, who required nothing but gold to -minister to his pleasures. He bowed with a friendly air to -Saint-Aignan, who was all reverences and smiles, and trembling -held out his hand to Henrietta, his sister-in-law, whose beauty -struck him; but he saw in the eyes of that princess an expression -of coldness which would facilitate, as he thought, their future -relations.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How much more easy," -thought he, "it will be to be the brother of that woman than her -gallant, if she evinces towards me a coldness that my brother -could not have for her, but which is imposed upon me as a duty." -The only visit he dreaded at this moment was that of the queen; -his heart - his mind - had just been shaken by so violent a -trial, that, in spite of their firm temperament, they would not, -perhaps, support another shock. Happily the queen did not come. -Then commenced, on the part of Anne of Austria, a political -dissertation upon the welcome M. Fouquet had given to the house -of France. She mixed up hostilities with compliments addressed -to the king, and questions as to his health, with little maternal -flatteries and diplomatic artifices.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, my son," said she, -"are you convinced with regard to M. Fouquet?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Saint-Aignan," said -Philippe, "have the goodness to go and inquire after the -queen."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At these words, the first -Philippe had pronounced aloud, the slight difference that there -was between his voice and that of the king was sensible to -maternal ears, and Anne of Austria looked earnestly at her son. -Saint-Aignan left the room, and Philippe continued:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Madame, I do not like to -hear M. Fouquet ill-spoken of, you know I do not - and you have -even spoken well of him yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is true; therefore I -only question you on the state of your sentiments with respect to -him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire," said Henrietta, "I, -on my part, have always liked M. Fouquet. He is a man of good -taste, - a superior man."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A superintendent who is -never sordid or niggardly," added Monsieur; "and who pays in gold -all the orders I have on him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Every one in this thinks -too much of himself, and nobody for the state," said the old -queen. "M. Fouquet, it is a fact, M. Fouquet is ruining the -state."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, mother!" replied -Philippe, in rather a lower key, "do you likewise constitute -yourself the buckler of M. Colbert?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How is that?" replied the -old queen, rather surprised.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, in truth," replied -Philippe, "you speak that just as your old friend Madame de -Chevreuse would speak."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why do you mention Madame -de Chevreuse to me?" said she, "and what sort of humor are you in -to-day towards me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Philippe continued: "Is not -Madame de Chevreuse always in league against somebody? Has not -Madame de Chevreuse been to pay you a visit, mother?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur, you speak to me -now in such a manner that I can almost fancy I am listening to -your father."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My father did not like -Madame de Chevreuse, and had good reason for not liking her," -said the prince. "For my part, I like her no better than -<i>he</i> did, and if she thinks proper to come here as she -formerly did, to sow divisions and hatreds under the pretext of -begging money - why - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! what?" said Anne of -Austria, proudly, herself provoking the storm.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well!" replied the young -man firmly, "I will drive Madame de Chevreuse out of my kingdom - -and with her all who meddle with its secrets and mysteries."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He had not calculated the -effect of this terrible speech, or perhaps he wished to judge the -effect of it, like those who, suffering from a chronic pain, and -seeking to break the monotony of that suffering, touch their -wound to procure a sharper pang. Anne of Austria was nearly -fainting; her eyes, open but meaningless, ceased to see for -several seconds; she stretched out her arms towards her other -son, who supported and embraced her without fear of irritating -the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire," murmured she, "you -are treating your mother very cruelly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In what respect, madame?" -replied he. "I am only speaking of Madame de Chevreuse; does my -mother prefer Madame de Chevreuse to the security of the state -and of my person? Well, then, madame, I tell you Madame de -Chevreuse has returned to France to borrow money, and that she -addressed herself to M. Fouquet to sell him a certain -secret."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A certain secret!" cried -Anne of Austria.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Concerning pretended -robberies that monsieur le surintendant had committed, which is -false," added Philippe. "M. Fouquet rejected her offers with -indignation, preferring the esteem of the king to complicity with -such intriguers. Then Madame de Chevreuse sold the secret to M. -Colbert, and as she is insatiable, and was not satisfied with -having extorted a hundred thousand crowns from a servant of the -state, she has taken a still bolder flight, in search of surer -sources of supply. Is that true, madame?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You know all, sire," said -the queen, more uneasy than irritated.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Now," continued Philippe, -"I have good reason to dislike this fury, who comes to my court -to plan the shame of some and the ruin of others. If Heaven has -suffered certain crimes to be committed, and has concealed them -in the shadow of its clemency, I will not permit Madame de -Chevreuse to counteract the just designs of fate."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The latter part of this -speech had so agitated the queen-mother, that her son had pity on -her. He took her hand and kissed it tenderly; she did not feel -that in that kiss, given in spite of repulsion and bitterness of -the heart, there was a pardon for eight years of suffering. -Philippe allowed the silence of a moment to swallow the emotions -that had just developed themselves. Then, with a cheerful -smile:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We will not go to-day," -said he, "I have a plan." And, turning towards the door, he -hoped to see Aramis, whose absence began to alarm him. The -queen-mother wished to leave the room.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Remain where you are, -mother," said he, "I wish you to make your peace with M. -Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I bear M. Fouquet no -ill-will; I only dreaded his prodigalities."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We will put that to rights, -and will take nothing of the superintendent but his good -qualities."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is your majesty -looking for?" said Henrietta, seeing the king's eyes constantly -turned towards the door, and wishing to let fly a little poisoned -arrow at his heart, supposing he was so anxiously expecting -either La Vallière or a letter from her.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My sister," said the young -man, who had divined her thought, thanks to that marvelous -perspicuity of which fortune was from that time about to allow -him the exercise, "my sister, I am expecting a most distinguished -man, a most able counselor, whom I wish to present to you all, -recommending him to your good graces. Ah! come in, then, -D'Artagnan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What does your majesty -wish?" said D'Artagnan, appearing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Where is monsieur the -bishop of Vannes, your friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, sire - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am waiting for him, and -he does not come. Let him be sought for."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan remained for an -instant stupefied; but soon, reflecting that Aramis had left Vaux -privately on a mission from the king, he concluded that the king -wished to preserve the secret. "Sire," replied he, "does your -majesty absolutely require M. d'Herblay to be brought to -you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Absolutely is not the -word," said Philippe; "I do not want him so particularly as that; -but if he can be found - "<br> - "I thought so," said D'Artagnan to himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is this M. d'Herblay the -bishop of Vannes?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, madame."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A friend of M. -Fouquet?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, madame; an old -musketeer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Anne of Austria blushed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "One of the four braves who -formerly performed such prodigies."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The old queen repented of -having wished to bite; she broke off the conversation, in order -to preserve the rest of her teeth. "Whatever may be your choice, -sire," said she, "I have no doubt it will be excellent."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> All bowed in support of that -sentiment.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will find in him," -continued Philippe, "the depth and penetration of M. de -Richelieu, without the avarice of M. de Mazarin!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A prime minister, sire?" -said Monsieur, in a fright.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will tell you all about -that, brother; but it is strange that M. d'Herblay is not -here!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He called out:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let M. Fouquet be informed -that I wish to speak to him - oh! before you, before you; do not -retire!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> M. de Saint-Aignan returned, -bringing satisfactory news of the queen, who only kept her bed -from precaution, and to have strength to carry out the king's -wishes. Whilst everybody was seeking M. Fouquet and Aramis, the -new king quietly continued his experiments, and everybody, -family, officers, servants, had not the least suspicion of his -identity, his air, his voice, and manners were so like the -king's. On his side, Philippe, applying to all countenances the -accurate descriptions and key-notes of character supplied by his -accomplice Aramis, conducted himself so as not to give birth to a -doubt in the minds of those who surrounded him. Nothing from -that time could disturb the usurper. With what strange facility -had Providence just reversed the loftiest fortune of the world to -substitute the lowliest in its stead! Philippe admired the -goodness of God with regard to himself, and seconded it with all -the resources of his admirable nature. But he felt, at times, -something like a specter gliding between him and the rays of his -new glory. Aramis did not appear. The conversation had -languished in the royal family; Philippe, preoccupied, forgot to -dismiss his brother and Madame Henrietta. The latter were -astonished, and began, by degrees, to lose all patience. Anne of -Austria stooped towards her son's ear and addressed some words to -him in Spanish. Philippe was completely ignorant of that -language, and grew pale at this unexpected obstacle. But, as if -the spirit of the imperturbable Aramis had covered him with his -infallibility, instead of appearing disconcerted, Philippe rose. -"Well! what?" said Anne of Austria.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is all that noise?" -said Philippe, turning round towards the door of the second -staircase.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And a voice was heard -saying, "This way, this way! A few steps more, sire!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The voice of M. Fouquet," -said D'Artagnan, who was standing close to the queen-mother.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then M. d'Herblay cannot be -far off," added Philippe.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But he then saw what he -little thought to have beheld so near to him. All eyes were -turned towards the door at which M. Fouquet was expected to -enter; but it was not M. Fouquet who entered. A terrible cry -resounded from all corners of the chamber, a painful cry uttered -by the king and all present. It is given to but few men, even -those whose destiny contains the strangest elements, and -accidents the most wonderful, to contemplate such a spectacle -similar to that which presented itself in the royal chamber at -that moment. The half-closed shutters only admitted the entrance -of an uncertain light passing through thick violet velvet -curtains lined with silk. In this soft shade, the eyes were by -degrees dilated, and every one present saw others rather with -imagination than with actual sight. There could not, however, -escape, in these circumstances, one of the surrounding details; -and the new object which presented itself appeared as luminous as -though it shone out in full sunlight. So it happened with Louis -XIV., when he showed himself, pale and frowning, in the doorway -of the secret stairs. The face of Fouquet appeared behind him, -stamped with sorrow and determination. The queen-mother, who -perceived Louis XIV., and who held the hand of Philippe, uttered -a cry of which we have spoken, as if she beheld a phantom. -Monsieur was bewildered, and kept turning his head in -astonishment from one to the other. Madame made a step forward, -thinking she was looking at the form of her brother-in-law -reflected in a mirror. And, in fact, the illusion was possible. -The two princes, both pale as death - for we renounce the hope of -being able to describe the fearful state of Philippe - trembling, -clenching their hands convulsively, measured each other with -looks, and darted their glances, sharp as poniards, at each -other. Silent, panting, bending forward, they appeared as if -about to spring upon an enemy. The unheard-of resemblance of -countenance, gesture, shape, height, even to the resemblance of -costume, produced by chance - for Louis XIV. had been to the -Louvre and put on a violet-colored dress - the perfect analogy of -the two princes, completed the consternation of Anne of Austria. -And yet she did not at once guess the truth. There are -misfortunes in life so truly dreadful that no one will at first -accept them; people rather believe in the supernatural and the -impossible. Louis had not reckoned on these obstacles. He -expected that he had only to appear to be acknowledged. A living -sun, he could not endure the suspicion of equality with any one. -He did not admit that every torch should not become darkness at -the instant he shone out with his conquering ray. At the aspect -of Philippe, then, he was perhaps more terrified than any one -round him, and his silence, his immobility were, this time, a -concentration and a calm which precede the violent explosions of -concentrated passion.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But Fouquet! who shall paint -his emotion and stupor in presence of this living portrait of his -master! Fouquet thought Aramis was right, that this -newly-arrived was a king as pure in his race as the other, and -that, for having repudiated all participation in this <i>coup -d'état</i>, so skillfully got up by the General of the -Jesuits, he must be a mad enthusiast, unworthy of ever dipping -his hands in political grand strategy work. And then it was the -blood of Louis XIII. which Fouquet was sacrificing to the blood -of Louis XIII.; it was to a selfish ambition he was sacrificing a -noble ambition; to the right of keeping he sacrificed the right -of having. The whole extent of his fault was revealed to him at -simple sight of the pretender. All that passed in the mind of -Fouquet was lost upon the persons present. He had five minutes -to focus meditation on this point of conscience; five minutes, -that is to say five ages, during which the two kings and their -family scarcely found energy to breathe after so terrible a -shock. D'Artagnan, leaning against the wall, in front of -Fouquet, with his hand to his brow, asked himself the cause of -such a wonderful prodigy. He could not have said at once why he -doubted, but he knew assuredly that he had reason to doubt, and -that in this meeting of the two Louis XIV.s lay all the doubt and -difficulty that during late days had rendered the conduct of -Aramis so suspicious to the musketeer. These ideas were, -however, enveloped in a haze, a veil of mystery. The actors in -this assembly seemed to swim in the vapors of a confused waking. -Suddenly Louis XIV., more impatient and more accustomed to -command, ran to one of the shutters, which he opened, tearing the -curtains in his eagerness. A flood of living light entered the -chamber, and made Philippe draw back to the alcove. Louis seized -upon this movement with eagerness, and addressing himself to the -queen:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My mother," said he, "do -you not acknowledge your son, since every one here has forgotten -his king!" Anne of Austria started, and raised her arms towards -Heaven, without being able to articulate a single word.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My mother," said Philippe, -with a calm voice, "do you not acknowledge your son?" And this -time, in his turn, Louis drew back.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> As to Anne of Austria, -struck suddenly in head and heart with fell remorse, she lost her -equilibrium. No one aiding her, for all were petrified, she sank -back in her <i>fauteuil</i>, breathing a weak, trembling sigh. -Louis could not endure the spectacle and the affront. He bounded -towards D'Artagnan, over whose brain a vertigo was stealing and -who staggered as he caught at the door for support.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>A moi! -mousquetaire!</i>" said he. "Look us in the face and say which -is the paler, he or I!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This cry roused D'Artagnan, -and stirred in his heart the fibers of obedience. He shook his -head, and, without more hesitation, he walked straight up to -Philippe, on whose shoulder he laid his hand, saying, "Monsieur, -you are my prisoner!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Philippe did not raise his -eyes towards Heaven, nor stir from the spot, where he seemed -nailed to the floor, his eye intently fixed upon the king his -brother. He reproached him with a sublime silence for all -misfortunes past, all tortures to come. Against this language of -the soul the king felt he had no power; he cast down his eyes, -dragging away precipitately his brother and sister, forgetting -his mother, sitting motionless within three paces of the son whom -she left a second time to be condemned to death. Philippe -approached Anne of Austria, and said to her, in a soft and nobly -agitated voice:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If I were not your son, I -should curse you, my mother, for having rendered me so -unhappy."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan felt a shudder -pass through the marrow of his bones. He bowed respectfully to -the young prince, and said as he bent, "Excuse me, monseigneur, I -am but a soldier, and my oaths are his who has just left the -chamber."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Thank you, M. -d'Artagnan…. What has become of M. d'Herblay?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. d'Herblay is in safety, -monseigneur," said a voice behind them; "and no one, while I live -and am free, shall cause a hair to fall from his head."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur Fouquet!" said the -prince, smiling sadly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pardon me, monseigneur," -said Fouquet, kneeling, "but he who is just gone out from hence -was my guest."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Here are," murmured -Philippe, with a sigh, "brave friends and good hearts. They -make me regret the world. On, M. d'Artagnan, I follow you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At the moment the captain of -the musketeers was about to leave the room with his prisoner, -Colbert appeared, and, after remitting an order from the king to -D'Artagnan, retired. D'Artagnan read the paper, and then crushed -it in his hand with rage.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is it?" asked the -prince.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Read, monseigneur," replied -the musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Philippe read the following -words, hastily traced by the hand of the king:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. d'Artagnan will conduct -the prisoner to the Île Sainte-Marguerite. He will cover -his face with an iron vizor, which the prisoner shall never raise -except at peril of his life."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is just," said -Philippe, with resignation; "I am ready."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Aramis was right," said -Fouquet, in a low voice, to the musketeer, "this one is every -whit as much a king as the other."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "More so!" replied -D'Artagnan. "He wanted only you and me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXV:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>In -Which Porthos Thinks He Is Pursuing a Duchy.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>A</span>ramis and -Porthos, having profited by the time granted them by Fouquet, did -honor to the French cavalry by their speed. Porthos did not -clearly understand on what kind of mission he was forced to -display so much velocity; but as he saw Aramis spurring on -furiously, he, Porthos, spurred on in the same way. They had -soon, in this manner, placed twelve leagues between them and -Vaux; they were then obliged to change horses, and organize a -sort of post arrangement. It was during a relay that Porthos -ventured to interrogate Aramis discreetly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Hush!" replied the latter, -"know only that our fortune depends on our speed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> As if Porthos had still been -the musketeer, without a sou or a <i>maille</i> of 1626, he -pushed forward. That magic word "fortune" always means something -in the human ear. It means <i>enough</i> for those who have -nothing; it means <i>too much</i> for those who have enough.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall be made a duke!" -said Porthos, aloud. He was speaking to himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is possible," replied -Aramis, smiling after his own fashion, as Porthos's horse passed -him. Aramis felt, notwithstanding, as though his brain were on -fire; the activity of the body had not yet succeeded in subduing -that of the mind. All there is of raging passion, mental -toothache or mortal threat, raged, gnawed and grumbled in the -thoughts of the unhappy prelate. His countenance exhibited -visible traces of this rude combat. Free on the highway to -abandon himself to every impression of the moment, Aramis did not -fail to swear at every start of his horse, at every inequality in -the road. Pale, at times inundated with boiling sweats, then -again dry and icy, he flogged his horses till the blood streamed -from their sides. Porthos, whose dominant fault was not -sensibility, groaned at this. Thus traveled they on for eight -long hours, and then arrived at Orléans. It was four -o'clock in the afternoon. Aramis, on observing this, judged that -nothing showed pursuit to be a possibility. It would be without -example that a troop capable of taking him and Porthos should be -furnished with relays sufficient to perform forty leagues in -eight hours. Thus, admitting pursuit, which was not at all -manifest, the fugitives were five hours in advance of their -pursuers.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis thought that there -might be no imprudence in taking a little rest, but that to -continue would make the matter more certain. Twenty leagues -more, performed with the same rapidity, twenty more leagues -devoured, and no one, not even D'Artagnan, could overtake the -enemies of the king. Aramis felt obliged, therefore, to inflict -upon Porthos the pain of mounting on horseback again. They rode -on till seven o'clock in the evening, and had only one post more -between them and Blois. But here a diabolical accident alarmed -Aramis greatly. There were no horses at the post. The prelate -asked himself by what infernal machination his enemies had -succeeded in depriving him of the means of going further, - he -who never recognized chance as a deity, who found a cause for -every accident, preferred believing that the refusal of the -postmaster, at such an hour, in such a country, was the -consequence of an order emanating from above: an order given with -a view of stopping short the king-maker in the midst of his -flight. But at the moment he was about to fly into a passion, so -as to procure either a horse or an explanation, he was struck -with the recollection that the Comte de la Fère lived in -the neighborhood.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am not traveling," said -he; "I do not want horses for a whole stage. Find me two horses -to go and pay a visit to a nobleman of my acquaintance who -resides near this place."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What nobleman?" asked the -postmaster.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. le Comte de la -Fère."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" replied the -postmaster, uncovering with respect, "a very worthy nobleman. -But, whatever may be my desire to make myself agreeable to him, I -cannot furnish you with horses, for all mine are engaged by M. le -Duc de Beaufort."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Indeed!" said Aramis, much -disappointed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Only," continued the -postmaster, "if you will put up with a little carriage I have, I -will harness an old blind horse who has still his legs left, and -peradventure will draw you to the house of M. le Comte de la -Fère."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is worth a louis," said -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, monsieur, such a ride -is worth no more than a crown; that is what M. Grimaud, the -comte's intendant, always pays me when he makes use of that -carriage; and I should not wish the Comte de la Fère to -have to reproach me with having imposed on one of his -friends."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As you please," said -Aramis, "particularly as regards disobliging the Comte de la -Fère; only I think I have a right to give you a louis for -your idea."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! doubtless," replied the -postmaster with delight. And he himself harnessed the ancient -horse to the creaking carriage. In the meantime Porthos was -curious to behold. He imagined he had discovered a clew to the -secret, and he felt pleased, because a visit to Athos, in the -first place, promised him much satisfaction, and, in the next, -gave him the hope of finding at the same time a good bed and good -supper. The master, having got the carriage ready, ordered one -of his men to drive the strangers to La Fère. Porthos -took his seat by the side of Aramis, whispering in his ear, "I -understand."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Aha!" said Aramis, "and -what do you understand, my friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We are going, on the part -of the king, to make some great proposal to Athos."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pooh!" said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You need tell me nothing -about it," added the worthy Porthos, endeavoring to reseat -himself so as to avoid the jolting, "you need tell me nothing, I -shall guess."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! do, my friend; guess -away."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> They arrived at Athos's -dwelling about nine o'clock in the evening, favored by a splendid -moon. This cheerful light rejoiced Porthos beyond expression; -but Aramis appeared annoyed by it in an equal degree. He could -not help showing something of this to Porthos, who replied - "Ay! -ay! I guess how it is! the mission is a secret one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> These were his last words in -the carriage. The driver interrupted him by saying, "Gentlemen, -we have arrived."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos and his companion -alighted before the gate of the little château, where we -are about to meet again our old acquaintances Athos and -Bragelonne, the latter of whom had disappeared since the -discovery of the infidelity of La Vallière. If there be -one saying truer than another, it is this: great griefs contain -within themselves the germ of consolation. This painful wound, -inflicted upon Raoul, had drawn him nearer to his father again; -and God knows how sweet were the consolations which flowed from -the eloquent mouth and generous heart of Athos. The wound was -not cicatrized, but Athos, by dint of conversing with his son and -mixing a little more of his life with that of the young man, had -brought him to understand that this pang of a first infidelity is -necessary to every human existence; and that no one has loved -without encountering it. Raoul listened, again and again, but -never understood. Nothing replaces in the deeply afflicted heart -the remembrance and thought of the beloved object. Raoul then -replied to the reasoning of his father:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur, all that you tell -me is true; I believe that no one has suffered in the affections -of the heart so much as you have; but you are a man too great by -reason of intelligence, and too severely tried by adverse fortune -not to allow for the weakness of the soldier who suffers for the -first time. I am paying a tribute that will not be paid a second -time; permit me to plunge myself so deeply in my grief that I may -forget myself in it, that I may drown even my reason in it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Raoul! Raoul!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Listen, monsieur. Never -shall I accustom myself to the idea that Louise, the chastest and -most innocent of women, has been able to so basely deceive a man -so honest and so true a lover as myself. Never can I persuade -myself that I see that sweet and noble mask change into a -hypocritical lascivious face. Louise lost! Louise infamous! -Ah! monseigneur, that idea is much more cruel to me than Raoul -abandoned - Raoul unhappy!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos then employed the -heroic remedy. He defended Louise against Raoul, and justified -her perfidy by her love. "A woman who would have yielded to a -king because he is a king," said he, "would deserve to be styled -infamous; but Louise loves Louis. Young, both, they have -forgotten, he his rank, she her vows. Love absolves everything, -Raoul. The two young people love each other with sincerity."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And when he had dealt this -severe poniard-thrust, Athos, with a sigh, saw Raoul bound away -beneath the rankling wound, and fly to the thickest recesses of -the wood, or the solitude of his chamber, whence, an hour after, -he would return, pale, trembling, but subdued. Then, coming up -to Athos with a smile, he would kiss his hand, like the dog who, -having been beaten, caresses a respected master, to redeem his -fault. Raoul redeemed nothing but his weakness, and only -confessed his grief. Thus passed away the days that followed -that scene in which Athos had so violently shaken the indomitable -pride of the king. Never, when conversing with his son, did he -make any allusion to that scene; never did he give him the -details of that vigorous lecture, which might, perhaps, have -consoled the young man, by showing him his rival humbled. Athos -did not wish that the offended lover should forget the respect -due to his king. And when Bragelonne, ardent, angry, and -melancholy, spoke with contempt of royal words, of the equivocal -faith which certain madmen draw from promises that emanate from -thrones, when, passing over two centuries, with that rapidity of -a bird that traverses a narrow strait to go from one continent to -the other, Raoul ventured to predict the time in which kings -would be esteemed as less than other men, Athos said to him, in -his serene, persuasive voice, "You are right, Raoul; all that you -say will happen; kings will lose their privileges, as stars which -have survived their æons lose their splendor. But when -that moment comes, Raoul, we shall be dead. And remember well -what I say to you. In this world, all, men, women, and kings, -must live for the present. We can only live for the future for -God."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This was the manner in which -Athos and Raoul were, as usual, conversing, and walking backwards -and forwards in the long alley of limes in the park, when the -bell which served to announce to the comte either the hour of -dinner or the arrival of a visitor, was rung; and, without -attaching any importance to it, he turned towards the house with -his son; and at the end of the alley they found themselves in the -presence of Aramis and Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXVI:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Last Adieux.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>R</span>aoul uttered -a cry, and affectionately embraced Porthos. Aramis and Athos -embraced like old men; and this embrace itself being a question -for Aramis, he immediately said, "My friend, we have not long to -remain with you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said the comte.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Only time to tell you of my -good fortune," interrupted Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said Raoul.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos looked silently at -Aramis, whose somber air had already appeared to him very little -in harmony with the good news Porthos hinted.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the good fortune -that has happened to you? Let us hear it," said Raoul, with a -smile.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king has made me a -duke," said the worthy Porthos, with an air of mystery, in the -ear of the young man, "a duke by <i>brevet</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But the <i>asides</i> of -Porthos were always loud enough to be heard by everybody. His -murmurs were in the diapason of ordinary roaring. Athos heard -him, and uttered an exclamation which made Aramis start. The -latter took Athos by the arm, and, after having asked Porthos's -permission to say a word to his friend in private, "My dear -Athos," he began, "you see me overwhelmed with grief and -trouble."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With grief and trouble, my -dear friend?" cried the comte; "oh, what?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In two words. I have -conspired against the king; that conspiracy has failed, and, at -this moment, I am doubtless pursued."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are pursued! - a -conspiracy! Eh! my friend, what do you tell me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The saddest truth. I am -entirely ruined."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, but Porthos - this -title of duke - what does all that mean?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is the subject of my -severest pain; that is the deepest of my wounds. I have, -believing in infallible success, drawn Porthos into my -conspiracy. He threw himself into it, as you know he would do, -with all his strength, without knowing what he was about; and now -he is as much compromised as myself - as completely ruined as I -am."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good God!" And Athos -turned towards Porthos, who was smiling complacently.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I must make you acquainted -with the whole. Listen to me," continued Aramis; and he related -the history as we know it. Athos, during the recital, several -times felt the sweat break from his forehead. "It was a great -idea," said he, "but a great error."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "For which I am punished, -Athos."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Therefore, I will not tell -you my entire thought."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Tell it, nevertheless."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is a crime."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A capital crime; I know it -is. <i>Lése majesté</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Porthos! poor Porthos!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What would you advise me to -do? Success, as I have told you, was certain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. Fouquet is an honest -man."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I a fool for having so -ill-judged him," said Aramis. "Oh, the wisdom of man! Oh, -millstone that grinds the world! and which is one day stopped by -a grain of sand which has fallen, no one knows how, between its -wheels."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Say by a diamond, Aramis. -But the thing is done. How do you think of acting?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am taking away Porthos. -The king will never believe that that worthy man has acted -innocently. He never can believe that Porthos has thought he was -serving the king, whilst acting as he has done. His head would -pay my fault. It shall not, must not, be so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are taking him away, -whither?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To Belle-Isle, at first. -That is an impregnable place of refuge. Then, I have the sea, -and a vessel to pass over into England, where I have many -relations."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You? in England?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, or else in Spain, -where I have still more."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But, our excellent Porthos! -you ruin him, for the king will confiscate all his property."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "All is provided for. I -know how, when once in Spain, to reconcile myself with Louis -XIV., and restore Porthos to favor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have credit, seemingly, -Aramis!" said Athos, with a discreet air.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Much; and at the service of -my friends."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> These words were accompanied -by a warm pressure of the hand.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Thank you," replied the -comte.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And while we are on this -head," said Aramis, "you also are a malcontent; you also, Raoul, -have griefs to lay to the king. Follow our example; pass over -into Belle-Isle. Then we shall see, I guarantee upon my honor, -that in a month there will be war between France and Spain on the -subject of this son of Louis XIII., who is an Infante likewise, -and whom France detains inhumanly. Now, as Louis XIV. would have -no inclination for a war on that subject, I will answer for an -arrangement, the result of which must bring greatness to Porthos -and to me, and a duchy in France to you, who are already a -grandee of Spain. Will you join us?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; for my part I prefer -having something to reproach the king with; it is a pride natural -to my race to pretend to a superiority over royal races. Doing -what you propose, I should become the obliged of the king; I -should certainly be the gainer on that ground, but I should be a -loser in my conscience. - No, thank you!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then give me two things, -Athos, - your absolution."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! I give it you if you -really wished to avenge the weak and oppressed against the -oppressor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is sufficient for me," -said Aramis, with a blush which was lost in the obscurity of the -night. "And now, give me your two best horses to gain the second -post, as I have been refused any under the pretext of the Duc de -Beaufort being traveling in this country."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You shall have the two best -horses, Aramis; and again I recommend poor Porthos strongly to -your care."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! I have no fear on that -score. One word more: do you think I am maneuvering for him as I -ought?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The evil being committed, -yes; for the king would not pardon him, and you have, whatever -may be said, always a supporter in M. Fouquet, who will not -abandon you, he being himself compromised, notwithstanding his -heroic action."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are right. And that is -why, instead of gaining the sea at once, which would proclaim my -fear and guilt, that is why I remain upon French ground. But -Belle-Isle will be for me whatever ground I wish it to be, -English, Spanish, or Roman; all will depend, with me, on the -standard I shall think proper to unfurl."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It was I who fortified -Belle-Isle; and, so long as I defend it, nobody can take -Belle-Isle from me. And then, as you have said just now, M. -Fouquet is there. Belle-Isle will not be attacked without the -signature of M. Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is true. -Nevertheless, be prudent. The king is both cunning and strong." -Aramis smiled.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I again recommend Porthos -to you," repeated the count, with a sort of cold persistence.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Whatever becomes of me, -count," replied Aramis, in the same tone, "our brother Porthos -will fare as I do - or <i>better</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos bowed whilst pressing -the hand of Aramis, and turned to embrace Porthos with -emotion.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I was born lucky, was I -not?" murmured the latter, transported with happiness, as he -folded his cloak round him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, my dear friend," said -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Raoul had gone out to give -orders for the saddling of the horses. The group was already -divided. Athos saw his two friends on the point of departure, -and something like a mist passed before his eyes and weighed upon -his heart.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is strange," thought he, -"whence comes the inclination I feel to embrace Porthos once -more?" At that moment Porthos turned round, and he came towards -his old friend with open arms. This last endearment was tender -as in youth, as in times when hearts were warm - life happy. And -then Porthos mounted his horse. Aramis came back once more to -throw his arms round the neck of Athos. The latter watched them -along the high-road, elongated by the shade, in their white -cloaks. Like phantoms they seemed to enlarge on their departure -from the earth, and it was not in the mist, but in the declivity -of the ground that they disappeared. At the end of the -perspective, both seemed to have given a spring with their feet, -which made them vanish as if evaporated into cloud-land.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Then Athos, with a very -heavy heart, returned towards the house, saying to Bragelonne, -"Raoul, I don’t know what it is that has just told me that -I have seen those two for the last time."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It does not astonish me, -monsieur, that you should have such a thought," replied the young -man, "for I have at this moment the same, and think also that I -shall never see Messieurs du Vallon and d'Herblay again."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! you," replied the -count, "you speak like a man rendered sad by a different cause; -you see everything in black; you are young, and if you chance -never to see those old friends again, it will because they no -longer exist in the world in which you have yet many years to -pass. But I - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Raoul shook his head sadly, -and leaned upon the shoulder of the count, without either of them -finding another word in their hearts, which were ready to -overflow.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> All at once a noise of -horses and voices, from the extremity of the road to Blois, -attracted their attention that way. Flambeaux-bearers shook -their torches merrily among the trees of their route, and turned -round, from time to time, to avoid distancing the horsemen who -followed them. These flames, this noise, this dust of a dozen -richly caparisoned horses, formed a strange contrast in the -middle of the night with the melancholy and almost funereal -disappearance of the two shadows of Aramis and Porthos. Athos -went towards the house; but he had hardly reached the parterre, -when the entrance gate appeared in a blaze; all the flambeaux -stopped and appeared to enflame the road. A cry was heard of "M. -le Duc de Beaufort" - and Athos sprang towards the door of his -house. But the duke had already alighted from his horse, and was -looking around him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am here, monseigneur," -said Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! good evening, dear -count," said the prince, with that frank cordiality which won him -so many hearts. "Is it too late for a friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! my dear prince, come -in!" said the count.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And, M. de Beaufort leaning -on the arm of Athos, they entered the house, followed by Raoul, -who walked respectfully and modestly among the officers of the -prince, with several of whom he was acquainted.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXVII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Monsieur de Beaufort.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he prince -turned round at the moment when Raoul, in order to leave him -alone with Athos, was shutting the door, and preparing to go with -the other officers into an adjoining apartment.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is that the young man I -have heard M. le Prince speak so highly of?" asked M. de -Beaufort.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is quite the soldier; -let him stay, count, we cannot spare him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Remain, Raoul, since -monseigneur permits it," said Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Ma foi!</i> he is tall -and handsome!" continued the duke. "Will you give him to me, -monseigneur, if I ask him of you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How am I to understand you, -monseigneur?" said Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, I call upon you to bid -you farewell."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Farewell!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, in good truth. Have -you no idea of what I am about to become?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, I suppose, what you -have always been, monseigneur, - a valiant prince, and an -excellent gentleman."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am going to become an -African prince, - a Bedouin gentleman. The king is sending me to -make conquests among the Arabs."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is this you tell me, -monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Strange, is it not? I, the -Parisian <i>par essence</i>, I who have reigned in the faubourgs, -and have been called King of the Halles, - I am going to pass -from the Place Maubert to the minarets of Gigelli; from a -Frondeur I am becoming an adventurer!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, monseigneur, if you did -not yourself tell me that - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It would not be credible, -would it? Believe me, nevertheless, and we have but to bid each -other farewell. This is what comes of getting into favor -again."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Into favor?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes. You smile. Ah, my -dear count, do you know why I have accepted this enterprise, can -you guess?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because your highness loves -glory above - everything."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! no; there is no glory -in firing muskets at savages. I see no glory in that, for my -part, and it is more probable that I shall there meet with -something else. But I have wished, and still wish earnestly, my -dear count, that my life should have that last <i>facet</i>, -after all the whimsical exhibitions I have seen myself make -during fifty years. For, in short, you must admit that it is -sufficiently strange to be born the grandson of a king, to have -made war against kings, to have been reckoned among the powers of -the age, to have maintained my rank, to feel Henry IV. within me, -to be great admiral of France - and then to go and get killed at -Gigelli, among all those Turks, Saracens, and Moors."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur, you harp with -strange persistence on that theme," said Athos, in an agitated -voice. "How can you suppose that so brilliant a destiny will be -extinguished in that remote and miserable scene?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And can you believe, -upright and simple as you are, that if I go into Africa for this -ridiculous motive, I will not endeavor to come out of it without -ridicule? Shall I not give the world cause to speak of me? And -to be spoken of, nowadays, when there are Monsieur le Prince, M. -de Turenne, and many others, my contemporaries, I, admiral of -France, grandson of Henry IV., king of Paris, have I anything -left but to get myself killed? <i>Cordieu!</i> I will be talked -of, I tell you; I shall be killed whether or not; if no there, -somewhere else."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, monseigneur, this is -mere exaggeration; and hitherto you have shown nothing -exaggerated save in bravery."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Peste!</i> my dear -friend, there is bravery in facing scurvy, dysentery, locusts, -poisoned arrows, as my ancestor St. Louis did. Do you know those -fellows still use poisoned arrows? And then, you know me of old, -I fancy, and you know that when I once make up my mind to a -thing, I perform it in grim earnest."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, you made up your mind -to escape from Vincennes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ay, but you aided me in -that, my master; and, <i>à propos</i>, I turn this way and -that, without seeing my old friend, M. Vaugrimaud. How is -he?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. Vaugrimaud is still your -highness's most respectful servant," said Athos, smiling.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have a hundred pistoles -here for him, which I bring as a legacy. My will is made, -count."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! monseigneur! -monseigneur!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you may understand that -if Grimaud's name were to appear in my will - " The duke began -to laugh; then addressing Raoul, who, from the commencement of -this conversation, had sunk into a profound reverie, "Young man," -said he, "I know there is to be found here a certain De Vouvray -wine, and I believe - " Raoul left the room precipitately to -order the wine. In the meantime M. de Beaufort took the hand of -Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What do you mean to do with -him?" asked he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing at present, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! yes, I know; since the -passion of the king for La Vallière."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is all true, then, is -it? I think I know her, that little La Vallière. She is -not particularly handsome, if I remember right?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, monseigneur," said -Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you know whom she -reminds me of?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Does she remind your -highness of any one?"<br> - "She reminds me of a very agreeable girl, whose -mother lived in the Halles."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! ah!" said Athos, -smiling.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! the good old times," -added M. de Beaufort. "Yes, La Vallière reminds me of -that girl."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who had a son, had she -not?" <b><sup>3</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I believe she had," replied -the duke, with careless <i>naïveté</i> and a -complaisant forgetfulness, of which no words could translate the -tone and the vocal expression. "Now, here is poor Raoul, who is -your son, I believe."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, he is my son, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And the poor lad has been -cut out by the king, and he frets."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Still better, monseigneur, -he abstains."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are going to let the -boy rust in idleness; it is a mistake. Come, give him to -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My wish is to keep him at -home, monseigneur. I have no longer anything in the world but -him, and as long as he likes to remain - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, well," replied the -duke. "I could, nevertheless, have soon put matters to rights -again. I assure you, I think he has in him the stuff of which -maréchals of France are made; I have seen more than one -produced from less likely rough material."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is very possible, -monseigneur; but it is the king who makes maréchals of -France, and Raoul will never accept anything of the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Raoul interrupted this -conversation by his return. He preceded Grimaud, whose still -steady hands carried the <i>plateau</i> with one glass and a -bottle of the duke's favorite wine. On seeing his old -<i>protégé</i>, the duke uttered an exclamation of -pleasure.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Grimaud! Good evening, -Grimaud!" said he; "how goes it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The servant bowed -profoundly, as much gratified as his noble interlocutor.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Two old friends!" said the -duke, shaking honest Grimaud's shoulder after a vigorous fashion; -which was followed by another still more profound and delighted -bow from Grimaud.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But what is this, count, -only one glass?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I should not think of -drinking with your highness, unless your highness permitted me," -replied Athos, with noble humility.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Cordieu!</i> you were -right to bring only one glass, we will both drink out of it, like -two brothers in arms. Begin, count."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do me the honor," said -Athos, gently putting back the glass.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are a charming friend," -replied the Duc de Beaufort, who drank, and passed the goblet to -his companion. "But that is not all," continued he, "I am still -thirsty, and I wish to do honor to this handsome young man who -stands here. I carry good luck with me, vicomte," said he to -Raoul; "wish for something while drinking out of my glass, and -may the black plague grab me if what you wish does not come to -pass!" He held the goblet to Raoul, who hastily moistened his -lips, and replied with the same promptitude:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have wished for -something, monseigneur." His eyes sparkled with a gloomy fire, -and the blood mounted to his cheeks; he terrified Athos, if only -with his smile.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And what have you wished -for?" replied the duke, sinking back into his <i>fauteuil</i>, -whilst with one hand he returned the bottle to Grimaud, and with -the other gave him a purse.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Will you promise me, -monseigneur, to grant me what I wish for?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Pardieu!</i> That is -agreed upon."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I wished, monsieur le duc, -to go with you to Gigelli."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Athos became pale, -and was unable to conceal his agitation. The duke looked at his -friend, as if desirous to assist him to parry this unexpected -blow.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is difficult, -my dear vicomte, very difficult," added he, in a lower tone of -voice.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Pardon me, -monseigneur, I have been indiscreet," replied Raoul, in a firm -voice; "but as you yourself invited me to wish - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To wish to leave -me?" said Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! monsieur - can -you imagine - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well, -<i>mordieu!</i>" cried the duke, "the young vicomte is right! -What can he do here? He will go moldy with grief."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Raoul blushed, and -the excitable prince continued: "War is a distraction: we gain -everything by it; we can only lose one thing by it - life - then -so much the worse!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is to say, -memory," said Raoul, eagerly; "and that is to say, so much the -better!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>He repented of -having spoken so warmly when he saw Athos rise and open the -window; which was, doubtless, to conceal his emotion. Raoul -sprang towards the comte, but the latter had already overcome his -emotion, and turned to the lights with a serene and impassible -countenance. "Well, come," said the duke, "let us see! Shall he -go, or shall he not? If he goes, comte, he shall be my -aide-de-camp, my son."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur!" -cried Raoul, bending his knee.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur!" -cried Athos, taking the hand of the duke; "Raoul shall do just as -he likes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! no, monsieur, -just as you like," interrupted the young man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"<i>Par la -corbleu!</i>" said the prince in his turn, "it is neither the -comte nor the vicomte that shall have his way, it is I. I will -take him away. The marine offers a superb fortune, my -friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Raoul smiled again -so sadly, that this time Athos felt his heart penetrated by it, -and replied to him by a severe look. Raoul comprehended it all; -he recovered his calmness, and was so guarded, that not another -word escaped him. The duke at length rose, on observing the -advanced hour, and said, with animation, "I am in great haste, -but if I am told I have lost time in talking with a friend, I -will reply I have gained - on the balance - a most excellent -recruit."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Pardon me, -monsieur le duc," interrupted Raoul, "do not tell the king so, -for it is not the king I wish to serve."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Eh! my friend, -whom, then, will you serve? The times are past when you might -have said, 'I belong to M. de Beaufort.' No, nowadays, we all -belong to the king, great or small. Therefore, if you serve on -board my vessels, there can be nothing equivocal about it, my -dear vicomte; it will be the king you will serve."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Athos waited with a -kind of impatient joy for the reply about to be made to this -embarrassing question by Raoul, the intractable enemy of the -king, his rival. The father hoped that the obstacle would -overcome the desire. He was thankful to M. de Beaufort, whose -lightness or generous reflection had thrown an impediment in the -way of the departure of a son, now his only joy. But Raoul, -still firm and tranquil, replied: "Monsieur le duc, the objection -you make I have already considered in my mind. I will serve on -board your vessels, because you do me the honor to take me with -you; but I shall there serve a more powerful master than the -king: I shall serve God!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"God! how so?" said -the duke and Athos together.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"My intention is to -make profession, and become a knight of Malta," added Bragelonne, -letting fall, one by one, words more icy than the drops which -fall from the bare trees after the tempests of winter. -<b><sup>4</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Under this blow -Athos staggered and the prince himself was moved. Grimaud -uttered a heavy groan, and let fall the bottle, which was broken -without anybody paying attention. M. de Beaufort looked the -young man in the face, and read plainly, though his eyes were -cast down, the fire of resolution before which everything must -give way. As to Athos, he was too well acquainted with that -tender, but inflexible soul; he could not hope to make it deviate -from the fatal road it had just chosen. He could only press the -hand the duke held out to him. "Comte, I shall set off in two -days for Toulon," said M. de Beaufort. "Will you meet me at -Paris, in order that I may know your determination?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I will have the -honor of thanking you there, <i>mon prince</i>, for all your -kindness," replied the comte.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And be sure to -bring the vicomte with you, whether he follows me or does not -follow me," added the duke; "he has my word, and I only ask -yours."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Having thrown a -little balm upon the wound of the paternal heart, he pulled the -ear of Grimaud, whose eyes sparkled more than usual, and regained -his escort in the parterre. The horses, rested and refreshed, -set off with spirit through the lovely night, and soon placed a -considerable distance between their master and the -château.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Athos and -Bragelonne were again face to face. Eleven o'clock was -striking. The father and son preserved a profound silence -towards each other, where an intelligent observer would have -expected cries and tears. But these two men were of such a -nature that all emotion following their final resolutions plunged -itself so deep into their hearts that it was lost forever. They -passed, then, silently and almost breathlessly, the hour that -preceded midnight. The clock, by striking, alone pointed out to -them how many minutes had lasted the painful journey made by -their souls in the immensity of their remembrances of the past -and fear of the future. Athos rose first, saying, "it is late, -then…. Till to-morrow."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Raoul rose, and in -his turn embraced his father. The latter held him clasped to his -breast, and said, in a tremulous voice, "In two days, you will -have left me, my son - left me forever, Raoul!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur," replied -the young man, "I had formed a determination, that of piercing my -heart with my sword; but you would have thought that cowardly. I -have renounced that determination, and <i>therefore</i> we must -part."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You leave me -desolate by going, Raoul."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Listen to me -again, monsieur, I implore you. If I do not go, I shall die here -of grief and love. I know how long a time I have to live thus. -Send me away quickly, monsieur, or you will see me basely die -before your eyes - in your house - this is stronger than my will -- stronger than my strength - you may plainly see that within one -month I have lived thirty years, and that I approach the end of -my life."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Then," said Athos, -coldly, "you go with the intention of getting killed in Africa? -Oh, tell me! do not lie!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Raoul grew deadly -pale, and remained silent for two seconds, which were to his -father two hours of agony. Then, all at once: "Monsieur," said -he, "I have promised to devote myself to God. In exchange for -the sacrifice I make of my youth and liberty, I will only ask of -Him one thing, and that is, to preserve me for you, because you -are the only tie which attaches me to this world. God alone can -give me the strength not to forget that I owe you everything, and -that nothing ought to stand in my esteem before you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Athos embraced his -son tenderly, and said:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You have just -replied to me on the word of honor of an honest man; in two days -we shall be with M. de Beaufort at Paris, and you will then do -what will be proper for you to do. You are free, Raoul; -adieu."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And he slowly -gained his bedroom. Raoul went down into the garden, and passed -the night in the alley of limes.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXVIII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Preparations for Departure.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>A</span>thos lost no -more time in combating this immutable resolution. He gave all -his attention to preparing, during the two days the duke had -granted him, the proper appointments for Raoul. This labor -chiefly concerned Grimaud, who immediately applied himself to it -with the good-will and intelligence we know he possessed. Athos -gave this worthy servant orders to take the route to Paris when -the equipments should be ready; and, not to expose himself to the -danger of keeping the duke waiting, or delaying Raoul, so that -the duke should perceive his absence, he himself, the day after -the visit of M. de Beaufort, set off for Paris with his son.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> For the poor young man it -was an emotion easily to be understood, thus to return to Paris -amongst all the people who had known and loved him. Every face -recalled a pang to him who had suffered so much; to him who had -loved so much, some circumstance of his unhappy love. Raoul, on -approaching Paris, felt as if he were dying. Once in Paris, he -really existed no longer. When he reached Guiche's residence, he -was informed that Guiche was with Monsieur. Raoul took the road -to the Luxembourg, and when arrived, without suspecting that he -was going to the place where La Vallière had lived, he -heard so much music and respired so many perfumes, he heard so -much joyous laughter, and saw so many dancing shadows, that if it -had not been for a charitable woman, who perceived him so -dejected and pale beneath a doorway, he would have remained there -a few minutes, and then would have gone away, never to return. -But, as we have said, in the first ante-chamber he had stopped, -solely for the sake of not mixing himself with all those happy -beings he felt were moving around him in the adjacent salons. -And as one of Monsieur's servants, recognizing him, had asked him -if he wished to see Monsieur or Madame, Raoul had scarcely -answered him, but had sunk down upon a bench near the velvet -doorway, looking at a clock, which had stopped for nearly an -hour. The servant had passed on, and another, better acquainted -with him, had come up, and interrogated Raoul whether he should -inform M. de Guiche of his being there. This name did not even -arouse the recollections of Raoul. The persistent servant went -on to relate that De Guiche had just invented a new game of -lottery, and was teaching it to the ladies. Raoul, opening his -large eyes, like the absent man in Theophrastus, made no answer, -but his sadness increased two shades. With his head hanging -down, his limbs relaxed, his mouth half open for the escape of -his sighs, Raoul remained, thus forgotten, in the ante-chamber, -when all at once a lady's robe passed, rubbing against the doors -of a side salon, which opened on the gallery. A lady, young, -pretty, and gay, scolding an officer of the household, entered by -that way, and expressed herself with much vivacity. The officer -replied in calm but firm sentences; it was rather a little love -pet than a quarrel of courtiers, and was terminated by a kiss on -the fingers of the lady. Suddenly, on perceiving Raoul, the lady -became silent, and pushing away the officer:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Make your escape, -Malicorne," said she; "I did not think there was any one here. I -shall curse you, if they have either heard or seen us!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Malicorne hastened away. -The young lady advanced behind Raoul, and stretching her joyous -face over him as he lay:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur is a gallant man," -said she, "and no doubt - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> She here interrupted herself -by uttering a cry. "Raoul!" said she, blushing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Mademoiselle de Montalais!" -said Raoul, paler than death.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He rose unsteadily, and -tried to make his way across the slippery mosaic of the floor; -but she had comprehended that savage and cruel grief; she felt -that in the flight of Raoul there was an accusation of herself. -A woman, ever vigilant, she did not think she ought to let the -opportunity slip of making good her justification; but Raoul, -though stopped by her in the middle of the gallery, did not seem -disposed to surrender without a combat. He took it up in a tone -so cold and embarrassed, that if they had been thus surprised, -the whole court would have no doubt about the proceedings of -Mademoiselle de Montalais.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! monsieur," said she -with disdain, "what you are doing is very unworthy of a -gentleman. My heart inclines me to speak to you; you compromise -me by a reception almost uncivil; you are wrong, monsieur; and -you confound your friends with enemies. Farewell!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Raoul had sworn never to -speak of Louise, never even to look at those who might have seen -Louise; he was going into another world, that he might never meet -with anything Louise had seen, or even touched. But after the -first shock of his pride, after having had a glimpse of -Montalais, the companion of Louise - Montalais, who reminded him -of the turret of Blois and the joys of youth - all his reason -faded away.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pardon me, mademoiselle; it -enters not, it cannot enter into my thoughts to be uncivil."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you wish to speak to -me?" said she, with the smile of former days. "Well! come -somewhere else; for we may be surprised."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!' said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> She looked at the clock, -doubtingly, then, having reflected:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In my apartment," said she, -"we shall have an hour to ourselves." And taking her course, -lighter than a fairy, she ran up to her chamber, followed by -Raoul. Shutting the door, and placing in the hands of her -<i>camériste</i> the mantle she had held upon her arm:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You were seeking M. de -Guiche, were you not?" said she to Raoul.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, mademoiselle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will go and ask him to -come up here, presently, after I have spoken to you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do so, mademoiselle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you angry with me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Raoul looked at her for a -moment, then, casting down his eyes, "Yes," said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You think I was concerned -in the plot which brought about the rupture, do you not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Rupture!" said he, with -bitterness. "Oh! mademoiselle, there can be no rupture where -there has been no love."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are in error," replied -Montalais; "Louise did love you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Raoul started.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not with love, I know; but -she liked you, and you ought to have married her before you set -out for London."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Raoul broke into a sinister -laugh, which made Montalais shudder.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You tell me that very much -at your ease, mademoiselle. Do people marry whom they like? You -forget that the king then kept for himself as his mistress her of -whom we are speaking."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Listen," said the young -woman, pressing the hands of Raoul in her own, "you were wrong in -every way; a man of your age ought never to leave a woman of hers -alone."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is no longer any -faith in the world, then," said Raoul.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, vicomte," said -Montalais, quietly. "Nevertheless, let me tell you that, if, -instead of loving Louise coldly and philosophically, you had -endeavored to awaken her to love - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Enough, I pray you, -mademoiselle," said Raoul. "I feel as though you are all, of -both sexes, of a different age from me. You can laugh, and you -can banter agreeably. I, mademoiselle, I loved Mademoiselle de - -" Raoul could not pronounce her name, - "I loved her well! I -put my faith in her - now I am quits by loving her no -longer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, vicomte!" said -Montalais, pointing to his reflection in a looking-glass.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I know what you mean, -mademoiselle; I am much altered, am I not? Well! Do you know -why? Because my face is the mirror of my heart, the outer -surface changed to match the mind within."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are consoled, then?" -said Montalais, sharply.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, I shall never be -consoled."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I don't understand you, M. -de Bragelonne."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I care but little for -that. I do not quite understand myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have not even tried to -speak to Louise?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who! I?" exclaimed the -young man, with eyes flashing fire; "I! - Why do you not advise -me to marry her? Perhaps the king would consent now." And he -rose from his chair full of anger.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I see," said Montalais, -"that you are not cured, and that Louise has one enemy the -more."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "One enemy the more!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; favorites are but -little beloved at the court of France."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! while she has her lover -to protect her, is not that enough? She has chosen him of such a -quality that her enemies cannot prevail against her." But, -stopping all at once, "And then she has you for a friend, -mademoiselle," added he, with a shade of irony which did not -glide off the cuirass.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who! I? - Oh, no! I am no -longer one of those whom Mademoiselle de la Vallière -condescends to look upon; but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This <i>but</i>, so big with -menace and with storm; this <i>but</i>, which made the heart of -Raoul beat, such griefs did it presage for her whom lately he -loved so dearly; this terrible <i>but</i>, so significant in a -woman like Montalais, was interrupted by a moderately loud noise -heard by the speakers proceeding from the alcove behind the -wainscoting. Montalais turned to listen, and Raoul was already -rising, when a lady entered the room quietly by the secret door, -which she closed after her.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Madame!" exclaimed Raoul, -on recognizing the sister-in-law of the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Stupid wretch!" murmured -Montalais, throwing herself, but too late, before the princess, -"I have been mistaken in an hour!" She had, however, time to -warn the princess, who was walking towards Raoul.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. de Bragelonne, Madame," -and at these words the princess drew back, uttering a cry in her -turn.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your royal highness," said -Montalais, with volubility, "is kind enough to think of this -lottery, and - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The princess began to lose -countenance. Raoul hastened his departure, without divining all, -but he felt that he was in the way. Madame was preparing a word -of transition to recover herself, when a closet opened in front -of the alcove, and M. de Guiche issued, all radiant, also from -that closet. The palest of the four, we must admit, was still -Raoul. The princess, however, was near fainting, and was obliged -to lean upon the foot of the bed for support. No one ventured to -support her. This scene occupied several minutes of terrible -suspense. But Raoul broke it. He went up to the count, whose -inexpressible emotion made his knees tremble, and taking his -hand, "Dear count," said he, "tell Madame I am too unhappy not to -merit pardon; tell her also that I have loved in the course of my -life, and that the horror of the treachery that has been -practiced on me renders me inexorable towards all other treachery -that may be committed around me. This is why, mademoiselle," -said he, smiling to Montalais, "I never would divulge the secret -of the visits of my friend to your apartment. Obtain from Madame -- from Madame, who is so clement and so generous, - obtain her -pardon for you whom she has just surprised also. You are both -free, love each other, be happy!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The princess felt for a -moment a despair that cannot be described; it was repugnant to -her, notwithstanding the exquisite delicacy which Raoul had -exhibited, to feel herself at the mercy of one who had discovered -such an indiscretion. It was equally repugnant to her to accept -the evasion offered by this delicate deception. Agitated, -nervous, she struggled against the double stings of these two -troubles. Raoul comprehended her position, and came once more to -her aid. Bending his knee before her: "Madame!" said he, in a -low voice, "in two days I shall be far from Paris; in a fortnight -I shall be far from France, where I shall never be seen -again."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you going away, then?" -said she, with great delight.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With M. de Beaufort."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Into Africa!" cried De -Guiche, in his turn. "You, Raoul - oh! my friend - into Africa, -where everybody dies!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And forgetting everything, -forgetting that that forgetfulness itself compromised the -princess more eloquently than his presence, "Ingrate!" said he, -"and you have not even consulted me!" And he embraced him; -during which time Montalais had led away Madame, and disappeared -herself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Raoul passed his hand over -his brow, and said, with a smile, "I have been dreaming!" Then -warmly to Guiche, who by degrees absorbed him, "My friend," said -he, "I conceal nothing from you, who are the elected of my -heart. I am going to seek death in yonder country; your secret -will not remain in my breast more than a year."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, Raoul! a man!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you know what is my -thought, count? This is it - I shall live more vividly, being -buried beneath the earth, than I have lived for this month past. -We are Christians, my friend, and if such sufferings were to -continue, I would not be answerable for the safety of my -soul."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> De Guiche was anxious to -raise objections.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not one word more on my -account," said Raoul; "but advice to you, dear friend; what I am -going to say to you is of much greater importance."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Without doubt you risk much -more than I do, because you love."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is a joy so sweet to me -to be able to speak to you thus! Well, then, De Guiche, beware -of Montalais."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! of that kind -friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "She was the friend of - her -you know of. She ruined her by pride."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are mistaken."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And now, when she has -ruined her, she would ravish from her the only thing that renders -that woman excusable in my eyes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Her love."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What do you mean by -that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I mean that there is a plot -formed against her who is the mistress of the king - a plot -formed in the very house of Madame."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Can you think so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am certain of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "By Montalais?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Take her as the least -dangerous of the enemies I dread for - the other!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Explain yourself clearly, -my friend; and if I can understand you - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In two words. Madame has -been long jealous of the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I know she has - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! fear nothing - you are -beloved - you are beloved, count; do you feel the value of these -three words? They signify that you can raise your head, that you -can sleep tranquilly, that you can thank God every minute of you -life. You are beloved; that signifies that you may hear -everything, even the counsel of a friend who wishes to preserve -your happiness. You are beloved, De Guiche, you are beloved! -You do not endure those atrocious nights, those nights without -end, which, with arid eye and fainting heart, others pass through -who are destined to die. You will live long, if you act like the -miser who, bit by bit, crumb by crumb, collects and heaps up -diamonds and gold. You are beloved! - allow me to tell you what -you must do that you may be beloved forever."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> De Guiche contemplated for -some time this unfortunate young man, half mad with despair, till -there passed through his heart something like remorse at his own -happiness. Raoul suppressed his feverish excitement, to assume -the voice and countenance of an impassible man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They will make her, whose -name I should wish still to be able to pronounce - they will make -her suffer. Swear to me that you will not second them in -anything - but that you will defend her when possible, as I would -have done myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I swear I will," replied De -Guiche.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And," continued Raoul, -"some day, when you shall have rendered her a great service - -some day when she shall thank you, promise me to say these words -to her - 'I have done you this kindness, madame, at the warm -request of M. de Bragelonne, whom you so deeply injured.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I swear I will," -murmured De Guiche.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is all. Adieu! I -set out to-morrow, or the day after, for Toulon. If you have a -few hours to spare, give them to me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "All! all!" cried the young -man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Thank you!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And what are you going to -do now?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am going to meet M. le -comte at Planchet's residence, where we hope to find M. -d'Artagnan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. d'Artagnan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I wish to embrace him -before my departure. He is a brave man, who loves me dearly. -Farewell, my friend; you are expected, no doubt; you will find -me, when you wish, at the lodgings of the comte. Farewell!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The two young men embraced. -Those who chanced to see them both thus, would not have hesitated -to say, pointing to Raoul, "That is the happy man!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXIX:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Planchet's Inventory.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>A</span>thos, during -the visit made to the Luxembourg by Raoul, had gone to Planchet's -residence to inquire after D'Artagnan. The comte, on arriving at -the Rue des Lombards, found the shop of the grocer in great -confusion; but it was not the encumberment of a lucky sale, or -that of an arrival of goods. Planchet was not enthroned, as -usual, on sacks and barrels. No. A young man with a pen behind -his ear, and another with an account-book in his hand, were -setting down a number of figures, whilst a third counted and -weighed. An inventory was being taken. Athos, who had no -knowledge of commercial matters, felt himself a little -embarrassed by material obstacles and the majesty of those who -were thus employed. He saw several customers sent away, and -asked himself whether he, who came to buy nothing, would not be -more properly deemed importunate. He therefore asked very -politely if he could see M. Planchet. The reply, quite -carelessly given, was that M. Planchet was packing his trunks. -These words surprised Athos. "What! his trunks?" said he; "is M. -Planchet going away?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur, -directly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then, if you please, inform -him that M. le Comte de la Fère desires to speak to him -for a moment."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At the mention of the -comte's name, one of the young men, no doubt accustomed to hear -it pronounced with respect, immediately went to inform Planchet. -It was at this moment that Raoul, after his painful scene with -Montalais and De Guiche, arrived at the grocer's house. Planchet -left his job directly he received the comte's message.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! monsieur le comte!" -exclaimed he, "how glad I am to see you! What good star brings -you here?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear Planchet," said -Athos, pressing the hand of his son, whose sad look he silently -observed, - "we are come to learn of you - But in what confusion -do I find you! You are as white as a miller; where have you been -rummaging?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, <i>diable!</i> take -care, monsieur; don't come near me till I have well shaken -myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What for? Flour or dust -only whiten."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, no; what you see on my -arms is arsenic."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Arsenic?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; I am taking my -precautions against rats."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ay, I suppose in an -establishment like this, rats play a conspicuous part."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is not with this -establishment I concern myself, monsieur le comte. The rats have -robbed me of more here than they will ever rob me of again."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What do you mean?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, you may have observed, -monsieur, my inventory is being taken."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you leaving trade, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! <i>mon Dieu!</i> yes. -I have disposed of my business to one of my young men."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah! you are rich, then, I -suppose?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur, I have taken a -dislike to the city; I don't know whether it is because I am -growing old, and as M. d'Artagnan one day said, when we grow old -we more often think of the adventures of our youth; but for some -time past I have felt myself attracted towards the country and -gardening. I was a countryman formerly." And Planchet marked -this confession with a rather pretentious laugh for a man making -profession of humility.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos made a gesture of -approval, and then added: "You are going to buy an estate, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have bought one, -monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! that is still -better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A little house at -Fontainebleau, with something like twenty acres of land round -it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well, Planchet! -Accept my compliments on your acquisition."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But, monsieur, we are not -comfortable here; the cursed dust makes you cough. -<i>Corbleu!</i> I do not wish to poison the most worthy -gentleman in the kingdom."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos did not smile at this -little pleasantry which Planchet had aimed at him, in order to -try his strength in mundane facetiousness.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," said Athos, "let us -have a little talk by ourselves - in your own room, for example. -You have a room, have you not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Certainly, monsieur le -comte."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Upstairs, perhaps?" And -Athos, seeing Planchet a little embarrassed, wished to relieve -him by going first.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is - but - " said -Planchet, hesitating.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos was mistaken in the -cause of this hesitation, and, attributing it to a fear the -grocer might have of offering humble hospitality, "Never mind, -never mind," said he, still going up, "the dwelling of a -tradesman in this quarter is not expected to be a palace. Come -on."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Raoul nimbly preceded him, -and entered first. Two cries were heard simultaneously - we may -say three. One of these cries dominated the others; it emanated -from a woman. Another proceeded from the mouth of Raoul; it was -an exclamation of surprise. He had no sooner uttered it than he -shut the door sharply. The third was from fright; it came from -Planchet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I ask your pardon!" added -he; "madame is dressing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Raoul had, no doubt, seen -that what Planchet said was true, for he turned round to go -downstairs again.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Madame - " said Athos. -"Oh! pardon me, Planchet, I did not know that you had upstairs - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is Trüchen," added -Planchet, blushing a little.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is whoever you please, -my good Planchet; but pardon my rudeness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, no; go up now, -gentlemen."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We will do no such thing," -said Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! madame, having notice, -has had time - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, Planchet; -farewell!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh, gentlemen! you would -not disoblige me by thus standing on the staircase, or by going -away without having sat down."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If we had known you had a -lady upstairs," replied Athos, with his customary coolness, "we -would have asked permission to pay our respects to her."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Planchet was so disconcerted -by this little extravagance, that he forced the passage, and -himself opened the door to admit the comte and his son. -Trüchen was quite dressed: in the costume of the -shopkeeper's wife, rich yet coquettish; German eyes attacking -French eyes. She left the apartment after two courtesies, and -went down into the shop - but not without having listened at the -door, to know what Planchet's gentlemen visitors would say of -her. Athos suspected that, and therefore turned the conversation -accordingly. Planchet, on his part, was burning to give -explanations, which Athos avoided. But, as certain tenacities -are stronger than others, Athos was forced to hear Planchet -recite his idyls of felicity, translated into a language more -chaste than that of Longus. So Planchet related how Trüchen -had charmed the years of his advancing age, and brought good luck -to his business, as Ruth did to Boaz.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You want nothing now, then, -but heirs to your property."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If I had one he would have -three hundred thousand livres," said Planchet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Humph! you must have one, -then," said Athos, phlegmatically, "if only to prevent your -little fortune being lost."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This word <i>little -fortune</i> placed Planchet in his rank, like the voice of the -sergeant when Planchet was but a <i>piqueur</i> in the regiment -of Piedmont, in which Rochefort had placed him. Athos perceived -that the grocer would marry Trüchen, and, in spite of fate, -establish a family. This appeared the more evident to him when -he learned that the young man to whom Planchet was selling the -business was her cousin. Having heard all that was necessary of -the happy prospects of the retiring grocer, "What is M. -d'Artagnan about?" said he; "he is not at the Louvre."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! monsieur le comte, -Monsieur d'Artagnan has disappeared."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Disappeared!" said Athos, -in surprise.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! monsieur, we know what -that means."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But <i>I</i> do not -know."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Whenever M. d'Artagnan -disappears it is always for some mission or some great -affair."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Has he said anything to you -about it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Never."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You were acquainted with -his departure for England formerly, were you not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On account of the -speculation." said Planchet, heedlessly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The speculation!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I mean - " interrupted -Planchet, quite confused.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, well; neither your -affairs nor those of your master are in question; the interest we -take in him alone has induced me to apply to you. Since the -captain of the musketeers is not here, and as we cannot learn -from you where we are likely to find M. d'Artagnan, we will take -our leave of you. <i>Au revoir</i>, Planchet, <i>au revoir</i>. -Let us be gone, Raoul."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur le comte, I wish I -were able to tell you - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, not at all; I am not -the man to reproach a servant with discretion."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This word "servant" struck -rudely on the ears of the <i>demi-millionnaire</i> Planchet, but -natural respect and <i>bonhomie</i> prevailed over pride. "There -is nothing indiscreet in telling you, monsieur le comte, M. -d'Artagnan came here the other day - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Aha?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And remained several hours -consulting a geographical chart."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are right, then, my -friend; say no more about it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And the chart is there as a -proof," added Planchet, who went to fetch from the neighboring -wall, where it was suspended by a twist, forming a triangle with -the bar of the window to which it was fastened, the plan -consulted by the captain on his last visit to Planchet. This -plan, which he brought to the comte, was a map of France, upon -which the practiced eye of that gentleman discovered an -itinerary, marked out with small pins; wherever a pin was -missing, a hole denoted its having been there. Athos, by -following with his eye the pins and holes, saw that D'Artagnan -had taken the direction of the south, and gone as far as the -Mediterranean, towards Toulon. It was near Cannes that the marks -and the punctured places ceased. The Comte de la Fère -puzzled his brains for some time, to divine what the musketeer -could be going to do at Cannes, and what motive could have led -him to examine the banks of the Var. The reflections of Athos -suggested nothing. His accustomed perspicacity was at fault. -Raoul's researches were not more successful than his -father's.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Never mind," said the young -man to the comte, who silently, and with his finger, had made him -understand the route of D'Artagnan; "we must confess that there -is a Providence always occupied in connecting our destiny with -that of M. d'Artagnan. There he is on the coast of Cannes, and -you, monsieur, will, at least, conduct me as far as Toulon. Be -assured that we shall meet with him more easily upon our route -than on this map."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Then, taking leave of -Planchet, who was scolding his shopmen, even the cousin of -Trüchen, his successor, the gentlemen set out to pay a visit -to M. de Beaufort. On leaving the grocer's shop, they saw a -coach, the future depository of the charms of Mademoiselle -Trüchen and Planchet's bags of crowns.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Every one journeys towards -happiness by the route he chooses," said Raoul, in a melancholy -tone.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Road to Fontainebleau!" -cried Planchet to his coachman.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXX:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Inventory of M. de Beaufort.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>o have talked -of D'Artagnan with Planchet, to have seen Planchet quit Paris to -bury himself in his country retreat, had been for Athos and his -son like a last farewell to the noise of the capital - to their -life of former days. What, in fact, did these men leave behind -them - one of whom had exhausted the past age in glory, and the -other, the present age in misfortune? Evidently neither of them -had anything to ask of his contemporaries. They had only to pay -a visit to M. de Beaufort, and arrange with him the particulars -of departure. The duke was lodged magnificently in Paris. He -had one of those superb establishments pertaining to great -fortunes, the like of which certain old men remembered to have -seen in all their glory in the times of wasteful liberality of -Henry III.'s reign. Then, really, several great nobles were -richer than the king. They knew it, used it, and never deprived -themselves of the pleasure of humiliating his royal majesty when -they had an opportunity. It was this egotistical aristocracy -Richelieu had constrained to contribute, with its blood, its -purse, and its duties, to what was from his time styled the -king's service. From Louis XI. - that terrible mower-down of the -great - to Richelieu, how many families had raised their heads! -How many, from Richelieu to Louis XIV., had bowed their heads, -never to raise them again! But M. de Beaufort was born a prince, -and of a blood which is not shed upon scaffolds, unless by the -decree of peoples, - a prince who had kept up a grand style of -living. How did he maintain his horses, his people, and his -table? Nobody knew; himself less than others. Only there were -then privileges for the sons of kings, to whom nobody refused to -become a creditor, whether from respect or the persuasion that -they would some day be paid.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos and Raoul found the -mansion of the duke in as much confusion as that of Planchet. -The duke, likewise, was making his inventory; that is to say, he -was distributing to his friends everything of value he had in his -house. Owing nearly two millions - an enormous amount in those -days - M. de Beaufort had calculated that he could not set out -for Africa without a good round sum, and, in order to find that -sum, he was distributing to his old creditors plate, arms, -jewels, and furniture, which was more magnificent in selling it, -and brought him back double. In fact, how could a man to whom -ten thousand livres were owing, refuse to carry away a present -worth six thousand, enhanced in estimation from having belonged -to a descendant of Henry IV.? And how, after having carried away -that present, could he refuse ten thousand livres more to this -generous noble? This, then, was what had happened. The duke had -no longer a dwelling-house - that had become useless to an -admiral whose place of residence is his ship; he had no longer -need of superfluous arms, when he was placed amidst his cannons; -no more jewels, which the sea might rob him of; but he had three -or four hundred thousand crowns fresh in his coffers. And -throughout the house there was a joyous movement of people who -believed they were plundering monseigneur. The prince had, in a -supreme degree, the art of making happy the creditors most to be -pitied. Every distressed man, every empty purse, found in him -patience and sympathy for his position. To some he said, "I wish -I had what <i>you</i> have; I would give it you." And to others, -"I have but this silver ewer; it is worth at least five hundred -livres, - take it." The effect of which was - so truly is -courtesy a current payment - that the prince constantly found -means to renew his creditors. This time he used no ceremony; it -might be called a general pillage. He gave up everything. The -Oriental fable of the poor Arab who carried away from the pillage -of palace a kettle at the bottom of which was concealed a bag of -gold, and whom everybody allowed to pass without jealousy, - this -fable had become a truth in the prince's mansion. Many -contractors paid themselves upon the offices of the duke. Thus, -the provision department, who plundered the clothes-presses and -the harness-rooms, attached very little value to things which -tailors and saddlers set great store by. Anxious to carry home -to their wives presents given them by monseigneur, many were seen -bounding joyously along, under the weight of earthen jars and -bottles, gloriously stamped with the arms of the prince. M. de -Beaufort finished by giving away his horses and the hay from his -lofts. He made more than thirty happy with kitchen utensils; and -thirty more with the contents of his cellar. Still further; all -these people went away with the conviction that M. de Beaufort -only acted in this manner to prepare for a new fortune concealed -beneath the Arabs' tents. They repeated to each other, while -pillaging his hotel, that he was sent to Gigelli by the king to -reconstruct his lost fortunes; that the treasures of Africa would -be equally divided between the admiral and the king of France; -that these treasures consisted in mines of diamonds, or other -fabulous stones; the gold and silver mines of Mount Atlas did not -even obtain the honor of being named. In addition to the mines -to be worked - which could not be begun till after the campaign - -there would be the booty made by the army. M. de Beaufort would -lay his hands on all the riches pirates had robbed Christendom of -since the battle of Lepanto. The number of millions from these -sources defied calculation. Why, then, should he, who was going -in quest of such treasure, set any store by the poor utensils of -his past life? And reciprocally, why should they spare the -property of him who spared it so little himself?</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Such was the position of -affairs. Athos, with his piercing practiced glance, saw what was -going on at once. He found the admiral of France a little -exalted, for he was rising from a table of fifty covers, at which -the guests had drunk long and deeply to the prosperity of the -expedition; at the conclusion of which repast, the remains, with -the dessert, had been given to the servants, and the empty dishes -and plates to the curious. The prince was intoxicated with his -ruin and his popularity at one and the same time. He had drunk -his old wine to the health of his wine of the future. When he -saw Athos and Raoul:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is my aide-de-camp -being brought to me!" he cried. "Come hither, comte; come -hither, vicomte."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos tried to find a -passage through the heaps of linen and plate.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! step over, step over!" -said the duke, offering a full glass to Athos. The latter drank -it; Raoul scarcely moistened his lips.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Here is your commission," -said the prince to Raoul. "I had prepared it, reckoning upon -you. You will go before me as far as Antibes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Here is the order." And De -Beaufort gave Raoul the order. "Do you know anything of the -sea?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur; I have -traveled with M. le Prince."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is well. All these -barges and lighters must be in attendance to form an escort and -carry my provisions. The army must be prepared to embark in a -fortnight at the very latest."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That shall be done, -monseigneur."<br> - "The present order gives you the right to visit -and search all the isles along the coast; you will there make the -enrolments and levies you may want for me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur le duc."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you are an active man, -and will work freely, you will spend much money."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I hope not, -monseigneur."<br> - "But I am sure you will. My intendant has -prepared the orders of a thousand livres, drawn upon the cities -of the south; he will give you a hundred of them. Now, dear -vicomte, be gone."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos interrupted the -prince. "Keep your money, monseigneur; war is to be waged among -the Arabs with gold as well as lead."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I wish to try the -contrary," replied the duke; "and then you are acquainted with my -ideas upon the expedition - plenty of noise, plenty of fire, and, -if so it must be, I shall disappear in the smoke." Having spoken -thus, M. de Beaufort began to laugh; but his mirth was not -reciprocated by Athos and Raoul. He perceived this at once. -"Ah," said he, with the courteous egotism of his rank and age, -"you are such people as a man should not see after dinner; you -are cold, stiff, and dry when I am all fire, suppleness, and -wine. No, devil take me! I should always see you fasting, -vicomte, and you, comte, if you wear such a face as that, you -shall see me no more."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He said this, pressing the -hand of Athos, who replied with a smile, "Monseigneur, do not -talk so grandly because you happen to have plenty of money. I -predict that within a month you will be dry, stiff, and cold, in -presence of your strong-box, and that then, having Raoul at your -elbow, fasting, you will be surprised to see him gay, animated, -and generous, because he will have some new crowns to offer -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "God grant it may be so!" -cried the delighted duke. "Comte, stay with me!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, I shall go with Raoul; -the mission with which you charge him is a troublesome and -difficult one. Alone it would be too much for him to execute. -You do not observe, monseigneur, you have given him command of -the first order."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And in your naval -arrangements, too."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That may be true. -But one finds that such fine young fellows as your son generally -do all that is required of them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur, I -believe you will find nowhere so much zeal and intelligence, so -much real bravery, as in Raoul; but if he failed to arrange your -embarkation, you would only meet the fate that you deserve."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Humph! you are -scolding me, then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur, to -provision a fleet, to assemble a flotilla, to enroll your -maritime force, would take an admiral a year. Raoul is a cavalry -officer, and you allow him a fortnight!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I tell you he will -do it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He may; but I will -go and help him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To be sure you -will; I reckoned upon you, and still further believe that when we -are once at Toulon you will not let him depart alone."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh!" said Athos, -shaking his head.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Patience! -patience!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur, -permit us to take our leave."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Begone, then, and -may my good luck attend you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Adieu! -monseigneur; and may your own good luck attend you likewise."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Here is an -expedition admirably commenced!" said Athos to his son. "No -provisions - no store flotilla! What can be done, thus?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Humph!" murmured -Raoul; "if all are going to do as I am, provisions will not be -wanted."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur," replied -Athos, sternly, "do not be unjust and senseless in your egotism, -or your grief, whichever you please to call it. If you set out -for this war solely with the intention of getting killed therein, -you stand in need of nobody, and it was scarcely worth while to -recommend you to M. de Beaufort. But when you have been -introduced to the prime commandant - when you have accepted the -responsibility of a post in his army, the question is no longer -about <i>you</i>, but about all those poor soldiers, who, as well -as you, have hearts and bodies, who will weep for their country -and endure all the necessities of their condition. Remember, -Raoul, that officers are ministers as useful to the world as -priests, and that they ought to have more charity."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur, I know -it and have practiced it; I would have continued to do so still, -but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You forget also -that you are of a country that is proud of its military glory; go -and die if you like, but do not die without honor and without -advantage to France. Cheer up, Raoul! do not let my words grieve -you; I love you, and wish to see you perfect."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I love your -reproaches, monsieur," said the young man, mildly; "they alone -may cure me, because they prove to me that some one loves me -still."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And now, Raoul, -let us be off; the weather is so fine, the heavens so clear, -those heavens which we always find above our heads, which you -will see more clear still at Gigelli, and which will speak to you -of me there, as they speak to me here of God."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The two gentlemen, -after having agreed on this point, talked over the wild freaks of -the duke, convinced that France would be served in a very -incomplete manner, as regarded both spirit and practice, in the -ensuing expedition; and having summed up the ducal policy under -the one word vanity, they set forward, in obedience rather to -their will than destiny. The sacrifice was half -accomplished.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXXI:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Silver Dish.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he journey -passed off pretty well. Athos and his son traversed France at -the rate of fifteen leagues per day; sometimes more, sometimes -less, according to the intensity of Raoul's grief. It took them -a fortnight to reach Toulon, and they lost all traces of -D'Artagnan at Antibes. They were forced to believe that the -captain of the musketeers was desirous of preserving an incognito -on his route, for Athos derived from his inquiries an assurance -that such a cavalier as he described had exchanged his horse for -a well-closed carriage on quitting Avignon. Raoul was much -affected at not meeting with D'Artagnan. His affectionate heart -longed to take a farewell and received consolation from that -heart of steel. Athos knew from experience that D'Artagnan -became impenetrable when engaged in any serious affair, whether -on his own account or on the service of the king. He even feared -to offend his friend, or thwart him by too pressing inquiries. -And yet when Raoul commenced his labor of classing the flotilla, -and got together the <i>chalands</i> and lighters to send them to -Toulon, one of the fishermen told the comte that his boat had -been laid up to refit since a trip he had made on account of a -gentleman who was in great haste to embark. Athos, believing -that this man was telling a falsehood in order to be left at -liberty to fish, and so gain more money when all his companions -were gone, insisted upon having the details. The fisherman -informed him that six days previously, a man had come in the -night to hire his boat, for the purpose of visiting the island of -St. Honnorat. The price was agreed upon, but the gentleman had -arrived with an immense carriage case, which he insisted upon -embarking, in spite of the many difficulties that opposed the -operation. The fisherman wished to retract. He had even -threatened, but his threats had procured him nothing but a shower -of blows from the gentleman's cane, which fell upon his shoulders -sharp and long. Swearing and grumbling, he had recourse to the -syndic of his brotherhood at Antibes, who administer justice -among themselves and protect each other; but the gentleman had -exhibited a certain paper, at sight of which the syndic, bowing -to the very ground, enjoined obedience from the fisherman, and -abused him for having been refractory. They then departed with -the freight.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But all this does not tell -us," said Athos, "how you injured your boat."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This is the way. I was -steering towards St. Honnorat as the gentleman desired me; but he -changed his mind, and pretended that I could not pass to the -south of the abbey."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And why not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because, monsieur, there is -in front of the square tower of the Benedictines, towards the -southern point, the bank of the <i>Moines</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A rock?" asked Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Level with the water, but -below water; a dangerous passage, yet one I have cleared a -thousand times; the gentleman required me to land him at -Sainte-Marguerite's."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, monsieur!" cried the -fisherman, with his <i>Provençal</i> accent, "a man is a -sailor, or he is not; he knows his course, or he is nothing but a -fresh-water lubber. I was obstinate, and wished to try the -channel. The gentleman took me by the collar, and told me -quietly he would strangle me. My mate armed himself with a -hatchet, and so did I. We had the affront of the night before to -pay him out for. But the gentleman drew his sword, and used it -in such an astonishingly rapid manner, that we neither of us -could get near him. I was about to hurl my hatchet at his head, -and I had a right to do so, hadn't I, monsieur? for a sailor -aboard is master, as a citizen is in his chamber; I was going, -then, in self-defense, to cut the gentleman in two, when, all at -once - believe me or not, monsieur - the great carriage case -opened of itself, I don't know how, and there came out of it a -sort of a phantom, his head covered with a black helmet and a -black mask, something terrible to look upon, which came towards -me threatening with its fist."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And that was - " said -Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That was the devil, -monsieur; for the gentleman, with great glee, cried out, on -seeing him: 'Ah! thank you, monseigneur!'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A most strange story!" -murmured the comte, looking at Raoul.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And what did you do?" asked -the latter of the fisherman.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You must know, monsieur, -that two poor men, such as we are, could be no match for two -gentlemen; but when one of them turned out to be the devil, we -had no earthly chance! My companion and I did not stop to -consult one another; we made but one jump into the sea, for we -were within seven or eight hundred feet of the shore."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, and then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, and then, monseigneur, -as there was a little wind from the southwest, the boat drifted -into the sands of Sainte-Marguerite's."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! - but the -travelers?"<br> - "Bah! you need not be uneasy about them! It was -pretty plain that one was the devil, and protected the other; for -when we recovered the boat, after she got afloat again, instead -of finding these two creatures injured by the shock, we found -nothing, not even the carriage or the case."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very strange! very -strange!" repeated the comte. "But after that, what did you do, -my friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I made my complaint to the -governor of Sainte-Marguerite's, who brought my finger under my -nose by telling me if I plagued him with such silly stories he -would have me flogged."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! did the governor -himself say so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur; and yet my -boat was injured, seriously injured, for the prow is left upon -the point of Sainte-Marguerite's, and the carpenter asks a -hundred and twenty livres to repair it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well," replied Raoul; -"you will be exempted from the service. Go."<br> - "We will go to Sainte-Marguerite's, shall we?" -said the comte to Bragelonne, as the man walked away.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur, for there is -something to be cleared up; that man does not seem to me to have -told the truth."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nor to me either, Raoul. -The story of the masked man and the carriage having disappeared, -may be told to conceal some violence these fellows have committed -upon their passengers in the open sea, to punish him for his -persistence in embarking."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I formed the same -suspicion; the carriage was more likely to contain property than -a man."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We shall see to that, -Raoul. The gentleman very much resembles D'Artagnan; I recognize -his methods of proceeding. Alas! we are no longer the young -invincibles of former days. Who knows whether the hatchet or the -iron bar of this miserable coaster has not succeeded in doing -that which the best blades of Europe, balls, and bullets have not -been able to do in forty years?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> That same day they set out -for Sainte-Marguerite's, on board a <i>chasse-marée</i> -come from Toulon under orders. The impression they experienced -on landing was a singularly pleasing one. The island seemed -loaded with flowers and fruits. In its cultivated part it served -as a garden for the governor. Orange, pomegranate, and fig trees -bent beneath the weight of their golden or purple fruits. All -round this garden, in the uncultivated parts, red partridges ran -about in conveys among the brambles and tufts of junipers, and at -every step of the comte and Raoul a terrified rabbit quitted his -thyme and heath to scuttle away to the burrow. In fact, this -fortunate isle was uninhabited. Flat, offering nothing but a -tiny bay for the convenience of embarkation, and under the -protection of the governor, who went shares with them, smugglers -made use of it as a provisional <i>entrepôt</i>, at the -expense of not killing the game or devastating the garden. With -this compromise, the governor was in a situation to be satisfied -with a garrison of eight men to guard his fortress, in which -twelve cannons accumulated coats of moldy green. The governor -was a sort of happy farmer, harvesting wines, figs, oil, and -oranges, preserving his citrons and <i>cédrates</i> in the -sun of his casemates. The fortress, encircled by a deep ditch, -its only guardian, arose like three heads upon turrets connected -with each other by terraces covered with moss.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos and Raoul wandered for -some time round the fences of the garden without finding any one -to introduce them to the governor. They ended by making their -own way into the garden. It was at the hottest time of the day. -Each living thing sought its shelter under grass or stone. The -heavens spread their fiery veils as if to stifle all noises, to -envelop all existences; the rabbit under the broom, the fly under -the leaf, slept as the wave did beneath the heavens. Athos saw -nothing living but a soldier, upon the terrace beneath the second -and third court, who was carrying a basket of provisions on his -head. This man returned almost immediately without his basket, -and disappeared in the shade of his sentry-box. Athos supposed -he must have been carrying dinner to some one, and, after having -done so, returned to dine himself. All at once they heard some -one call out, and raising their heads, perceived in the frame of -the bars of the window something of a white color, like a hand -that was waved backwards and forwards - something shining, like a -polished weapon struck by the rays of the sun. And before they -were able to ascertain what it was, a luminous train, accompanied -by a hissing sound in the air, called their attention from the -donjon to the ground. A second dull noise was heard from the -ditch, and Raoul ran to pick up a silver plate which was rolling -along the dry sand. The hand that had thrown this plate made a -sign to the two gentlemen, and then disappeared. Athos and -Raoul, approaching each other, commenced an attentive examination -of the dusty plate, and they discovered, in characters traced -upon the bottom of it with the point of a knife, this -inscription:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>I am the brother of the -king of France - a prisoner to-day - a madman to-morrow. French -gentlemen and Christians, pray to God for the soul and the reason -of the son of your old rulers</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The plate fell from the -hands of Athos whilst Raoul was endeavoring to make out the -meaning of these dismal words. At the same moment they heard a -cry from the top of the donjon. Quick as lightning Raoul bent -down his head, and forced down that of his father likewise. A -musket-barrel glittered from the crest of the wall. A white -smoke floated like a plume from the mouth of the musket, and a -ball was flattened against a stone within six inches of the two -gentlemen.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Cordieu!</i>" cried -Athos. "What, are people assassinated here? Come down, cowards -as you are!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, come down!" cried -Raoul, furiously shaking his fist at the castle.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> One of the assailants - he -who was about to fire - replied to these cries by an exclamation -of surprise; and, as his companion, who wished to continue the -attack, had re-seized his loaded musket, he who had cried out -threw up the weapon, and the ball flew into the air. Athos and -Raoul, seeing them disappear from the platform, expected they -would come down to them, and waited with a firm demeanor. Five -minutes had not elapsed, when a stroke upon a drum called the -eight soldiers of the garrison to arms, and they showed -themselves on the other side of the ditch with their muskets in -hand. At the head of these men was an officer, whom Athos and -Raoul recognized as the one who had fired the first musket. The -man ordered the soldiers to "make ready."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We are going to be shot!" -cried Raoul; "but, sword in hand, at least, let us leap the -ditch! We shall kill at least two of these scoundrels, when -their muskets are empty." And, suiting the action to the word, -Raoul was springing forward, followed by Athos, when a well-known -voice resounded behind them, "Athos! Raoul!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "D'Artagnan!" replied the -two gentlemen.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Recover arms! -<i>Mordioux!</i>" cried the captain to the soldiers. "I was sure -I could not be mistaken!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the meaning of -this?" asked Athos. "What! were we to be shot without -warning?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It was I who was going to -shoot you, and if the governor missed you, I should not have -missed you, my dear friends. How fortunate it is that I am -accustomed to take a long aim, instead of firing at the instant I -raise my weapon! I thought I recognized you. Ah! my dear -friends, how fortunate!" And D'Artagnan wiped his brow, for he -had run fast, and emotion with him was not feigned.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How!" said Athos. "And is -the gentleman who fired at us the governor of the fortress?"<br> - "In person."<br> - "And why did he fire at us? What have we done to -him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Pardieu!</i> You -received what the prisoner threw to you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is true."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That plate - the prisoner -has written something on it, has he not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good heavens! I was afraid -he had."<br> - And D'Artagnan, with all the marks of mortal -disquietude, seized the plate, to read the inscription. When he -had read it, a fearful pallor spread across his countenance. -"Oh! good heavens!" repeated he. "Silence! - Here is the -governor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And what will he do to us? -Is it our fault?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is true, then?" said -Athos, in a subdued voice. "It is true?"<br> - "Silence! I tell you - silence! If he only -believes you can read; if he only suspects you have understood; I -love you, my dear friends, I would willingly be killed for you, -but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But - " said Athos and -Raoul.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But I could not save you -from perpetual imprisonment if I saved you from death. Silence, -then! Silence again!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The governor came up, having -crossed the ditch upon a plank bridge.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well!" said he to -D'Artagnan, "what stops us?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are Spaniards - you do -not understand a word of French," said the captain, eagerly, to -his friends in a low voice.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well!" replied he, -addressing the governor, "I was right; these gentlemen are two -Spanish captains with whom I was acquainted at Ypres, last year; -they don't know a word of French."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said the governor, -sharply. "And yet they were trying to read the inscription on -the plate."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan took it out of -his hands, effacing the characters with the point of his -sword.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How!" cried the governor, -"what are you doing? I cannot read them now!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is a state secret," -replied D'Artagnan, bluntly; "and as you know that, according to -the king's orders, it is under the penalty of death any one -should penetrate it, I will, if you like, allow you to read it, -and have you shot immediately afterwards."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> During this apostrophe - -half serious, half ironical - Athos and Raoul preserved the -coolest, most unconcerned silence.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But, is it possible," said -the governor, "that these gentlemen do not comprehend at least -some words?"<br> - "Suppose they do! If they do understand a few -spoken words, it does not follow that they should understand what -is written. They cannot even read Spanish. A noble Spaniard, -remember, ought never to know how to read."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The governor was obliged to -be satisfied with these explanations, but he was still -tenacious. "Invite these gentlemen to come to the fortress," -said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That I will willingly do. -I was about to propose it to you." The fact is, the captain had -quite another idea, and would have wished his friends a hundred -leagues off. But he was obliged to make the best of it. He -addressed the two gentlemen in Spanish, giving them a polite -invitation, which they accepted. They all turned towards the -entrance of the fort, and, the incident being at an end, the -eight soldiers returned to their delightful leisure, for a moment -disturbed by this unexpected adventure.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXXII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Captive and Jailers.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>W</span>hen they had -entered the fort, and whilst the governor was making some -preparations for the reception of his guests, "Come," said Athos, -"let us have a word of explanation whilst we are alone."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is simply this," replied -the musketeer. "I have conducted hither a prisoner, who the king -commands shall not be seen. You came here, he has thrown -something to you through the lattice of his window; I was at -dinner with the governor, I saw the object thrown, and I saw -Raoul pick it up. It does not take long to understand this. I -understood it, and I thought you in intelligence with my -prisoner. And then - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And then - you commanded us -to be shot."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Ma foi!</i> I admit it; -but, if I was the first to seize a musket, fortunately, I was the -last to take aim at you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If you had killed me, -D'Artagnan, I should have had the good fortune to die for the -royal house of France, and it would be an honor to die by your -hand - you, its noblest and most loyal defender."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What the devil, Athos, do -you mean by the royal house?" stammered D'Artagnan. "You don't -mean that you, a well-informed and sensible man, can place any -faith in the nonsense written by an idiot?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I do believe in it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With so much the more -reason, my dear chevalier, from your having orders to kill all -those who do believe in it," said Raoul.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is because," replied -the captain of the musketeers - "because every calumny, however -absurd it may be, has the almost certain chance of becoming -popular."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, D'Artagnan," replied -Athos, promptly; "but because the king is not willing that the -secret of his family should transpire among the people, and cover -with shame the executioners of the son of Louis XIII."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do not talk in such a -childish manner, Athos, or I shall begin to think you have lost -your senses. Besides, explain to me how it is possible Louis -XIII. should have a son in the Isle of Sainte-Marguerite."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A son whom you have brought -hither masked, in a fishing-boat," said Athos. "Why not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan was brought to a -pause.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" said he; "whence do -you know that a fishing-boat - ?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Brought you to -Sainte-Marguerite's with the carriage containing the prisoner - -with a prisoner whom you styled monseigneur. Oh! I am -acquainted with all that," resumed the comte. D'Artagnan bit his -mustache.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If it were true," said he, -"that I had brought hither in a boat and with a carriage a masked -prisoner, nothing proves that this prisoner must be a prince - a -prince of the house of France."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ask Aramis such riddles," -replied Athos, coolly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Aramis," cried the -musketeer, quite at a stand. "Have you seen Aramis?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "After his discomfiture at -Vaux, yes; I have seen Aramis, a fugitive, pursued, bewildered, -ruined; and Aramis has told me enough to make me believe in the -complaints this unfortunate young prince cut upon the bottom of -the plate."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan's head sunk on -his breast in some confusion. "This is the way," said he, "in -which God turns to nothing that which men call wisdom! A fine -secret must that be of which twelve or fifteen persons hold the -tattered fragments! Athos, cursed be the chance which has -brought you face to face with me in this affair! for now - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," said Athos, with his -customary mild severity, "is your secret lost because I know it? -Consult your memory, my friend. Have I not borne secrets heavier -than this?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have never borne one so -dangerous," replied D'Artagnan, in a tone of sadness. "I have -something like a sinister idea that all who are concerned with -this secret will die, and die unhappily."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The will of God be done!" -said Athos, "but here is your governor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan and his friends -immediately resumed their parts. The governor, suspicious and -hard, behaved towards D'Artagnan with a politeness almost -amounting to obsequiousness. With respect to the travelers, he -contented himself with offering good cheer, and never taking his -eye from them. Athos and Raoul observed that he often tried to -embarrass them by sudden attacks, or to catch them off their -guard; but neither the one nor the other gave him the least -advantage. What D'Artagnan had said was probable, if the -governor did not believe it to be quite true. They rose from the -table to repose awhile.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is this man's name? I -don't like the looks of him," said Athos to D'Artagnan in -Spanish.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "De Saint-Mars," replied the -captain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is, then, I suppose, the -prince's jailer?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! how can I tell? I may -be kept at Sainte-Marguerite forever."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! no, not you!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My friend, I am in the -situation of a man who finds a treasure in the midst of a -desert. He would like to carry it away, but he cannot; he would -like to leave it, but he dares not. The king will not dare to -recall me, for no one else would serve him as faithfully as I do; -he regrets not having me near him, from being aware that no one -would be of so much service near his person as myself. But it -will happen as it may please God."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But," observed Raoul, "your -not being certain proves that your situation here is provisional, -and you will return to Paris?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ask these gentlemen," -interrupted the governor, "what was their purpose in coming to -Saint-Marguerite?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They came from learning -there was a convent of Benedictines at Sainte-Honnorat which is -considered curious; and from being told there was excellent -shooting in the island."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is quite at their -service, as well as yours," replied Saint-Mars.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan politely thanked -him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "When will they depart?" -added the governor.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To-morrow," replied -D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> M. de Saint-Mars went to -make his rounds, and left D'Artagnan alone with the pretended -Spaniards.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" exclaimed the -musketeer, "here is a life and a society that suits me very -little. I command this man, and he bores me, <i>mordioux!</i> -Come, let us have a shot or two at the rabbits; the walk will be -beautiful, and not fatiguing. The whole island is but a league -and a half in length, with the breadth of a league; a real park. -Let us try to amuse ourselves."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As you please, D'Artagnan; -not for the sake of amusing ourselves, but to gain an opportunity -for talking freely."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan made a sign to a -soldier, who brought the gentlemen some guns, and then returned -to the fort.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And now," said the -musketeer, "answer me the question put to you by that -black-looking Saint-Mars: what did you come to do at the Lerin -Isles?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To bid you farewell."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bid me farewell! What do -you mean by that? Is Raoul going anywhere?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then I will lay a wager it -is with M. de Beaufort."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With M. de Beaufort it is, -my dear friend. You always guess correctly."<br> - "From habit."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Whilst the two friends were -commencing their conversation, Raoul, with his head hanging down -and his heart oppressed, seated himself on a mossy rock, his gun -across his knees, looking at the sea - looking at the heavens, -and listening to the voice of his soul; he allowed the sportsmen -to attain a considerable distance from him. D'Artagnan remarked -his absence.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He has not recovered the -blow?" said he to Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is struck to death."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! your fears exaggerate, -I hope. Raoul is of a tempered nature. Around all hearts as -noble as his, there is a second envelope that forms a cuirass. -The first bleeds, the second resists."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No," replied Athos, "Raoul -will die of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Mordioux!</i>" said -D'Artagnan, in a melancholy tone. And he did not add a word to -this exclamation. Then, a minute after, "Why do you let him -go?"<br> - "Because he insists on going."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And why do you not go with -him?"<br> - "Because I could not bear to see him die."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan looked his friend -earnestly in the face. "You know one thing," continued the -comte, leaning upon the arm of the captain; "you know that in the -course of my life I have been afraid of but few things. Well! I -have an incessant gnawing, insurmountable fear that an hour will -come in which I shall hold the dead body of that boy in my -arms."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" murmured D'Artagnan; -"oh!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He will die, I know, I have -a perfect conviction of that; but I would not see him die."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How is this, Athos? you -come and place yourself in the presence of the bravest man, you -say you have ever seen, of your own D'Artagnan, of that man -without an equal, as you formerly called him, and you come and -tell him, with your arms folded, that you are afraid of -witnessing the death of your son, you who have seen all that can -be seen in this world! Why have you this fear, Athos? Man upon -this earth must expect everything, and ought to face -everything."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Listen to me, my friend. -After having worn myself out upon this earth of which you speak, -I have preserved but two religions: that of life, friendship, my -duty as a father - that of eternity, love, and respect for God. -Now, I have within me the revelation that if God should decree -that my friend or my son should render up his last sigh in my -presence - oh! no, I cannot even tell you, D'Artagnan!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Speak, speak, tell me!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am strong against -everything, except against the death of those I love. For that -only there is no remedy. He who dies, gains; he who sees others -die, loses. No, this is it - to know that I should no more meet -on earth him whom I now behold with joy; to know that there would -nowhere be a D'Artagnan any more, nowhere again be a Raoul, oh! -I am old, look you, I have no longer courage; I pray God to spare -me in my weakness; but if he struck me so plainly and in that -fashion, I should curse him. A Christian gentleman ought not to -curse his God, D'Artagnan; it is enough to once have cursed a -king!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Humph!" sighed D'Artagnan, -a little confused by this violent tempest of grief.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let me speak to him, -Athos. Who knows?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Try, if you please, but I -am convinced you will not succeed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will not attempt to -console him. I will serve him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Doubtless, I will. Do you -think this would be the first time a woman had repented of an -infidelity? I will go to him, I tell you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos shook his head, and -continued his walk alone, D'Artagnan, cutting across the -brambles, rejoined Raoul and held out his hand to him. "Well, -Raoul! You have something to say to me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have a kindness to ask of -you," replied Bragelonne.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ask it, then."<br> - "You will some day return to France?"<br> - "I hope so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ought I to write to -Mademoiselle de la Vallière?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, you must not."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But I have many things to -say to her."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Go and say them to her, -then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Never!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pray, what virtue do you -attribute to a letter, which your speech might not possess?"<br> - "Perhaps you are right."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "She loves the king," said -D'Artagnan, bluntly; "and she is an honest girl." Raoul -started. "And you, you whom she abandons, she, perhaps, loves -better than she does the king, but after another fashion."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "D'Artagnan, do you believe -she loves the king?"<br> - "To idolatry. Her heart is inaccessible to any -other feeling. You might continue to live near her, and would be -her best friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" exclaimed Raoul, with -a passionate burst of repugnance at such a hideous hope.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Will you do so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It would be base."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is a very absurd word, -which would lead me to think slightly of your understanding. -Please to understand, Raoul, that it is never base to do that -which is imposed upon us by a superior force. If your heart says -to you, 'Go there, or die,' why go, Raoul. Was she base or -brave, she whom you loved, in preferring the king to you, the -king whom her heart commanded her imperiously to prefer to you? -No, she was the bravest of women. Do, then, as she has done. -Oblige yourself. Do you know one thing of which I am sure, -Raoul?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, that by seeing her -closely with the eyes of a jealous man - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! you would cease to -love her."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then I am decided, my dear -D'Artagnan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To set off to see her -again?"<br> - "No; to set off that I may <i>never</i> see her -again. I wish to love her forever."<br> - "Ha! I must confess," replied the musketeer, -"that is a conclusion which I was far from expecting."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This is what I wish, my -friend. You will see her again, and you will give her a letter -which, if you think proper, will explain to her, as to yourself, -what is passing in my heart. Read it; I drew it up last night. -Something told me I should see you to-day." He held the letter -out, and D'Artagnan read:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "MADEMOISELLE, - You are not -wrong in my eyes in not loving me. You have only been guilty of -one fault towards me, that of having left me to believe you loved -me. This error will cost me my life. I pardon you, but I cannot -pardon myself. It is said that happy lovers are deaf to the -sorrows of rejected lovers. It will not be so with you, who did -not love me, save with anxiety. I am sure that if I had -persisted in endeavoring to change that friendship into love, you -would have yielded out of a fear of bringing about my death, or -lessening the esteem I had for you. It is much more delightful -to me to die, knowing that <i>you</i> are free and satisfied. -How much, then, will you love me, when you will no longer fear -either my presence or reproaches? You will love me, because, -however charming a new love may appear to you, God has not made -me in anything inferior to him you have chosen, and because my -devotedness, my sacrifice, and my painful end will assure me, in -your eyes, a certain superiority over him. I have allowed to -escape, in the candid credulity of my heart, the treasure I -possessed. Many people tell me that you loved me enough to lead -me to hope you would have loved me much. That idea takes from my -mind all bitterness, and leads me only to blame myself. You will -accept this last farewell, and you will bless me for having taken -refuge in the inviolable asylum where hatred is extinguished, and -where all love endures forever. Adieu, mademoiselle. If your -happiness could be purchased by the last drop of my blood, I -would shed that drop. I willingly make the sacrifice of it to my -misery!</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'> -"RAOUL, VICOTME DE BRAGELONNE."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The letter reads very -well," said the captain. "I have only one fault to find with -it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Tell me what that is!" said -Raoul.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, it is that it tells -everything, except the thing which exhales, like a mortal poison -from your eyes and from your heart; except the senseless love -which still consumes you." Raoul grew paler, but remained -silent.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why did you not write -simply these words:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'MADEMOISELLE, - Instead of -cursing you, I love you and I die.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is true," exclaimed -Raoul, with a sinister kind of joy.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And tearing the letter he -had just taken back, he wrote the following words upon a leaf of -his tablets:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To procure the happiness of -once more telling you I love you, I commit the baseness of -writing to you; and to punish myself for that baseness, I die." -And he signed it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will give her these -tablets, captain, will you not?"<br> - "When?" asked the latter.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On the day," said -Bragelonne, pointing to the last sentence, "on the day when you -can place a date under these words." And he sprang away quickly -to join Athos, who was returning with slow steps.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> As they re-entered the fort, -the sea rose with that rapid, gusty vehemence which characterizes -the Mediterranean; the ill-humor of the element became a -tempest. Something shapeless, and tossed about violently by the -waves, appeared just off the coast.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is that?" said Athos, -- "a wrecked boat?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, it is not a boat," said -D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pardon me," said Raoul, -"there is a bark gaining the port rapidly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, there is a bark in the -creek, which is prudently seeking shelter here; but that which -Athos points to in the sand is not a boat at all - it has run -aground."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, yes, I see it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is the carriage, which I -threw into the sea after landing the prisoner."<br> - "Well!" said Athos, "if you take my advice, -D'Artagnan, you will burn that carriage, in order that no vestige -of it may remain, without which the fishermen of Antibes, who -have believed they had to do with the devil, will endeavor to -prove that your prisoner was but a man."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your advice is good, Athos, -and I will this night have it carried out, or rather, I will -carry it out myself; but let us go in, for the rain falls -heavily, and the lightning is terrific."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> As they were passing over -the ramparts to a gallery of which D'Artagnan had the key, they -saw M. de Saint-Mars directing his steps towards the chamber -inhabited by the prisoner. Upon a sign from D'Artagnan, they -concealed themselves in an angle of the staircase.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is it?" said -Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will see. Look. The -prisoner is returning from chapel."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And they saw, by the red -flashes of lightning against the violet fog which the wind -stamped upon the bank-ward sky, they saw pass gravely, at six -paces behind the governor, a man clothed in black and masked by a -vizor of polished steel, soldered to a helmet of the same nature, -which altogether enveloped the whole of his head. The fire of -the heavens cast red reflections on the polished surface, and -these reflections, flying off capriciously, seemed to be angry -looks launched by the unfortunate, instead of imprecations. In -the middle of the gallery, the prisoner stopped for a moment, to -contemplate the infinite horizon, to respire the sulphurous -perfumes of the tempest, to drink in thirstily the hot rain, and -to breathe a sigh resembling a smothered groan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come on, monsieur," said -Saint-Mars, sharply, to the prisoner, for he already became -uneasy at seeing him look so long beyond the walls. "Monsieur, -come on!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Say monseigneur!" cried -Athos, from his corner, with a voice so solemn and terrible, that -the governor trembled from head to foot. Athos insisted upon -respect being paid to fallen majesty. The prisoner turned -round.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who spoke?" asked -Saint-Mars.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It was I," replied -D'Artagnan, showing himself promptly. "You know that is the -order."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Call me neither monsieur -nor monseigneur," said the prisoner in his turn, in a voice that -penetrated to the very soul of Raoul; "call me ACCURSED!" He -passed on, and the iron door croaked after him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There goes a truly -unfortunate man!" murmured the musketeer in a hollow whisper, -pointing out to Raoul the chamber inhabited by the prince.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXXIII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Promises.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>S</span>carcely had -D'Artagnan re-entered his apartment with his two friends, when -one of the soldiers of the fort came to inform him that the -governor was seeking him. The bark which Raoul had perceived at -sea, and which appeared so eager to gain the port, came to -Sainte-Marguerite with an important dispatch for the captain of -the musketeers. On opening it, D'Artagnan recognized the writing -of the king: "I should think," said Louis XIV., "you will have -completed the execution of my orders, Monsieur d'Artagnan; -return, then, immediately to Paris, and join me at the -Louvre."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is the end of my -exile!" cried the musketeer with joy; "God be praised, I am no -longer a jailer!" And he showed the letter to Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So, then, you must leave -us?" replied the latter, in a melancholy tone.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, but to meet again, -dear friend, seeing that Raoul is old enough now to go alone with -M. de Beaufort, and will prefer his father going back in company -with M. d'Artagnan, to forcing him to travel two hundred leagues -solitarily to reach home at La Fère; will you not, -Raoul?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Certainly," stammered the -latter, with an expression of tender regret.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, no, my friend," -interrupted Athos, "I will never quit Raoul till the day his -vessel disappears on the horizon. As long as he remains in -France he shall not be separated from me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As you please, dear friend; -but we will, at least, leave Sainte-Marguerite together; take -advantage of the bark that will convey me back to Antibes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With all my heart; we -cannot too soon be at a distance from this fort, and from the -spectacle that shocked us so just now."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The three friends quitted -the little isle, after paying their respects to the governor, and -by the last flashes of the departing tempest they took their -farewell of the white walls of the fort. D'Artagnan parted from -his friend that same night, after having seen fire set to the -carriage upon the shore by the orders of Saint-Mars, according to -the advice the captain had given him. Before getting on -horseback, and after leaving the arms of Athos: "My friends," -said he, "you bear too much resemblance to two soldiers who are -abandoning their post. Something warns me that Raoul will -require being supported by you in his rank. Will you allow me to -ask permission to go over into Africa with a hundred good -muskets? The king will not refuse me, and I will take you with -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur d'Artagnan," -replied Raoul, pressing his hand with emotion, "thanks for that -offer, which would give us more than we wish, either monsieur le -comte or I. I, who am young, stand in need of labor of mind and -fatigue of body; monsieur le comte wants the profoundest repose. -You are his best friend. I recommend him to your care. In -watching over him, you are holding both our souls in your -hands."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I must go; my horse is all -in a fret," said D'Artagnan, with whom the most manifest sign of -a lively emotion was the change of ideas in conversation. "Come, -comte, how many days longer has Raoul to stay here?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Three days at most."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And how long will it take -you to reach home?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! a considerable time," -replied Athos. "I shall not like the idea of being separated too -quickly from Raoul. Time will travel too fast of itself to -require me to aid it by distance. I shall only make -half-stages."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And why so, my friend? -Nothing is more dull than traveling slowly; and hostelry life -does not become a man like you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My friend, I came hither on -post-horses; but I wish to purchase two animals of a superior -kind. Now, to take them home fresh, it would not be prudent to -make them travel more than seven or eight leagues a day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Where is Grimaud?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He arrived yesterday -morning with Raoul's appointments; and I have left him to -sleep."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is, never to come back -again," D'Artagnan suffered to escape him. "Till we meet again, -then, dear Athos - and if you are diligent, I shall embrace you -the sooner." So saying, he put his foot in the stirrup, which -Raoul held.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Farewell!" said the young -man, embracing him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Farewell!" said D'Artagnan, -as he got into his saddle.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> His horse made a movement -which divided the cavalier from his friends. This scene had -taken place in front of the house chosen by Athos, near the gates -of Antibes, whither D'Artagnan, after his supper, had ordered his -horses to be brought. The road began to branch off there, white -and undulating in the vapors of the night. The horse eagerly -respired the salt, sharp perfume of the marshes. D'Artagnan put -him to a trot; and Athos and Raoul sadly turned towards the -house. All at once they heard the rapid approach of a horse's -steps, and first believed it to be one of those singular -repercussions which deceive the ear at every turn in a road. But -it was really the return of the horseman. They uttered a cry of -joyous surprise; and the captain, springing to the ground like a -young man, seized within his arms the two beloved heads of Athos -and Raoul. He held them long embraced thus, without speaking a -word, or suffering the sigh which was bursting his breast to -escape him. Then, as rapidly as he had come back, he set off -again, with a sharp application of his spurs to the sides of his -fiery horse.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Alas!" said the comte, in a -low voice, "alas! alas!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "An evil omen!" on his side, -said D'Artagnan to himself, making up for lost time. "I could -not smile upon them. An evil omen!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The next day Grimaud was on -foot again. The service commanded by M. de Beaufort was happily -accomplished. The flotilla, sent to Toulon by the exertions of -Raoul, had set out, dragging after it in little nutshells, almost -invisible, the wives and friends of the fishermen and smugglers -put in requisition for the service of the fleet. The time, so -short, which remained for father and son to live together, -appeared to go by with double rapidity, like some swift stream -that flows towards eternity. Athos and Raoul returned to Toulon, -which began to be filled with the noise of carriages, with the -noise of arms, the noise of neighing horses. The trumpeters -sounded their spirited marches; the drummers signalized their -strength; the streets were overflowing with soldiers, servants, -and tradespeople. The Duc de Beaufort was everywhere, -superintending the embarkation with the zeal and interest of a -good captain. He encouraged the humblest of his companions; he -scolded his lieutenants, even those of the highest rank. -Artillery, provisions, baggage, he insisted upon seeing all -himself. He examined the equipment of every soldier; assured -himself of the health and soundness of every horse. It was plain -that, light, boastful, egotistical, in his hotel, the gentleman -became the soldier again - the high noble, a captain - in face of -the responsibility he had accepted. And yet, it must be admitted -that, whatever was the care with which he presided over the -preparations for departure, it was easy to perceive careless -precipitation, and the absence of all the precaution that make -the French solider the first soldier in the world, because, in -that world, he is the one most abandoned to his own physical and -moral resources. All things having satisfied, or appearing to -have satisfied, the admiral, he paid his compliments to Raoul, -and gave the last orders for sailing, which was ordered the next -morning at daybreak. He invited the comte had his son to dine -with him; but they, under a pretext of service, kept themselves -apart. Gaining their hostelry, situated under the trees of the -great Place, they took their repast in haste, and Athos led Raoul -to the rocks which dominate the city, vast gray mountains, whence -the view is infinite and embraces a liquid horizon which appears, -so remote is it, on a level with the rocks themselves. The night -was fine, as it always is in these happy climes. The moon, -rising behind the rocks, unrolled a silver sheet on the cerulean -carpet of the sea. In the roadsteads maneuvered silently the -vessels which had just taken their rank to facilitate the -embarkation. The sea, loaded with phosphoric light, opened -beneath the hulls of the barks that transported the baggage and -munitions; every dip of the prow plowed up this gulf of white -flames; from every oar dropped liquid diamonds. The sailors, -rejoicing in the largesses of the admiral, were heard murmuring -their slow and artless songs. Sometimes the grinding of the -chains was mixed with the dull noise of shot falling into the -holds. Such harmonies, such a spectacle, oppress the heart like -fear, and dilate it like hope. All this life speaks of death. -Athos had seated himself with his son, upon the moss, among the -brambles of the promontory. Around their heads passed and -repassed large bats, carried along by the fearful whirl of their -blind chase. The feet of Raoul were over the edge of the cliff, -bathed in that void which is peopled by vertigo, and provokes to -self-annihilation. When the moon had risen to its fullest -height, caressing with light the neighboring peaks, when the -watery mirror was illumined in its full extent, and the little -red fires had made their openings in the black masses of every -ship, Athos, collecting all his ideas and all his courage, -said:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "God has made all these -things that we see, Raoul; He has made us also, - poor atoms -mixed up with this monstrous universe. We shine like those fires -and those stars; we sigh like those waves; we suffer like those -great ships, which are worn out in plowing the waves, in obeying -the wind that urges them towards an end, as the breath of God -blows us towards a port. Everything likes to live, Raoul; and -everything seems beautiful to living things."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said Raoul, "we -have before us a beautiful spectacle!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How good D'Artagnan is!" -interrupted Athos, suddenly, "and what a rare good fortune it is -to be supported during a whole life by such a friend as he is! -That is what you have missed, Raoul."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A friend!" cried Raoul, "I -have wanted a friend!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. de Guiche is an -agreeable companion," resumed the comte, coldly, "but I believe, -in the times in which you live, men are more engaged in their own -interests and their own pleasures than they were in ours. You -have sought a secluded life; that is a great happiness, but you -have lost your strength thereby. We four, more weaned from those -delicate abstractions that constitute your joy, furnished much -more resistance when misfortune presented itself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have not interrupted you, -monsieur, to tell you that I had a friend, and that that friend -is M. de Guiche. <i>Certes</i>, he is good and generous, and -moreover he loves me. But I have lived under the guardianship of -another friendship, monsieur, as precious and as strong as that -of which you speak, since it is yours."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have not been a friend -for you, Raoul," said Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! monsieur, and in what -respect not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because I have given you -reason to think that life has but one face, because, sad and -severe, alas! I have always cut off for you, without, God knows, -wishing to do so, the joyous buds that spring incessantly from -the fair tree of youth; so that at this moment I repent of not -having made of you a more expansive, dissipated, animated -man."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I know why you say that, -monsieur. No, it is not you who have made me what I am; it was -love, which took me at the time when children only have -inclinations; it is the constancy natural to my character, which -with other creatures is but habit. I believed that I should -always be as I was; I thought God had cast me in a path quite -clear, quite straight, bordered with fruits and flowers. I had -ever watching over me your vigilance and strength. I believed -myself to be vigilant and strong. Nothing prepared me; I fell -once, and that once deprived me of courage for the whole of my -life. It is quite true that I wrecked myself. Oh, no, monsieur! -you are nothing in my past but happiness - in my future but -hope! No, I have no reproach to make against life such as you -made it for me; I bless you, and I love you ardently."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear Raoul, your words -do me good. They prove to me that you will act a little for me -in the time to come."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall only act for you, -monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Raoul, what I have never -hitherto done with respect to you, I will henceforward do. I -will be your friend, not your father. We will live in expanding -ourselves, instead of living and holding ourselves prisoners, -when you come back. And that will be soon, will it not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Certainly, monsieur, for -such an expedition cannot last long."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Soon, then, Raoul, soon, -instead of living moderately on my income, I will give you the -capital of my estates. It will suffice for launching you into -the world till my death; and you will give me, I hope, before -that time, the consolation of not seeing my race extinct."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will do all you may -command," said Raoul, much agitated.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is not necessary, Raoul, -that your duty as aide-de-camp should lead you into too hazardous -enterprises. You have gone through your ordeal; you are known to -be a true man under fire. Remember that war with Arabs is a war -of snares, ambuscades, and assassinations."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So it is said, -monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is never much glory -in falling in an ambuscade. It is a death which always implies a -little rashness or want of foresight. Often, indeed, he who -falls in one meets with but little pity. Those who are not -pitied, Raoul, have died to little purpose. Still further, the -conqueror laughs, and we Frenchmen ought not to allow stupid -infidels to triumph over our faults. Do you clearly understand -what I am saying to you, Raoul? God forbid I should encourage -you to avoid encounters."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am naturally prudent, -monsieur, and I have very good fortune," said Raoul, with a -smile which chilled the heart of his poor father; "for," the -young man hastened to add, "in twenty combats through which I -have been, I have only received one scratch."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is in addition," said -Athos, "the climate to be dreaded: that is an ugly end, to die of -fever! King Saint-Louis prayed God to send him an arrow or the -plague, rather than the fever."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, monsieur! with -sobriety, with reasonable exercise - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have already obtained -from M. de Beaufort a promise that his dispatches shall be sent -off every fortnight to France. You, as his aide-de-camp, will be -charged with expediting them, and will be sure not to forget -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, monsieur," said Raoul, -almost choked with emotion.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Besides, Raoul, as you are -a good Christian, and I am one also, we ought to reckon upon a -more special protection of God and His guardian angels. Promise -me that if anything evil should happen to you, on any occasion, -you will think of me at once."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "First and at once! Oh! -yes, monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And will call upon me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Instantly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You dream of me sometimes, -do you not, Raoul?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Every night, monsieur. -During my early youth I saw you in my dreams, calm and mild, with -one hand stretched out over my head, and that it was which made -me sleep so soundly - <i>formerly.</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We love each other too -dearly," said the comte, "that from this moment, in which we -separate, a portion of both our souls should not travel with one -and the other of us, and should not dwell wherever we may dwell. -Whenever you may be sad, Raoul, I feel that my heart will be -dissolved in sadness; and when you smile on thinking of me, be -assured you will send me, from however remote a distance, a vital -scintillation of your joy."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will not promise you to -be joyous," replied the young man; "but you may be certain that I -will never pass an hour without thinking of you, not one hour, I -swear, unless I shall be dead."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos could contain himself -no longer; he threw his arm round the neck of his son, and held -him embraced with all the power of his heart. The moon began to -be now eclipsed by twilight; a golden band surrounded the -horizon, announcing the approach of the day. Athos threw his -cloak over the shoulders of Raoul, and led him back to the city, -where burdens and porters were already in motion, like a vast -ant-hill. At the extremity of the plateau which Athos and -Bragelonne were quitting, they saw a dark shadow moving uneasily -backwards and forwards, as if in indecision or ashamed to be -seen. It was Grimaud, who in his anxiety had tracked his master, -and was there awaiting him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! my good Grimaud," cried -Raoul, "what do you want? You are come to tell us it is time to -be gone, have you not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Alone?" said Grimaud, -addressing Athos and pointing to Raoul in a tone of reproach, -which showed to what an extent the old man was troubled.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! you are right!" cried -the comte. "No, Raoul shall not go alone; no, he shall not be -left alone in a strange land without some friendly hand to -support him, some friendly heart to recall to him all he -loved!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I?" said Grimaud.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You, yes, you!" cried -Raoul, touched to the inmost heart.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Alas!" said Athos, "you are -very old, my good Grimaud."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So much the better," -replied the latter, with an inexpressible depth of feeling and -intelligence.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But the embarkation is -begun," said Raoul, "and you are not prepared."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," said Grimaud, showing -the keys of his trunks, mixed with those of his young master.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But," again objected Raoul, -"you cannot leave monsieur le comte thus alone; monsieur le -comte, whom you have never quitted?"<br> - Grimaud turned his diamond eyes upon Athos and -Raoul, as if to measure the strength of both. The comte uttered -not a word.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur le comte prefers -my going," said Grimaud.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I do," said Athos, by an -inclination of the head.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At that moment the drums -suddenly rolled, and the clarions filled the air with their -inspiring notes. The regiments destined for the expedition began -to debouch from the city. They advanced to the number of five, -each composed of forty companies. Royals marched first, -distinguished by their white uniform, faced with blue. The -<i>ordonnance</i> colors, quartered cross-wise, violet and dead -leaf, with a sprinkling of golden <i>fleurs-de-lis</i>, left the -white-colored flag, with its <i>fleur-de-lised</i> cross, to -dominate the whole. Musketeers at the wings, with their forked -sticks and their muskets on their shoulders; pikemen in the -center, with their lances, fourteen feet in length, marched gayly -towards the transports, which carried them in detail to the -ships. The regiments of Picardy, Navarre, Normandy, and Royal -Vaisseau, followed after. M. de Beaufort had known well how to -select his troops. He himself was seen closing the march with -his staff - it would take a full hour before he could reach the -sea. Raoul with Athos turned his steps slowly towards the beach, -in order to take his place when the prince embarked. Grimaud, -boiling with the ardor of a young man, superintended the -embarkation of Raoul's baggage in the admiral's vessel. Athos, -with his arm passed through that of the son he was about to lose, -absorbed in melancholy meditation, was deaf to every noise around -him. An officer came quickly towards them to inform Raoul that -M. de Beaufort was anxious to have him by his side.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have the kindness to tell -the prince," said Raoul, "that I request he will allow me this -hour to enjoy the company of my father."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, no," said Athos, "an -aide-de-camp ought not thus to quit his general. Please to tell -the prince, monsieur, that the vicomte will join him -immediately." The officer set off at a gallop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Whether we part here or -part there," added the comte, "it is no less a separation." He -carefully brushed the dust from his son's coat, and passed his -hand over his hair as they walked along. "But, Raoul," said he, -"you want money. M. de Beaufort's train will be splendid, and I -am certain it will be agreeable to you to purchase horses and -arms, which are very dear things in Africa. Now, as you are not -actually in the service of the king or M. de Beaufort, and are -simply a volunteer, you must not reckon upon either pay or -largesse. But I should not like you to want for anything at -Gigelli. Here are two hundred pistoles; if you would please me, -Raoul, spend them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Raoul pressed the hand of -his father, and, at the turning of a street, they saw M. de -Beaufort, mounted on a magnificent white <i>genet</i>, which -responded by graceful curvets to the applause of the women of the -city. The duke called Raoul, and held out his hand to the -comte. He spoke to him for some time, with such a kindly -expression that the heart of the poor father even felt a little -comforted. It was, however, evident to both father and son that -their walk amounted to nothing less than a punishment. There was -a terrible moment - that at which, on quitting the sands of the -shore, the soldiers and sailors exchanged the last kisses with -their families and friends; a supreme moment, in which, -notwithstanding the clearness of the heavens, the warmth of the -sun, of the perfumes of the air, and the rich life that was -circulating in their veins, everything appeared black, everything -bitter, everything created doubts of Providence, nay, at the -most, of God. It was customary for the admiral and his suite to -embark last; the cannon waited to announce, with its formidable -voice, that the leader had placed his foot on board his vessel. -Athos, forgetful of both the admiral and the fleet, and of his -own dignity as a strong man, opened his arms to his son, and -pressed him convulsively to his heart.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Accompany us on board," -said the duke, very much affected; "you will gain a good -half-hour."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No," said Athos, "my -farewell has been spoken, I do not wish to voice a second."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then, vicomte, embark - -embark quickly!" added the prince, wishing to spare the tears of -these two men, whose hearts were bursting. And paternally, -tenderly, very much as Porthos might have done, he took Raoul in -his arms and placed him in the boat, the oars of which, at a -signal, immediately were dipped in the waves. He himself, -forgetful of ceremony, jumped into his boat, and pushed it off -with a vigorous foot. "Adieu!" cried Raoul.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos replied only by a -sign, but he felt something burning on his hand: it was the -respectful kiss of Grimaud - the last farewell of the faithful -dog. This kiss given, Grimaud jumped from the step of the mole -upon the stem of a two-oared yawl, which had just been taken in -tow by a <i>chaland</i> served by twelve galley-oars. Athos -seated himself on the mole, stunned, deaf, abandoned. Every -instant took from him one of the features, one of the shades of -the pale face of his son. With his arms hanging down, his eyes -fixed, his mouth open, he remained confounded with Raoul - in one -same look, in one same thought, in one same stupor. The sea, by -degrees, carried away boats and faces to that distance at which -men become nothing but points, - loves, nothing but -remembrances. Athos saw his son ascend the ladder of the -admiral's ship, he saw him lean upon the rail of the deck, and -place himself in such a manner as to be always an object in the -eye of his father. In vain the cannon thundered, in vain from -the ship sounded the long and lordly tumult, responded to by -immense acclamations from the shore; in vain did the noise deafen -the ear of the father, the smoke obscured the cherished object of -his aspirations. Raoul appeared to him to the last moment; and -the imperceptible atom, passing from black to pale, from pale to -white, from white to nothing, disappeared for Athos - disappeared -very long after, to all the eyes of the spectators, had -disappeared both gallant ships and swelling sails. Towards -midday, when the sun devoured space, and scarcely the tops of the -masts dominated the incandescent limit of the sea, Athos -perceived a soft aerial shadow rise, and vanish as soon as seen. -This was the smoke of a cannon, which M. de Beaufort ordered to -be fired as a last salute to the coast of France. The point was -buried in its turn beneath the sky, and Athos returned with slow -and painful step to his deserted hostelry.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXXIV:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Among Women.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>D</span>'Artagnan had -not been able to hide his feelings from his friends so much as he -would have wished. The stoical soldier, the impassive -man-at-arms, overcome by fear and sad presentiments, had yielded, -for a few moments, to human weakness. When, therefore, he had -silenced his heart and calmed the agitation of his nerves, -turning towards his lackey, a silent servant, always listening, -in order to obey the more promptly:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Rabaud," said he, "mind, we -must travel thirty leagues a day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At your pleasure, captain," -replied Rabaud.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And from that moment, -D'Artagnan, accommodating his action to the pace of the horse, -like a true centaur, gave up his thoughts to nothing - that is to -say, to everything. He asked himself why the king had sent for -him back; why the Iron Mask had thrown the silver plate at the -feet of Raoul. As to the first subject, the reply was negative; -he knew right well that the king's calling him was from -necessity. He still further knew that Louis XIV. must experience -an imperious desire for a private conversation with one whom the -possession of such a secret placed on a level with the highest -powers of the kingdom. But as to saying exactly what the king's -wish was, D'Artagnan found himself completely at a loss. The -musketeer had no doubts, either, upon the reason which had urged -the unfortunate Philippe to reveal his character and birth. -Philippe, buried forever beneath a mask of steel, exiled to a -country where the men seemed little more than slaves of the -elements; Philippe, deprived even of the society of D'Artagnan, -who had loaded him with honors and delicate attentions, had -nothing more to see than odious specters in this world, and, -despair beginning to devour him, he poured himself forth in -complaints, in the belief that his revelations would raise up -some avenger for him. The manner in which the musketeer had been -near killing his two best friends, the destiny which had so -strangely brought Athos to participate in the great state secret, -the farewell of Raoul, the obscurity of the future which -threatened to end in a melancholy death; all this threw -D'Artagnan incessantly back on lamentable predictions and -forebodings, which the rapidity of his pace did not dissipate, as -it used formerly to do. D'Artagnan passed from these -considerations to the remembrance of the proscribed Porthos and -Aramis. He saw them both, fugitives, tracked, ruined - laborious -architects of fortunes they had lost; and as the king called for -his man of execution in hours of vengeance and malice, D'Artagnan -trembled at the very idea of receiving some commission that would -make his very soul bleed. Sometimes, ascending hills, when the -winded horse breathed hard from his red nostrils, and heaved his -flanks, the captain, left to more freedom of thought, reflected -on the prodigious genius of Aramis, a genius of acumen and -intrigue, a match to which the Fronde and the civil war had -produced but twice. Soldier, priest, diplomatist; gallant, -avaricious, cunning; Aramis had never taken the good things of -this life except as stepping-stones to rise to giddier ends. -Generous in spirit, if not lofty in heart, he never did ill but -for the sake of shining even yet more brilliantly. Towards the -end of his career, at the moment of reaching the goal, like the -patrician Fuscus, he had made a false step upon a plank, and had -fallen into the sea. But Porthos, good, harmless Porthos! To -see Porthos hungry, to see Mousqueton without gold lace, -imprisoned, perhaps; to see Pierrefonds, Bracieux, razed to the -very stones, dishonored even to the timber, - these were so many -poignant griefs for D'Artagnan, and every time that one of these -griefs struck him, he bounded like a horse at the sting of a -gadfly beneath the vaults of foliage where he has sought shady -shelter from the burning sun. Never was the man of spirit -subjected to <i>ennui</i>, if his body was exposed to fatigue; -never did the man of healthy body fail to find life light, if he -had something to engage his mind. D'Artagnan, riding fast, -thinking as constantly, alighted from his horse in Pairs, fresh -and tender in his muscles as the athlete preparing for the -gymnasium. The king did not expect him so soon, and had just -departed for the chase towards Meudon. D'Artagnan, instead of -riding after the king, as he would formerly have done, took off -his boots, had a bath, and waited till his majesty should return -dusty and tired. He occupied the interval of five hours in -taking, as people say, the air of the house, and in arming -himself against all ill chances. He learned that the king, -during the last fortnight, had been gloomy; that the queen-mother -was ill and much depressed; that Monsieur, the king's brother, -was exhibiting a devotional turn; that Madame had the vapors; and -that M. de Guiche was gone to one of his estates. He learned -that M. Colbert was radiant; that M. Fouquet consulted a fresh -physician every day, who still did not cure him, and that his -principal complaint was one which physicians do not usually cure, -unless they are political physicians. The king, D'Artagnan was -told, behaved in the kindest manner to M. Fouquet, and did not -allow him to be ever out of his sight; but the surintendant, -touched to the heart, like one of those fine trees a worm has -punctured, was declining daily, in spite of the royal smile, that -sun of court trees. D'Artagnan learned that Mademoiselle de la -Vallière had become indispensable to the king; that the -king, during his sporting excursions, if he did not take her with -him, wrote to her frequently, no longer verses, but, which was -much worse, prose, and that whole pages at a time. Thus, as the -political Pleiad of the day said, the <i>first king in the -world</i> was seen descending from his horse <i>with an ardor -beyond compare</i>, and on the crown of his hat scrawling -bombastic phrases, which M. de Saint-Aignan, aide-de-camp in -perpetuity, carried to La Vallière at the risk of -foundering his horses. During this time, deer and pheasants were -left to the free enjoyment of their nature, hunted so lazily -that, it was said, the art of venery ran great risk of -degenerating at the court of France. D'Artagnan then thought of -the wishes of poor Raoul, of that desponding letter destined for -a woman who passed her life in hoping, and as D'Artagnan loved to -philosophize a little occasionally, he resolved to profit by the -absence of the king to have a minute's talk with Mademoiselle de -la Vallière. This was a very easy affair; while the king -was hunting, Louise was walking with some other ladies in one of -the galleries of the Palais Royal, exactly where the captain of -the musketeers had some guards to inspect. D'Artagnan did not -doubt that, if he could but open the conversation on Raoul, -Louise might give him grounds for writing a consolatory letter to -the poor exile; and hope, or at least consolation for Raoul, in -the state of heart in which he had left him, was the sun, was -life to two men, who were very dear to our captain. He directed -his course, therefore, to the spot where he knew he should find -Mademoiselle de la Vallière. D'Artagnan found La -Vallière the center of the circle. In her apparent -solitude, the king's favorite received, like a queen, more, -perhaps, than the queen, a homage of which Madame had been so -proud, when all the king's looks were directed to her and -commanded the looks of the courtiers. D'Artagnan, although no -squire of dames, received, nevertheless, civilities and -attentions from the ladies; he was polite, as a brave man always -is, and his terrible reputation had conciliated as much -friendship among the men as admiration among the women. On -seeing him enter, therefore, they immediately accosted him; and, -as is not unfrequently the case with fair ladies, opened the -attack by questions. "Where <i>had</i> he been? What <i>had</i> -become of him so long? Why had they not seen him as usual make -his fine horse curvet in such beautiful style, to the delight and -astonishment of the curious from the king's balcony?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He replied that he had just -come from the land of oranges. This set all the ladies -laughing. Those were times in which everybody traveled, but in -which, notwithstanding, a journey of a hundred leagues was a -problem often solved by death.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "From the land of oranges?" -cried Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente. "From Spain?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! eh!" said the -musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "From Malta?" echoed -Montalais.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Ma foi!</i> You are -coming very near, ladies."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is it an island?" asked La -Vallière.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Mademoiselle," said -D'Artagnan; "I will not give you the trouble of seeking any -further; I come from the country where M. de Beaufort is, at this -moment, embarking for Algiers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have you seen the army?" -asked several warlike fair ones.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As plainly as I see you," -replied D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And the -fleet?"<br> -"Yes, I saw everything."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Have we any of us -any friends there?" said Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente, coldly, -but in a manner to attract attention to a question that was not -without its calculated aim.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Why," replied -D'Artagnan, "yes; there were M. de la Guillotière, M. de -Manchy, M. de Bragelonne - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>La Vallière -became pale. "M. de Bragelonne!" cried the perfidious -Athenaïs. "Eh, what! - is he gone to the wars? - he!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Montalais trod on -her toe, but all in vain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Do you know what -my opinion is?" continued she, addressing D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, mademoiselle; -but I should like very much to know it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"My opinion is, -then, that all the men who go to this war are desperate, -desponding men, whom love has treated ill; and who go to try if -they cannot find jet-complexioned women more kind than fair ones -have been."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Some of the ladies -laughed; La Vallière was evidently confused; Montalais -coughed loud enough to waken the dead.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Mademoiselle," -interrupted D'Artagnan, "you are in error when you speak of black -women at Gigelli; the women there have not jet faces; it is true -they are not white - they are yellow."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yellow!" exclaimed -the bevy of fair beauties.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Eh! do not -disparage it. I have never seen a finer color to match with -black eyes and a coral mouth."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"So much the better -for M. de Bragelonne," said Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente, with -persistent malice. "He will make amends for his loss. Poor -fellow!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>A profound silence -followed these words; and D'Artagnan had time to observe and -reflect that women - mild doves - treat each other more cruelly -than tigers. But making La Vallière pale did not satisfy -Athenaïs; she determined to make her blush likewise. -Resuming the conversation without pause, "Do you know, Louise," -said she, "that there is a great sin on your conscience?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What sin, -mademoiselle?" stammered the unfortunate girl, looking round her -for support, without finding it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Eh! - why," -continued Athenaïs, "the poor young man was affianced to -you; he loved you; you cast him off."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well, that is a -right which every honest woman has," said Montalais, in an -affected tone. "When we know we cannot constitute the happiness -of a man, it is much better to cast him off."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Cast him off! or -refuse him! - that's all very well," said Athenaïs, "but -that is not the sin Mademoiselle de la Vallière has to -reproach herself with. The actual sin is sending poor Bragelonne -to the wars; and to wars in which death is so very likely to be -met with." Louise pressed her hand over her icy brow. "And if -he dies," continued her pitiless tormentor, "you will have killed -him. That is the sin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Louise, half-dead, -caught at the arm of the captain of the musketeers, whose face -betrayed unusual emotion. "You wished to speak with me, Monsieur -d'Artagnan," said she, in a voice broken by anger and pain. -"What had you to say to me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan made -several steps along the gallery, holding Louise on his arm; then, -when they were far enough removed from the others - "What I had -to say to you, mademoiselle," replied he, "Mademoiselle de -Tonnay-Charente has just expressed; roughly and unkindly, it is -true but still in its entirety."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>She uttered a faint -cry; pierced to the heart by this new wound, she went her way, -like one of those poor birds which, struck unto death, seek the -shade of the thicket in which to die. She disappeared at one -door, at the moment the king was entering by another. The first -glance of the king was directed towards the empty seat of his -mistress. Not perceiving La Vallière, a frown came over -his brow; but as soon as he saw D'Artagnan, who bowed to him - -"Ah! monsieur!" cried he, "you <i>have</i> been diligent! I am -much pleased with you." This was the superlative expression of -royal satisfaction. Many men would have been ready to lay down -their lives for such a speech from the king. The maids of honor -and the courtiers, who had formed a respectful circle round the -king on his entrance, drew back, on observing he wished to speak -privately with his captain of the musketeers. The king led the -way out of the gallery, after having again, with his eyes, sought -everywhere for La Vallière, whose absence he could not -account for. The moment they were out of the reach of curious -ears, "Well! Monsieur d'Artagnan," said he, "the prisoner?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Is in his prison, -sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What did he say on -the road?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Nothing, -sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What did he -do?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"There was a moment -at which the fisherman - who took me in his boat to -Sainte-Marguerite - revolted, and did his best to kill me. The - -the prisoner defended me instead of attempting to fly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king became -pale. "Enough!" said he; and D'Artagnan bowed. Louis walked -about his cabinet with hasty steps. "Were you at Antibes," said -he, "when Monsieur de Beaufort came there?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, sire; I was -setting off when monsieur le duc arrived."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah!" which was -followed by a fresh silence. "Whom did you see there?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A great many -persons," said D'Artagnan, coolly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king perceived -he was unwilling to speak. "I have sent for you, monsieur le -capitaine, to desire you to go and prepare my lodgings at -Nantes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"At Nantes!" cried -D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In Bretagne."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, sire, it is -in Bretagne. Will you majesty make so long a journey as to -Nantes?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The States are -assembled there," replied the king. "I have two demands to make -of them: I wish to be there."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"When shall I set -out?" said the captain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"This evening - -to-morrow - to-morrow evening; for you must stand in need of -rest."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I have rested, -sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is well. -Then between this and to-morrow evening, when you please."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan bowed as -if to take his leave; but, perceiving the king very much -embarrassed, "Will you majesty," said he, stepping two paces -forward, "take the court with you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Certainly I -shall."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Then you majesty -will, doubtless, want the musketeers?" And the eye of the king -sank beneath the penetrating glance of the captain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Take a brigade of -them," replied Louis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Is that all? Has -your majesty no other orders to give me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No - ah - -yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I am all -attention, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"At the castle of -Nantes, which I hear is very ill arranged, you will adopt the -practice of placing musketeers at the door of each of the -principal dignitaries I shall take with me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Of the -principal?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"For instance, at -the door of M. de Lyonne?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And that of M. -Letellier?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Of M. de -Brienne?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And of monsieur le -surintendant?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Without -doubt."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Very well, sire. -By to-morrow I shall have set out."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, yes; but one -more word, Monsieur d'Artagnan. At Nantes you will meet with M. -le Duc de Gesvres, captain of the guards. Be sure that your -musketeers are placed before his guards arrive. Precedence -always belongs to the first comer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And if M. de -Gesvres should question you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Question me, -sire! Is it likely that M. de Gesvres should question me?" And -the musketeer, turning cavalierly on his heel, disappeared. "To -Nantes!" said he to himself, as he descended from the stairs. -"Why did he not dare to say, from thence to Belle-Isle?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>As he reached the -great gates, one of M. Brienne's clerks came running after him, -exclaiming, "Monsieur d'Artagnan! I beg your pardon - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What is the -matter, Monsieur Ariste?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The king has -desired me to give you this order."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Upon your -cash-box?" asked the musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, monsieur; on -that of M. Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan was -surprised, but he took the order, which was in the king's own -writing, and was for two hundred pistoles. "What!" thought he, -after having politely thanked M. Brienne's clerk, "M. Fouquet is -to pay for the journey, then! <i>Mordioux!</i> that is a bit of -pure Louis XI. Why was not this order on the chest of M. -Colbert? He would have paid it with such joy." And D'Artagnan, -faithful to his principle of never letting an order at sight get -cold, went straight to the house of M. Fouquet, to receive his -two hundred pistoles.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXXV:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Last Supper.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he -superintendent had no doubt received advice of the approaching -departure, for he was giving a farewell dinner to his friends. -From the bottom to the top of the house, the hurry of the -servants bearing dishes, and the diligence of the -<i>registres</i>, denoted an approaching change in offices and -kitchen. D'Artagnan, with his order in his hand, presented -himself at the offices, when he was told it was too late to pay -cash, the chest was closed. He only replied: "On the king's -service."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The clerk, a little put out -by the serious air of the captain, replied, that "that was a very -respectable reason, but that the customs of the house were -respectable likewise; and that, in consequence, he begged the -bearer to call again next day." D'Artagnan asked if he could not -see M. Fouquet. The clerk replied that M. le surintendant did -not interfere with such details, and rudely closed the outer door -in the captain's face. But the latter had foreseen this stroke, -and placed his boot between the door and the door-case, so that -the lock did not catch, and the clerk was still nose to nose with -his interlocutor. This made him change his tone, and say, with -terrified politeness, "If monsieur wishes to speak to M. le -surintendant, he must go to the ante-chambers; these are the -offices, where monseigneur never comes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! very well! Where are -they?" replied D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On the other side of the -court," said the clerk, delighted to be free. D'Artagnan crossed -the court, and fell in with a crowd of servants.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur sees nobody at -this hour," he was answered by a fellow carrying a vermeil dish, -in which were three pheasants and twelve quails.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Tell him," said the -captain, laying hold of the servant by the end of his dish, "that -I am M. d'Artagnan, captain of his majesty's musketeers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The fellow uttered a cry of -surprise, and disappeared; D'Artagnan following him slowly. He -arrived just in time to meet M. Pélisson in the -ante-chamber: the latter, a little pale, came hastily out of the -dining-room to learn what was the matter. D'Artagnan smiled.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is nothing -unpleasant, Monsieur Pélisson; only a little order to -receive the money for."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said Fouquet's friend, -breathing more freely; and he took the captain by the hand, and, -dragging him behind him, led him into the dining-room, where a -number of friends surrounded the surintendant, placed in the -center, and buried in the cushions of a <i>fauteuil</i>. There -were assembled all the Epicureans who so lately at Vaux had done -the honors of the mansion of wit and money in aid of M. Fouquet. -Joyous friends, for the most part faithful, they had not fled -their protector at the approach of the storm, and, in spite of -the threatening heavens, in spite of the trembling earth, they -remained there, smiling, cheerful, as devoted in misfortune as -they had been in prosperity. On the left of the surintendant sat -Madame de Bellière; on his right was Madame Fouquet; as if -braving the laws of the world, and putting all vulgar reasons of -propriety to silence, the two protecting angels of this man -united to offer, at the moment of the crisis, the support of -their twined arms. Madame de Bellière was pale, -trembling, and full of respectful attentions for madame la -surintendante, who, with one hand on her husband's, was looking -anxiously towards the door by which Pélisson had gone out -to bring D'Artagnan. The captain entered at first full of -courtesy, and afterwards of admiration, when, with his infallible -glance, he had divined as well as taken in the expression of -every face. Fouquet raised himself up in his chair.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pardon me, Monsieur -d'Artagnan," said he, "if I did not myself receive you when -coming in the king's name." And he pronounced the last words -with a sort of melancholy firmness, which filled the hearts of -all his friends with terror.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur," replied -D'Artagnan, "I only come to you in the king's name to demand -payment of an order for two hundred pistoles."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The clouds passed from every -brow but that of Fouquet, which still remained overcast.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! then," said he, -"perhaps you also are setting out for Nantes?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I do not know whither I am -setting out, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But," said Madame Fouquet, -recovered from her fright, "you are not going so soon, monsieur -le capitaine, as not to do us the honor to take a seat with -us?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Madame, I should esteem -that a great honor done me, but I am so pressed for time, that, -you see, I have been obliged to permit myself to interrupt your -repast to procure payment of my note."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The reply to which shall be -gold," said Fouquet, making a sign to his intendant, who went out -with the order D'Artagnan handed him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" said the latter, "I -was not uneasy about the payment; the house is good."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A painful smile passed over -the pale features of Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you in pain?" asked -Madame de Bellière.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you feel your attack -coming on?" asked Madame Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Neither, thank you both," -said Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your attack?" said -D'Artagnan, in his turn; "are you unwell, monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have a tertian fever, -which seized me after the <i>fête</i> at Vaux."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Caught cold in the grottos, -at night, perhaps?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, no; nothing but -agitation, that was all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The too much heart you -displayed in your reception of the king," said La Fontaine, -quietly, without suspicion that he was uttering a sacrilege.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We cannot devote too much -heart to the reception of our king," said Fouquet, mildly, to his -poet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur meant to say the -too great ardor," interrupted D'Artagnan, with perfect frankness -and much amenity. "The fact is, monseigneur, that hospitality -was never practiced as at Vaux."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Madame Fouquet permitted her -countenance to show clearly that if Fouquet had conducted himself -well towards the king, the king had hardly done the like to the -minister. But D'Artagnan knew the terrible secret. He alone -with Fouquet knew it; those two men had not, the one the courage -to complain, the other the right to accuse. The captain, to whom -the two hundred pistoles were brought, was about to take his -leave, when Fouquet, rising, took a glass of wine, and ordered -one to be given to D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said he, "to the -health of the king, <i>whatever may happen</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And to your health, -monseigneur, <i>whatever may happen</i>," said D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He bowed, with these words -of evil omen, to all the company, who rose as soon as they heard -the sound of his spurs and boots at the bottom of the stairs.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I, for a moment, thought it -was I and not my money he wanted," said Fouquet, endeavoring to -laugh.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You!" cried his friends; -"and what for, in the name of Heaven!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! do not deceive -yourselves, my dear brothers in Epicurus," said the -superintendent; "I do not wish to make a comparison between the -most humble sinner on the earth, and the God we adore, but -remember, he gave one day to his friends a repast which is called -the Last Supper, and which was nothing but a farewell dinner, -like that which we are making at this moment."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A painful cry of denial -arose from all parts of the table. "Shut the doors," said -Fouquet, and the servants disappeared. "My friends," continued -Fouquet, lowering his voice, "what was I formerly? What am I -now? Consult among yourselves and reply. A man like me sinks -when he does not continue to rise. What shall we say, then, when -he really sinks? I have no more money, no more credit; I have no -longer anything but powerful enemies, and powerless friends."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Quick!" cried -Pélisson. "Since you explain yourself with such -frankness, it is our duty to be frank, likewise. Yes, you are -ruined - yes, you are hastening to your ruin - stop. And, in the -first place, what money have we left?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Seven hundred thousand -livres," said the intendant.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bread," murmured Madame -Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Relays," said -Pélisson, "relays, and fly!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Whither?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To Switzerland - to Savoy - -but fly!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If monseigneur flies," said -Madame Bellière, "it will be said that he was guilty - was -afraid."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "More than that, it will be -said that I have carried away twenty millions with me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We will draw up memoirs to -justify you," said La Fontaine. "Fly!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will remain," said -Fouquet. "And, besides, does not everything serve me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have Belle-Isle," cried -the Abbé Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I am naturally going -there, when going to Nantes," replied the superintendent. -"Patience, then, patience!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Before arriving at Nantes, -what a distance!" said Madame Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I know that well," -replied Fouquet. "But what is to be done there? The king -summons me to the States. I know well it is for the purpose of -ruining me; but to refuse to go would be to evince -uneasiness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, I have discovered the -means of reconciling everything," cried Pélisson. "You -are going to set out for Nantes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet looked at him with -an air of surprise.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But with friends; but in -your own carriage as far as Orléans; in your own barge as -far as Nantes; always ready to defend yourself, if you are -attacked; to escape, if you are threatened. In fact, you will -carry your money against all chances; and, whilst flying, you -will only have obeyed the king; then, reaching the sea, when you -like, you will embark for Belle-Isle, and from Belle-Isle you -will shoot out wherever it may please you, like the eagle that -leaps into space when it has been driven from its eyrie."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A general assent followed -Pélisson's words. "Yes, do so," said Madame Fouquet to -her husband.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do so," said Madame de -Bellière.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do it! do it!" cried all -his friends.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will do so," replied -Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This very evening?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In an hour?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Instantly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With seven hundred thousand -livres you can lay the foundation of another fortune," said the -Abbé Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is there to prevent -our arming corsairs at Belle-Isle?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And, if necessary, we will -go and discover a new world," added La Fontaine, intoxicated with -fresh projects and enthusiasm.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A knock at the door -interrupted this concert of joy and hope. "A courier from the -king," said the master of the ceremonies.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A profound silence -immediately ensued, as if the message brought by this courier was -nothing but a reply to all the projects given birth to a moment -before. Every one waited to see what the master would do. His -brow was streaming with perspiration, and he was really suffering -from his fever at that instant. He passed into his cabinet, to -receive the king's message. There prevailed, as we have said, -such a silence in the chambers, and throughout the attendance, -that from the dining-room could be heard the voice of Fouquet, -saying, "That is well, monsieur." This voice was, however, -broken by fatigue, and trembled with emotion. An instant after, -Fouquet called Gourville, who crossed the gallery amidst the -universal expectation. At length, he himself re-appeared among -his guests; but it was no longer the same pale, spiritless -countenance they had beheld when he left them; from pale he had -become livid; and from spiritless, annihilated. A breathing, -living specter, he advanced with his arms stretched out, his -mouth parched, like a shade that comes to salute the friends of -former days. On seeing him thus, every one cried out, and every -one rushed towards Fouquet. The latter, looking at -Pélisson, leaned upon his wife, and pressed the icy hand -of the Marquise de Bellière.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," said he, in a voice -which had nothing human in it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What has happened, my God!" -said some one to him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet opened his right -hand, which was clenched, but glistening with perspiration, and -displayed a paper, upon which Pélisson cast a terrified -glance. He read the following lines, written by the king's -hand:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'DEAR AND WELL-BELOVED -MONSIEUR FOUQUET, - Give us, upon that which you have left of -ours, the sum of seven hundred thousand livres, of which we stand -in need to prepare for our departure.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'And, as we know your -health is not good, we pray God to restore you, and to have you -in His holy keeping.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'> -"'LOUIS.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'The present letter is to -serve as a receipt.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A murmur of terror -circulated through the apartment.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," cried -Pélisson, in his turn, "you have received that -letter?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Received it, yes!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What will you do, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing, since I have -received it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If I have received it, -Pélisson, I have paid it," said the surintendant, with a -simplicity that went to the heart of all present.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have paid it!" cried -Madame Fouquet. "Then we are ruined!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, no useless words," -interrupted Pélisson. "Next to money, life. Monseigneur, -to horse! to horse!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What, leave us!" at once -cried both the women, wild with grief.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! monseigneur, in saving -yourself, you save us all. To horse!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But he cannot hold himself -on. Look at him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! if he takes time to -reflect - " said the intrepid Pélisson.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is right," murmured -Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur! Monseigneur!" -cried Gourville, rushing up the stairs, four steps at once. -"Monseigneur!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! what?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I escorted, as you desired, -the king's courier with the money."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! when I arrived at the -Palais Royal, I saw - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Take breath, my poor -friend, take breath; you are suffocating."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What did you see?" cried -the impatient friends.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I saw the musketeers -mounting on horseback," said Gourville.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There, then!" cried every -voice at once; "there, then! is there an instant to be lost?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Madame Fouquet rushed -downstairs, calling for her horses; Madame de Bellière -flew after her, catching her in her arms, and saying: "Madame, in -the name of his safety, do not betray anything, do not manifest -alarm."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Pélisson ran to have -the horses put to the carriages. And, in the meantime, Gourville -gathered in his hat all that the weeping friends were able to -throw into it of gold and silver - the last offering, the pious -alms made to misery by poverty. The surintendant, dragged along -by some, carried by others, was shut up in his carriage. -Gourville took the reins, and mounted the box. Pélisson -supported Madame Fouquet, who had fainted. Madame de -Bellière had more strength, and was well paid for it; she -received Fouquet's last kiss. Pélisson easily explained -this precipitate departure by saying that an order from the king -had summoned the minister to Nantes.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXXVI:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>In -M. Colbert's Carriage.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>A</span>s Gourville -had seen, the king's musketeers were mounting and following their -captain. The latter, who did not like to be confined in his -proceedings, left his brigade under the orders of a lieutenant, -and set off on post horses, recommending his men to use all -diligence. However rapidly they might travel, they could not -arrive before him. He had time, in passing along the Rue des -Petits-Champs, to see something which afforded him plenty of food -for thought and conjecture. He saw M. Colbert coming out from -his house to get into his carriage, which was stationed before -the door. In this carriage D'Artagnan perceived the hoods of two -women, and being rather curious, he wished to know the names of -the ladies hid beneath these hoods. To get a glimpse at them, -for they kept themselves closely covered up, he urged his horse -so near the carriage, that he drove him against the step with -such force as to shake everything containing and contained. The -terrified women uttered, the one a faint cry, by which D'Artagnan -recognized a young woman, the other an imprecation, in which he -recognized the vigor and <i>àplomb</i> that half a century -bestows. The hoods were thrown back: one of the women was Madame -Vanel, the other the Duchesse de Chevreuse. D'Artagnan's eyes -were quicker than those of the ladies; he had seen and known -them, whilst they did not recognize him; and as they laughed at -their fright, pressing each other's hands, -</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Humph!" said D'Artagnan, -"the old duchesse is no more inaccessible to friendship than -formerly. <i>She</i> paying her court to the mistress of M. -Colbert! Poor M. Fouquet! that presages you nothing good!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He rode on. M. Colbert got -into his carriage and the distinguished trio commenced a -sufficiently slow pilgrimage toward the wood of Vincennes. -Madame de Chevreuse set down Madame Vanel at her husband's house, -and, left alone with M. Colbert, chatted upon affairs whilst -continuing her ride. She had an inexhaustible fund of -conversation, that dear duchesse, and as she always talked for -the ill of others, though ever with a view to her own good, her -conversation amused her interlocutor, and did not fail to leave a -favorable impression.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> She taught Colbert, who, -poor man! was ignorant of the fact, how great a minister he was, -and how Fouquet would soon become a cipher. She promised to -rally around him, when he should become surintendant, all the old -nobility of the kingdom, and questioned him as to the -preponderance it would be proper to allow La Vallière. -She praised him, she blamed him, she bewildered him. She showed -him the secret of so many secrets that, for a moment, Colbert -thought he was doing business with the devil. She proved to him -that she held in her hand the Colbert of to-day, as she had held -the Fouquet of yesterday; and as he asked her very simply the -reason of her hatred for the surintendant: "Why do you yourself -hate him?" said she.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Madame, in politics," -replied he, "the differences of system oft bring about -dissentions between men. M. Fouquet always appeared to me to -practice a system opposed to the true interests of the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> She interrupted him. - "I -will say no more to you about M. Fouquet. The journey the king -is about to take to Nantes will give a good account of him. M. -Fouquet, for me, is a man gone by - and for you also."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert made no reply. "On -his return from Nantes," continued the duchesse, "the king, who -is only anxious for a pretext, will find that the States have not -behaved well - that they have made too few sacrifices. The -States will say that the imposts are too heavy, and that the -surintendant has ruined them. The king will lay all the blame on -M. Fouquet, and then - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And then?" said -Colbert.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! he will be disgraced. -Is not that your opinion?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert darted a glance at -the duchesse, which plainly said: "If M. Fouquet be only -disgraced, you will not be the cause of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your place, M. Colbert," -the duchesse hastened to say, "must be a high place. Do you -perceive any one between the king and yourself, after the fall of -M. Fouquet?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I do not understand," said -he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You <i>will</i> -understand. To what does your ambition aspire?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have none."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It was useless, then, to -overthrow the superintendent, Monsieur Colbert. It was -idle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I had the honor to tell -you, madame - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! yes, I know, all about -the interest of the king - but, if you please, we will speak of -your own."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Mine! that is to say, the -affairs of his majesty."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In short, are you, or are -you not endeavoring to ruin M. Fouquet? Answer without -evasion."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Madame, I ruin nobody."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am endeavoring to -comprehend, then, why you purchased from me the letters of M. -Mazarin concerning M. Fouquet. Neither can I conceive why you -have laid those letters before the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert, half stupefied, -looked at the duchesse with an air of constraint.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Madame," said he, "I can -less easily conceive how you, who received the money, can -reproach me on that head - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is," said the old -duchesse, "because we must will that which we wish for, unless we -are not able to obtain what we wish."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Will!</i>" said Colbert, -quite confounded by such coarse logic.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are not able, -<i>hein!</i> Speak."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am not able, I allow, to -destroy certain influences near the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That fight in favor of M. -Fouquet? What are they? Stop, let me help you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do, madame."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "La Vallière?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! very little influence; -no knowledge of business, and small means. M. Fouquet has paid -his court to her."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To defend him would be to -accuse herself, would it not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I think it would."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is still another -influence, what do you say to that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is it considerable?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"The queen-mother, -perhaps?"<br> -"Her majesty, the queen-mother, has a weakness for M. Fouquet -very prejudicial to her son."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Never believe -that," said the old duchesse, smiling.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Oh!" said Colbert, -with incredulity, "I have often experienced it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Formerly?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Very recently, -madame, at Vaux. It was she who prevented the king from having -M. Fouquet arrested."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"People do not -forever entertain the same opinions, my dear monsieur. That -which the queen may have wished recently, she would not wish, -perhaps, to-day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And why not?" said -Colbert, astonished.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! the reason is -of very little consequence."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"On the contrary, I -think it is of great consequence; for, if I were certain of not -displeasing her majesty, the queen-mother, my scruples would be -all removed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well! have you -never heard talk of a certain secret?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A secret?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Call it what you -like. In short, the queen-mother has conceived a bitter hatred -for all those who have participated, in one fashion or another, -in the discovery of this secret, and M. Fouquet I believe is one -of these."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Then," said -Colbert, "we may be sure of the assent of the queen-mother?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I have just left -her majesty, and she assures me so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"So be it, then, -madame."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But there is -something further; do you happen to know a man who was the -intimate friend of M. Fouquet, M. d'Herblay, a bishop, I -believe?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Bishop of -Vannes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well! this M. -d'Herblay, who also knew the secret, the queen-mother is pursuing -with the utmost rancor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Indeed!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"So hotly pursued, -that if he were dead, she would not be satisfied with anything -less than his head, to satisfy her he would never speak -again."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And is that the -desire of the queen-mother?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"An order is given -for it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"This Monsieur -d'Herblay shall be sought for, madame."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! it is well -known where he is."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Colbert looked at -the duchesse.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Say where, -madame."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He is at -Belle-Île-en-Mer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"At the residence -of M. Fouquet?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"At the residence -of M. Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He shall be -taken."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>It was now the -duchesse's turn to smile. "Do not fancy the capture so easy," -said she; "do not promise it so lightly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Why not, -madame?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Because M. -d'Herblay is not one of those people who can be taken when and -where you please."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He is a rebel, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! Monsieur -Colbert, we have passed all our lives in making rebels, and yet -you see plainly, that so far from being taken, we take -others."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Colbert fixed upon -the old duchesse one of those fierce looks of which no words can -convey the expression, accompanied by a firmness not altogether -wanting in grandeur. "The times are gone," said he, "in which -subjects gained duchies by making war against the king of -France. If M. d'Herblay conspires, he will perish on the -scaffold. That will give, or will not give, pleasure to his -enemies, - a matter, by the way, of little importance to -<i>us</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And this <i>us</i>, -a strange word in the mouth of Colbert, made the duchesse -thoughtful for a moment. She caught herself reckoning inwardly -with this man - Colbert had regained his superiority in the -conversation, and he meant to keep it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You ask me, -madame," he said, "to have this M. d'Herblay arrested?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I? - I ask you -nothing of the kind!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I thought you did, -madame. But as I have been mistaken, we will leave him alone; -the king has said nothing about him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The duchesse bit -her nails.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Besides," -continued Colbert, "what a poor capture would this bishop be! A -bishop game for a king! Oh! no, no; I will not even take the -slightest notice of him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The hatred of the -duchesse now discovered itself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Game for a woman!" -said she. "Is not the queen a woman? If she wishes M. d'Herblay -arrested, she has her reasons. Besides, is not M. d'Herblay the -friend of him who is doomed to fall?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! never mind -that," said Colbert. "This man shall be spared, if he is not the -enemy of the king. Is that displeasing to you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I say -nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes - you wish to -see him in prison, in the Bastile, for instance."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I believe a secret -better concealed behind the walls of the Bastile than behind -those of Belle-Isle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I will speak to -the king about it; he will clear up the point."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And whilst waiting -for that enlightenment, Monsieur l'Evêque de Vannes will -have escaped. I would do so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Escaped! he! and -whither should he escape? Europe is ours, in will, if not in -fact."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He will always -find an asylum, monsieur. It is evident you know nothing of the -man you have to do with. You do not know D'Herblay; you do not -know Aramis. He was one of those four musketeers who, under the -late king, made Cardinal de Richelieu tremble, and who, during -the regency, gave so much trouble to Monseigneur Mazarin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But, madame, what -can he do, unless he has a kingdom to back him?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He has one, -monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A kingdom, he! -what, Monsieur d'Herblay?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I repeat to you, -monsieur, that if he wants a kingdom, he either has it or will -have it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well, as you are -so earnest that this rebel should not escape, madame, I promise -you he shall not escape."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Belle-Isle is -fortified, M. Colbert, and fortified by him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"If Belle-Isle were -also defended by him, Belle-Isle is not impregnable; and if -Monsieur l'Evêque de Vannes is shut up in Belle-Isle, well, -madame, the place shall be besieged, and he will be taken."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You may be very -certain, monsieur, that the zeal you display in the interest of -the queen-mother will please her majesty mightily, and you will -be magnificently rewarded; but what shall I tell her of your -projects respecting this man?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That when once -taken, he shall be shut up in a fortress from which her secret -shall never escape."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Very well, -Monsieur Colbert, and we may say, that, dating from this instant, -we have formed a solid alliance, that is, you and I, and that I -am absolutely at your service."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is I, madame, -who place myself at yours. This Chevalier d'Herblay is a kind of -Spanish spy, is he not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Much more."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A secret -ambassador?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Higher still."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Stop - King -Phillip III. of Spain is a bigot. He is, perhaps, the confessor -of Phillip III."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You must go higher -even than that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"<i>Mordieu!</i>" -cried Colbert, who forgot himself so far as to swear in the -presence of this great lady, of this old friend of the -queen-mother. "He must then be the general of the Jesuits."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I believe you have -guessed it at last," replied the duchesse.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah! then, madame, -this man will ruin us all if we do not ruin him; and we must make -haste, too."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Such was my -opinion, monsieur, but I did not dare to give it you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And it was lucky -for us he has attacked the throne, and not us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But, mark this -well, M. Colbert. M. d'Herblay is never discouraged; if he has -missed one blow, he will be sure to make another; he will begin -again. If he has allowed an opportunity to escape of making a -king for himself, sooner or later, he will make another, of whom, -to a certainty, you will not be prime minister."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Colbert knitted his -brow with a menacing expression. "I feel assured that a prison -will settle this affair for us, madame, in a manner satisfactory -for both."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The duchesse smiled -again.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! if you knew," -said she, "how many times Aramis has got out of prison!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh!" replied -Colbert, "we will take care that he shall not get out <i>this</i> -time."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But you were not -attending to what I said to you just now. Do you remember that -Aramis was one of the four invincibles whom Richelieu so -dreaded? And at that period the four musketeers were not in -possession of that which they have now - money and -experience."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Colbert bit his -lips.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"We will renounce -the idea of the prison," said he, in a lower tone: "we will find -a little retreat from which the invincible cannot possibly -escape."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That was well -spoken, our ally!" replied the duchesse. "But it is getting -late; had we not better return?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The more -willingly, madame, from my having my preparations to make for -setting out with the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To Paris!" cried -the duchesse to the coachman.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And the carriage -returned towards the Faubourg Saint Antoine, after the conclusion -of the treaty that gave to death the last friend of Fouquet, the -last defender of Belle-Isle, the former friend of Marie Michon, -the new foe of the old duchesse.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXXVII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Two Lighters.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>D</span>'Artagnan had -set off; Fouquet likewise was gone, and with a rapidity which -doubled the tender interest of his friends. The first moments of -this journey, or better say, this flight, were troubled by a -ceaseless dread of every horse and carriage to be seen behind the -fugitive. It was not natural, in fact, if Louis XIV. was -determined to seize this prey, that he should allow it to escape; -the young lion was already accustomed to the chase, and he had -bloodhounds sufficiently clever to be trusted. But insensibly -all fears were dispersed; the surintendant, by hard traveling, -placed such a distance between himself and his persecutors, that -no one of them could reasonably be expected to overtake him. As -to his position, his friends had made it excellent for him. Was -he not traveling to join the king at Nantes, and what did the -rapidity prove but his zeal to obey? He arrived, fatigued, but -reassured, at Orléans, where he found, thanks to the care -of a courier who had preceded him, a handsome lighter of eight -oars. These lighters, in the shape of gondolas, somewhat wide -and heavy, containing a small chamber, covered by the deck, and a -chamber in the poop, formed by a tent, then acted as -passage-boats from Orléans to Nantes, by the Loire, and -this passage, a long one in our days, appeared then more easy and -convenient than the high-road, with its post-hacks and its -ill-hung carriages. Fouquet went on board this lighter, which -set out immediately. The rowers, knowing they had the honor of -conveying the surintendant of the finances, pulled with all their -strength, and that magic word, the <i>finances</i>, promised them -a liberal gratification, of which they wished to prove themselves -worthy. The lighter seemed to leap the mimic waves of the -Loire. Magnificent weather, a sunrise that empurpled all the -landscape, displayed the river in all its limpid serenity. The -current and the rowers carried Fouquet along as wings carry a -bird, and he arrived before Beaugency without the slightest -accident having signalized the voyage. Fouquet hoped to be the -first to arrive at Nantes; there he would see the notables and -gain support among the principal members of the States; he would -make himself a necessity, a thing very easy for a man of his -merit, and would delay the catastrophe, if he did not succeed in -avoiding it entirely. "Besides," said Gourville to him, "at -Nantes, you will make out, or we will make out, the intentions of -your enemies; we will have horses always ready to convey you to -Poitou, a bark in which to gain the sea, and when once upon the -open sea, Belle-Isle is your inviolable port. You see, besides, -that no one is watching you, no one is following." He had -scarcely finished when they discovered at a distance, behind an -elbow formed by the river, the masts of a huge lighter coming -down. The rowers of Fouquet's boat uttered a cry of surprise on -seeing this galley.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the matter?" asked -Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The matter is, -monseigneur," replied the patron of the bark, "that it is a truly -remarkable thing - that lighter comes along like a -hurricane."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Gourville started, and -mounted to the deck, in order to obtain a better view.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet did not go up with -him, but said to Gourville, with restrained mistrust: "See what -it is, dear friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The lighter had just passed -the elbow. It came on so fast, that behind it might be plainly -seen the white wake illumined with the fires of the day.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How they go," repeated the -skipper, "how they go! They must be well paid! I did not -think," he added, "that oars of wood could behave better than -ours, but yonder oarsmen prove the contrary."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well they may," said one of -the rowers, "they are twelve, and we but eight."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Twelve rowers!" replied -Gourville, "twelve! impossible."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The number of eight rowers -for a lighter had never been exceeded, even for the king. This -honor had been paid to monsieur le surintendant, more for the -sake of haste than of respect.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What does it mean?" said -Gourville, endeavoring to distinguish beneath the tent, which was -already apparent, travelers which the most piercing eye could not -yet have succeeded in discovering.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They must be in a hurry, -for it is not the king," said the patron.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet shuddered.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "By what sign do you know -that it is not the king?" said Gourville.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In the first place, because -there is no white flag with fleurs-de-lis, which the royal -lighter always carries."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And then," said Fouquet, -"because it is impossible it should be the king, Gourville, as -the king was still in Paris yesterday."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Gourville replied to the -surintendant by a look which said: "You were there yourself -yesterday."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And by what sign -do you make out they are in such haste?" added he, for the sake -of gaining time.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"By this, -monsieur," said the patron; "these people must have set out a -long while after us, and they have already nearly overtaken -us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Bah!" said -Gourville, "who told you that they do not come from Beaugency or -from Moit even?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"We have seen no -lighter of that shape, except at Orléans. It comes from -Orléans, monsieur, and makes great haste."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet and -Gourville exchanged a glance. The captain remarked their -uneasiness, and, to mislead him, Gourville immediately said:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Some friend, who -has laid a wager he would catch us; let us win the wager, and not -allow him to come up with us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The patron opened -his mouth to say that it was quite impossible, but Fouquet said -with much <i>hauteur</i>, - "If it is any one who wishes to -overtake us, let him come."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"We can try, -monseigneur," said the man, timidly. "Come, you fellows, put out -your strength; row, row!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No," said Fouquet, -"on the contrary; stop short."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur! what -folly!" interrupted Gourville, stooping towards his ear.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Pull up!" repeated -Fouquet. The eight oars stopped, and resisting the water, -created a retrograde motion. It stopped. The twelve rowers in -the other did not, at first, perceive this maneuver, for they -continued to urge on their boat so vigorously that it arrived -quickly within musket-shot. Fouquet was short-sighted, Gourville -was annoyed by the sun, now full in his eyes; the skipper alone, -with that habit and clearness which are acquired by a constant -struggle with the elements, perceived distinctly the travelers in -the neighboring lighter.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I can see them!" -cried he; "there are two."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I can see -nothing," said Gourville.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You will not be -long before you distinguish them; in twenty strokes of their oars -they will be within ten paces of us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>But what the patron -announced was not realized; the lighter imitated the movement -commanded by Fouquet, and instead of coming to join its pretended -friends, it stopped short in the middle of the river.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I cannot -comprehend this," said the captain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Nor I," cried -Gourville.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You who can see so -plainly the people in that lighter," resumed Fouquet, "try to -describe them to us, before we are too far off."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I thought I saw -two," replied the boatman. "I can only see one now, under the -tent."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What sort of man -is he?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He is a dark man, -broad-shouldered, bull-necked."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>A little cloud at -that moment passed across the azure, darkening the sun. -Gourville, who was still looking, with one hand over his eyes, -became able to see what he sought, and all at once, jumping from -the deck into the chamber where Fouquet awaited him: "Colbert!" -said he, in a voice broken by emotion.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Colbert!" repeated -Fouquet. "Too strange! but no, it is impossible!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I tell you I -recognized him, and he, at the same time, so plainly recognized -me, that he is just gone into the chamber on the poop. Perhaps -the king has sent him on our track."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In that case he -would join us, instead of lying by. What is he doing there?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He is watching us, -without a doubt."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I do not like -uncertainty," said Fouquet; "let us go straight up to him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! monseigneur, -do not do that, the lighter is full of armed men."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He wishes to -arrest me, then, Gourville? Why does he not come on?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur, it is -not consistent with your dignity to go to meet even your -ruin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But to allow them -to watch me like a malefactor!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Nothing yet proves -that they are watching you, monseigneur; be patient!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What is to be -done, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Do not stop; you -were only going so fast to appear to obey the king's order with -zeal. Redouble the speed. He who lives will see!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is better. -Come!" cried Fouquet; "since they remain stock-still yonder, let -us go on."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The captain gave -the signal, and Fouquet's rowers resumed their task with all the -success that could be looked for from men who had rested. -Scarcely had the lighter made a hundred fathoms, than the other, -that with the twelve rowers, resumed its rapid course. This -position lasted all day, without any increase or diminution of -distance between the two vessels. Towards evening Fouquet wished -to try the intentions of his persecutor. He ordered his rowers -to pull towards the shore, as if to effect a landing. Colbert's -lighter imitated this maneuver, and steered towards the shore in -a slanting direction. By the merest chance, at the spot where -Fouquet pretended to wish to land, a stableman, from the -château of Langeais, was following the flowery banks -leading three horses in halters. Without doubt the people of the -twelve-oared lighter fancied that Fouquet was directing his -course to these horses ready for flight, for four or five men, -armed with muskets, jumped from the lighter on to the shore, and -marched along the banks, as if to gain ground on the horseman. -Fouquet, satisfied of having forced the enemy to a demonstration, -considered his intention evident, and put his boat in motion -again. Colbert's people returned likewise to theirs, and the -course of the two vessels was resumed with fresh perseverance. -Upon seeing this, Fouquet felt himself threatened closely, and in -a prophetic voice - "Well, Gourville," said he, whisperingly, -"what did I say at our last repast, at my house? Am I going, or -not, to my ruin?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! -monseigneur!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"These two boats, -which follow each other with so much emulation, as if we were -disputing, M. Colbert and I, a prize for swiftness on the Loire, -do they not aptly represent our fortunes; and do you not believe, -Gourville, that one of the two will be wrecked at Nantes?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"At least," -objected Gourville, "there is still uncertainty; you are about to -appear at the States; you are about to show what sort of man you -are; your eloquence and genius for business are the buckler and -sword that will serve to defend you, if not to conquer with. The -Bretons do not know you; and when they become acquainted with you -your cause is won! Oh! let M. Colbert look to it well, for his -lighter is as much exposed as yours to being upset. Both go -quickly, his faster than yours, it is true; we shall see which -will be wrecked first."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet, taking -Gourville's hand - "My friend," said he, "everything considered, -remember the proverb, 'First come, first served!' Well! M. -Colbert takes care not to pass me. He is a prudent man is M. -Colbert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>He was right; the -two lighters held their course as far as Nantes, watching each -other. When the surintendant landed, Gourville hoped he should -be able to seek refuge at once, and have the relays prepared. -But, at the landing, the second lighter joined the first, and -Colbert, approaching Fouquet, saluted him on the quay with marks -of the profoundest respect - marks so significant, so public, -that their result was the bringing of the whole population upon -La Fosse. Fouquet was completely self-possessed; he felt that in -his last moments of greatness he had obligations towards -himself. He wished to fall from such a height that his fall -should crush some of his enemies. Colbert was there - so much -the worse for Colbert. The surintendant, therefore, coming up to -him, replied, with that arrogant semi-closure of the eyes -peculiar to him - "What! is that you, M. Colbert?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To offer you my -respects, monseigneur," said the latter.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Were you in that -lighter?" - pointing to the one with twelve rowers.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Of twelve rowers?" -said Fouquet; "what luxury, M. Colbert. For a moment I thought -it was the queen-mother."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monseigneur!" - -and Colbert blushed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"This is a voyage -that will cost those who have to pay for it dear, Monsieur -l'Intendant!" said Fouquet. "But you have, happily, arrived! - -You see, however," added he, a moment after, "that I, who had but -eight rowers, arrived before you." And he turned his back -towards him, leaving him uncertain whether the maneuvers of the -second lighter had escaped the notice of the first. At least he -did not give him the satisfaction of showing that he had been -frightened. Colbert, so annoyingly attacked, did not give -way.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I have not been -quick, monseigneur," he replied, "because I followed your example -whenever you stopped."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And why did you do -that, Monsieur Colbert?" cried Fouquet, irritated by the base -audacity; "as you had a superior crew to mine, why did you not -either join me or pass me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Out of respect," -said the intendant, bowing to the ground.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet got into a -carriage which the city had sent to him, we know not why or how, -and he repaired to <i>la Maison de Nantes</i>, escorted by a vast -crowd of people, who for several days had been agog with -expectation of a convocation of the States. Scarcely was he -installed when Gourville went out to order horses on the route to -Poitiers and Vannes, and a boat at Paimbœf. He performed -these various operations with so much mystery, activity, and -generosity, that never was Fouquet, then laboring under an attack -of fever, more nearly saved, except for the counteraction of that -immense disturber of human projects, - chance. A report was -spread during the night, that the king was coming in great haste -on post horses, and would arrive in ten or twelve hours at the -latest. The people, while waiting for the king, were greatly -rejoiced to see the musketeers, newly arrived, with Monsieur -d'Artagnan, their captain, and quartered in the castle, of which -they occupied all the posts, in quality of guard of honor. M. -d'Artagnan, who was very polite, presented himself, about ten -o'clock, at the lodgings of the surintendant to pay his -respectful compliments; and although the minister suffered from -fever, although he was in such pain as to be bathed in sweat, he -would receive M. d'Artagnan, who was delighted with that honor, -as will be seen by the conversation they had together.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXXVIII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Friendly Advice.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>F</span>ouquet had -gone to bed, like a man who clings to life, and wishes to -economize, as much as possible, that slender tissue of existence, -of which the shocks and frictions of this world so quickly wear -out the tenuity. D'Artagnan appeared at the door of this -chamber, and was saluted by the superintendent with a very -affable "Good day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Bon jour!</i> -monseigneur," replied the musketeer; "how did you get through the -journey?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Tolerably well, thank -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And the fever?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But poorly. I drink, as -you perceive. I am scarcely arrived, and I have already levied a -contribution of <i>tisane</i> upon Nantes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You should sleep first, -monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! <i>corbleu!</i> my dear -Monsieur d'Artagnan, I should be very glad to sleep."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Who hinders -you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Why, <i>you</i> in -the first place."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I? Oh, -monseigneur!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No doubt you do. -Is it at Nantes as at Paris? Do you not come in the king's -name?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"For Heaven's sake, -monseigneur," replied the captain, "leave the king alone! The -day on which I shall come on the part of the king, for the -purpose you mean, take my word for it, I will not leave you long -in doubt. You will see me place my hand on my sword, according -to the <i>ordonnance</i>, and you will hear my say at once, in -ceremonial voice, 'Monseigneur, in the name of the king, I arrest -you!'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You promise me -that frankness?" said the superintendent.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Upon my honor! -But we have not come to that, believe me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What makes you -think that, M. d'Artagnan? For my part, I think quite the -contrary."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I have heard speak -of nothing of the kind," replied D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Eh! eh!" said -Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Indeed, no. You -are an agreeable man, in spite of your fever. The king should -not, cannot help loving you, at the bottom of his heart."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet's -expression implied doubt. "But M. Colbert?" said he; "does M. -Colbert love me as much as you say?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I am not speaking -of M. Colbert," replied D'Artagnan. "He is an exceptional man. -He does not love you; so much is very possible; but, -<i>mordioux!</i> the squirrel can guard himself against the adder -with very little trouble."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Do you know that -you are speaking to me quite as a friend?" replied Fouquet; "and -that, upon my life! I have never met with a man of your -intelligence, and heart?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You are pleased to -say so," replied D'Artagnan. "Why did you wait till to-day to -pay me such a compliment?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Blind that we -are!" murmured Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your voice is -getting hoarse," said D'Artagnan; "drink, monseigneur, drink!" -And he offered him a cup of <i>tisane</i>, with the most friendly -cordiality; Fouquet took it, and thanked him by a gentle smile. -"Such things only happen to me," said the musketeer. "I have -passed ten years under your very beard, while you were rolling -about tons of gold. You were clearing an annual pension of four -millions; you never observed me; and you find out there is such a -person in the world, just at the moment you - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Just at the moment -I am about to fall," interrupted Fouquet. "That is true, my dear -Monsieur d'Artagnan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I did not say -so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But you thought -so; and that is the same thing. Well! if I fall, take my word as -truth, I shall not pass a single day without saying to myself, as -I strike my brow, 'Fool! fool! - stupid mortal! You had a -Monsieur d'Artagnan under your eye and hand, and you did not -employ him, you did not enrich him!'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You overwhelm me," -said the captain. "I esteem you greatly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"There exists -another man, then, who does not think as M. Colbert thinks," said -the surintendant.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"How this M. -Colbert looms up in your imagination! He is worse than -fever!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! I have good -cause," said Fouquet. "Judge for yourself." And he related the -details of the course of the lighters, and the hypocritical -persecution of Colbert. "Is not this a clear sign of my -ruin?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan became -very serious. "That is true," he said. "Yes; it has an unsavory -odor, as M. de Tréville used to say." And he fixed on M. -Fouquet his intelligent and significant look.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Am I not clearly -designated in that, captain? Is not the king bringing me to -Nantes to get me away from Paris, where I have so many creatures, -and to possess himself of Belle-Isle?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Where M. d'Herblay -is," added D'Artagnan. Fouquet raised his head. "As for me, -monseigneur," continued D'Artagnan, "I can assure you the king -has said nothing to me against you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Indeed!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The king commanded -me to set out for Nantes, it is true; and to say nothing about it -to M. de Gesvres."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"My friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To M. de Gesvres, -yes, monseigneur," continued the musketeer, whose eyes did not -cease to speak a language different from the language of his -lips. "The king, moreover, commanded me to take a brigade of -musketeers, which is apparently superfluous, as the country is -quite quiet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A brigade!" said -Fouquet, raising himself upon his elbow.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ninety-six -horsemen, yes, monseigneur. The same number as were employed in -arresting MM. de Chalais, de Cinq-Mars, and Montmorency."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet pricked up -his ears at these words, pronounced without apparent value. "And -what else?" said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! nothing but -insignificant orders; such as guarding the castle, guarding every -lodging, allowing none of M. de Gesvres's guards to occupy a -single post."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And as to myself," -cried Fouquet, "what orders had you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"As to you, -monseigneur? - not the smallest word."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur -d'Artagnan, my safety, my honor, perhaps my life are at stake. -You would not deceive me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I? - to what end? -Are you threatened? Only there really is an order with respect -to carriages and boats - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"An order?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes; but it cannot -concern you - a simple measure of police."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What is it, -captain? - what is it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To forbid all -horses or boats to leave Nantes, without a pass, signed by the -king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Great God! but - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan began to -laugh. "All that is not to be put into execution before the -arrival of the king at Nantes. So that you see plainly, -monseigneur, the order in nowise concerns you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet became -thoughtful, and D'Artagnan feigned not to observe his -preoccupation. "It is evident, by my thus confiding to you the -orders which have been given to me, that I am friendly towards -you, and that I am trying to prove to you that none of them are -directed against you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Without doubt! - -without doubt!" said Fouquet, still absent.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Let us -recapitulate," said the captain, his glance beaming with -earnestness. "A special guard about the castle, in which your -lodging is to be, is it not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Do you know the -castle?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah! monseigneur, a -regular prison! The absence of M. de Gesvres, who has the honor -of being one of your friends. The closing of the gates of the -city, and of the river without a pass; but, only when the king -shall have arrived. Please to observe, Monsieur Fouquet, that -if, instead of speaking to man like you, who are one of the first -in the kingdom, I were speaking to a troubled, uneasy conscience -- I should compromise myself forever. What a fine opportunity -for any one who wished to be free! No police, no guards, no -orders; the water free, the roads free, Monsieur d'Artagnan -obliged to lend his horses, if required. All this ought to -reassure you, Monsieur Fouquet, for the king would not have left -me thus independent, if he had any sinister designs. In truth, -Monsieur Fouquet, ask me whatever you like, I am at your service; -and, in return, if you will consent to do it, do me a service, -that of giving my compliments to Aramis and Porthos, in case you -embark for Belle-Isle, as you have a right to do without changing -your dress, immediately, in your <i>robe de chambre</i> - just as -you are." Saying these words, and with a profound bow, the -musketeer, whose looks had lost none of their intelligent -kindness, left the apartment. He had not reached the steps of -the vestibule, when Fouquet, quite beside himself, hung to the -bell-rope, and shouted, "My horses! - my lighter!" But nobody -answered. The surintendant dressed himself with everything that -came to hand.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Gourville! - -Gourville!" cried he, while slipping his watch into his pocket. -And the bell sounded again, whilst Fouquet repeated, "Gourville! -- Gourville!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Gourville at length -appeared, breathless and pale.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Let us be gone! -Let us be gone!" cried Fouquet, as soon as he saw him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is too late!" -said the surintendant's poor friend.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Too late! - -why?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Listen!" And they -heard the sounds of trumpets and drums in front of the -castle.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What does that -mean, Gourville?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It means the king -is come, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The king!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The king, who has -ridden double stages, who has killed horses, and who is eight -hours in advance of all our calculations."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"We are lost!" -murmured Fouquet. "Brave D'Artagnan, all is over, thou has -spoken to me too late!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king, in fact, -was entering the city, which soon resounded with the cannon from -the ramparts, and from a vessel which replied from the lower -parts of the river. Fouquet's brow darkened; he called his -<i>valets de chambre</i> and dressed in ceremonial costume. From -his window, behind the curtains, he could see the eagerness of -the people, and the movement of a large troop, which had followed -the prince. The king was conducted to the castle with great -pomp, and Fouquet saw him dismount under the portcullis, and say -something in the ear of D'Artagnan, who held his stirrup. -D'Artagnan, when the king had passed under the arch, directed his -steps towards the house Fouquet was in; but so slowly, and -stopping so frequently to speak to his musketeers, drawn up like -a hedge, that it might be said he was counting the seconds, or -the steps, before accomplishing his object. Fouquet opened the -window to speak to him in the court.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah!" cried -D'Artagnan, on perceiving him, "are you still there, -monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And that word -<i>still</i> completed the proof to Fouquet of how much -information and how many useful counsels were contained in the -first visit the musketeer had paid him. The surintendant sighed -deeply. "Good heavens! yes, monsieur," replied he. "The arrival -of the king has interrupted me in the projects I had formed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, then you know -that the king has arrived?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, monsieur, I -have seen him; and this time you come from him - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To inquire after -you, monseigneur; and, if your health is not too bad, to beg you -to have the kindness to repair to the castle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Directly, Monsieur -d'Artagnan, directly!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah, -<i>mordioux!</i>" said the captain, "now the king is come, there -is no more walking for anybody - no more free will; the password -governs all now, you as much as me, me as much as you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet heaved a -last sigh, climbed with difficulty into his carriage, so great -was his weakness, and went to the castle, escorted by D'Artagnan, -whose politeness was not less terrifying this time than it had -just before been consoling and cheerful.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XXXIX:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>How -the King, Louis XIV., Played His Little Part.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>A</span>s Fouquet was -alighting from his carriage, to enter the castle of Nantes, a man -of mean appearance went up to him with marks of the greatest -respect, and gave him a letter. D'Artagnan endeavored to prevent -this man from speaking to Fouquet, and pushed him away, but the -message had been given to the surintendant. Fouquet opened the -letter and read it, and instantly a vague terror, which -D'Artagnan did not fail to penetrate, was painted on the -countenance of the first minister. Fouquet put the paper into -the portfolio which he had under his arm, and passed on towards -the king's apartments. D'Artagnan, through the small windows -made at every landing of the donjon stairs, saw, as he went up -behind Fouquet, the man who had delivered the note, looking round -him on the place and making signs to several persons, who -disappeared in the adjacent streets, after having themselves -repeated the signals. Fouquet was made to wait for a moment on -the terrace of which we have spoken, - a terrace which abutted on -the little corridor, at the end of which the cabinet of the king -was located. Here D'Artagnan passed on before the surintendant, -whom, till that time, he had respectfully accompanied, and -entered the royal cabinet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well?" asked Louis XIV., -who, on perceiving him, threw on to the table covered with papers -a large green cloth.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The order is executed, -sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And Fouquet?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur le surintendant -follows me," said D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In ten minutes let him be -introduced," said the king, dismissing D'Artagnan again with a -gesture. The latter retired; but had scarcely reached the -corridor at the extremity of which Fouquet was waiting for him, -when he was recalled by the king's bell.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Did he not appear -astonished?" asked the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who, sire?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Fouquet</i>," replied -the king, without saying monsieur, a peculiarity which confirmed -the captain of the musketeers in his suspicions.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, sire," replied he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That's well!" And a second -time Louis dismissed D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet had not quitted the -terrace where he had been left by his guide. He reperused his -note, conceived thus:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Something is being -contrived against you. Perhaps they will not dare to carry it -out at the castle; it will be on your return home. The house is -already surrounded by musketeers. Do not enter. A white horse -is in waiting for you behind the esplanade!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet recognized the -writing and zeal of Gourville. Not being willing that, if any -evil happened to himself, this paper should compromise a faithful -friend, the surintendant was busy tearing it into a thousand -morsels, spread about by the wind from the balustrade of the -terrace. D'Artagnan found him watching the snowflake fluttering -of the last scraps in space.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said he, "the -king awaits you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet walked with a -deliberate step along the little corridor, where MM. de Brienne -and Rose were at work, whilst the Duc de Saint-Aignan, seated on -a chair, likewise in the corridor, appeared to be waiting for -orders, with feverish impatience, his sword between his legs. It -appeared strange to Fouquet that MM. Brienne, Rose, and de -Saint-Aignan, in general so attentive and obsequious, should -scarcely take the least notice, as he, the surintendant, passed. -But how could he expect to find it otherwise among courtiers, he -whom the king no longer called anything but <i>Fouquet?</i> He -raised his head, determined to look every one and everything -bravely in the face, and entered the king's apartment, where a -little bell, which we already know, had already announced him to -his majesty.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king, without rising, -nodded to him, and with interest: "Well! how are you, Monsieur -Fouquet?" said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am in a high fever," -replied the surintendant; "but I am at the king's service."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is well; the -States assemble to-morrow; have you a speech ready?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet looked at -the king with astonishment. "I have not, sire," replied he; "but -I will improvise one. I am too well acquainted with affairs to -feel any embarrassment. I have only one question to ask; will -your majesty permit me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Certainly. Ask -it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Why did not your -majesty do his first minister the honor of giving him notice of -this in Paris?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You were ill; I -was not willing to fatigue you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Never did a labor -- never did an explanation fatigue me, sire; and since the moment -is come for me to demand an explanation of my king - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, Monsieur -Fouquet! an explanation? An explanation, pray, of what?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Of your majesty's -intentions with respect to myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king blushed. -"I have been calumniated," continued Fouquet, warmly, "and I feel -called upon to adjure the justice of the king to make -inquiries."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You say all this -to me very uselessly, Monsieur Fouquet; I know what I know."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your majesty can -only know the things that have been told to you; and I, on my -part, have said nothing to you, whilst others have spoken many, -many times - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What do you wish -to say?" said the king, impatient to put an end to this -embarrassing conversation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I will go straight -to the facts, sire; and I accuse a certain man of having injured -me in your majesty's opinion."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Nobody has injured -you, Monsieur Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That reply proves -to me, sire, that I am right."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur Fouquet, -I do not like people to be accused."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Not when one is -accused?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"We have already -spoken too much about this affair."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your majesty will -not allow me to justify myself?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I repeat that I do -not accuse you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet, with a -half-bow, made a step backward. "It is certain," thought he, -"that he has made up his mind. He alone who cannot go back can -show such obstinacy. Not to see the danger now would be to be -blind indeed; not to shun it would be stupid." He resumed aloud, -"Did your majesty send for me on business?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, Monsieur -Fouquet, but for some advice I wish to give you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I respectfully -await it, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Rest yourself, -Monsieur Fouquet, do not throw away your strength; the session of -the States will be short, and when my secretaries shall have -closed it, I do not wish business to be talked of in France for a -fortnight."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Has the king -nothing to say to me on the subject of this assembly of the -States?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, Monsieur -Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Not to me, the -surintendant of the finances?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Rest yourself, I -beg you; that is all I have to say to you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Fouquet bit his -lips and hung his head. He was evidently busy with some uneasy -thought. This uneasiness struck the king. "Are you angry at -having to rest yourself, M. Fouquet?" said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, sire, I am -not accustomed to take rest."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But you are ill; -you must take care of yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your majesty spoke -just now of a speech to be pronounced to-morrow."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>His majesty made no -reply; this unexpected stroke embarrassed him. Fouquet felt the -weight of this hesitation. He thought he could read danger in -the eyes of the young prince, which fear would but precipitate. -"If I appear frightened, I am lost," thought he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king, on his -part, was only uneasy at the alarm of Fouquet. "Has he a -suspicion of anything?" murmured he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"If his first word -is severe," again thought Fouquet; "if he becomes angry, or -feigns to be angry for the sake of a pretext, how shall I -extricate myself? Let us smooth the declivity a little. -Gourville was right."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Sire," said he, -suddenly, "since the goodness of the king watches over my health -to the point of dispensing with my labor, may I not be allowed to -be absent from the council of to-morrow? I could pass the day in -bed, and will entreat the king to grant me his physician, that we -may endeavor to find a remedy against this fearful fever."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"So be it, Monsieur -Fouquet, it shall be as you desire; you shall have a holiday -to-morrow, you shall have the physician, and shall be restored to -health."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Thanks!" said -Fouquet, bowing. Then, opening his game:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Shall I not have -the happiness of conducting your majesty to my residence of -Belle-Isle?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And he looked Louis -full in the face, to judge of the effect of such a proposal. The -king blushed again.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Do you know," -replied he, endeavoring to smile, "that you have just said, 'My -residence of Belle-Isle'?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well! do you not -remember," continued the king in the same cheerful tone, "that -you gave me Belle-Isle?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is true -again, sire. Only, as you have not taken it, you will doubtless -come with me and take possession of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I mean to do -so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That was, besides, -your majesty's intention as well as mine; and I cannot express to -your majesty how happy and proud I have been to see all the -king's regiments from Paris to help take possession."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king stammered -out that he did not bring the musketeers for that alone.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, I am convinced -of that," said Fouquet, warmly; "your majesty knows very well -that you have nothing to do but to come alone with a cane in your -hand, to bring to the ground all the fortifications of -Belle-Isle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"<i>Peste!</i>" -cried the king; "I do not wish those fine fortifications, which -cost so much to build, to fall at all. No, let them stand -against the Dutch and English. You would not guess what I want -to see at Belle-Isle, Monsieur Fouquet; it is the pretty peasants -and women of the lands on the sea-shore, who dance so well, and -are so seducing with their scarlet petticoats! I have heard -great boast of your pretty tenants, monsieur le surintendant; -well, let me have a sight of them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Whenever your -majesty pleases."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Have you any means -of transport? It shall be to-morrow, if you like."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The surintendant -felt this stroke, which was not adroit, and replied, "No, sire; I -was ignorant of your majesty's wish; above all, I was ignorant of -your haste to see Belle-Isle, and I am prepared with -nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You have a boat of -your own, nevertheless?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I have five; but -they are all in port, or at Paimbœuf; and to join them, or -bring them hither, would require at least twenty-four hours. -Have I any occasion to send a courier? Must I do so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Wait a little, put -an end to the fever, - wait till to-morrow."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is true. Who -knows but that by to-morrow we may not have a hundred other -ideas?" replied Fouquet, now perfectly convinced and very -pale.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king started, -and stretched his hand out towards his little bell, but Fouquet -prevented his ringing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Sire," said he, "I -have an ague - I am trembling with cold. If I remain a moment -longer, I shall most likely faint. I request your majesty's -permission to go and fling myself beneath the bedclothes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Indeed, you are in -a shiver; it is painful to behold! Come, Monsieur Fouquet, -begone! I will send to inquire after you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your majesty -overwhelms me with kindness. In an hour I shall be better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I will call some -one to reconduct you," said the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"As you please, -sire; I would gladly take the arm of any one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur -d'Artagnan!" cried the king, ringing his little bell.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, sire," -interrupted Fouquet, laughing in such a manner as made the prince -feel cold, "would you give me the captain of your musketeers to -take me to my lodgings? An equivocal honor that, sire! A simple -footman, I beg."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And why, M. -Fouquet? M. d'Artagnan conducts me often, and extremely -well!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, but when he -conducts you, sire, it is to obey you; whilst me - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Go on!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"If I am obliged to -return home supported by the leader of the musketeers, it would -be everywhere said you had had me arrested."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Arrested!" replied -the king, who became paler than Fouquet himself, - "arrested! -oh!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And why should -they not say so?" continued Fouquet, still laughing; "and I would -lay a wager there would be people found wicked enough to laugh at -it." This sally disconcerted the monarch. Fouquet was skillful -enough, or fortunate enough, to make Louis XIV. recoil before the -appearance of the deed he meditated. M. d'Artagnan, when he -appeared, received an order to desire a musketeer to accompany -the surintendant.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Quite -unnecessary," said the latter; "sword for sword; I prefer -Gourville, who is waiting for me below. But that will not -prevent me enjoying the society of M. d'Artagnan. I am glad he -will see Belle-Isle, he is so good a judge of -fortifications."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan bowed, -without at all comprehending what was going on. Fouquet bowed -again and left the apartment, affecting all the slowness of a man -who walks with difficulty. When once out of the castle, "I am -saved!" said he. "Oh! yes, disloyal king, you shall see -Belle-Isle, but it shall be when I am no longer there."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>He disappeared, -leaving D'Artagnan with the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Captain," said the -king, "you will follow M. Fouquet at the distance of a hundred -paces."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He is going to his -lodgings again. You will go with him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You will arrest -him in my name, and will shut him up in a carriage."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In a carriage. -Well, sire?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In such a fashion -that he may not, on the road, either converse with any one or -throw notes to people he may meet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That will be -rather difficult, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Not at all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Pardon me, sire, I -cannot stifle M. Fouquet, and if he asks for liberty to breathe, -I cannot prevent him by closing both the windows and the blinds. -He will throw out at the doors all the cries and notes -possible."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The case is -provided for, Monsieur d'Artagnan; a carriage with a trellis will -obviate both the difficulties you point out."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A carriage with an -iron trellis!" cried D'Artagnan; "but a carriage with an iron -trellis is not made in half an hour, and your majesty commands me -to go immediately to M. Fouquet's lodgings."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The carriage in -question is already made."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah! that is quite -a different thing," said the captain; "if the carriage is ready -made, very well, then, we have only to set it in motion."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is ready - and -the horses harnessed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And the coachman, -with the outriders, is waiting in the lower court of the -castle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan bowed. -"There only remains for me to ask your majesty whither I shall -conduct M. Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To the castle of -Angers, at first."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Very well, -sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Afterwards we will -see."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur -d'Artagnan, one last word: you have remarked that, for making -this capture of M. Fouquet, I have not employed my guards, on -which account M. de Gesvres will be furious."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your majesty does -not employ your guards," said the captain, a little humiliated, -"because you mistrust M. de Gesvres, that is all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is to say, -monsieur, that I have more confidence in you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I know that very -well, sire! and it is of no use to make so much of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is only for the -sake of arriving at this, monsieur, that if, from this moment, it -should happen that by any chance whatever M. Fouquet should -escape - such chances have been, monsieur - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! very often, -sire; but for others, not for me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And why not with -you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Because I, sire, -have, for an instant, wished to save M. Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king started. -"Because," continued the captain, "I had then a right to do so, -having guessed your majesty's plan, without you having spoken to -me of it, and that I took an interest in M. Fouquet. Now, was I -not at liberty to show my interest in this man?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In truth, -monsieur, you do not reassure me with regard to your -services."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"If I had saved him -then, I should have been perfectly innocent; I will say more, I -should have done well, for M. Fouquet is not a bad man. But he -was not willing; his destiny prevailed; he let the hour of -liberty slip by. So much the worse! Now I have orders, I will -obey those orders, and M. Fouquet you may consider as a man -arrested. He is at the castle of Angers, this very M. -Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! you have not -got him yet, captain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That concerns me; -every one to his trade, sire; only, once more, reflect! Do you -seriously give me orders to arrest M. Fouquet, sire?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, a thousand -times, yes!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In writing, sire, -then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Here is the -order."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan read it, -bowed to the king, and left the room. From the height of the -terrace he perceived Gourville, who went by with a joyous air -towards the lodgings of M. Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XL:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -White Horse and the Black.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>"T</span>hat is -rather surprising," said D'Artagnan; "Gourville running about the -streets so gayly, when he is almost certain that M. Fouquet is in -danger; when it is almost equally certain that it was Gourville -who warned M. Fouquet just now by the note which was torn into a -thousand pieces upon the terrace, and given to the winds by -monsieur le surintendant. Gourville is rubbing his hands; that -is because he has done something clever. Whence comes M. -Gourville? Gourville is coming from the Rue aux Herbes. Whither -does the Rue aux Herbes lead?" And D'Artagnan followed, along -the tops of the houses of Nantes, dominated by the castle, the -line traced by the streets, as he would have done upon a -topographical plan; only, instead of the dead, flat paper, the -living chart rose in relief with the cries, the movements, and -the shadows of men and things. Beyond the inclosure of the city, -the great verdant plains stretched out, bordering the Loire, and -appeared to run towards the pink horizon, which was cut by the -azure of the waters and the dark green of the marshes. -Immediately outside the gates of Nantes two white roads were seen -diverging like separate fingers of a gigantic hand. D'Artagnan, -who had taken in all the panorama at a glance by crossing the -terrace, was led by the line of the Rue aux Herbes to the mouth -of one of those roads which took its rise under the gates of -Nantes. One step more, and he was about to descend the stairs, -take his trellised carriage, and go towards the lodgings of M. -Fouquet. But chance decreed, at the moment of plunging into the -staircase, that he was attracted by a moving point then gaining -ground upon that road.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is that?" said the -musketeer to himself; "a horse galloping, - a runaway horse, no -doubt. What a rate he is going at!" The moving point became -detached from the road, and entered into the fields. "A white -horse," continued the captain, who had just observed the color -thrown luminously against the dark ground, "and he is mounted; it -must be some boy whose horse is thirsty and has run away with -him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> These reflections, rapid as -lightning, simultaneous with visual perception, D'Artagnan had -already forgotten when he descended the first steps of the -staircase. Some morsels of paper were spread over the stairs, -and shone out white against the dirty stones. "Eh! eh!" said the -captain to himself, "here are some of the fragments of the note -torn by M. Fouquet. Poor man! he has given his secret to the -wind; the wind will have no more to do with it, and brings it -back to the king. Decidedly, Fouquet, you play with misfortune! -the game is not a fair one, - fortune is against you. The star -of Louis XIV. obscures yours; the adder is stronger and more -cunning than the squirrel." D'Artagnan picked up one of these -morsels of paper as he descended. "Gourville's pretty little -hand!" cried he, whilst examining one of the fragments of the -note; "I was not mistaken." And he read the word "horse." -"Stop!" said he; and he examined another, upon which there was -not a letter traced. Upon a third he read the word "white;" -"white horse," repeated he, like a child that is spelling. "Ah, -<i>mordioux!</i>" cried the suspicious spirit, "a white horse!" -And, like that grain of powder which, burning, dilates into ten -thousand times its volume, D'Artagnan, enlightened by ideas and -suspicions, rapidly reascended the stairs towards the terrace. -The white horse was still galloping in the direction of the -Loire, at the extremity of which, melting into the vapors of the -water, a little sail appeared, wave-balanced like a -water-butterfly. "Oh!" cried the musketeer, "only a man who -wants to fly would go at that pace across plowed lands; there is -but one Fouquet, a financier, to ride thus in open day upon a -white horse; there is no one but the lord of Belle-Isle who would -make his escape towards the sea, while there are such thick -forests on land, and there is but one D'Artagnan in the world to -catch M. Fouquet, who has half an hour's start, and who will have -gained his boat within an hour." This being said, the musketeer -gave orders that the carriage with the iron trellis should be -taken immediately to a thicket situated just outside the city. -He selected his best horse, jumped upon his back, galloped along -the Rue aux Herbes, taking, not the road Fouquet had taken, but -the bank itself of the Loire, certain that he should gain ten -minutes upon the total distance, and, at the intersection of the -two lines, come up with the fugitive, who could have no suspicion -of being pursued in that direction. In the rapidity of the -pursuit, and with the impatience of the avenger, animating -himself as in war, D'Artagnan, so mild, so kind towards Fouquet, -was surprised to find himself become ferocious - almost -sanguinary. For a long time he galloped without catching sight -of the white horse. His rage assumed fury, he doubted himself, - -he suspected that Fouquet had buried himself in some subterranean -road, or that he had changed the white horse for one of those -famous black ones, as swift as the wind, which D'Artagnan, at -Saint-Mandé, had so frequently admired and envied for -their vigor and their fleetness.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At such moments, when the -wind cut his eyes so as to make the tears spring from them, when -the saddle had become burning hot, when the galled and spurred -horse reared with pain, and threw behind him a shower of dust and -stones, D'Artagnan, raising himself in his stirrups, and seeing -nothing on the waters, nothing beneath the trees, looked up into -the air like a madman. He was losing his senses. In the -paroxysms of eagerness he dreamt of aerial ways, - the discovery -of following century; he called to his mind Dædalus and the -vast wings that had saved him from the prisons of Crete. A -hoarse sigh broke from his lips, as he repeated, devoured by the -fear of ridicule, "I! I! duped by a Gourville! I! They will -say that I am growing old, - they will say I have received a -million to allow Fouquet to escape!" And he again dug his spurs -into the sides of his horse: he had ridden astonishingly fast. -Suddenly, at the extremity of some open pasture-ground, behind -the hedges, he saw a white form which showed itself, disappeared, -and at last remained distinctly visible against the rising -ground. D'Artagnan's heart leaped with joy. He wiped the -streaming sweat from his brow, relaxed the tension of his knees, -- by which the horse breathed more freely, - and, gathering up -his reins, moderated the speed of the vigorous animal, his active -accomplice on this man-hunt. He had then time to study the -direction of the road, and his position with regard to Fouquet. -The superintendent had completely winded his horse by crossing -the soft ground. He felt the necessity of gaining a firmer -footing, and turned towards the road by the shortest secant -line. D'Artagnan, on his part, had nothing to do but to ride -straight on, concealed by the sloping shore; so that he would cut -his quarry off the road when he came up with him. Then the real -race would begin, - then the struggle would be in earnest.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan gave his horse -good breathing-time. He observed that the superintendent had -relaxed into a trot, which was to say, he, too, was favoring his -horse. But both of them were too much pressed for time to allow -them to continue long at that pace. The white horse sprang off -like an arrow the moment his feet touched firm ground. -D'Artagnan dropped his head, and his black horse broke into a -gallop. Both followed the same route; the quadruple echoes of -this new race-course were confounded. Fouquet had not yet -perceived D'Artagnan. But on issuing from the slope, a single -echo struck the air; it was that of the steps of D'Artagnan's -horse, which rolled along like thunder. Fouquet turned round, -and saw behind him, within a hundred paces, his enemy bent over -the neck of his horse. There could be no doubt - the shining -baldrick, the red cassock - it was a musketeer. Fouquet -slackened his hand likewise, and the white horse placed twenty -feet more between his adversary and himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, but," thought -D'Artagnan, becoming very anxious, "that is not a common horse M. -Fouquet is upon - let us see!" And he attentively examined with -his infallible eye the shape and capabilities of the courser. -Round full quarters - a thin long tail - large hocks - thin legs, -as dry as bars of steel - hoofs hard as marble. He spurred his -own, but the distance between the two remained the same. -D'Artagnan listened attentively; not a breath of the horse -reached him, and yet he seemed to cut the air. The black horse, -on the contrary, began to puff like any blacksmith's bellows.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I must overtake him, if I -kill my horse," thought the musketeer; and he began to saw the -mouth of the poor animal, whilst he buried the rowels of his -merciless spurs into his sides. The maddened horse gained twenty -toises, and came up within pistol-shot of Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Courage!" said the -musketeer to himself, "courage! the white horse will perhaps grow -weaker, and if the horse does not fall, the master must pull up -at last." But horse and rider remained upright together, gaining -ground by difficult degrees. D'Artagnan uttered a wild cry, -which made Fouquet turn round, and added speed to the white -horse.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A famous horse! a mad -rider!" growled the captain. "Hola! <i>mordioux!</i> Monsieur -Fouquet! stop! in the king's name!" Fouquet made no reply.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you hear me?" shouted -D'Artagnan, whose horse had just stumbled.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Pardieu!</i>" replied -Fouquet, laconically; and rode on faster.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan was nearly mad; -the blood rushed boiling to his temples and his eyes. "In the -king's name!" cried he again, "stop, or I will bring you down -with a pistol-shot!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do!" replied Fouquet, -without relaxing his speed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan seized a pistol -and cocked it, hoping that the double click of the spring would -stop his enemy. "You have pistols likewise," said he, "turn and -defend yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet did turn round at -the noise, and looking D'Artagnan full in the face, opened, with -his right hand, the part of his dress which concealed his body, -but he did not even touch his holsters. There were not more than -twenty paces between the two.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Mordioux!</i>" said -D'Artagnan, "I will not assassinate you; if you will not fire -upon me, surrender! what is a prison?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I would rather die!" -replied Fouquet; "I shall suffer less."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan, drunk with -despair, hurled his pistol to the ground. "I will take you -alive!" said he; and by a prodigy of skill which this -incomparable horseman alone was capable, he threw his horse -forward to within ten paces of the white horse; already his hand -was stretched out to seize his prey.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Kill me! kill me!" cried -Fouquet, "'twould be more humane!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No! alive - alive!" -murmured the captain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At this moment his horse -made a false step for the second time, and Fouquet's again took -the lead. It was an unheard-of spectacle, this race between two -horses which now only kept alive by the will of their riders. It -might be said that D'Artagnan rode, carrying his horse along -between his knees. To the furious gallop had succeeded the fast -trot, and that had sunk to what might be scarcely called a trot -at all. But the chase appeared equally warm in the two fatigued -<i>athletœ</i>. D'Artagnan, quite in despair, seized his -second pistol, and cocked it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At your horse! not at you!" -cried he to Fouquet. And he fired. The animal was hit in the -quarters - he made a furious bound, and plunged forward. At that -moment D'Artagnan's horse fell dead.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am dishonored!" thought -the musketeer; "I am a miserable wretch! for pity's sake, M. -Fouquet, throw me one of your pistols, that I may blow out my -brains!" But Fouquet rode away.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "For mercy's sake! for -mercy's sake!" cried D'Artagnan; "that which you will not do at -this moment, I myself will do within an hour, but here, upon this -road, I should die bravely; I should die esteemed; do me that -service, M. Fouquet!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> M. Fouquet made no reply, -but continued to trot on. D'Artagnan began to run after his -enemy. Successively he threw away his hat, his coat, which -embarrassed him, and then the sheath of his sword, which got -between his legs as he was running. The sword in his hand itself -became too heavy, and he threw it after the sheath. The white -horse began to rattle in its throat; D'Artagnan gained upon him. -From a trot the exhausted animal sunk to a staggering walk - the -foam from his mouth was mixed with blood. D'Artagnan made a -desperate effort, sprang towards Fouquet, and seized him by the -leg, saying in a broken, breathless voice, "I arrest you in the -king's name! blow my brains out, if you like; we have both done -our duty."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet hurled far from him, -into the river, the two pistols D'Artagnan might have seized, and -dismounting from his horse - "I am your prisoner, monsieur," said -he; "will you take my arm, for I see you are ready to faint?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Thanks!" murmured -D'Artagnan, who, in fact, felt the earth sliding from under his -feet, and the light of day turning to blackness around him; then -he rolled upon the sand, without breath or strength. Fouquet -hastened to the brink of the river, dipped some water in his hat, -with which he bathed the temples of the musketeer, and introduced -a few drop between his lips. D'Artagnan raised himself with -difficulty, and looked about him with a wandering eye. He beheld -Fouquet on his knees, with his wet hat in his hand, smiling upon -him with ineffable sweetness. "You are not off, then?" cried -he. "Oh, monsieur! the true king of royalty, in heart, in soul, -is not Louis of the Louvre, or Philippe of Sainte-Marguerite; it -is you, proscribed, condemned!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I, who this day am ruined -by a single error, M. d'Artagnan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What, in the name of -Heaven, is that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I should have had you for a -friend! But how shall we return to Nantes? We are a great way -from it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is true," said -D'Artagnan, gloomily.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The white horse will -recover, perhaps; he is a good horse! Mount, Monsieur -d'Artagnan; I will walk till you have rested a little."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Poor beast! and wounded, -too?" said the musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He will go, I tell you; I -know him; but we can do better still, let us both get up, and -ride slowly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We can try," said the -captain. But they had scarcely charged the animal with this -double load, when he began to stagger, and then with a great -effort walked a few minutes, then staggered again, and sank down -dead by the side of the black horse, which he had just managed to -come up to.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We will go on foot - -destiny wills it so - the walk will be pleasant," said Fouquet, -passing his arm through that of D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Mordioux!</i>" cried the -latter, with a fixed eye, a contracted brow, and a swelling heart -- "What a disgraceful day!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> They walked slowly the four -leagues which separated them from the little wood behind which -the carriage and escort were in waiting. When Fouquet perceived -that sinister machine, he said to D'Artagnan, who cast down his -eyes, ashamed of Louis XIV., "There is an idea that did not -emanate from a brave man, Captain d'Artagnan; it is not yours. -What are these gratings for?" said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To prevent your throwing -letters out."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ingenious!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But you can speak, if you -cannot write," said D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Can I speak to you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, certainly, if you wish -to do so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fouquet reflected for a -moment, then looking the captain full in the face, "One single -word," said he; "will you remember it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will not forget it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Will you speak it to whom I -wish?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Saint-Mandé," -articulated Fouquet, in a low voice.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! and for whom?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "For Madame de -Bellière or Pélisson."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It shall be done."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The carriage rolled through -Nantes, and took the route to Angers.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XLI:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>In -Which the Squirrel Falls, - the Adder Flies.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>I</span>t was two -o'clock in the afternoon. The king, full of impatience, went to -his cabinet on the terrace, and kept opening the door of the -corridor, to see what his secretaries were doing. M. Colbert, -seated in the same place M. de Saint-Aignan had so long occupied -in the morning, was chatting in a low voice with M. de Brienne. -The king opened the door suddenly, and addressed them. "What is -it you are saying?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We were speaking of the -first sitting of the States," said M. de Brienne, rising.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well," replied the -king, and returned to his room.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Five minutes after, the -summons of the bell recalled Rose, whose hour it was.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have you finished your -copies?" asked the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not yet, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "See if M. d'Artagnan has -returned."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not yet, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is very strange," -murmured the king. "Call M. Colbert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert entered; he had been -expecting this all the morning.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur Colbert," said the -king, very sharply; "you must ascertain what has become of M. -d'Artagnan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert in his calm voice -replied, "Where does your majesty desire him to be sought -for?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! monsieur! do you not -know on what I have sent him?" replied Louis, acrimoniously.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your majesty did not inform -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur, there are things -that must be guessed; and you, above all, are apt to guess -them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I might have been able to -imagine, sire; but I do not presume to be positive."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert had not finished -these words when a rougher voice than that of the king -interrupted the interesting conversation thus begun between the -monarch and his clerk.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "D'Artagnan!" cried the -king, with evident joy.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan, pale and in -evidently bad humor, cried to the king, as he entered, "Sire, is -it your majesty who has given orders to my musketeers?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What orders?" said the -king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "About M. Fouquet's -house?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "None!" replied Louis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ha!" said D'Artagnan, -biting his mustache; "I was not mistaken, then; it was monsieur -here;" and he pointed to Colbert.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What orders? Let me know," -said the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Orders to turn the house -topsy-turvy, to beat M. Fouquet's servants, to force the drawers, -to give over a peaceful house to pillage! <i>Mordioux!</i> these -are savage orders!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur!" said Colbert, -turning pale.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," interrupted -D'Artagnan, "the king alone, understand, - the king alone has a -right to command my musketeers; but, as to you, I forbid you to -do it, and I tell you so before his majesty; gentlemen who carry -swords do not sling pens behind their ears."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "D'Artagnan! D'Artagnan!" -murmured the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is humiliating," -continued the musketeer; "my soldiers are disgraced. I do not -command <i>reîtres</i>, thank you, nor clerks of the -intendant, <i>mordioux!</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! but what is all this -about?" said the king with authority.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "About this, sire; monsieur -- monsieur, who could not guess your majesty's orders, and -consequently could not know I was gone to arrest M. Fouquet; -monsieur, who has caused the iron cage to be constructed for his -patron of yesterday - has sent M. de Roncherolles to the lodgings -of M. Fouquet, and, under the pretense of securing the -surintendant's papers, they have taken away the furniture. My -musketeers have been posted round the house all the morning; such -were my orders. Why did any one presume to order them to enter? -Why, by forcing them to assist in this pillage, have they been -made accomplices in it? <i>Mordioux!</i> we serve the king, we -do; but we do not serve M. Colbert!" <b><sup>5</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur d'Artagnan," said -the king, sternly, "take care; it is not in my presence that such -explanations, and made in such a tone, should take place."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have acted for the good -of the king," said Colbert, in a faltering voice. "It is hard to -be so treated by one of your majesty's officers, and that without -redress, on account of the respect I owe the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The respect you owe the -king," cried D'Artagnan, his eyes flashing fire, "consists, in -the first place, in making his authority respected, and his -person beloved. Every agent of a power without control -represents that power, and when people curse the hand which -strikes them, it is the royal hand that God reproaches, do you -hear? Must a soldier, hardened by forty years of wounds and -blood, give you this lesson, monsieur? Must mercy be on my side, -and ferocity on yours? You have caused the innocent to be -arrested, bound, and imprisoned!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Accomplices, perhaps, of M. -Fouquet," said Colbert.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who told you M. Fouquet had -accomplices, or even that he was guilty? The king alone knows -that; his justice is not blind! When he says, 'Arrest and -imprison' such and such a man, he is obeyed. Do not talk to me, -then, any more of the respect you owe the king, and be careful of -your words, that they may not chance to convey the slightest -menace; for the king will not allow those to be threatened who do -him service by others who do him disservice; and if in case I -should have, which God forbid! a master so ungrateful, I would -make myself respected."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Thus saying, D'Artagnan took -his station haughtily in the king's cabinet, his eyes flashing, -his hand on his sword, his lips trembling, affecting much more -anger than he really felt. Colbert, humiliated and devoured with -rage, bowed to the king as if to ask his permission to leave the -room. The king, thwarted alike in pride and in curiosity, knew -not which part to take. D'Artagnan saw him hesitate. To remain -longer would have been a mistake: it was necessary to score a -triumph over Colbert, and the only method was to touch the king -so near the quick, that his majesty would have no other means of -extrication but choosing between the two antagonists. D'Artagnan -bowed as Colbert had done; but the king, who, in preference to -everything else, was anxious to have all the exact details of the -arrest of the surintendant of the finances from him who had made -him tremble for a moment, - the king, perceiving that the -ill-humor of D'Artagnan would put off for half an hour at least -the details he was burning to be acquainted with, - Louis, we -say, forgot Colbert, who had nothing new to tell him, and -recalled his captain of the musketeers.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In the first place," said -he, "let me see the result of your commission, monsieur; you may -rest yourself hereafter."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan, who was just -passing through the doorway, stopped at the voice of the king, -retraced his steps, and Colbert was forced to leave the closet. -His countenance assumed almost a purple hue, his black and -threatening eyes shone with a dark fire beneath their thick -brows; he stepped out, bowed before the king, half drew himself -up in passing D'Artagnan, and went away with death in his heart. -D'Artagnan, on being left alone with the king, softened -immediately, and composing his countenance: "Sire," said he, "you -are a young king. It is by the dawn that people judge whether -the day will be fine or dull. How, sire, will the people, whom -the hand of God has placed under your law, argue of your reign, -if between them and you, you allow angry and violent ministers to -interpose their mischief? But let us speak of myself, sire, let -us leave a discussion that may appear idle, and perhaps -inconvenient to you. Let us speak of myself. I have arrested M. -Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You took plenty of time -about it," said the king, sharply.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan looked at the -king. "I perceive that I have expressed myself badly. I -announced to your majesty that I had arrested Monsieur -Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You did; and what -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! I ought to have told -your majesty that M. Fouquet had arrested me; that would have -been more just. I re-establish the truth, then; I have been -arrested by M. Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> It was now the turn of Louis -XIV. to be surprised. His majesty was astonished in his -turn.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan, with his quick -glance, appreciated what was passing in the heart of his master. -He did not allow him time to put any questions. He related, with -that poetry, that picturesqueness, which perhaps he alone -possessed at that period, the escape of Fouquet, the pursuit, the -furious race, and, lastly, the inimitable generosity of the -surintendant, who might have fled ten times over, who might have -killed the adversary in the pursuit, but who had preferred -imprisonment, perhaps worse, to the humiliation of one who wished -to rob him of his liberty. In proportion as the tale advanced, -the king became agitated, devouring the narrator's words, and -drumming with his finger-nails upon the table.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It results from all this, -sire, in my eyes, at least, that the man who conducts himself -thus is a gallant man, and cannot be an enemy to the king. That -is my opinion, and I repeat it to your majesty. I know what the -king will say to me, and I bow to it, - reasons of state. So be -it! To my ears that sounds highly respectable. But I am a -soldier, and I have received my orders, my orders are executed - -very unwillingly on my part, it is true, but they are executed. -I say no more."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Where is M. Fouquet at this -moment?" asked Louis, after a short silence.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. Fouquet, sire," replied -D'Artagnan, "is in the iron cage that M. Colbert had prepared for -him, and is galloping as fast as four strong horses can drag him, -towards Angers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why did you leave him on -the road?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because your majesty did -not tell me to go to Angers. The proof, the best proof of what I -advance, is that the king desired me to be sought for but this -minute. And then I had another reason."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Whilst I was with him, poor -M. Fouquet would never attempt to escape."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well!" cried the king, -astonished.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your majesty ought to -understand, and does understand, certainly, that my warmest wish -is to know that M. Fouquet is at liberty. I have given him one -of my brigadiers, the most stupid I could find among my -musketeers, in order that the prisoner might have a chance of -escaping."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you mad, Monsieur -d'Artagnan?" cried the king, crossing his arms on his breast. -"Do people utter such enormities, even when they have the -misfortune to think them?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! sire, you cannot expect -that I should be an enemy to M. Fouquet, after what he has just -done for you and me. No, no; if you desire that he should remain -under your lock and bolt, never give him in charge to me; however -closely wired might be the cage, the bird would, in the end, take -wing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am surprised," said the -king, in his sternest tone, "you did not follow the fortunes of -the man M. Fouquet wished to place upon my throne. You had in -him all you want - affection, gratitude. In my service, -monsieur, you will only find a master."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If M. Fouquet had not gone -to seek you in the Bastile, sire," replied D'Artagnan, with a -deeply impressive manner, "one single man would have gone there, -and I should have been that man - you know that right well, -sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king was brought to a -pause. Before that speech of his captain of the musketeers, so -frankly spoken and so true, the king had nothing to offer. On -hearing D'Artagnan, Louis remembered the D'Artagnan of former -times; him who, at the Palais Royal, held himself concealed -behind the curtains of his bed, when the people of Paris, led by -Cardinal de Retz, came to assure themselves of the presence of -the king; the D'Artagnan whom he saluted with his hand at the -door of his carriage, when repairing to Notre Dame on his return -to Paris; the soldier who had quitted his service at Blois; the -lieutenant he had recalled to be beside his person when the death -of Mazarin restored his power; the man he had always found loyal, -courageous, devoted. Louis advanced towards the door and called -Colbert. Colbert had not left the corridor where the secretaries -were at work. He reappeared.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Colbert, did you make a -perquisition on the house of M. Fouquet?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What has it produced?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. de Roncherolles, who was -sent with your majesty's musketeers, has remitted me some -papers," replied Colbert.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will look at them. Give -me your hand."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My hand, sire!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, that I may place it in -that of M. d'Artagnan. In fact, M. d'Artagnan," added he, with a -smile, turning towards the soldier, who, at sight of the clerk, -had resumed his haughty attitude, "you do not know this man; make -his acquaintance." And he pointed to Colbert. "He has been made -but a moderately valuable servant in subaltern positions, but he -will be a great man if I raise him to the foremost rank."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire!" stammered Colbert, -confused with pleasure and fear.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I always understood why," -murmured D'Artagnan in the king's ear; "he was jealous."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Precisely, and his jealousy -confined his wings."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He will henceforward be a -winged-serpent," grumbled the musketeer, with a remnant of hatred -against his recent adversary.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But Colbert, approaching -him, offered to his eyes a physiognomy so different from that -which he had been accustomed to see him wear; he appeared so -good, so mild, so easy; his eyes took the expression of an -intelligence so noble, that D'Artagnan, a connoisseur in -physiognomies, was moved, and almost changed in his convictions. -Colbert pressed his hand.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That which the king has -just told you, monsieur, proves how well his majesty is -acquainted with men. The inveterate opposition I have displayed, -up to this day, against abuses and not against men, proves that I -had it in view to prepare for my king a glorious reign, for my -country a great blessing. I have many ideas, M. d'Artagnan. You -will see them expand in the sun of public peace; and if I have -not the good fortune to conquer the friendship of honest men, I -am at least certain, monsieur, that I shall obtain their esteem. -For their admiration, monsieur, I would give my life."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This change, this sudden -elevation, this mute approbation of the king, gave the musketeer -matter for profound reflection. He bowed civilly to Colbert, who -did not take his eyes off him. The king, when he saw they were -reconciled, dismissed them. They left the room together. As -soon as they were out of the cabinet, the new minister, stopping -the captain, said:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is it possible, M. -d'Artagnan, that with such an eye as yours, you did not, at the -first glance, at the first impression, discover what sort of man -I am?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur Colbert," replied -the musketeer, "a ray of the sun in our eyes prevents us from -seeing the most vivid flame. The man in power radiates, you -know; and since you are there, why should you continue to -persecute him who had just fallen into disgrace, and fallen from -such a height?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I, monsieur!" said Colbert; -"oh, monsieur! I would never persecute him. I wished to -administer the finances and to administer them alone, because I -am ambitious, and, above all, because I have the most entire -confidence in my own merit; because I know that all the gold of -this country will ebb and flow beneath my eyes, and I love to -look at the king's gold; because, if I live thirty years, in -thirty years not a <i>dénir</i> of it will remain in my -hands; because, with that gold, I will build granaries, castles, -cities, and harbors; because I will create a marine, I will equip -navies that shall waft the name of France to the most distant -people; because I will create libraries and academies; because I -will make France the first country in the world, and the -wealthiest. These are the motives for my animosity against M. -Fouquet, who prevented my acting. And then, when I shall be -great and strong, when France is great and strong, in my turn, -then, will I cry, 'Mercy'!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Mercy, did you say? then -ask his liberty of the king. The king is only crushing him on -<i>your</i> account."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert again raised his -head. "Monsieur," said he, "you know that is not so, and that -the king has his own personal animosity against M. Fouquet; it is -not for me to teach you that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But the king will grow -tired; he will forget."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king never forgets, M. -d'Artagnan. Hark! the king calls. He is going to issue an -order. I have not influenced him, have I? Listen."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king, in fact, was -calling his secretaries. "Monsieur d'Artagnan," said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am here, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Give twenty of your -musketeers to M. de Saint-Aignan, to form a guard for M. -Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan and Colbert -exchanged looks. "And from Angers," continued the king, "they -will conduct the prisoner to the Bastile, in Paris."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You were right," said the -captain to the minister.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Saint-Aignan," continued -the king, "you will have any one shot who shall attempt to speak -privately with M. Fouquet, during the journey."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But myself, sire," said the -duke.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You, monsieur, you will -only speak to him in the presence of the musketeers." The duke -bowed and departed to execute his commission.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan was about to -retire likewise; but the king stopped him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said he, "you -will go immediately, and take possession of the isle and fief of -Belle-Île-en-Mer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, sire. Alone?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will take a sufficient -number of troops to prevent delay, in case the place should be -contumacious."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A murmur of courtly -incredulity rose from the group of courtiers. "That shall be -done," said D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I saw the place in my -infancy," resumed the king, "and I do not wish to see it again. -You have heard me? Go, monsieur, and do not return without the -keys."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Colbert went up to -D'Artagnan. "A commission which, if you carry it out well," said -he, "will be worth a maréchal's baton to you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why do you employ the -words, 'if you carry it out well'?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Because it is -difficult."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! in what respect?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have friends in -Belle-Isle, Monsieur d'Artagnan; and it is not an easy thing for -men like you to march over the bodies of their friends to obtain -success."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan hung his head in -deepest thought, whilst Colbert returned to the king. A quarter -of an hour after, the captain received the written order from the -king, to blow up the fortress of Belle-Isle, in case of -resistance, with power of life and death over all the inhabitants -or refugees, and an injunction not to allow one to escape.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Colbert was right," thought -D'Artagnan; "for me the baton of a maréchal of France will -cost the lives of my two friends. Only they seem to forget that -my friends are not more stupid than the birds, and that they will -not wait for the hand of the fowler to extend over their wings. -I will show them that hand so plainly, that they will have quite -time enough to see it. Poor Porthos! Poor Aramis! No; my -fortune should shall not cost your wings a feather."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Having thus determined, -D'Artagnan assembled the royal army, embarked it at -Paimbœuf, and set sail, without the loss of an unnecessary -minute.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XLII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Belle-Île-en-Mer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>A</span>t the -extremity of the mole, against which the furious sea beats at the -evening tide, two men, holding each other by the arm, were -conversing in an animated and expansive tone, without the -possibility of any other human being hearing their words, borne -away, as they were, one by one, by the gusts of wind, with the -white foam swept from the crests of the waves. The sun had just -gone down in the vast sheet of the crimsoned ocean, like a -gigantic crucible. From time to time, one of these men, turning -towards the east, cast an anxious, inquiring look over the sea. -The other, interrogating the features of his companion, seemed to -seek for information in his looks. Then, both silent, busied -with dismal thoughts, they resumed their walk. Every one has -already perceived that these two men were our proscribed heroes, -Porthos and Aramis, who had taken refuge in Belle-Isle, since the -ruin of their hopes, since the discomfiture of the colossal -schemes of M. d'Herblay.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If is of no use your saying -anything to the contrary, my dear Aramis," repeated Porthos, -inhaling vigorously the salt breeze with which he charged his -massive chest, "It is of no use, Aramis. The disappearance of -all the fishing-boats that went out two days ago is not an -ordinary circumstance. There has been no storm at sea; the -weather has been constantly calm, not even the lightest gale; and -even if we had had a tempest, all our boats would not have -foundered. I repeat, it is strange. This complete disappearance -astonishes me, I tell you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "True," murmured Aramis. -"You are right, friend Porthos; it is true, there is something -strange in it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And further," added -Porthos, whose ideas the assent of the bishop of Vannes seemed to -enlarge; "and, further, do you not observe that if the boats have -perished, not a single plank has washed ashore?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have remarked it as well -as yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And do you not think it -strange that the two only boats we had left in the whole island, -and which I sent in search of the others - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis here interrupted his -companion by a cry, and by so sudden a movement, that Porthos -stopped as if he were stupefied. "What do you say, Porthos? -What! - You have sent the two boats - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In search of the others! -Yes, to be sure I have," replied Porthos, calmly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Unhappy man! What have you -done? Then we are indeed lost," cried the bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Lost! - what did you say?" -exclaimed the terrified Porthos. "How lost, Aramis? How are we -lost?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis bit his lips. -"Nothing! nothing! Your pardon, I meant to say - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That if we were inclined - -if we took a fancy to make an excursion by sea, we could -not."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very good! and why should -that vex you? A precious pleasure, <i>ma foi!</i> For my part, -I don't regret it at all. What I regret is certainly not the -more or less amusement we can find at Belle-Isle: what I regret, -Aramis, is Pierrefonds; Bracieux; le Vallon; beautiful France! -Here, we are not in France, my dear friend; we are - I know not -where. Oh! I tell you, in full sincerity of soul, and your -affection will excuse my frankness, but I declare to you I am not -happy at Belle-Isle. No; in good truth, I am not happy!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis breathed a long, but -stifled sigh. "Dear friend," replied he: "that is why it is so -sad a thing you have sent the two boats we had left in search of -the boats which disappeared two days ago. If you had not sent -them away, we would have departed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Departed!' And the -orders, Aramis?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What orders?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Parbleu!</i> Why, the -orders you have been constantly, in and out of season, repeating -to me - that we were to hold Belle-Isle against the usurper. You -know very well!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is true!" murmured -Aramis again.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You see, then, plainly, my -friend, that we could not depart; and that the sending away of -the boats in search of the others cannot prove prejudicial to us -in the very least."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis was silent; and his -vague glances, luminous as that of an albatross, hovered for a -long time over the sea, interrogating space, seeking to pierce -the very horizon.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With all that, Aramis," -continued Porthos, who adhered to his idea, and that the more -closely from the bishop having apparently endorsed it, - "with -all that, you give me no explanation about what can have happened -to these unfortunate boats. I am assailed by cries and -complaints whichever way I go. The children cry to see the -desolation of the women, as if I could restore the absent -husbands and fathers. What do you suppose, my friend, and how -ought I to answer them?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Think all you like, my good -Porthos, and say nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This reply did not satisfy -Porthos at all. He turned away grumbling something in -ill-humor. Aramis stopped the valiant musketeer. "Do you -remember," said he, in a melancholy tone, kneading the two hands -of the giant between his own with affectionate cordiality, "do -you remember, my friend, that in the glorious days of youth - do -you remember, Porthos, when we were all strong and valiant - we, -and the other two - if we had then had an inclination to return -to France, do you think this sheet of salt water would have -stopped us?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" said Porthos; "but six -leagues."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If you had seen me get -astride of a plank, would you have remained on land, -Porthos?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, <i>pardieu!</i> No, -Aramis. But, nowadays, what sort of a plank should we want, my -friend! I, in particular." And the Seigneur de Bracieux cast a -profound glance over his colossal rotundity with a loud laugh. -"And do you mean seriously to say you are not tired of Belle-Isle -a little, and that you would not prefer the comforts of your -dwelling - of your episcopal palace, at Vannes? Come, -confess."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No," replied Aramis, -without daring to look at Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us stay where we are, -then," said his friend, with a sigh, which, in spite of the -efforts he made to restrain it, escaped his echoing breast. "Let -us remain! - let us remain! And yet," added he, "and yet, if we -seriously wished, but that decidedly - if we had a fixed idea, -one firmly taken, to return to France, and there were not boats - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Have you remarked another -thing, my friend - that is, since the disappearance of our barks, -during the last two days' absence of fishermen, not a single -small boat has landed on the shores of the isle?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, certainly! you are -right. I, too, have remarked it, and the observation was the -more naturally made, for, before the last two fatal days, barks -and shallops were as plentiful as shrimps."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I must inquire," said -Aramis, suddenly, and with great agitation. "And then, if we had -a raft constructed - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But there are some canoes, -my friend; shall I board one?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A canoe! - a canoe! Can -you think of such a thing, Porthos? A canoe to be upset in. No, -no," said the bishop of Vannes; "it is not our trade to ride upon -the waves. We will wait, we will wait."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And Aramis continued walking -about with increased agitation. Porthos, who grew tired of -following all the feverish movements of his friend - Porthos, who -in his faith and calmness understood nothing of the sort of -exasperation which was betrayed by his companion's continual -convulsive starts - Porthos stopped him. "Let us sit down upon -this rock," said he. "Place yourself there, close to me, Aramis, -and I conjure you, for the last time, to explain to me in a -manner I can comprehend - explain to me what we are doing -here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Porthos," said Aramis, much -embarrassed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I know that the false king -wished to dethrone the true king. That is a fact, that I -understand. Well - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes?" said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I know that the false king -formed the project of selling Belle-Isle to the English. I -understand that, too."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I know that we engineers -and captains came and threw ourselves into Belle-Isle to take -direction of the works, and the command of ten companies levied -and paid by M. Fouquet, or rather the ten companies of his -son-in-law. All that is plain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis rose in a state of -great impatience. He might be said to be a lion importuned by a -gnat. Porthos held him by the arm. "But what I cannot -understand, what, in spite of all the efforts of my mind, and all -my reflections, I cannot comprehend, and never shall comprehend, -is, that instead of sending us troops, instead of sending us -reinforcements of men, munitions, provisions, they leave us -without boats, they leave Belle-Isle without arrivals, without -help; it is that instead of establishing with us a -correspondence, whether by signals, or written or verbal -communications, all relations with the shore are intercepted. -Tell me, Aramis, answer me, or rather, before answering me, will -you allow me to tell you what I have thought? Will you hear what -my idea is, the plan I have conceived?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The bishop raised his head. -"Well! Aramis," continued Porthos, "I have dreamed, I have -imagined that an event has taken place in France. I dreamt of M. -Fouquet all the night, of lifeless fish, of broken eggs, of -chambers badly furnished, meanly kept. Villainous dreams, my -dear D'Herblay; very unlucky, such dreams!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Porthos, what is that -yonder?" interrupted Aramis, rising suddenly, and pointing out to -his friend a black spot upon the empurpled line of the water.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A bark!" said Porthos; -"yes, it is a bark! Ah! we shall have some news at last."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There are two!" cried the -bishop, on discovering another mast; "two! three! four!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Five!" said Porthos, in his -turn. "Six! seven! Ah! <i>mon Dieu! mon Dieu!</i> it is a -fleet!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Our boats returning, -probably," said Aramis, very uneasily, in spite of the assurance -he affected.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They are very large for -fishing-boats," observed Porthos, "and do you not remark, my -friend, that they come from the Loire?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They come from the Loire - -yes - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And look! everybody here -sees them as well as ourselves; look, women and children are -beginning to crowd the jetty."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> An old fisherman passed. -"Are those our barks, yonder?" asked Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The old man looked steadily -into the eye of the horizon.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, monseigneur," replied -he, "they are lighter boars, boats in the king's service."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Boats in the royal -service?" replied Aramis, starting. "How do you know that?" said -he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "By the flag."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But," said Porthos, "the -boat is scarcely visible; how the devil, my friend, can you -distinguish the flag?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I see there is one," -replied the old man; "our boats, trade lighters, do not carry -any. That sort of craft is generally used for transport of -troops."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" groaned Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Vivat!</i>" cried -Porthos, "they are sending us reinforcements, don't you think -they are, Aramis?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Probably."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Unless it is the English -coming."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "By the Loire? That would -have an evil look, Porthos; for they must have come through -Paris!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are right; they are -reinforcements, decidedly, or provisions."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis leaned his head upon -his hands, and made no reply. Then, all at once, - "Porthos," -said he, "have the alarm sounded."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The alarm! do you imagine -such a thing?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, and let the cannoniers -mount their batteries, the artillerymen be at their pieces, and -be particularly watchful of the coast batteries."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos opened his eyes to -their widest extent. He looked attentively at his friend, to -convince himself he was in his proper senses.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>I</i> will do it, my -dear Porthos," continued Aramis, in his blandest tone; "I will go -and have these orders executed myself, if you do not go, my -friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! I will - instantly!" -said Porthos, who went to execute the orders, casting all the -while looks behind him, to see if the bishop of Vannes were not -deceived; and if, on recovering more rational ideas, he would not -recall him. The alarm was sounded, trumpets brayed, drums -rolled; the great bronze bell swung in horror from its lofty -belfry. The dikes and moles were quickly filled with the curious -and soldiers; matches sparkled in the hands of the artillerymen, -placed behind the large cannon bedded in their stone carriages. -When every man was at his post, when all the preparations for -defense were made: "Permit me, Aramis, to try to comprehend," -whispered Porthos, timidly, in Aramis's ear.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear friend, you will -comprehend but too soon," murmured M. d'Herblay, in reply to this -question of his lieutenant.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The fleet which is coming -yonder, with sails unfurled, straight towards the port of -Belle-Isle, is a royal fleet, is it not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But as there are two kings -in France, Porthos, to which of these two kings does this fleet -belong?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! you open my eyes," -replied the giant, stunned by the insinuation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And Porthos, whose eyes this -reply of his friend's had at last opened, or rather thickened the -bandage which covered his sight, went with his best speed to the -batteries to overlook his people, and exhort every one to do his -duty. In the meantime, Aramis, with his eye fixed on the -horizon, saw the ships continually drawing nearer. The people -and the soldiers, perched on the summits of the rocks, could -distinguish the masts, then the lower sails, and at last the -hulls of the lighters, bearing at the masthead the royal flag of -France. It was night when one of these vessels, which had -created such a sensation among the inhabitants of Belle-Isle, -dropped anchor within cannon shot of the place. It was soon -seen, notwithstanding the darkness, that some sort of agitation -reigned on board the vessel, from the side of which a skiff was -lowered, of which the three rowers, bending to their oars, took -the direction of the port, and in a few instants struck land at -the foot of the fort. The commander jumped ashore. He had a -letter in his hand, which he waved in the air, and seemed to wish -to communicate with somebody. This man was soon recognized by -several soldiers as one of the pilots of the island. He was the -captain of one of the two barks retained by Aramis, but which -Porthos, in his anxiety with regard to the fate of the fishermen -who had disappeared, had sent in search of the missing boats. He -asked to be conducted to M. d'Herblay. Two soldiers, at a signal -from a sergeant, marched him between them, and escorted him. -Aramis was upon the quay. The envoy presented himself before the -bishop of Vannes. The darkness was almost absolute, -notwithstanding the flambeaux borne at a small distance by the -soldiers who were following Aramis in his rounds.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, Jonathan, from whom -do you come?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur, from those who -captured me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who captured you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You know, monseigneur, we -set out in search of our comrades?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; and afterwards?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! monseigneur, within a -short league we were captured by a <i>chasse marée</i> -belonging to the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Of which king?" cried -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Jonathan started.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Speak!" continued the -bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We were captured, -monseigneur, and joined to those who had been taken yesterday -morning."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What was the cause of the -mania for capturing you all?" said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur, to prevent us -from telling you," replied Jonathan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos was again at a loss -to comprehend. "And they have released you to-day?" asked -he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That I might tell you they -have captured us, monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Trouble upon trouble," -thought honest Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> During this time Aramis was -reflecting.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Humph!" said he, "then I -suppose it is a royal fleet blockading the coasts?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who commands it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The captain of the king's -musketeers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "D'Artagnan?"<br> - "D'Artagnan!" exclaimed Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I believe that is the -name."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And did he give you this -letter?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bring the torches -nearer."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is his writing," said -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis eagerly read the -following lines:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Order of the king to take -Belle-Isle; or to put the garrison to the sword, if they resist; -order to make prisoners of all the men of the garrison; signed, -D'ARTAGNAN, who, the day before yesterday, arrested M. Fouquet, -for the purpose of his being sent to the Bastile."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis turned pale, and -crushed the paper in his hands.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is it?" asked -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing, my friend, -nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Tell me, Jonathan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Did you speak to M. -d'Artagnan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What did he say to -you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That for ampler -information, he would speak with monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Where?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On board his own -vessel."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On board his vessel!" and -Porthos repeated, "On board his vessel!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. le mousquetaire," -continued Jonathan, "told me to take you both on board my canoe, -and bring you to him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us go at once," -exclaimed Porthos. "Dear D'Artagnan!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But Aramis stopped him. -"Are you mad?" cried he. "Who knows that it is not a snare?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Of the other king's?" said -Porthos, mysteriously.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A snare, in fact! That's -what it is, my friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very possibly; what is to -be done, then? If D'Artagnan sends for us - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who assures you that -D'Artagnan sends for us?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, but - but his writing -- "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Writing is easily -counterfeited. This looks counterfeited - unsteady - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are always right; but, -in the meantime, we know nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis was silent.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is true," said the good -Porthos, "we do not want to know anything."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What shall I do?" asked -Jonathan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will return on board -this captain's vessel."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And will tell him that we -beg he will himself come into the island."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! I comprehend!" said -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur," replied -Jonathan; "but if the captain should refuse to come to -Belle-Isle?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If he refuses, as we have -cannon, we will make use of them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! against -D'Artagnan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If it is D'Artagnan, -Porthos, he will come. Go, Jonathan, go!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Ma foi!</i> I no longer -comprehend anything," murmured Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will make you comprehend -it all, my dear friend; the time for it has come; sit down upon -this gun-carriage, open your ears, and listen well to me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! <i>pardieu!</i> I will -listen, no fear of that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "May I depart, monseigneur?" -cried Jonathan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, begone, and bring back -an answer. Allow the canoe to pass, you men there!" And the -canoe pushed off to regain the fleet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis took Porthos by the -hand, and commenced his explanations.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XLIII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Explanations by Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>"W</span>hat I have -to say to you, friend Porthos, will probably surprise you, but it -may prove instructive."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I like to be surprised," -said Porthos, in a kindly tone; "do not spare me, therefore, I -beg. I am hardened against emotions; don't fear, speak out."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is difficult, Porthos - -difficult; for, in truth, I warn you a second time, I have very -strange things, very extraordinary things, to tell you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! you speak so well, my -friend, that I could listen to you for days together. Speak, -then, I beg - and - stop, I have an idea: I will, to make your -task more easy, I will, to assist you in telling me such things, -question you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I shall be pleased at your -doing so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What are we going to fight -for, Aramis?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If you ask me many such -questions as that - if you would render my task the easier by -interrupting my revelations thus, Porthos, you will not help me -at all. So far, on the contrary, that is the very Gordian knot. -But, my friend, with a man like you, good, generous, and devoted, -the confession must be bravely made. I have deceived you, my -worthy friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have deceived me!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good Heavens! yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Was it for my good, -Aramis?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I thought so, Porthos; I -thought so sincerely, my friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then," said the honest -seigneur of Bracieux, "you have rendered me a service, and I -thank you for it; for if you had not deceived me, I might have -deceived myself. In what, then, have you deceived me, tell -me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In that I was serving the -usurper against whom Louis XIV., at this moment, is directing his -efforts."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The usurper!" said Porthos, -scratching his head. "That is - well, I do not quite clearly -comprehend!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is one of the two kings -who are contending fro the crown of France."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well! Then you were -serving him who is not Louis XIV.?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have hit the matter in -one word."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It follows that - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It follows that we are -rebels, my poor friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The devil! the devil!" -cried Porthos, much disappointed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! but, dear Porthos, be -calm, we shall still find means of getting out of the affair, -trust me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is not that which makes -me uneasy," replied Porthos; "that which alone touches me is that -ugly word <i>rebels</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And so, according to this, -the duchy that was promised me - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It was the usurper that was -to give it to you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And that is not the same -thing, Aramis," said Porthos, majestically.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My friend, if it had only -depended upon me, you should have become a prince."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos began to bite his -nails in a melancholy way.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is where you have been -wrong," continued he, "in deceiving me; for that promised duchy I -reckoned upon. Oh! I reckoned upon it seriously, knowing you to -be a man of your word, Aramis."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Poor Porthos! pardon me, I -implore you!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So, then," continued -Porthos, without replying to the bishop's prayer, "so then, it -seems, I have quite fallen out with Louis XIV.?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! I will settle all -that, my good friend, I will settle all that. I will take it on -myself alone!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Aramis!"<br> - "No, no, Porthos, I conjure you, let me act. No -false generosity! No inopportune devotedness! You knew nothing -of my projects. You have done nothing of yourself. With me it -is different. I alone am the author of this plot. I stood in -need of my inseparable companion; I called upon you, and you came -to me in remembrance of our ancient device, 'All for one, one for -all.' My crime is that I was an egotist."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Now, that is a word I -like," said Porthos; "and seeing that you have acted entirely for -yourself, it is impossible for me to blame you. It is -natural."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And upon this sublime -reflection, Porthos pressed his friend's hand cordially.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> In presence of this -ingenuous greatness of soul, Aramis felt his own littleness. It -was the second time he had been compelled to bend before real -superiority of heart, which is more imposing than brilliancy of -mind. He replied by a mute and energetic pressure to the -endearment of his friend.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Now," said Porthos, "that -we have come to an explanation, now that I am perfectly aware of -our situation with respect to Louis XIV., I think, my friend, it -is time to make me comprehend the political intrigue of which we -are the victims - for I plainly see there is a political intrigue -at the bottom of all this."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "D'Artagnan, my good -Porthos, D'Artagnan is coming, and will detail it to you in all -its circumstances; but, excuse me, I am deeply grieved, I am -bowed down with mental anguish, and I have need of all my -presence of mind, all my powers of reflection, to extricate you -from the false position in which I have so imprudently involved -you; but nothing can be more clear, nothing more plain, than your -position, henceforth. The king Louis XIV. has no longer now but -one enemy: that enemy is myself, myself alone. I have made you a -prisoner, you have followed me, to-day I liberate you, you fly -back to your prince. You can perceive, Porthos, there is not one -difficulty in all this."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you think so?" said -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am quite sure of it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then why," said the -admirable good sense of Porthos, "then why, if we are in such an -easy position, why, my friend, do we prepare cannon, muskets, and -engines of all sorts? It seems to me it would be much more -simple to say to Captain d'Artagnan: 'My dear friend, we have -been mistaken; that error is to be repaired; open the door to us, -let us pass through, and we will say good-bye.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! that!" said Aramis, -shaking his head.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why do you say 'that'? Do -you not approve of my plan, my friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I see a difficulty in -it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The hypothesis that -D'Artagnan may come with orders which will oblige us to defend -ourselves."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! defend ourselves -against D'Artagnan? Folly! Against the good D'Artagnan!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis once more replied by -shaking his head.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Porthos," at length said -he, "if I have had the matches lighted and the guns pointed, if I -have had the signal of alarm sounded, if I have called every man -to his post upon the ramparts, those good ramparts of Belle-Isle -which you have so well fortified, it was not for nothing. Wait -to judge; or rather, no, do not wait - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What can I do?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If I knew, my friend, I -would have told you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But there is one thing much -more simple than defending ourselves: - a boat, and away for -France - where -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My dear friend," said -Aramis, smiling with a strong shade of sadness, "do not let us -reason like children; let us be men in council and in execution. -- But, hark! I hear a hail for landing at the port. Attention, -Porthos, serious attention!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is D'Artagnan, no -doubt," said Porthos, in a voice of thunder, approaching the -parapet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, it is I," replied the -captain of the musketeers, running lightly up the steps of the -mole, and gaining rapidly the little esplanade on which his two -friends waited for him. As soon as he came towards them, Porthos -and Aramis observed an officer who followed D'Artagnan, treading -apparently in his very steps. The captain stopped upon the -stairs of the mole, when half-way up. His companions imitated -him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Make your men draw back," -cried D'Artagnan to Porthos and Aramis; "let them retire out of -hearing." This order, given by Porthos, was executed -immediately. Then D'Artagnan, turning towards him who followed -him:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said he, "we are -no longer on board the king's fleet, where, in virtue of your -order, you spoke so arrogantly to me, just now."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," replied the -officer, "I did not speak arrogantly to you; I simply, but -rigorously, obeyed instructions. I was commanded to follow you. -I follow you. I am directed not to allow you to communicate with -any one without taking cognizance of what you do; I am in duty -bound, accordingly, to overhear your conversations."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan trembled with -rage, and Porthos and Aramis, who heard this dialogue, trembled -likewise, but with uneasiness and fear. D'Artagnan, biting his -mustache with that vivacity which denoted in him exasperation, -closely to be followed by an explosion, approached the -officer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said he, in a -low voice, so much the more impressive, that, affecting calm, it -threatened tempest - "monsieur, when I sent a canoe hither, you -wished to know what I wrote to the defenders of Belle-Isle. You -produced an order to that effect; and, in my turn, I instantly -showed you the note I had written. When the skipper of the boat -sent by me returned, when I received the reply of these two -gentlemen" (and he pointed to Aramis and Porthos), "you heard -every word of what the messenger said. All that was plainly in -your orders, all that was well executed, very punctually, was it -not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur," stammered -the officer; "yes, without doubt, but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," continued -D'Artagnan, growing warm - "monsieur, when I manifested the -intention of quitting my vessel to cross to Belle-Isle, you -demanded to accompany me; I did not hesitate; I brought you with -me. You are now at Belle-Isle, are you not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur; but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But - the question no -longer is of M. Colbert, who has given you that order, or of -whomsoever in the world you are following the instructions; the -question now is of a man who is a clog upon M. d'Artagnan, and -who is alone with M. d'Artagnan upon steps whose feet are bathed -by thirty feet of salt water; a bad position for that man, a bad -position, monsieur! I warn you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But, monsieur, if I am a -restraint upon you," said the officer, timidly, and almost -faintly, "it is my duty which - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur, you have had the -misfortune, either you or those that sent you, to insult me. It -is done. I cannot seek redress from those who employ you, - they -are unknown to me, or are at too great a distance. But you are -under my hand, and I swear that if you make one step behind me -when I raise my feet to go up to those gentlemen, I swear to you -by my name, I will cleave your head in two with my sword, and -pitch you into the water. Oh! it will happen! it will happen! I -have only been six times angry in my life, monsieur, and all five -preceding times <i>I killed my man</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The officer did not stir; he -became pale under this terrible threat, but replied with -simplicity, "Monsieur, you are wrong in acting against my -orders."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos and Aramis, mute and -trembling at the top of the parapet, cried to the musketeer, -"Good D'Artagnan, take care!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan made them a sign -to keep silence, raised his foot with ominous calmness to mount -the stair, and turned round, sword in hand, to see if the officer -followed him. The officer made a sign of the cross and stepped -up. Porthos and Aramis, who knew their D'Artagnan, uttered a -cry, and rushed down to prevent the blow they thought they -already heard. But D'Artagnan passed his sword into his left -hand, -</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said he to the -officer, in an agitated voice, "you are a brave man. You will -all the better comprehend what I am going to say to you now."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Speak, Monsieur d'Artagnan, -speak," replied the officer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "These gentlemen we have -just seen, and against whom you have orders, are my friends."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I know they are, -monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You can understand whether -or not I ought to act towards them as your instructions -prescribe."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I understand your -reserve."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well; permit me, then, -to converse with them without a witness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur d'Artagnan, if I -yield to your request, if I do that which you beg me, I break my -word; but if I do not do it, I disoblige you. I prefer the one -dilemma to the other. Converse with your friends, and do not -despise me, monsieur, for doing this for <i>your</i> sake, whom I -esteem and honor; do not despise me for committing for you, and -you alone, an unworthy act." D'Artagnan, much agitated, threw -his arm round the neck of the young man, and then went up to his -friends. The officer, enveloped in his cloak, sat down on the -damp, weed-covered steps.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well!" said D'Artagnan to -his friends, "such is my position, judge for yourselves." All -three embraced as in the glorious days of their youth.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the meaning of all -these preparations?" said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You ought to have a -suspicion of what they signify," said D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not any, I assure you, my -dear captain; for, in fact, I have done nothing, no more has -Aramis," the worthy baron hastened to say.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan darted a -reproachful look at the prelate, which penetrated that hardened -heart.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Dear Porthos!" cried the -bishop of Vannes.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You see what is being done -against you," said D'Artagnan; "interception of all boats coming -to or going from Belle-Isle. Your means of transport seized. If -you had endeavored to fly, you would have fallen into the hands -of the cruisers that plow the sea in all directions, on the watch -for you. The king wants you to be taken, and he will take you." -D'Artagnan tore at his gray mustache. Aramis grew somber, -Porthos angry.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My idea was this," -continued D'Artagnan: "to make you both come on board, to keep -you near me, and restore you your liberty. But now, who can say, -when I return to my ship, I may not find a superior; that I may -not find secret orders which will take from me my command, and -give it to another, who will dispose of me and you without hope -of help?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We must remain at -Belle-Isle," said Aramis, resolutely; "and I assure you, for my -part, I will not surrender easily." Porthos said nothing. -D'Artagnan remarked the silence of his friend.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have another trial to -make of this officer, of this brave fellow who accompanies me, -and whose courageous resistance makes me very happy; for it -denotes an honest man, who, though an enemy, is a thousand times -better than a complaisant coward. Let us try to learn from him -what his instructions are, and what his orders permit or -forbid."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us try," said -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan went to the -parapet, leaned over towards the steps of the mole, and called -the officer, who immediately came up. "Monsieur," said -D'Artagnan, after having exchanged the cordial courtesies natural -between gentlemen who know and appreciate each other, "monsieur, -if I wished to take away these gentlemen from here, what would -you do?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I should not oppose it, -monsieur; but having direct explicit orders to put them under -guard, I should detain them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That's all over," said -Aramis, gloomily. Porthos did not stir.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But still take Porthos," -said the bishop of Vannes. "He can prove to the king, and I will -help him do so, and you too, Monsieur d'Artagnan, that he had -nothing to do with this affair."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Hum!" said D'Artagnan. -"Will you come? Will you follow me, Porthos? The king is -merciful."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I want time for -reflection," said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will remain here, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Until fresh orders," said -Aramis, with vivacity.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Until we have an idea," -resumed D'Artagnan; "and I now believe that will not be long, for -I have one already."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us say adieu, then," -said Aramis; "but in truth, my good Porthos, you ought to -go."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No," said the latter, -laconically.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As you please," replied -Aramis, a little wounded in his susceptibilities at the morose -tone of his companion. "Only I am reassured by the promise of an -idea from D'Artagnan, an idea I fancy I have divined."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us see," said the -musketeer, placing his ear near Aramis's mouth. The latter spoke -several words rapidly, to which D'Artagnan replied, "That is it, -precisely."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Infallible!" cried -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "During the first emotion -this resolution will cause, take care of yourself, Aramis."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! don't be afraid."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Now, monsieur," said -D'Artagnan to the officer, "thanks, a thousand thanks! You have -made yourself three friends for life."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," added Aramis. -Porthos alone said nothing, but merely bowed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan, having tenderly -embraced his two old friends, left Belle-Isle with the -inseparable companion with whom M. Colbert had saddled him. -Thus, with the exception of the explanation with which the worthy -Porthos had been willing to be satisfied, nothing had changed in -appearance in the fate of one or the other, "Only," said Aramis, -"there is D'Artagnan's idea."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan did not return on -board without profoundly analyzing the idea he had discovered. -Now, we know that whatever D'Artagnan did examine, according to -custom, daylight was certain to illuminate. As to the officer, -now grown mute again, he had full time for meditation. -Therefore, on putting his foot on board his vessel, moored within -cannon-shot of the island, the captain of the musketeers had -already got together all his means, offensive and defensive.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He immediately assembled his -council, which consisted of the officers serving under his -orders. These were eight in number; a chief of the maritime -forces; a major directing the artillery; an engineer, the officer -we are acquainted with, and four lieutenants. Having assembled -them, D'Artagnan arose, took of his hat, and addressed them -thus:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Gentlemen, I have been to -reconnoiter Belle-Île-en-Mer, and I have found in it a good -and solid garrison; moreover, preparations are made for a defense -that may prove troublesome. I therefore intend to send for two -of the principal officers of the place, that we may converse with -them. Having separated them from their troops and cannon, we -shall be better able to deal with them; particularly by reasoning -with them. Is not this your opinion, gentlemen?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The major of artillery -rose.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said he, with -respect, but firmness, "I have heard you say that the place is -preparing to make a troublesome defense. The place is then, as -you know, determined on rebellion?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan was visibly put -out by this reply; but he was not the man to allow himself to be -subdued by a trifle, and resumed:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said he, "your -reply is just. But you are ignorant that Belle-Isle is a fief of -M. Fouquet's, and that former monarchs gave the right to the -seigneurs of Belle-Isle to arm their people." The major made a -movement. "Oh! do not interrupt me," continued D'Artagnan. "You -are going to tell me that that right to arm themselves against -the English was not a right to arm themselves against their -king. But it is not M. Fouquet, I suppose, who holds Belle-Isle -at this moment, since I arrested M. Fouquet the day before -yesterday. Now the inhabitants and defenders of Belle-Isle know -nothing of this arrest. You would announce it to them in vain. -It is a thing so unheard-of and extraordinary, so unexpected, -that they would not believe you. A Breton serves his master, and -not his masters; he serves his master till he has seen him dead. -Now the Bretons, as far as I know, have not seen the body of M. -Fouquet. It is not, then, surprising they hold out against that -which is neither M. Fouquet nor his signature."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The major bowed in token of -assent.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is why," continued -D'Artagnan, "I propose to cause two of the principal officers of -the garrison to come on board my vessel. They will see you, -gentlemen; they will see the forces we have at our disposal; they -will consequently know to what they have to trust, and the fate -that attends them, in case of rebellion. We will affirm to them, -upon our honor, that M. Fouquet is a prisoner, and that all -resistance can only be prejudicial to them. We will tell them -that at the first cannon fired, there will be no further hope of -mercy from the king. Then, or so at least I trust, they will -resist no longer. They will yield up without fighting, and we -shall have a place given up to us in a friendly way which it -might cost prodigious efforts to subdue."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The officer who had followed -D'Artagnan to Belle-Isle was preparing to speak, but D'Artagnan -interrupted him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I know what you are -going to tell me, monsieur; I know that there is an order of the -king's to prevent all secret communications with the defenders of -Belle-Isle, and that is exactly why I do not offer to communicate -except in presence of my staff."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And D'Artagnan made an -inclination of the head to his officers, who knew him well enough -to attach a certain value to the condescension.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The officers looked at each -other as if to read each other's opinions in their eyes, with the -intention of evidently acting, should they agree, according to -the desire of D'Artagnan. And already the latter saw with joy -that the result of their consent would be sending a bark to -Porthos and Aramis, when the king's officer drew from a pocket a -folded paper, which he placed in the hands of D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This paper bore upon its -superscription the number 1.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What, more!" murmured the -surprised captain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Read, monsieur," said the -officer, with a courtesy that was not free from sadness.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan, full of -mistrust, unfolded the paper, and read these words: "Prohibition -to M. d'Artagnan to assemble any council whatever, or to -deliberate in any way before Belle-Isle be surrendered and the -prisoners shot. Signed - LOUIS."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan repressed the -quiver of impatience that ran through his whole body, and with a -gracious smile:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is well, monsieur," -said he; "the king's orders shall be complied with."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XLIV:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Result of the Ideas of the King, and the Ideas of D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he blow was -direct. It was severe, mortal. D'Artagnan, furious at having -been anticipated by an idea of the king's, did not despair, -however, even yet; and reflecting upon the idea he had brought -back from Belle-Isle, he elicited therefrom novel means of safety -for his friends.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Gentlemen," said he, -suddenly, "since the king has charged some other than myself with -his secret orders, it must be because I no longer possess his -confidence, and I should really be unworthy of it if I had the -courage to hold a command subject to so many injurious -suspicions. Therefore I will go immediately and carry my -resignation to the king. I tender it before you all, enjoining -you all to fall back with me upon the coast of France, in such a -way as not to compromise the safety of the forces his majesty has -confided to me. For this purpose, return all to your posts; -within an hour, we shall have the ebb of the tide. To your -posts, gentlemen! I suppose," added he, on seeing that all -prepared to obey him, except the surveillant officer, "you have -no orders to object, this time?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And D'Artagnan almost -triumphed while speaking these words. This plan would prove the -safety of his friends. The blockade once raised, they might -embark immediately, and set sail for England or Spain, without -fear of being molested. Whilst they were making their escape, -D'Artagnan would return to the king; would justify his return by -the indignation which the mistrust of Colbert had raised in him; -he would be sent back with full powers, and he would take -Belle-Isle; that is to say, the cage, after the birds had flown. -But to this plan the officer opposed a further order of the -king's. It was thus conceived:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "From the moment M. -d'Artagnan shall have manifested the desire of giving in his -resignation, he shall no longer be reckoned leader of the -expedition, and every officer placed under his orders shall be -held to no longer obey him. Moreover, the said Monsieur -d'Artagnan, having lost that quality of leader of the army sent -against Belle-Isle, shall set out immediately for France, -accompanied by the officer who will have remitted the message to -him, and who will consider him a prisoner for whom he is -answerable."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Brave and careless as he -was, D'Artagnan turned pale. Everything had been calculated with -a depth of precognition which, for the first time in thirty -years, recalled to him the solid foresight and inflexible logic -of the great cardinal. He leaned his head on his hand, -thoughtful, scarcely breathing. "If I were to put this order in -my pocket," thought he, "who would know it, what would prevent my -doing it? Before the king had had time to be informed, I should -have saved those poor fellows yonder. Let us exercise some small -audacity! My head is not one of those the executioner strikes -off for disobedience. We will disobey!" But at the moment he -was about to adopt this plan, he saw the officers around him -reading similar orders, which the passive agent of the thoughts -of that infernal Colbert had distributed to them. This -contingency of his disobedience had been foreseen - as all the -rest had been.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said the -officer, coming up to him, "I await your good pleasure to -depart."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am ready, monsieur," -replied D'Artagnan, grinding his teeth.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The officer immediately -ordered a canoe to receive M. d'Artagnan and himself. At sight -of this he became almost distraught with rage.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How," stammered he, "will -you carry on the directions of the different corps?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "When you are gone, -monsieur," replied the commander of the fleet, "it is to me the -command of the whole is committed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then, monsieur," rejoined -Colbert's man, addressing the new leader, "it is for you that -this last order remitted to me is intended. Let us see your -powers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Here they are," said the -officer, exhibiting the royal signature.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Here are your -instructions," replied the officer, placing the folded paper in -his hands; and turning round towards D'Artagnan, "Come, -monsieur," said he, in an agitated voice (such despair did he -behold in that man of iron), "do me the favor to depart at -once."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Immediately!" articulated -D'Artagnan, feebly, subdued, crushed by implacable -impossibility.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And he painfully subsided -into the little boat, which started, favored by wind and tide, -for the coast of France. The king's guards embarked with him. -The musketeer still preserved the hope of reaching Nantes -quickly, and of pleading the cause of his friends eloquently -enough to incline the king to mercy. The bark flew like a -swallow. D'Artagnan distinctly saw the land of France profiled -in black against the white clouds of night.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! monsieur," said he, in -a low voice, to the officer to whom, for an hour, he had ceased -speaking, "what would I give to know the instructions for the new -commander! They are all pacific, are they not? and - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He did not finish; the -thunder of a distant cannon rolled athwart the waves, another, -and two or three still louder. D'Artagnan shuddered.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They have commenced the -siege of Belle-Isle," replied the officer. The canoe had just -touched the soil of France.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XLV:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Ancestors of Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>W</span>hen -D'Artagnan left Aramis and Porthos, the latter returned to the -principal fort, in order to converse with greater liberty. -Porthos, still thoughtful, was a restraint on Aramis, whose mind -had never felt itself more free.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Dear Porthos," said he, -suddenly, "I will explain D'Artagnan's idea to you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What idea, Aramis?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "An idea to which we shall -owe our liberty within twelve hours."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! indeed!" said Porthos, -much astonished. "Let us hear it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Did you remark, in the -scene our friend had with the officer, that certain orders -constrained him with regard to us?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I did notice -that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! D'Artagnan is going -to give in his resignation to the king, and during the confusion -that will result from his absence, we will get away, or rather -you will get away, Porthos, if there is possibility of flight for -only one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Here Porthos shook his head -and replied: "We will escape together, Aramis, or we will stay -together."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Thine is a right, a -generous heart," said Aramis, "only your melancholy uneasiness -affects me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am not uneasy," said -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then you are angry with -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am not angry with -you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then why, my friend, do you -put on such a dismal countenance?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will tell you; I am -making my will." And while saying these words, the good Porthos -looked sadly in the face of Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your will!" cried the -bishop. "What, then! do you think yourself lost?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I feel fatigued. It is the -first time, and there is a custom in our family."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is it, my friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My grandfather was a man -twice as strong as I am."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Indeed!" said Aramis; "then -your grandfather must have been Samson himself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; his name was Antoine. -Well! he was about my age, when, setting out one day for the -chase, he felt his legs weak, the man who had never known what -weakness was before."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What was the meaning of -that fatigue, my friend?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing good, as you will -see; for having set out, complaining still of weakness of the -legs, he met a wild boar, which made head against him; he missed -him with his arquebuse, and was ripped up by the beast and died -immediately."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There is no reason in that -why you should alarm yourself, dear Porthos."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! you will see. My -father was as strong again as I am. He was a rough soldier, -under Henry III. and Henry IV.; his name was not Antoine, but -Gaspard, the same as M. de Coligny. Always on horseback, he had -never known what lassitude was. One evening, as he rose from -table, his legs failed him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He had supped heartily, -perhaps," said Aramis, "and that was why he staggered."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah! A friend of M. de -Bassompierre, nonsense! No, no, he was astonished at this -lassitude, and said to my mother, who laughed at him, 'Would not -one believe I was going to meet with a wild boar, as the late M. -du Vallon, my father did?'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well?" said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, having this weakness, -my father insisted upon going down into the garden, instead of -going to bed; his foot slipped on the first stair, the staircase -was steep; my father fell against a stone in which an iron hinge -was fixed. The hinge gashed his temple; and he was stretched out -dead upon the spot."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis raised his eyes to -his friend: "These are two extraordinary circumstances," said he; -"let us not infer that there may succeed a third. It is not -becoming in a man of your strength to be superstitious, my brave -Porthos. Besides, when were your legs known to fail? Never have -you stood so firm, so haughtily; why, you could carry a house on -your shoulders."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At this moment," said -Porthos, "I feel myself pretty active; but at times I vacillate; -I sink; and lately this phenomenon, as you say, has occurred four -times. I will not say this frightens me, but it annoys me. Life -is an agreeable thing. I have money; I have fine estates; I have -horses that I love; I have also friends that I love: D'Artagnan, -Athos, Raoul, and you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The admirable Porthos did -not even take the trouble to dissimulate in the very presence of -Aramis the rank he gave him in his friendship. Aramis pressed -his hand: "We will still live many years," said he, "to preserve -to the world such specimens of its rarest men. Trust yourself to -me, my friend; we have no reply from D'Artagnan, that is a good -sign. He must have given orders to get the vessels together and -clear the seas. On my part I have just issued directions that a -bark should be rolled on rollers to the mouth of the great cavern -of Locmaria, which you know, where we have so often lain in wait -for the foxes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, and which terminates -at the little creek by a trench where we discovered the day that -splendid fox escaped that way."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Precisely. In case of -misfortunes, a bark is to be concealed for us in that cavern; -indeed, it must be there by this time. We will wait for a -favorable moment, and during the night we will go to sea!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is a grand idea. What -shall we gain by it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We shall gain this - nobody -knows that grotto, or rather its issue, except ourselves and two -or three hunters of the island; we shall gain this - that if the -island is occupied, the scouts, seeing no bark upon the shore, -will never imagine we can escape, and will cease to watch."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I understand."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! that weakness in the -legs?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! better, much, just -now."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You see, then, plainly, -that everything conspires to give us quietude and hope. -D'Artagnan will sweep the sea and leave us free. No royal fleet -or descent to be dreaded. <i>Vive Dieu!</i> Porthos, we have -still half a century of magnificent adventure before us, and if I -once touch Spanish ground, I swear to you," added the bishop with -terrible energy, "that your brevet of duke is not such a chance -as it is said to be."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We live by hope," said -Porthos, enlivened by the warmth of his companion.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> All at once a cry resounded -in their ears: "To arms! to arms!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This cry, repeated by a -hundred throats, piercing the chamber where the two friends were -conversing, carried surprise to one, and uneasiness to the -other. Aramis opened the window; he saw a crowd of people -running with flambeaux. Women were seeking places of safety, the -armed population were hastening to their posts.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The fleet! the fleet!" -cried a soldier, who recognized Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The fleet?" repeated the -latter.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Within half cannon-shot," -continued the soldier.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To arms!" cried Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To arms!" repeated Porthos, -formidably. And both rushed forth towards the mole to place -themselves within the shelter of the batteries. Boats, laden -with soldiers, were seen approaching; and in three directions, -for the purpose of landing at three points at once.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What must be done?" said an -officer of the guard.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Stop them; and if they -persist, fire!" said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Five minutes later, the -cannonade commenced. These were the shots that D'Artagnan had -heard as he landed in France. But the boats were too near the -mole to allow the cannon to aim correctly. They landed, and the -combat commenced hand to hand.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What's the matter, -Porthos?" said Aramis to his friend.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing! nothing! - only my -legs; it is really incomprehensible! - they will be better when -we charge." In fact, Porthos and Aramis did charge with such -vigor, and so thoroughly animated their men, that the royalists -re-embarked precipitately, without gaining anything but the -wounds they carried away.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! but Porthos," cried -Aramis, "we must have a prisoner, quick! quick!" Porthos bent -over the stair of the mole, and seized by the nape of the neck -one of the officers of the royal army who was waiting to embark -till all his people should be in the boat. The arm of the giant -lifted up his prey, which served him as a buckler, and he -recovered himself without a shot being fired at him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Here is a prisoner for -you," said Porthos coolly to Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well!" cried the latter, -laughing, "did you not calumniate your legs?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It was not with my legs I -captured him," said Porthos, "it was with my arms!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XLVI:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Son of Biscarrat.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he Bretons of -the Isle were very proud of this victory; Aramis did not -encourage them in the feeling.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What will happen," said he -to Porthos, when everybody was gone home, "will be that the anger -of the king will be roused by the account of the resistance; and -that these brave people will be decimated or shot when they are -taken, which cannot fail to take place."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "From which it results, -then," said Porthos, "that what we have done is of not the -slightest use."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "For the moment it may be," -replied the bishop, "for we have a prisoner from whom we shall -learn what our enemies are preparing to do."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, let us interrogate the -prisoner," said Porthos, "and the means of making him speak are -very simple. We are going to supper; we will invite him to join -us; as he drinks he will talk."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This was done. The officer -was at first rather uneasy, but became reassured on seeing what -sort of men he had to deal with. He gave, without having any -fear of compromising himself, all the details imaginable of the -resignation and departure of D'Artagnan. He explained how, after -that departure, the new leader of the expedition had ordered a -surprise upon Belle-Isle. There his explanations stopped. -Aramis and Porthos exchanged a glance that evinced their -despair. No more dependence to be placed now on D'Artagnan's -fertile imagination - no further resource in the event of -defeat. Aramis, continuing his interrogations, asked the -prisoner what the leaders of the expedition contemplated doing -with the leaders of Belle-Isle.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The orders are," replied -he, "to kill <i>during</i> combat, or hang -<i>afterwards</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos and Aramis looked at -each other again, and the color mounted to their faces.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am too light for the -gallows," replied Aramis; "people like me are not hung."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I am too heavy," said -Porthos; "people like me break the cord."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am sure," said the -prisoner, gallantly, "that we could have guaranteed you the exact -kind of death you preferred."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A thousand thanks!" said -Aramis, seriously. Porthos bowed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "One more cup of wine to -your health," said he, drinking himself. From one subject to -another the chat with the officer was prolonged. He was an -intelligent gentleman, and suffered himself to be led on by the -charm of Aramis's wit and Porthos's cordial <i>bonhomie</i>.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pardon me," said he, "if I -address a question to you; but men who are in their sixth bottle -have a clear right to forget themselves a little."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Address it!" cried Porthos; -"address it!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Speak," said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Were you not, gentlemen, -both in the musketeers of the late king?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur, and amongst -the best of them, if you please," said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is true; I should say -even the best of all soldiers, messieurs, if I did not fear to -offend the memory of my father."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Of your father?" cried -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you know what my name -is?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Ma foi!</i> no, -monsieur; but you can tell us, and - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am called Georges de -Biscarrat."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" cried Porthos, in his -turn. "Biscarrat! Do you remember that name, Aramis?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Biscarrat!" reflected the -bishop. "It seems to me - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Try to recollect, -monsieur," said the officer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Pardieu!</i> that won't -take me long," said Porthos. "Biscarrat - called Cardinal - one -of the four who interrupted us on the day on which we formed our -friendship with D'Artagnan, sword in hand."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Precisely, gentlemen."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The only one," cried -Aramis, eagerly, "we could not scratch."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Consequently, a capital -blade?" said the prisoner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That's true! most true!" -exclaimed both friends together. "<i>Ma foi!</i> Monsieur -Biscarrat, we are delighted to make the acquaintance of such a -brave man's son."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Biscarrat pressed the hands -held out by the two musketeers. Aramis looked at Porthos as much -as to say, "Here is a man who will help us," and without delay, - -"Confess, monsieur," said he, "that it is good to have once been -a good man."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> ""My father always said so, -monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Confess, likewise, that it -is a sad circumstance in which you find yourself, of falling in -with men destined to be shot or hung, and to learn that these men -are old acquaintances, in fact, hereditary friends."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! you are not reserved -for such a frightful fate as that, messieurs and friends!" said -the young man, warmly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Bah! you said so -yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I said so just now, when I -did not know you; but now that I know you, I say - you will evade -this dismal fate, if you wish!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How - if we wish?" echoed -Aramis, whose eyes beamed with intelligence as he looked -alternately at the prisoner and Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Provided," continued -Porthos, looking, in his turn, with noble intrepidity, at M. -Biscarrat and the bishop - "provided nothing disgraceful be -required of us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nothing at all will be -required of you, gentlemen," replied the officer - "what should -they ask of you? If they find you they will kill you, that is a -predetermined thing; try, then, gentlemen, to prevent their -finding you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I don't think I am -mistaken," said Porthos, with dignity; "but it appears evident to -me that if they want to find us, they must come and seek us -here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In that you are perfectly -right, my worthy friend," replied Aramis, constantly consulting -with his looks the countenance of Biscarrat, who had grown silent -and constrained. "You wish, Monsieur de Biscarrat, to say -something to us, to make us some overture, and you dare not - is -that true?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! gentlemen and friends! -it is because by speaking I betray the watchword. But, hark! I -hear a voice that frees mine by dominating it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Cannon!" said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Cannon and musketry, too!" -cried the bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> On hearing at a distance, -among the rocks, these sinister reports of a combat which they -thought had ceased:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What can that be?" asked -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! <i>Pardieu!</i>" cried -Aramis; "that is just what I expected."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That the attack made by you -was nothing but a feint; is not that true, monsieur? And whilst -your companions allowed themselves to be repulsed, you were -certain of effecting a landing on the other side of the -island."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! several, monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We are lost, then," said -the bishop of Vannes, quietly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Lost! that is possible," -replied the Seigneur de Pierrefonds, "but we are not taken or -hung." And so saying, he rose from the table, went to the wall, -and coolly took down his sword and pistols, which he examined -with the care of an old soldier who is preparing for battle, and -who feels that life, in a great measure, depends upon the -excellence and right conditions of his arms.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At the report of the cannon, -at the news of the surprise which might deliver up the island to -the royal troops, the terrified crowd rushed precipitately to the -fort to demand assistance and advice from their leaders. Aramis, -pale and downcast, between two flambeaux, showed himself at the -window which looked into the principal court, full of soldiers -waiting for orders and bewildered inhabitants imploring -succor.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My friends," said -D'Herblay, in a grave and sonorous voice, "M. Fouquet, your -protector, your friend, you father, has been arrested by an order -of the king, and thrown into the Bastile." A sustained yell of -vengeful fury came floating up to the window at which the bishop -stood, and enveloped him in a magnetic field.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Avenge Monsieur Fouquet!" -cried the most excited of his hearers, "death to the -royalists!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, my friends," replied -Aramis, solemnly; "no, my friends; no resistance. The king is -master in his kingdom. The king is the mandatory of God. The -king and God have struck M. Fouquet. Humble yourselves before -the hand of God. Love God and the king, who have struck M. -Fouquet. But do not avenge your seigneur, do not think of -avenging him. You would sacrifice yourselves in vain - you, your -wives and children, your property, your liberty. Lay down your -arms, my friends - lay down your arms! since the king commands -you so to do - and retire peaceably to your dwellings. It is I -who ask you to do so; it is I who beg you to do so; it is I who -now, in the hour of need, command you to do so, in the name of M. -Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The crowd collected under -the window uttered a prolonged roar of anger and terror. "The -soldiers of Louis XIV. have reached the island," continued -Aramis. "From this time it would no longer be a fight betwixt -them and you - it would be a massacre. Begone, then, begone, and -forget; this time I command you, in the name of the Lord of -Hosts!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The mutineers retired -slowly, submissive, silent.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! what have you just been -saying, my friend?" said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said Biscarrat -to the bishop, "you may save all these inhabitants, but thus you -will neither save yourself nor your friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur de Biscarrat," -said the bishop of Vannes, with a singular accent of nobility and -courtesy, "Monsieur de Biscarrat, be kind enough to resume your -liberty."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am very willing to do so, -monsieur; but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That would render us a -service, for when announcing to the king's lieutenant the -submission of the islanders, you will perhaps obtain some grace -for us on informing him of the manner in which that submission -has been effected."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Grace!" replied Porthos -with flashing eyes, "what is the meaning of that word?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis touched the elbow of -his friend roughly, as he had been accustomed to do in the days -of their youth, when he wanted to warn Porthos that he had -committed, or was about to commit, a blunder. Porthos understood -him, and was silent immediately.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will go, messieurs," -replied Biscarrat, a little surprised likewise at the word -"grace" pronounced by the haughty musketeer, of and to whom, but -a few minutes before, he had related with so much enthusiasm the -heroic exploits with which his father had delighted him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Go, then, Monsieur -Biscarrat," said Aramis, bowing to him, "and at parting receive -the expression of our entire gratitude."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But you, messieurs, you -whom I think it an honor to call my friends, since you have been -willing to accept that title, what will become of you in the -meantime?" replied the officer, very much agitated at taking -leave of the two ancient adversaries of his father.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We will wait here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But, <i>mon Dieu!</i> - the -order is precise and formal."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am bishop of Vannes, -Monsieur de Biscarrat; and they no more shoot a bishop than they -hang a gentleman."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! yes, monsieur - yes, -monseigneur," replied Biscarrat; "it is true, you are right, -there is still that chance for you. Then, I will depart, I will -repair to the commander of the expedition, the king's -lieutenant. Adieu! then, messieurs, or rather, to meet again, I -hope."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The worthy officer, jumping -upon a horse given him by Aramis, departed in the direction of -the sound of cannon, which, by surging the crowd into the fort, -had interrupted the conversation of the two friends with their -prisoner. Aramis watched the departure, and when left alone with -Porthos:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, do you comprehend?" -said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Ma foi!</i> no."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Did not Biscarrat -inconvenience you here?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No; he is a brave -fellow."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; but the grotto of -Locmaria - is it necessary all the world should know it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! that is true, that is -true; I comprehend. We are going to escape by the cavern."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If you please," cried -Aramis, gayly. "Forward, friend Porthos; our boat awaits us. -King Louis has not caught us - <i>yet</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XLVII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Grotto of Locmaria.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he cavern of -Locmaria was sufficiently distant from the mole to render it -necessary for our friends to husband their strength in order to -reach it. Besides, night was advancing; midnight had struck at -the fort. Porthos and Aramis were loaded with money and arms. -They walked, then, across the heath, which stretched between the -mole and the cavern, listening to every noise, in order better to -avoid an ambush. From time to time, on the road which they had -carefully left on their left, passed fugitives coming from the -interior, at the news of the landing of the royal troops. Aramis -and Porthos, concealed behind some projecting mass of rock, -collected the words that escaped from the poor people, who fled, -trembling, carrying with them their most valuable effects, and -tried, whilst listening to their complaints, to gather something -from them for their own interest. At length, after a rapid race, -frequently interrupted by prudent stoppages, they reached the -deep grottoes, in which the prophetic bishop of Vannes had taken -care to have secreted a bark capable of keeping the sea at this -fine season.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My good friend," said -Porthos, panting vigorously, "we have arrived, it seems. But I -thought you spoke of three men, three servants, who were to -accompany us. I don't see them - where are they?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why should you see them, -Porthos?" replied Aramis. "They are certainly waiting for us in -the cavern, and, no doubt, are resting, having accomplished their -rough and difficult task."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis stopped Porthos, who -was preparing to enter the cavern. "Will you allow me, my -friend," said he to the giant, "to pass in first? I know the -signal I have given to these men; who, not hearing it, would be -very likely to fire upon you or slash away with their knives in -the dark."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Go on, then, Aramis; go on -- go first; you impersonate wisdom and foresight; go. Ah! there -is that fatigue again, of which I spoke to you. It has just -seized me afresh."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis left Porthos sitting -at the entrance of the grotto, and bowing his head, he penetrated -into the interior of the cavern, imitating the cry of the owl. A -little plaintive cooing, a scarcely distinct echo, replied from -the depths of the cave. Aramis pursued his way cautiously, and -soon was stopped by the same kind of cry as he had first uttered, -within ten paces of him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you there, Yves?" said -the bishop.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur; Goenne is -here likewise. His son accompanies us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is well. Are all -things ready?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monseigneur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Go to the entrance of the -grottoes, my good Yves, and you will there find the Seigneur de -Pierrefonds, who is resting after the fatigue of our journey. -And if he should happen not to be able to walk, lift him up, and -bring him hither to me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The three men obeyed. But -the recommendation given to his servants was superfluous. -Porthos, refreshed, had already commenced the descent, and his -heavy step resounded amongst the cavities, formed and supported -by columns of porphyry and granite. As soon as the Seigneur de -Bracieux had rejoined the bishop, the Bretons lighted a lantern -with which they were furnished, and Porthos assured his friend -that he felt as strong again as ever.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us inspect the boat," -said Aramis, "and satisfy ourselves at once what it will -hold."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do not go too near with the -light," said the patron Yves; "for as you desired me, -monseigneur, I have placed under the bench of the poop, in the -coffer you know of, the barrel of powder, and the musket-charges -that you sent me from the fort."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well," said Aramis; -and, taking the lantern himself, he examined minutely all parts -of the canoe, with the precautions of a man who is neither timid -nor ignorant in the face of danger. The canoe was long, light, -drawing little water, thin of keel; in short, one of those that -have always been so aptly built at Belle-Isle; a little high in -its sides, solid upon the water, very manageable, furnished with -planks which, in uncertain weather, formed a sort of deck over -which the waves might glide, so as to protect the rowers. In two -well-closed coffers, placed beneath the benches of the prow and -the poop, Aramis found bread, biscuit, dried fruits, a quarter of -bacon, a good provision of water in leathern bottles; the whole -forming rations sufficient for people who did not mean to quit -the coast, and would be able to revictual, if necessity -commanded. The arms, eight muskets, and as many horse-pistols, -were in good condition, and all loaded. There were additional -oars, in case of accident, and that little sail called -<i>trinquet</i>, which assists the speed of the canoe at the same -time the boatmen row, and is so useful when the breeze is slack. -When Aramis had seen to all these things, and appeared satisfied -with the result of his inspection, "Let us consult Porthos," said -he, "to know if we must endeavor to get the boat out by the -unknown extremity of the grotto, following the descent and the -shade of the cavern, or whether it be better, in the open air, to -make it slide upon its rollers through the bushes, leveling the -road of the little beach, which is but twenty feet high, and -gives, at high tide, three or four fathoms of good water upon a -sound bottom."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It must be as you please, -monseigneur," replied the skipper Yves, respectfully; "but I -don't believe that by the slope of the cavern, and in the dark in -which we shall be obliged to maneuver our boat, the road will be -so convenient as the open air. I know the beach well, and can -certify that it is as smooth as a grass-plot in a garden; the -interior of the grotto, on the contrary, is rough; without -reckoning, monseigneur, that at its extremity we shall come to -the trench which leads into the sea, and perhaps the canoe will -not pass down it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have made my -calculation," said the bishop, "and I am certain it will -pass."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So be it; I wish it may, -monseigneur," continued Yves; "but your highness knows very well -that to make it reach the extremity of the trench, there is an -enormous stone to be lifted - that under which the fox always -passes, and which closes the trench like a door."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It can be raised," said -Porthos; "that is nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! I know that -monseigneur has the strength of ten men," replied Yves; "but that -is giving him a great deal of trouble."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I think the skipper may be -right," said Aramis; "let us try the open-air passage."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The more so, monseigneur," -continued the fisherman, "that we should not be able to embark -before day, it will require so much labor, and that as soon as -daylight appears, a good <i>vedette</i> placed outside the grotto -would be necessary, indispensable even, to watch the maneuvers of -the lighters or cruisers that are on the look-out for us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, yes, Yves, your -reasons are good; we will go by the beach."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And the three robust Bretons -went to the boat, and were beginning to place their rollers -underneath it to put it in motion, when the distant barking of -dogs was heard, proceeding from the interior of the island.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis darted out of the -grotto, followed by Porthos. Dawn just tinted with purple and -white the waves and plain; through the dim light, melancholy -fir-trees waved their tender branches over the pebbles, and long -flights of crows were skimming with their black wings the -shimmering fields of buckwheat. In a quarter of an hour it would -be clear daylight; the wakened birds announced it to all nature. -The barkings which had been heard, which had stopped the three -fishermen engaged in moving the boat, and had brought Aramis and -Porthos out of the cavern, now seemed to come from a deep gorge -within about a league of the grotto.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is a pack of hounds," -said Porthos; "the dogs are on a scent."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who can be hunting at such -a moment as this?" said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And this way, -particularly," continued Porthos, "where they might expect the -army of the royalists."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The noise comes nearer. -Yes, you are right, Porthos, the dogs are on a scent. But, -Yves!" cried Aramis, "come here! come here!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Yves ran towards him, -letting fall the cylinder which he was about to place under the -boat when the bishop's call interrupted him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the meaning of this -hunt, skipper?" said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! monseigneur, I cannot -understand it," replied the Breton. "It is not at such a moment -that the Seigneur de Locmaria would hunt. No, and yet the dogs - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Unless they have escaped -from the kennel."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No," said Goenne, "they are -not the Seigneur de Locmaria's hounds."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In common prudence," said -Aramis, "let us go back into the grotto; the voices evidently -draw nearer, we shall soon know what we have to trust to."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> They re-entered, but had -scarcely proceeded a hundred steps in the darkness, when a noise -like the hoarse sigh of a creature in distress resounded through -the cavern, and breathless, rapid, terrified, a fox passed like a -flash of lightning before the fugitives, leaped over the boat and -disappeared, leaving behind its sour scent, which was perceptible -for several seconds under the low vaults of the cave.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The fox!" cried the -Bretons, with the glad surprise of born hunters.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Accursed mischance!" cried -the bishop, "our retreat is discovered."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How so?" said Porthos; "are -you afraid of a fox?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh! my friend, what do you -mean by that? why do you specify the fox? It is not the fox -alone. <i>Pardieu!</i> But don't you know, Porthos, that after -the foxes come hounds, and after hounds men?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos hung his head. As -though to confirm the words of Aramis, they heard the yelping -pack approach with frightful swiftness upon the trail. Six -foxhounds burst at once upon the little heath, with mingling -yelps of triumph.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There are the dogs, plain -enough!" said Aramis, posted on the look-out behind a chink in -the rocks; "now, who are the huntsmen?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If it is the Seigneur de -Locmaria's," replied the sailor, "he will leave the dogs to hunt -the grotto, for he knows them, and will not enter in himself, -being quite sure that the fox will come out the other side; it is -there he will wait for him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is not the Seigneur de -Locmaria who is hunting," replied Aramis, turning pale in spite -of his efforts to maintain a placid countenance.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who is it, then?" said -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Look!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos applied his eye to -the slit, and saw at the summit of a hillock a dozen horsemen -urging on their horses in the track of the dogs, shouting, -"<i>Taïaut! taïaut!</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The guards!" said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, my friend, the king's -guards."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The king's guards! do you -say, monseigneur?" cried the Bretons, growing pale in turn.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "With Biscarrat at their -head, mounted upon my gray horse," continued Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The hounds at the same -moment rushed into the grotto like an avalanche, and the depths -of the cavern were filled with their deafening cries.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! the devil!" said -Aramis, resuming all his coolness at the sight of this certain, -inevitable danger. "I am perfectly satisfied we are lost, but we -have, at least, one chance left. If the guards who follow their -hounds happen to discover there is an issue to the grotto, there -is no help for us, for on entering they must see both ourselves -and our boat. The dogs must not go out of the cavern. Their -masters must not enter."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is clear," said -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You understand," added -Aramis, with the rapid precision of command; "there are six dogs -that will be forced to stop at the great stone under which the -fox has glided - but at the too narrow opening of which they must -be themselves stopped and killed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The Bretons sprang forward, -knife in hand. In a few minutes there was a lamentable concert -of angry barks and mortal howls - and then, silence.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That's well!" said Aramis, -coolly, "now for the masters!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is to be done with -them?" said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Wait their arrival, conceal -ourselves, and kill them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Kill them!</i>" replied -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "There are sixteen," said -Aramis, "at least, at present."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And well armed," -added Porthos, with a smile of consolation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It will last about -ten minutes," said Aramis. "To work!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And with a resolute -air he took up a musket, and placed a hunting-knife between his -teeth.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yves, Goenne, and -his son," continued Aramis, will pass the muskets to us. You, -Porthos, will fire when they are close. We shall have brought -down, at the lowest computation, eight, before the others are -aware of anything - that is certain; then all, there are five of -us, will dispatch the other eight, knife in hand."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And poor -Biscarrat?" said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Aramis reflected a -moment - "Biscarrat first," replied he, coolly. "He knows -us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XLVIII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Grotto.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>I</span>n spite of -the sort of divination which was the remarkable side of the -character of Aramis, the event, subject to the risks of things -over which uncertainty presides, did not fall out exactly as the -bishop of Vannes had foreseen. Biscarrat, better mounted than -his companions, arrived first at the opening of the grotto, and -comprehended that fox and hounds were one and all engulfed in -it. Only, struck by that superstitious terror which every dark -and subterraneous way naturally impresses upon the mind of man, -he stopped at the outside of the grotto, and waited till his -companions should have assembled round him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well!" asked the young men, -coming up, out of breath, and unable to understand the meaning of -this inaction.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! I cannot hear the -dogs; they and the fox must all be lost in this infernal -cavern."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They were too close up," -said one of the guards, "to have lost scent all at once. -Besides, we should hear them from one side or another. They -must, as Biscarrat says, be in this grotto."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But then," said one of the -young men, "why don't they give tongue?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is strange!" muttered -another.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, but," said a fourth, -"let us go into this grotto. Does it happen to be forbidden we -should enter it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No," replied Biscarrat. -"Only, as it looks as dark as a wolf's mouth, we might break our -necks in it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Witness the dogs," said a -guard, "who seem to have broken theirs."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What the devil can have -become of them?" asked the young men in chorus. And every master -called his dog by his name, whistled to him in his favorite mode, -without a single one replying to either call or whistle.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is perhaps an enchanted -grotto," said Biscarrat; "let us see." And, jumping from his -horse, he made a step into the grotto.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Stop! stop! I will -accompany you," said one of the guards, on seeing Biscarrat -disappear in the shades of the cavern's mouth.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No," replied Biscarrat, -"there must be something extraordinary in the place - don't let -us risk ourselves all at once. If in ten minutes you do not hear -of me, you can come in, but not all at once."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Be it so," said the young -man, who, besides, did not imagine that Biscarrat ran much risk -in the enterprise, "we will wait for you." And without -dismounting from their horses, they formed a circle round the -grotto.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Biscarrat entered then -alone, and advanced through the darkness till he came in contact -with the muzzle of Porthos's musket. The resistance which his -chest met with astonished him; he naturally raised his hand and -laid hold of the icy barrel. At the same instant, Yves lifted a -knife against the young man, which was about to fall upon him -with all force of a Breton's arm, when the iron wrist of Porthos -stopped it half-way. Then, like low muttering thunder, his voice -growled in the darkness, "I will not have him killed!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Biscarrat found himself -between a protection and a threat, the one almost as terrible as -the other. However brave the young man might be, he could not -prevent a cry escaping him, which Aramis immediately suppressed -by placing a handkerchief over his mouth. "Monsieur de -Biscarrat," said he, in a low voice, "we mean you no harm, and -you must know that if you have recognized us; but, at the first -word, the first groan, the first whisper, we shall be forced to -kill you as we have killed your dogs."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, I recognize you, -gentlemen," said the officer, in a low voice. "But why are you -here - what are you doing, here? Unfortunate men! I thought you -were in the fort."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you, monsieur, you were -to obtain conditions for us, I think?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I did all I was able, -messieurs, but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But what?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But there are positive -orders."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To kill us?"<br> - Biscarrat made no reply. It would have cost him -too much to speak of the cord to gentlemen. Aramis understood -the silence of the prisoner.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur Biscarrat," said -he, "you would be already dead if we had not regard for your -youth and our ancient association with your father; but you may -yet escape from the place by swearing that you will not tell your -companions what you have seen."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will not only swear that -I will not speak of it," said Biscarrat, "but I still further -swear that I will do everything in the world to prevent my -companions from setting foot in the grotto."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Biscarrat! Biscarrat!" -cried several voices from the outside, coming like a whirlwind -into the cave.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Reply," said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Here I am!" cried -Biscarrat.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Now, begone; we depend on -your loyalty." And he left his hold of the young man, who -hastily returned towards the light.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Biscarrat! Biscarrat!" -cried the voices, still nearer. And the shadows of several human -forms projected into the interior of the grotto. Biscarrat -rushed to meet his friends in order to stop them, and met them -just as they were adventuring into the cave. Aramis and Porthos -listened with the intense attention of men whose life depends -upon a breath of air.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! oh!" exclaimed one of -the guards, as he came to the light, "how pale you are!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pale!" cried another; "you -ought to say corpse-color."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I!" said the young man, -endeavoring to collect his faculties.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In the name of Heaven! what -has happened?" exclaimed all the voices.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have not a drop of -blood in your veins, my poor friend," said one of them, -laughing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Messieurs, it is serious," -said another, "he is going to faint; does any one of you happen -to have any salts?" And they all laughed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This hail of jests fell -round Biscarrat's ears like musket-balls in a -<i>mêlée</i>. He recovered himself amidst a deluge -of interrogations.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What do you suppose I have -seen?' asked he. "I was too hot when I entered the grotto, and I -have been struck with a chill. That is all."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But the dogs, the dogs; -have you seen them again - did you see anything of them - do you -know anything about them?"<br> - "I suppose they have got out some other way."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Messieurs," said one of the -young men, "there is in that which is going on, in the paleness -and silence of our friend, a mystery which Biscarrat will not, or -cannot reveal. Only, and this is certain, Biscarrat has seen -something in the grotto. Well, for my part, I am very curious to -see what it is, even if it is the devil! To the grotto! -messieurs, to the grotto!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To the grotto!" repeated -all the voices. And the echo of the cavern carried like a menace -to Porthos and Aramis, "To the grotto! to the grotto!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Biscarrat threw himself -before his companions. "Messieurs! messieurs!" cried he, "in the -name of Heaven! do not go in!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, what is there so -terrific in the cavern?" asked several at once. "Come, speak, -Biscarrat."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Decidedly, it is the devil -he has seen," repeated he who had before advanced that -hypothesis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," said another, "if he -has seen him, he need not be selfish; he may as well let us have -a look at him in turn."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Messieurs! messieurs! I -beseech you," urged Biscarrat.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nonsense! Let us -pass!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Messieurs, I implore you -not to enter!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, you went in -yourself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Then one of the officers, -who - of a riper age than the others - had till this time -remained behind, and had said nothing, advanced. "Messieurs," -said he, with a calmness which contrasted with the animation of -the young men, "there is in there some person, or something, that -is not the devil; but which, whatever it may be, has had -sufficient power to silence our dogs. We must discover who this -some one is, or what this something is."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Biscarrat made a last effort -to stop his friends, but it was useless. In vain he threw -himself before the rashest; in vain he clung to the rocks to bar -the passage; the crowd of young men rushed into the cave, in the -steps of the officer who had spoken last, but who had sprung in -first, sword in hand, to face the unknown danger. Biscarrat, -repulsed by his friends, unable to accompany them, without -passing in the eyes of Porthos and Aramis for a traitor and a -perjurer, with painfully attentive ear and unconsciously -supplicating hands leaned against the rough side of a rock which -he thought must be exposed to the fire of the musketeers. As to -the guards, they penetrated further and further, with -exclamations that grew fainter as they advanced. All at once, a -discharge of musketry, growling like thunder, exploded in the -entrails of the vault. Two or three balls were flattened against -the rock on which Biscarrat was leaning. At the same instant, -cries, shrieks, imprecations burst forth, and the little troop of -gentlemen reappeared - some pale, some bleeding - all enveloped -in a cloud of smoke, which the outer air seemed to suck from the -depths of the cavern. "Biscarrat! Biscarrat!" cried the -fugitives, "you knew there was an ambuscade in that cavern, and -you did not warn us! Biscarrat, you are the cause that four of -us are murdered men! Woe be to you, Biscarrat!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are the cause of my -being wounded unto death," said one of the young men, letting a -gush of scarlet life-blood vomit in his palm, and spattering it -into Biscarrat's livid face. "My blood be on your head!" And he -rolled in agony at the feet of the young man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But, at least, tell us who -is there?" cried several furious voices.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Biscarrat remained silent. -"Tell us, or die!" cried the wounded man, raising himself upon -one knee, and lifting towards his companion an arm bearing a -useless sword. Biscarrat rushed towards him, opening his breast -for the blow, but the wounded man fell back not to rise again, -uttering a groan which was his last. Biscarrat, with hair on -end, haggard eyes, and bewildered head, advanced towards the -interior of the cavern, saying, "You are right. Death to me, who -have allowed my comrades to be assassinated. I am a worthless -wretch!" And throwing away his sword, for he wished to die -without defending himself, he rushed head foremost into the -cavern. The others followed him. The eleven who remained out of -sixteen imitated his example; but they did not go further than -the first. A second discharge laid five upon the icy sand; and -as it was impossible to see whence this murderous thunder issued, -the others fell back with a terror that can be better imagined -than described. But, far from flying, as the others had done, -Biscarrat remained safe and sound, seated on a fragment of rock, -and waited. There were only six gentlemen left.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Seriously," said one of the -survivors, "is it the devil?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Ma foi!</i> it is much -worse," said another.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ask Biscarrat, he -knows."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Where is Biscarrat?" The -young men looked round them, and saw that Biscarrat did not -answer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is dead!" said two or -three voices.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! no!" replied another, -"I saw him through the smoke, sitting quietly on a rock. He is -in the cavern; he is waiting for us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He must know who are -there."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"And how should he -know them?"<br> -"He was taken prisoner by the rebels."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is true. -Well! let us call him, and learn from him whom we have to deal -with." And all voices shouted, "Biscarrat! Biscarrat!" But -Biscarrat did not answer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Good!" said the -officer who had shown so much coolness in the affair. "We have -no longer any need of him; here are reinforcements coming."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>In fact, a company -of guards, left in the rear by their officers, whom the ardor of -the chase had carried away - from seventy-five to eighty men - -arrived in good order, led by their captain and the first -lieutenant. The five officers hastened to meet their soldiers; -and, in language the eloquence of which may be easily imagined, -they related the adventure, and asked for aid. The captain -interrupted them. "Where are your companions?" demanded he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Dead!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But there were -sixteen of you!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ten are dead. -Biscarrat is in the cavern, and we are five."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Biscarrat is a -prisoner?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Probably."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, for here he is -- look." In fact, Biscarrat appeared at the opening of the -grotto.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He is making a -sign to come on," said the officer. "Come on!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Come on!" cried -all the troop. And they advanced to meet Biscarrat.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur," said -the captain, addressing Biscarrat, "I am assured that you know -who the men are in that grotto, and who make such a desperate -defense. In the king's name I command you to declare what you -know."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Captain," said -Biscarrat, "you have no need to command me. My word has been -restored to me this very instant; and I came in the name of these -men."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To tell me who -they are?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To tell you they -are determined to defend themselves to the death, unless you -grant them satisfactory terms."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"How many are there -of them, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"There are two," -said Biscarrat.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"There are two - -and want to impose conditions upon us?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"There are two, and -they have already killed ten of our men."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What sort of -people are they - giants?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Worse than that. -Do you remember the history of the Bastion Saint-Gervais, -captain?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes; where four -musketeers held out against an army."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well, these are -two of those same musketeers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And their -names?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"At that period -they were called Porthos and Aramis. Now they are styled M. -d'Herblay and M. du Vallon."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And what interest -have they in all this?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is they who -were holding Bell-Isle for M. Fouquet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>A murmur ran -through the ranks of the soldiers on hearing the two words -"Porthos and Aramis." "The musketeers! the musketeers!" repeated -they. And among all these brave men, the idea that they were -going to have a struggle against two of the oldest glories of the -French army, made a shiver, half enthusiasm, two-thirds terror, -run through them. In fact, those four names - D'Artagnan, Athos, -Porthos, and Aramis - were venerated among all who wore a sword; -as, in antiquity, the names of Hercules, Theseus, Castor, and -Pollux were venerated.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Two men - and they -have killed ten in two discharges! It is impossible, Monsieur -Biscarrat!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Eh! captain," -replied the latter, "I do not tell you that they have not with -them two or three men, as the musketeers of the Bastion -Saint-Gervais had two or three lackeys; but, believe me, captain, -I have seen these men, I have been taken prisoner by them - I -know they themselves alone are all-sufficient to destroy an -army."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That we shall -see," said the captain, "and that in a moment, too. Gentlemen, -attention!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>At this reply, no -one stirred, and all prepared to obey. Biscarrat alone risked a -last attempt.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur," said -he, in a low voice, "be persuaded by me; let us pass on our way. -Those two men, those two lions you are going to attack, will -defend themselves to the death. They have already killed ten of -our men; they will kill double the number, and end by killing -themselves rather than surrender. What shall we gain by fighting -them?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"We shall gain the -consciousness, monsieur, of not having allowed eighty of the -king's guards to retire before two rebels. If I listened to your -advice, monsieur, I should be a dishonored man; and by -dishonoring myself I should dishonor the army. Forward, my -men!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And he marched -first as far as the opening of the grotto. There he halted. The -object of this halt was to give Biscarrat and his companions time -to describe to him the interior of the grotto. Then, when he -believed he had a sufficient acquaintance with the place, he -divided his company into three bodies, which were to enter -successively, keeping up a sustained fire in all directions. No -doubt, in this attack they would lose five more, perhaps ten; -but, certainly, they must end by taking the rebels, since there -was no issue; and, at any rate, two men could not kill -eighty.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Captain," said -Biscarrat, "I beg to be allowed to march at the head of the first -platoon."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"So be it," replied -the captain; "you have all the honor. I make you a present of -it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Thanks!" replied -the young man, with all the firmness of his race.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Take your sword, -then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I shall go as I -am, captain," said Biscarrat, "for I do not go to kill, I go to -be killed."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And placing himself -at the head of the first platoon, with head uncovered and arms -crossed, - "March, gentlemen," said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter XLIX:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>An -Homeric Song.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>I</span>t is time to -pass to the other camp, and to describe at once the combatants -and the field of battle. Aramis and Porthos had gone to the -grotto of Locmaria with the expectation of finding there their -canoe ready armed, as well as the three Bretons, their -assistants; and they at first hoped to make the bark pass through -the little issue of the cavern, concealing in that fashion both -their labors and their flight. The arrival of the fox and dogs -obliged them to remain concealed. The grotto extended the space -of about a hundred <i>toises</i>, to that little slope dominating -a creek. Formerly a temple of the Celtic divinities, when -Belle-Isle was still called Kalonèse, this grotto had -beheld more than one human sacrifice accomplished in its mystic -depths. The first entrance to the cavern was by a moderate -descent, above which distorted rocks formed a weird arcade; the -interior, very uneven and dangerous from the inequalities of the -vault, was subdivided into several compartments, which -communicated with each other by means of rough and jagged steps, -fixed right and left, in uncouth natural pillars. At the third -compartment the vault was so low, the passage so narrow, that the -bark would scarcely have passed without touching the side; -nevertheless, in moments of despair, wood softens and stone grows -flexible beneath the human will. Such was the thought of Aramis, -when, after having fought the fight, he decided upon flight - a -flight most dangerous, since all the assailants were not dead; -and that, admitting the possibility of putting the bark to sea, -they would have to fly in open day, before the conquered, so -interested on recognizing their small number, in pursuing their -conquerors. When the two discharges had killed ten men, Aramis, -familiar with the windings of the cavern, went to reconnoiter -them one by one, and counted them, for the smoke prevented seeing -outside; and he immediately commanded that the canoe should be -rolled as far as the great stone, the closure of the liberating -issue. Porthos collected all his strength, took the canoe in his -arms, and raised it up, whilst the Bretons made it run rapidly -along the rollers. They had descended into the third -compartment; they had arrived at the stone which walled the -outlet. Porthos seized this gigantic stone at its base, applied -his robust shoulder, and gave a heave which made the wall crack. -A cloud of dust fell from the vault, with the ashes of ten -thousand generations of sea birds, whose nests stuck like cement -to the rock. At the third shock the stone gave way, and -oscillated for a minute. Porthos, placing his back against the -neighboring rock, made an arch with his foot, which drove the -block out of the calcareous masses which served for hinges and -cramps. The stone fell, and daylight was visible, brilliant, -radiant, flooding the cavern through the opening, and the blue -sea appeared to the delighted Bretons. They began to lift the -bark over the barricade. Twenty more <i>toises</i>, and it would -glide into the ocean. It was during this time that the company -arrived, was drawn up by the captain, and disposed for either an -escalade or an assault. Aramis watched over everything, to favor -the labors of his friends. He saw the reinforcements, counted -the men, and convinced himself at a single glance of the -insurmountable peril to which fresh combat would expose them. To -escape by sea, at the moment the cavern was about to be invaded, -was impossible. In fact, the daylight which had just been -admitted to the last compartments had exposed to the soldiers the -bark being rolled towards the sea, the two rebels within -musket-shot; and one of their discharges would riddle the boat if -it did not kill the navigators. Besides, allowing everything, - -if the bark escaped with the men on board of it, how could the -alarm be suppressed - how could notice to the royal lighters be -prevented? What could hinder the poor canoe, followed by sea and -watched from the shore, from succumbing before the end of the -day? Aramis, digging his hands into his gray hair with rage, -invoked the assistance of God and the assistance of the demons. -Calling to Porthos, who was doing more work than all the rollers -- whether of flesh or wood - "My friend," said he, "our -adversaries have just received a reinforcement."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, ah!" said Porthos, -quietly, "what is to be done, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To recommence the combat," -said Aramis, "is hazardous."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," said Porthos, "for it -is difficult to suppose that out of two, one should not be -killed; and certainly, if one of us was killed, the other would -get himself killed also." Porthos spoke these words with that -heroic nature which, with him, grew grander with necessity.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis felt it like a spur -to his heart. "We shall neither of us be killed if you do what I -tell you, friend Porthos."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Tell me what?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "These people are coming -down into the grotto."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We could kill about fifteen -of them, but no more."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How many are there in all?" -asked Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They have received a -reinforcement of seventy-five men."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Seventy-five and five, -eighty. Ah!" sighed Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If they fire all at once -they will riddle us with balls."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Certainly they will."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Without reckoning," added -Aramis, "that the detonation might occasion a collapse of the -cavern."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ay," said Porthos, "a piece -of falling rock just now grazed my shoulder."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You see, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! it is nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We must determine upon -something quickly. Our Bretons are going to continue to roll the -canoe towards the sea."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We two will keep the -powder, the balls, and the muskets here."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But only two, my dear -Aramis - we shall never fire three shots together," said Porthos, -innocently, "the defense by musketry is a bad one."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Find a better, then."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have found one," said the -giant, eagerly; "I will place myself in ambuscade behind the -pillar with this iron bar, and invisible, unattackable, if they -come in floods, I can let my bar fall upon their skulls, thirty -times in a minute. <i>Hein!</i> what do you think of the -project? You smile!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Excellent, dear friend, -perfect! I approve it greatly; only you will frighten them, and -half of them will remain outside to take us by famine. What we -want, my good friend, is the entire destruction of the troop. A -single survivor encompasses our ruin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You are right, my friend, -but how can we attract them, pray?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "By not stirring, my good -Porthos."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! we won't stir, then; -but when they are all together - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then leave it to me, I have -an idea."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "If it is so, and your idea -proves a good one - and your idea is most likely to be good - I -am satisfied."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To your ambuscade, Porthos, -and count how many enter."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But you, what will you -do?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Don't trouble yourself -about me; I have a task to perform."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I think I hear shouts."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is they! To your post. -Keep within reach of my voice and hand."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos took refuge in the -second compartment, which was in darkness, absolutely black. -Aramis glided into the third; the giant held in his hand an iron -bar of about fifty pounds weight. Porthos handled this lever, -which had been used in rolling the bark, with marvelous -facility. During this time, the Bretons had pushed the bark to -the beach. In the further and lighter compartment, Aramis, -stooping and concealed, was busy with some mysterious maneuver. -A command was given in a loud voice. It was the last order of -the captain commandant. Twenty-five men jumped from the upper -rocks into the first compartment of the grotto, and having taken -their ground, began to fire. The echoes shrieked and barked, the -hissing balls seemed actually to rarefy the air, and then opaque -smoke filled the vault.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To the left! to the left!" -cried Biscarrat, who, in his first assault, had seen the passage -to the second chamber, and who, animated by the smell of powder, -wished to guide his soldiers in that direction. The troop, -accordingly, precipitated themselves to the left - the passage -gradually growing narrower. Biscarrat, with his hands stretched -forward, devoted to death, marched in advance of the muskets. -"Come on! come on!" exclaimed he, "I see daylight!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Strike, Porthos!" cried the -sepulchral voice of Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos breathed a heavy -sigh - but he obeyed. The iron bar fell full and direct upon the -head of Biscarrat, who was dead before he had ended his cry. -Then the formidable lever rose ten times in ten seconds, and made -ten corpses. The soldiers could see nothing; they heard sighs -and groans; they stumbled over dead bodies, but as they had no -conception of the cause of all this, they came forward jostling -each other. The implacable bar, still falling, annihilated the -first platoon, without a single sound to warn the second, which -was quietly advancing; only, commanded by the captain, the men -had stripped a fir, growing on the shore, and, with its resinous -branches twisted together, the captain had made a flambeau. On -arriving at the compartment where Porthos, like the exterminating -angel, had destroyed all he touched, the first rank drew back in -terror. No firing had replied to that of the guards, and yet -their way was stopped by a heap of dead bodies - they literally -walked in blood. Porthos was still behind his pillar. The -captain, illumining with trembling pine-torch this frightful -carnage, of which he in vain sought the cause, drew back towards -the pillar behind which Porthos was concealed. Then a gigantic -hand issued from the shade, and fastened on the throat of the -captain, who uttered a stifle rattle; his stretched-out arms -beating the air, the torch fell and was extinguished in blood. A -second after, the corpse of the captain dropped close to the -extinguished torch, and added another body to the heap of dead -which blocked up the passage. All this was effected as -mysteriously as though by magic. At hearing the rattling in the -throat of the captain, the soldiers who accompanied him had -turned round, caught a glimpse of his extended arms, his eyes -starting from their sockets, and then the torch fell and they -were left in darkness. From an unreflective, instinctive, -mechanical feeling, the lieutenant cried:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Fire!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Immediately a volley of -musketry flamed, thundered, roared in the cavern, bringing down -enormous fragments from the vaults. The cavern was lighted for -an instant by this discharge, and then immediately returned to -pitchy darkness rendered thicker by the smoke. To this succeeded -a profound silence, broken only by the steps of the third -brigade, now entering the cavern.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter L:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Death of a Titan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>A</span>t the moment -when Porthos, more accustomed to the darkness than these men, -coming from open daylight, was looking round him to see if -through this artificial midnight Aramis were not making him some -signal, he felt his arm gently touched, and a voice low as a -breath murmured in his ear, "Come."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" said Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Hush!" said Aramis, if -possible, yet more softly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And amidst the noise of the -third brigade, which continued to advance, the imprecations of -the guards still left alive, the muffled groans of the dying, -Aramis and Porthos glided unseen along the granite walls of the -cavern. Aramis led Porthos into the last but one compartment, -and showed him, in a hollow of the rocky wall, a barrel of powder -weighing from seventy to eighty pounds, to which he had just -attached a fuse. "My friend," said he to Porthos, "you will take -this barrel, the match of which I am going to set fire to, and -throw it amidst our enemies; can you do so?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Parbleu!</i>" replied -Porthos; and he lifted the barrel with one hand. "Light it!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Stop," said Aramis, "till -they are all massed together, and then, my Jupiter, hurl your -thunderbolt among them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Light it," repeated -Porthos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On my part," continued -Aramis, "I will join our Bretons, and help them to get the canoe -to the sea. I will wait for you on the shore; launch it -strongly, and hasten to us."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Light it," said Porthos, a -third time.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But do you understand -me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Parbleu!</i>" said -Porthos again, with laughter that he did not even attempt to -restrain, "when a thing is explained to me I understand it; -begone, and give me the light."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis gave the burning -match to Porthos, who held out his arm to him, his hands being -engaged. Aramis pressed the arm of Porthos with both his hands, -and fell back to the outlet of the cavern where the three rowers -awaited him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos, left alone, applied -the spark bravely to the match. The spark - a feeble spark, -first principle of conflagration - shone in the darkness like a -glow-worm, then was deadened against the match which it set fire -to, Porthos enlivening the flame with his breath. The smoke was -a little dispersed, and by the light of the sparkling match -objects might, for two seconds, be distinguished. It was a brief -but splendid spectacle, that of this giant, pale, bloody, his -countenance lighted by the fire of the match burning in -surrounding darkness! The soldiers saw him, they saw the barrel -he held in his hand - they at once understood what was going to -happen. Then, these men, already choked with horror at the sight -of what had been accomplished, filled with terror at thought of -what was about to be accomplished, gave out a simultaneous shriek -of agony. Some endeavored to fly, but they encountered the third -brigade, which barred their passage; others mechanically took aim -and attempted to fire their discharged muskets; others fell -instinctively upon their knees. Two or three officers cried out -to Porthos to promise him his liberty if he would spare their -lives. The lieutenant of the third brigade commanded his men to -fire; but the guards had before them their terrified companions, -who served as a living rampart for Porthos. We have said that -the light produced by the spark and the match did not last more -than two seconds; but during these two seconds this is what it -illumined: in the first place, the giant, enlarged in the -darkness; then, at ten paces off, a heap of bleeding bodies, -crushed, mutilated, in the midst of which some still heaved in -the last agony, lifting the mass as a last respiration inflating -the sides of some old monster dying in the night. Every breath -of Porthos, thus vivifying the match, sent towards this heap of -bodies a phosphorescent aura, mingled with streaks of purple. In -addition to this principal group scattered about the grotto, as -the chances of death or surprise had stretched them, isolated -bodies seemed to be making ghastly exhibitions of their gaping -wounds. Above ground, bedded in pools of blood, rose, heavy and -sparkling, the short, thick pillars of the cavern, of which the -strongly marked shades threw out the luminous particles. And all -this was seen by the tremulous light of a match attached to a -barrel of powder, that is to say, a torch which, whilst throwing -a light on the dead past, showed death to come.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> As I have said, this -spectacle did not last above two seconds. During this short -space of time an officer of the third brigade got together eight -men armed with muskets, and, through an opening, ordered them to -fire upon Porthos. But they who received the order to fire -trembled so that three guards fell by the discharge, and the five -remaining balls hissed on to splinter the vault, plow the ground, -or indent the pillars of the cavern.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A burst of laughter replied -to this volley; then the arm of the giant swung round; then was -seen whirling through the air, like a falling star, the train of -fire. The barrel, hurled a distance of thirty feet, cleared the -barricade of dead bodies, and fell amidst a group of shrieking -soldiers, who threw themselves on their faces. The officer had -followed the brilliant train in the air; he endeavored to -precipitate himself upon the barrel and tear out the match before -it reached the powder it contained. Useless! The air had made -the flame attached to the conductor more active; the match, which -at rest might have burnt five minutes, was consumed in thirty -seconds, and the infernal work exploded. Furious vortices of -sulphur and nitre, devouring shoals of fire which caught every -object, the terrible thunder of the explosion, this is what the -second which followed disclosed in that cavern of horrors. The -rocks split like planks of deal beneath the axe. A jet of fire, -smoke, and <i>débris</i> sprang from the middle of the -grotto, enlarging as it mounted. The large walls of silex -tottered and fell upon the sand, and the sand itself, an -instrument of pain when launched from its hard bed, riddled the -faces with its myriad cutting atoms. Shrieks, imprecations, -human life, dead bodies - all were engulfed in one terrific -crash.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The three first compartments -became one sepulchral sink into which fell grimly back, in the -order of their weight, every vegetable, mineral, or human -fragment. Then the lighter sand and ash came down in turn, -stretching like a winding sheet and smoking over the dismal -scene. And now, in this burning tomb, this subterranean volcano, -seek the king's guards with their blue coats laced with silver. -Seek the officers, brilliant in gold, seek for the arms upon -which they depended for their defense. One single man has made -of all of those things a chaos more confused, more shapeless, -more terrible than the chaos which existed before the creation of -the world. There remained nothing of the three compartments - -nothing by which God could have recognized His handiwork. As for -Porthos, after having hurled the barrel of powder amidst his -enemies, he had fled, as Aramis had directed him to do, and had -gained the last compartment, into which air, light, and sunshine -penetrated through the opening. Scarcely had he turned the angle -which separated the third compartment from the fourth when he -perceived at a hundred paces from him the bark dancing on the -waves. There were his friends, there liberty, there life and -victory. Six more of his formidable strides, and he would be out -of the vault; out of the vault! a dozen of his vigorous leaps and -he would reach the canoe. Suddenly he felt his knees give way; -his knees seemed powerless, his legs to yield beneath him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! oh!" murmured he, -"there is my weakness seizing me again! I can walk no further! -What is this?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis perceived him through -the opening, and unable to conceive what could induce him to stop -thus - "Come on, Porthos! come on," he cried; "come quickly!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" replied the giant, -making an effort that contorted every muscle of his body - "oh! -but I cannot." While saying these words, he fell upon his knees, -but with his mighty hands he clung to the rocks, and raised -himself up again.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Quick! quick!" repeated -Aramis, bending forward towards the shore, as if to draw Porthos -towards him with his arms.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Here I am," stammered -Porthos, collecting all his strength to make one step more.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In the name of Heaven! -Porthos, make haste! the barrel will blow up!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Make haste, monseigneur!" -shouted the Bretons to Porthos, who was floundering as in a -dream.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But there was no time; the -explosion thundered, earth gaped, the smoke which hurled through -the clefts obscured the sky; the sea flowed back as though driven -by the blast of flame which darted from the grotto as if from the -jaws of some gigantic fiery chimera; the reflux took the bark out -twenty <i>toises</i>; the solid rocks cracked to their base, and -separated like blocks beneath the operation of the wedge; a -portion of the vault was carried up towards heaven, as if it had -been built of cardboard; the green and blue and topaz -conflagration and black lava of liquefactions clashed and -combated an instant beneath a majestic dome of smoke; then -oscillated, declined, and fell successively the mighty monoliths -of rock which the violence of the explosion had not been able to -uproot from the bed of ages; they bowed to each other like grave -and stiff old men, then prostrating themselves, lay down forever -in their dusty tomb.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> This frightful shock seemed -to restore Porthos the strength that he had lost; he arose, a -giant among granite giants. But at the moment he was flying -between the double hedge of granite phantoms, these latter, which -were no longer supported by the corresponding links, began to -roll and totter round our Titan, who looked as if precipitated -from heaven amidst rocks which he had just been launching. -Porthos felt the very earth beneath his feet becoming -jelly-tremulous. He stretched both hands to repulse the falling -rocks. A gigantic block was held back by each of his extended -arms. He bent his head, and a third granite mass sank between -his shoulders. For an instant the power of Porthos seemed about -to fail him, but this new Hercules united all his force, and the -two walls of the prison in which he was buried fell back slowly -and gave him place. For an instant he appeared, in this frame of -granite, like the angel of chaos, but in pushing back the lateral -rocks, he lost his point of support, for the monolith which -weighed upon his shoulders, and the boulder, pressing upon him -with all its weight, brought the giant down upon his knees. The -lateral rocks, for an instant pushed back, drew together again, -and added their weight to the ponderous mass which would have -been sufficient to crush ten men. The hero fell without a groan -- he fell while answering Aramis with words of encouragement and -hope, for, thanks to the powerful arch of his hands, for an -instant he believed that, like Enceladus, he would succeed in -shaking off the triple load. But by degrees Aramis beheld the -block sink; the hands, strung for an instant, the arms stiffened -for a last effort, gave way, the extended shoulders sank, wounded -and torn, and the rocks continued to gradually collapse.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Porthos! Porthos!" cried -Aramis, tearing his hair. "Porthos! where are you? Speak!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Here, here," murmured -Porthos, with a voice growing evidently weaker, "patience! -patience!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Scarcely had he pronounced -these words, when the impulse of the fall augmented the weight; -the enormous rock sank down, pressed by those others which sank -in from the sides, and, as it were, swallowed up Porthos in a -sepulcher of badly jointed stones. On hearing the dying voice of -his friend, Aramis had sprung to land. Two of the Bretons -followed him, with each a lever in his hand - one being -sufficient to take care of the bark. The dying rattle of the -valiant gladiator guided them amidst the ruins. Aramis, -animated, active and young as at twenty, sprang towards the -triple mass, and with his hands, delicate as those of a woman, -raised by a miracle of strength the corner-stone of this great -granite grave. Then he caught a glimpse, through the darkness of -that charnel-house, of the still brilliant eye of his friend, to -whom the momentary lifting of the mass restored a momentary -respiration. The two men came rushing up, grasped their iron -levers, united their triple strength, not merely to raise it, but -sustain it. All was useless. They gave way with cries of grief, -and the rough voice of Porthos, seeing them exhaust themselves in -a useless struggle, murmured in an almost cheerful tone those -supreme words which came to his lips with the last respiration, -"Too heavy!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> After which his eyes -darkened and closed, his face grew ashy pale, the hands whitened, -and the colossus sank quite down, breathing his last sigh. With -him sank the rock, which, even in his dying agony he had still -held up. The three men dropped the levers, which rolled upon the -tumulary stone. Then, breathless, pale, his brow covered with -sweat, Aramis listened, his breast oppressed, his heart ready to -break.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Nothing more. The giant -slept the eternal sleep, in the sepulcher which God had built -about him to his measure.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter LI:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Porthos's Epitaph.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>A</span>ramis, silent -and sad as ice, trembling like a timid child, arose shivering -from the stone. A Christian does not walk on tombs. But, though -capable of standing, he was not capable of walking. It might be -said that something of dead Porthos had just died within him. -His Bretons surrounded him; Aramis yielded to their kind -exertions, and the three sailors, lifting him up, carried him to -the canoe. Then, having laid him down upon the bench near the -rudder, they took to their oars, preferring this to hoisting -sail, which might betray them.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> On all that leveled surface -of the ancient grotto of Locmaria, one single hillock attracted -their eyes. Aramis never removed his from it; and, at a distance -out in the sea, in proportion as the shore receded, that menacing -proud mass of rock seemed to draw itself up, as formerly Porthos -used to draw himself up, raising a smiling, yet invincible head -towards heaven, like that of his dear old honest valiant friend, -the strongest of the four, yet the first dead. Strange destiny -of these men of brass! The most simple of heart allied to the -most crafty; strength of body guided by subtlety of mind; and in -the decisive moment, when vigor alone could save mind and body, a -stone, a rock, a vile material weight, triumphed over manly -strength, and falling upon the body, drove out the mind.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Worthy Porthos! born to help -other men, always ready to sacrifice himself for the safety of -the weak, as if God had only given him strength for that purpose; -when dying he only thought he was carrying out the conditions of -his compact with Aramis, a compact, however, which Aramis alone -had drawn up, and which Porthos had only known to suffer by its -terrible solidarity. Noble Porthos! of what good now are thy -châteaux overflowing with sumptuous furniture, forests -overflowing with game, lakes overflowing with fish, cellars -overflowing with wealth! Of what service to thee now thy lackeys -in brilliant liveries, and in the midst of them Mousqueton, proud -of the power delegated by thee! Oh, noble Porthos! careful -heaper-up of treasure, was it worth while to labor to sweeten and -gild life, to come upon a desert shore, surrounded by the cries -of seagulls, and lay thyself, with broken bones, beneath a torpid -stone? Was it worth while, in short, noble Porthos, to heap so -much gold, and not have even the distich of a poor poet engraven -upon thy monument? Valiant Porthos! he still, without doubt, -sleeps, lost, forgotten, beneath the rock the shepherds of the -heath take for the gigantic abode of a <i>dolmen</i>. And so -many twining branches, so many mosses, bent by the bitter wind of -ocean, so many lichens solder thy sepulcher to earth, that no -passers-by will imagine such a block of granite could ever have -been supported by the shoulders of one man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis, still pale, still -icy-cold, his heart upon his lips, looked, even till, with the -last ray of daylight, the shore faded on the horizon. Not a word -escaped him, not a sigh rose from his deep breast. The -superstitious Bretons looked upon him, trembling. Such silence -was not that of a man, it was the silence of a statue. In the -meantime, with the first gray lines that lighted up the heavens, -the canoe hoisted its little sail, which, swelling with the -kisses of the breeze, and carrying them rapidly from the coast, -made bravest way towards Spain, across the dreaded Gulf of -Gascony, so rife with storms. But scarcely half an hour after -the sail had been hoisted, the rowers became inactive, reclining -on their benches, and, making an eye-shade with their hands, -pointed out to each other a white spot which appeared on the -horizon as motionless as a gull rocked by the viewless -respiration of the waves. But that which might have appeared -motionless to ordinary eyes was moving at a quick rate to the -experienced eye of the sailor; that which appeared stationary -upon the ocean was cutting a rapid way through it. For some -time, seeing the profound torpor in which their master was -plunged, they did not dare to rouse him, and satisfied themselves -with exchanging their conjectures in whispers. Aramis, in fact, -so vigilant, so active - Aramis, whose eye, like that of the -lynx, watched without ceasing, and saw better by night than by -day - Aramis seemed to sleep in this despair of soul. An hour -passed thus, during which daylight gradually disappeared, but -during which also the sail in view gained so swiftly on the bark, -that Goenne, one of the three sailors, ventured to say aloud:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur, we are being -chased!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis made no reply; the -ship still gained upon them. Then, of their own accord, two of -the sailors, by the direction of the patron Yves, lowered the -sail, in order that that single point upon the surface of the -waters should cease to be a guide to the eye of the enemy -pursuing them. On the part of the ship in sight, on the -contrary, two more small sails were run up at the extremities of -the masts. Unfortunately, it was the time of the finest and -longest days of the year, and the moon, in all her brilliancy, -succeeded inauspicious daylight. The <i>balancelle</i>, which -was pursuing the little bark before the wind, had then still half -an hour of twilight, and a whole night almost as light as -day.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur! monseigneur! -we are lost!" said the captain. "Look! they see us plainly, -though we have lowered sail."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is not to be wondered -at," murmured one of the sailors, "since they say that, by the -aid of the devil, the Paris-folk have fabricated instruments with -which they see as well at a distance as near, by night as well as -by day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis took a telescope from -the bottom of the boat, focussed it silently, and passing it to -the sailor, "Here," said he, "look!" The sailor hesitated.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Don't be alarmed," said the -bishop, "there is no sin in it; and if there is any sin, I will -take it on myself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The sailor lifted the glass -to his eye, and uttered a cry. He believed that the vessel, -which appeared to be distant about cannon-shot, had at a single -bound cleared the whole distance. But, on withdrawing the -instrument from his eye, he saw that, except the way which the -<i>balancelle</i> had been able to make during that brief -instant, it was still at the same distance.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So," murmured the sailor, -"they can see us as we see them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They see us," said Aramis, -and sank again into impassibility.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What! - they see us!" said -Yves. "Impossible!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, captain, look -yourself," said the sailor. And he passed him the glass.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur assures me that -the devil has nothing to do with this?" asked Yves.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis shrugged his -shoulders.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The skipper lifted the glass -to his eye. "Oh! monseigneur," said he, "it is a miracle - there -they are; it seems as if I were going to touch them. Twenty-five -men at least! Ah! I see the captain forward. He holds a glass -like this, and is looking at us. Ah! he turns round, and gives -an order; they are rolling a piece of cannon forward - they are -loading it - pointing it. <i>Miséricorde!</i> they are -firing at us!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And by a mechanical -movement, the skipper put aside the telescope, and the pursuing -ship, relegated to the horizon, appeared again in its true -aspect. The vessel was still at the distance of nearly a league, -but the maneuver sighted thus was not less real. A light cloud -of smoke appeared beneath the sails, more blue than they, and -spreading like a flower opening; then, at about a mile from the -little canoe, they saw the ball take the crown off two or three -waves, dig a white furrow in the sea, and disappear at the end of -it, as inoffensive as the stone with which, in play, a boy makes -ducks and drakes. It was at once a menace and a warning.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is to be done?" asked -the patron.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They will sink us!" said -Goenne, "give us absolution, monseigneur!" And the sailors fell -on their knees before him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You forget that they can -see you," said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is true!" said the -sailors, ashamed of their weakness. "Give us your orders, -monseigneur, we are prepared to die for you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us wait," said -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "How - let us wait?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes; do you not see, as you -just now said, that if we endeavor to fly, they will sink -us?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But, perhaps," the patron -ventured to say, "perhaps under cover of night, we could escape -them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" said Aramis, "they -have, no doubt, Greek fire with which to lighten their own course -and ours likewise."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At the same moment, as if -the vessel was responsive to the appeal of Aramis, a second cloud -of smoke mounted slowly to the heavens, and from the bosom of -that cloud sparkled an arrow of flame, which described a parabola -like a rainbow, and fell into the sea, where it continued to -burn, illuminating a space of a quarter of a league in -diameter.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The Bretons looked at each -other in terror. "You see plainly," said Aramis, "it will be -better to wait for them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The oars dropped from the -hands of the sailors, and the bark, ceasing to make way, rocked -motionless upon the summits of the waves. Night came on, but -still the ship drew nearer. It might be imagined it redoubled -its speed with darkness. From time to time, as a vulture rears -its head out of its nest, the formidable Greek fire darted from -its sides, and cast its flame upon the ocean like an incandescent -snowfall. At last it came within musket-shot. All the men were -on deck, arms in hand; the cannoniers were at their guns, the -matches burning. It might be thought they were about to board a -frigate and to fight a crew superior in number to their own, not -to attempt the capture of a canoe manned by four people.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Surrender!" cried the -commander of the <i>balancelle</i>, with the aid of his -speaking-trumpet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The sailors looked at -Aramis. Aramis made a sign with his head. Yves waved a white -cloth at the end of a gaff. This was like striking their flag. -The pursuer came on like a race-horse. It launched a fresh Greek -fire, which fell within twenty paces of the little canoe, and -threw a light upon them as white as sunshine.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At the first sign of -resistance," cried the commander of the <i>balancelle</i>, -"fire!" The soldiers brought their muskets to the present.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Did we not say we -surrendered?" said Yves.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Alive, alive, captain!" -cried one excited soldier, "they must be taken alive."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, yes - living," said -the captain. Then turning towards the Bretons, "Your lives are -safe, my friends!" cried he, "all but the Chevalier -d'Herblay."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis stared -imperceptibly. For an instant his eye was fixed upon the depths -of the ocean, illumined by the last flashes of the Greek fire, -which ran along the sides of the waves, played on the crests like -plumes, and rendered still darker and more terrible the gulfs -they covered.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you hear, monseigneur?" -said the sailors.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What are your orders?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Accept!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But you, monseigneur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis leaned still more -forward, and dipped the ends of his long white fingers in the -green limpid waters of the sea, to which he turned with smiles as -to a friend.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Accept!" repeated he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We accept," repeated the -sailors; "but what security have we?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The word of a gentleman," -said the officer. "By my rank and by my name I swear that all -except M. le Chevalier d'Herblay shall have their lives spared. -I am lieutenant of the king's frigate the 'Pomona,' and my name -is Louis Constant de Pressigny."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> With a rapid gesture, Aramis -- already bent over the side of the bark towards the sea - drew -himself up, and with a flashing eye, and a smile upon his lips, -"Throw out the ladder, messieurs," said he, as if the command had -belonged to him. He was obeyed. When Aramis, seizing the rope -ladder, walked straight up to the commander, with a firm step, -looked at him earnestly, made a sign to him with his hand, a -mysterious and unknown sign at sight of which the officer turned -pale, trembled, and bowed his head, the sailors were profoundly -astonished. Without a word Aramis then raised his hand to the -eyes of the commander and showed him the collet of a ring he wore -on the ring-finger of his left hand. And while making this sign -Aramis, draped in cold and haughty majesty, had the air of an -emperor giving his hand to be kissed. The commandant, who for a -moment had raised his head, bowed a second time with marks of the -most profound respect. Then stretching his hand out, in his -turn, towards the poop, that is to say, towards his own cabin, he -drew back to allow Aramis to go first. The three Bretons, who -had come on board after their bishop, looked at each other, -stupefied. The crew were awed to silence. Five minutes after, -the commander called the second lieutenant, who returned -immediately, ordering the head to be put towards Corunna. Whilst -this order was being executed, Aramis reappeared upon the deck, -and took a seat near the <i>bastingage</i>. Night had fallen; -the moon had not yet risen, yet Aramis looked incessantly towards -Belle-Isle. Yves then approached the captain, who had returned -to take his post in the stern, and said, in a low and humble -voice, "What course are we to follow, captain?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We take what course -monseigneur pleases," replied the officer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis passed the night -leaning upon the <i>bastingage</i>. Yves, on approaching him -next morning, remarked that "the night must have been a very damp -one, for the wood on which the bishop's head had rested was -soaked with dew." Who knows? - that dew was, it may be, the -first tears that had ever fallen from the eyes of Aramis!</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> What epitaph would have been -worth that, good Porthos?</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter LII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>M. -de Gesvres's Round.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>D</span>'Artagnan was -little used to resistance like that he had just experienced. He -returned, profoundly irritated, to Nantes. Irritation, with this -vigorous man, usually vented itself in impetuous attack, which -few people, hitherto, were they king, were they giants, had been -able to resist. Trembling with rage, he went straight to the -castle, and asked an audience with the king. It might be about -seven o'clock in the morning, and, since his arrival at Nantes, -the king had been an early riser. But on arriving at the -corridor with which we are acquainted, D'Artagnan found M. de -Gesvres, who stopped him politely, telling him not to speak too -loud and disturb the king. "Is the king asleep?" said -D'Artagnan. "Well, I will let him sleep. But about what o'clock -do you suppose he will rise?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! in about two hours; his -majesty has been up all night."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan took his hat -again, bowed to M. de Gesvres, and returned to his own -apartments. He came back at half-past nine, and was told that -the king was at breakfast. "That will just suit me," said -D'Artagnan. "I will talk to the king while he is eating."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> M. de Brienne reminded -D'Artagnan that the king would not see any one at meal-time.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But," said D'Artagnan, -looking askant at Brienne, "you do not know, perhaps, monsieur, -that I have the privilege of <i>entrée</i> anywhere - and -at any hour."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Brienne took the captain's -hand kindly, and said, "Not at Nantes, dear Monsieur d'Artagnan. -The king, in this journey, has changed everything."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan, a little -softened, asked about what o'clock the king would have finished -his breakfast.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We don't know."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Eh? - don't know! What -does that mean? You don't know how much time the king devotes to -eating? It is generally an hour; and, if we admit that the air -of the Loire gives an additional appetite, we will extend it to -an hour and a half; that is enough, I think. I will wait where I -am."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! dear Monsieur -d'Artagnan, the order of the day is not to allow any person to -remain in this corridor; I am on guard for that particular -purpose."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan felt his anger -mounting to his brain a second time. He went out quickly, for -fear of complicating the affair by a display of premature -ill-humor. As soon as he was out he began to reflect. "The -king," said he, "will not receive me, that is evident. The young -man is angry; he is afraid, beforehand, of the words that I may -speak to him. Yes; but in the meantime Belle-Isle is besieged, -and my two friends by now probably taken or killed. Poor -Porthos! As to Master Aramis, he is always full of resources, -and I am easy on his account. But, no, no; Porthos is not yet an -invalid, nor is Aramis in his dotage. The one with his arm, the -other with his imagination, will find work for his majesty's -soldiers. Who knows if these brave men may not get up for the -edification of his most Christian majesty a little bastion of -Saint-Gervais! I don't despair of it. They have cannon and a -garrison. And yet," continued D'Artagnan, "I don't know whether -it would not be better to stop the combat. For myself alone I -will not put up with either surly looks or insults from the king; -but for my friends I must put up with everything. Shall I go to -M. Colbert? Now, there is a man I must acquire the habit of -terrifying. I will go to M. Colbert." And D'Artagnan set -forward bravely to find M. Colbert, but was informed that he was -working with the king, at the castle of Nantes. "Good!" cried -he, "the times have come again in which I measured my steps from -De Tréville to the cardinal, from the cardinal to the -queen, from the queen to Louis XIII. Truly is it said that men, -in growing old, become children again! - To the castle, then!" -He returned thither. M. de Lyonne was coming out. He gave -D'Artagnan both hands, but told him that the king had been busy -all the preceding evening and all night, and that orders had been -given that no one should be admitted. "Not even the captain who -takes the order?" cried D'Artagnan. "I think that is rather too -strong."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Not even he," said M. de -Lyonne.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Since that is the case," -replied D'Artagnan, wounded to the heart; "since the captain of -the musketeers, who has always entered the king's chamber, is no -longer allowed to enter it, his cabinet, or his -<i>salle-à-manger</i>, either the king is dead, or his -captain is in disgrace. Do me the favor, then, M. de Lyonne, who -are in favor, to return and tell the king, plainly, I send him my -resignation."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "D'Artagnan, beware of what -you are doing!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "For friendship's sake, go!" -and he pushed him gently towards the cabinet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, I will go," said -Lyonne.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan waited, walking -about the corridor in no enviable mood. Lyonne returned.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, what did the king -say?" exclaimed D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He simply answered, ''Tis -well,'" replied Lyonne.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That it was well!" said the -captain, with an explosion. "That is to say, that he accepts -it? Good! Now, then, I am free! I am only a plain citizen, M. -de Lyonne. I have the pleasure of bidding you good-bye! -Farewell, castle, corridor, ante-chamber! a <i>bourgeois</i>, -about to breathe at liberty, takes his farewell of you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And without waiting longer, -the captain sprang from the terrace down the staircase, where he -had picked up the fragments of Gourville's letter. Five minutes -after, he was at the hostelry, where, according to the custom of -all great officers who have lodgings at the castle, he had taken -what was called his city-chamber. But when he arrived there, -instead of throwing off his sword and cloak, he took his pistols, -put his money into a large leather purse, sent for his horses -from the castle-stables, and gave orders that would ensure their -reaching Vannes during the night. Everything went on according -to his wishes. At eight o'clock in the evening, he was putting -his foot in the stirrup, when M. de Gesvres appeared, at the head -of twelve guards, in front of the hostelry. D'Artagnan saw all -from the corner of his eye; he could not fail seeing thirteen men -and thirteen horses. But he feigned not to observe anything, and -was about to put his horse in motion. Gesvres rode up to him. -"Monsieur d'Artagnan!" said he, aloud.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah, Monsieur de Gesvres! -good evening!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "One would say you were -getting on horseback."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "More than that, - I am -mounted, - as you see."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is fortunate I have met -with you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Were you looking for me, -then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "<i>Mon Dieu!</i> yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On the part of the king, I -will wager?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As I, three days ago, went -in search of M. Fouquet?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Nonsense! It is of no use -being over-delicate with me; that is all labor lost. Tell me at -once you are come to arrest me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To arrest you? - Good -heavens! no."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why do you come to accost -me with twelve horsemen at your heels, then?"<br> - "I am making my round."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That isn't bad! And so you -pick me up in your round, eh?"<br> - "I don't pick you up; I meet with you, and I beg -you to come with me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Where?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good!" said D'Artagnan, -with a bantering air; "the king is disengaged."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "For Heaven's sake, -captain," said M. de Gesvres, in a low voice to the musketeer, -"do not compromise yourself! these men hear you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan laughed aloud, -and replied:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "March! People who are -arrested are placed between the six first guards and the six -last."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But as I am not arresting -you," said M. de Gesvres, "you will march behind, with me, if you -please."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well," said D'Artagnan, -"that is very polite, duke, and you are right in being so; for if -ever I had had to make my rounds near your -<i>chambre-de-ville</i>, I should have been courteous to you, I -assure you, on the word of a gentleman! Now, one favor more; -what does the king want with me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, the king is -furious!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Very well! the king, who -has thought it worth while to be angry, may take the trouble to -grow calm again; that is all. I shan't die of that, I will -swear."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, but - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But - I shall be sent to -keep company with unfortunate M. Fouquet. <i>Mordioux!</i> That -is a gallant man, a worthy man! We shall live very sociably -together, I will be sworn."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Here we are at our place of -destination," said the duke. "Captain, for Heaven's sake be calm -with the king!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! ah! you are playing the -brave man with me, duke!" said D'Artagnan, throwing one of his -defiant glances over Gesvres. "I have been told that you are -ambitious of uniting your guards with my musketeers. This -strikes me as a splendid opportunity."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will take exceeding good -care not to avail myself of it, captain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And why not, pray?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, for many reasons - in -the first place, for this: if I were to succeed you in the -musketeers after having arrested you - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! then you admit you have -arrested me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, I <i>don't</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Say met me, then. So, you -were saying <i>if</i> you were to succeed me after having -arrested me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your musketeers, at the -first exercise with ball cartridges, would fire <i>my</i> way, by -mistake."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, as to that I won't say; -for the fellows <i>do</i> love me a little."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Gesvres made D'Artagnan pass -in first, and took him straight to the cabinet where Louis was -waiting for his captain of the musketeers, and placed himself -behind his colleague in the ante-chamber. The king could be -heard distinctly, speaking aloud to Colbert in the same cabinet -where Colbert might have heard, a few days before, the king -speaking aloud with M. d'Artagnan. The guards remained as a -mounted picket before the principal gate; and the report was -quickly spread throughout the city that monsieur le capitaine of -the musketeers had been arrested by order of the king. Then -these men were seen to be in motion, and as in the good old times -of Louis XIII. and M. de Tréville, groups were formed, and -staircases were filled; vague murmurs, issuing from the court -below, came rolling to the upper stories, like the distant -moaning of the waves. M. de Gesvres became uneasy. He looked at -his guards, who, after being interrogated by the musketeers who -had just got among their ranks, began to shun them with a -manifestation of innocence. D'Artagnan was certainly less -disturbed by all this than M. de Gesvres, the captain of the -guards. As soon as he entered, he seated himself on the ledge of -a window whence with his eagle glance he saw all that was going -on without the least emotion. No step of the progressive -fermentation which had shown itself at the report of his arrest -escaped him. He foresaw the very moment the explosion would take -place; and we know that his previsions were in general -correct.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It would be very -whimsical," thought he, "if, this evening, my prætorians -should make me king of France. How I should laugh!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But, at the height, all was -stopped. Guards, musketeers, officers, soldiers, murmurs, -uneasiness, dispersed, vanished, died away; there was an end of -menace and sedition. One word had calmed the waves. The king -had desired Brienne to say, "Hush, messieurs! you disturb the -king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan sighed. "All is -over!" said he; "the musketeers of the present day are not those -of his majesty Louis XIII. All is over!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur d'Artagnan, you -are wanted in the ante-chamber of the king," proclaimed an -usher.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter LIII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -King Louis XIV.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he king was -seated in his cabinet, with his back turned towards the door of -entrance. In front of him was a mirror, in which, while turning -over his papers, he could see at a glance those who came in. He -did not take any notice of the entrance of D'Artagnan, but spread -above his letters and plans the large silk cloth he used to -conceal his secrets from the importunate. D'Artagnan understood -this by-play, and kept in the background; so that at the end of a -minute the king, who heard nothing, and saw nothing save from the -corner of his eye, was obliged to cry, "Is not M. d'Artagnan -there?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I am here, sire," replied -the musketeer, advancing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, monsieur," said the -king, fixing his pellucid eyes on D'Artagnan, "what have you to -say to me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I, sire!" replied the -latter, who watched the first blow of his adversary to make a -good retort; "I have nothing to say to your majesty, unless it be -that you have caused me to be arrested, and here I am."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king was going to reply -that he had not had D'Artagnan arrested, but any such sentence -appeared too much like an excuse, and he was silent. D'Artagnan -likewise preserved an obstinate silence.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," at length -resumed the king, "what did I charge you to go and do at -Belle-Isle? Tell me, if you please."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king while uttering -these words looked intently at his captain. Here D'Artagnan was -fortunate; the king seemed to place the game in his hands.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I believe," replied he, -"that your majesty does me the honor to ask what I went to -Belle-Isle to accomplish?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes, monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! sire, I know nothing -about it; it is not of me that question should be asked, but of -that infinite number of officers of all kinds, to whom have been -given innumerable orders of all kinds, whilst to me, head of the -expedition, nothing precise was said or stated in any form -whatever."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king was hurt: he showed -it by his reply. "Monsieur," said he, "orders have only been -given to such as were judged faithful."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And, therefore, I have been -astonished, sire," retorted the musketeer, "that a captain like -myself, who ranks with a maréchal of France, should have -found himself under the orders of five or six lieutenants or -majors, good to make spies of, possibly, but not at all fit to -conduct a warlike expedition. It was upon this subject I came to -demand an explanation of your majesty, when I found the door -closed against me, which, the final insult offered to a brave -man, has led me to quit your majesty's service."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," replied the -king, "you still believe that you are living in an age when kings -were, as you complain of having been, under the orders and at the -discretion of their inferiors. You seem to forget that a king -owes an account of his actions to none but God."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I forget nothing, sire," -said the musketeer, wounded by this lesson. "Besides, I do not -see in what an honest man, when he asks of his king how he has -ill-served him, offends him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have ill-served me, -monsieur, by siding with my enemies against me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who are your enemies, -sire?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The men I sent you to -fight."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Two men the enemies of the -whole of your majesty's army! That is incredible."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have no power to judge -of my will."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But I have to judge of my -own friendships, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He who serves his friends -does not serve his master."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I so well understand this, -sire, that I have respectfully offered your majesty my -resignation."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And I have accepted it, -monsieur," said the king. "Before being separated from you I was -willing to prove to you that I know how to keep my word."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Your majesty has kept more -than your word, for your majesty has had me arrested," said -D'Artagnan, with his cold, bantering air; "you did not promise me -that, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king would not -condescend to perceive the pleasantry, and continued, seriously, -"You see, monsieur, to what grave steps your disobedience forces -me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My disobedience!" cried -D'Artagnan, red with anger.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is the mildest term that -I can find," pursued the king. "My idea was to take and punish -rebels; was I bound to inquire whether these rebels were your -friends or not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But I was," replied -D'Artagnan. "It was a cruelty on your majesty's part to send me -to capture my friends and lead them to your gibbets."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It was a trial I had to -make, monsieur, of pretended servants, who eat my bread and -<i>should</i> defend my person. The trial has succeeded ill, -Monsieur d'Artagnan."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "For one bad servant your -majesty loses," said the musketeer, with bitterness, "there are -ten who, on that same day, go through a like ordeal. Listen to -me, sire; I am not accustomed to that service. Mine is a rebel -sword when I am required to do ill. It was ill to send me in -pursuit of two men whose lives M. Fouquet, your majesty's -preserver, implored you to save. Still further, these men were -my friends. They did not attack your majesty, they succumbed to -your blind anger. Besides, why were they not allowed to escape? -What crime had they committed? I admit you may contest with me -the right of judging their conduct. But why suspect me before -the action? Why surround me with spies? Why disgrace me before -the army? Why me, in whom till now you showed the most entire -confidence - who for thirty years have been attached to your -person, and have given you a thousand proofs of my devotion - for -it must be said, now that I am accused - why reduce me to see -three thousand of the king's soldiers march in battle against two -men?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "One would say you have -forgotten what these men have done to me!" said the king, in a -hollow voice, "and that it was no merit of theirs I was not -lost."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire, one would imagine you -forget that I was there."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Enough, Monsieur -d'Artagnan, enough of these dominating interests which arise to -keep the sun itself from my interests. I am founding a state in -which there shall be but one master, as I promised you; the -moment is at hand for me to keep my promise. You wish to be, -according to your tastes or private friendships, free to destroy -my plans and save my enemies? I will thwart you or will drop you -- seek a more compliant master. I know full well that another -king would not conduct himself as I do, and would allow himself -to be dominated by you, at the risk of sending you some day to -keep company with M. Fouquet and the rest; but I have an -excellent memory, and for me, services are sacred titles to -gratitude, to impunity. You shall only have this lesson, -Monsieur d'Artagnan, as the punishment of your want of -discipline, and I will not imitate my predecessors in anger, not -having imitated them in favor. And, then, other reasons make me -act mildly towards you; in the first place, because you are a man -of sense, a man of excellent sense, a man of heart, and that you -will be a capital servant to him who shall have mastered you; -secondly, because you will cease to have any motives for -insubordination. Your friends are now destroyed or ruined by -me. These supports on which your capricious mind instinctively -relied I have caused to disappear. At this moment, my soldiers -have taken or killed the rebels of Belle-Isle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan became pale. -"Taken or killed!" cried he. "Oh! sire, if you thought what you -tell, if you were sure you were telling me the truth, I should -forget all that is just, all that is magnanimous in your words, -to call you a barbarous king, and an unnatural man. But I pardon -you these words," said he, smiling with pride; "I pardon them to -a young prince who does not know, who cannot comprehend what such -men as M. d'Herblay, M. du Vallon, and myself are. Taken or -killed! Ah! Ah! sire! tell me, if the news is true, how much -has it cost you in men and money. We will then reckon if the -game has been worth the stakes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> As he spoke thus, the king -went up to him in great anger, and said, "Monsieur d'Artagnan, -your replies are those of a rebel! Tell me, if you please, who -is king of France? Do you know any other?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire," replied the captain -of the musketeers, coldly, "I very well remember that one morning -at Vaux you addressed that question to many people who did not -answer to it, whilst I, on my part, did answer to it. If I -recognized my king on that day, when the thing was not easy, I -think it would be useless to ask the question of me now, when -your majesty and I are alone."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At these words Louis cast -down his eyes. It appeared to him that the shade of the -unfortunate Philippe passed between D'Artagnan and himself, to -evoke the remembrance of that terrible adventure. Almost at the -same moment an officer entered and placed a dispatch in the hands -of the king, who, in his turn, changed color, while reading -it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur," said he, "what I -learn here you would know later; it is better I should tell you, -and that you should learn it from the mouth of your king. A -battle has taken place at Belle-Isle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is it possible?" said -D'Artagnan, with a calm air, though his heart was beating fast -enough to choke him. "Well, sire?"<br> - "Well, monsieur - and I have lost a hundred and -ten men."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A beam of joy and pride -shone in the eyes of D'Artagnan. "And the rebels?" said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The rebels have fled," said -the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan could not -restrain a cry of triumph. "Only," added the king, "I have a -fleet which closely blockades Belle-Isle, and I am certain not a -bark can escape."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "So that," said the -musketeer, brought back to his dismal idea, "if these two -gentlemen are taken - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They will be hanged," said -the king, quietly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And do they know it?" -replied D'Artagnan, repressing his trembling.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "They know it, because you -must have told them yourself; and all the country knows it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Then, sire, they will never -be taken alive, I will answer for that."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said the king, -negligently, and taking up his letter again. "Very well, they -will be dead, then, Monsieur d'Artagnan, and that will come to -the same thing, since I should only take them to have them -hanged."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan wiped the sweat -which flowed from his brow.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have told you," pursued -Louis XIV., "that I would one day be an affectionate, generous, -and constant master. You are now the only man of former times -worthy of my anger or my friendship. I will not spare you either -sentiment, according to your conduct. Could you serve a king, -Monsieur d'Artagnan, who should have a hundred kings, his equals, -in the kingdom? Could I, tell me, do with such weak instruments -the great things I meditate? Did you ever see an artist effect -great works with an unworthy tool? Far from us, monsieur, the -old leaven of feudal abuse! The Fronde, which threatened to ruin -monarchy, has emancipated it. I am master at home, Captain -d'Artagnan, and I shall have servants who, lacking, perhaps, your -genius, will carry devotion and obedience to the verge of -heroism. Of what consequence, I ask you, of what consequence is -it that God has given no sense to arms and legs? It is to the -head he has given genius, and the head, you know, the rest obey. -I am the head."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan started. Louis -XIV. continued as if he had seen nothing, although this emotion -had not by any means escaped him. "Now, let us conclude between -us two the bargain I promised to make with you one day when you -found me in a very strange predicament at Blois. Do me justice, -monsieur, when you admit I do not make any one pay for the tears -of shame that I then shed. Look around you; lofty heads have -bowed. Bow yours, or choose such exile as will suit you. -Perhaps, when reflecting upon it, you will find your king has a -generous heart, who reckons sufficiently upon your loyalty to -allow you to leave him dissatisfied, when you possess a great -state secret. You are a brave man; I know you to be so. Why -have you judged me prematurely? Judge me from this day forward, -D'Artagnan, and be as severe as you please."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan remained -bewildered, mute, undecided for the first time in his life. At -last he had found an adversary worthy of him. This was no longer -trick, it was calculation; no longer violence, but strength; no -longer passion, but will; no longer boasting, but council. This -young man who had brought down a Fouquet, and could do without a -D'Artagnan, deranged the somewhat headstrong calculations of the -musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, let us see what stops -you?" said the king, kindly. "You have given in your -resignation; shall I refuse to accept it? I admit that it may be -hard for such an old captain to recover lost good-humor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh!" replied D'Artagnan, in -a melancholy tone, "that is not my most serious care. I hesitate -to take back my resignation because I am old in comparison with -you, and have habits difficult to abandon. Henceforward, you -must have courtiers who know how to amuse you - madmen who will -get themselves killed to carry out what you call your great -works. Great they will be, I feel - but, if by chance I should -not think them so? I have seen war, sire, I have seen peace; I -have served Richelieu and Mazarin; I have been scorched with your -father, at the fire of Rochelle; riddled with sword-thrusts like -a sieve, having grown a new skin ten times, as serpents do. -After affronts and injustices, I have a command which was -formerly something, because it gave the bearer the right of -speaking as he liked to his king. But your captain of the -musketeers will henceforward be an officer guarding the outer -doors. Truly, sire, if that is to be my employment from this -time, seize the opportunity of our being on good terms, to take -it from me. Do not imagine that I bear malice; no, you have -tamed me, as you say; but it must be confessed that in taming me -you have lowered me; by bowing me you have convicted me of -weakness. If you knew how well it suits me to carry my head -high, and what a pitiful mien I shall have while scenting the -dust of your carpets! Oh! sire, I regret sincerely, and you will -regret as I do, the old days when the king of France saw in every -vestibule those insolent gentlemen, lean, always swearing - -cross-grained mastiffs, who could bite mortally in the hour of -danger or of battle. These men were the best of courtiers to the -hand which fed them - they would lick it; but for the hand that -struck them, oh! the bite that followed! A little gold on the -lace of their cloaks, a slender stomach in their -<i>hauts-de-chausses</i>, a little sparkling of gray in their dry -hair, and you will behold the handsome dukes and peers, the -haughty <i>maréchaux</i> of France. But why should I tell -you all this? The king is master; he wills that I should make -verses, he wills that I should polish the mosaics of his -ante-chambers with satin shoes. <i>Mordioux!</i> that is -difficult, but I have got over greater difficulties. I will do -it. Why should I do it? Because I love money? - I have enough. -Because I am ambitious? - my career is almost at an end. Because -I love the court? No. I will remain here because I have been -accustomed for thirty years to go and take the orderly word of -the king, and to have said to me 'Good evening, D'Artagnan,' with -a smile I did not beg for. That smile I will beg for! Are you -content, sire?" And D'Artagnan bowed his silver head, upon which -the smiling king placed his white hand with pride.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Thanks, my old servant, my -faithful friend," said he. "As, reckoning from this day, I have -no longer any enemies in France, it remains with me to send you -to a foreign field to gather your marshal's baton. Depend upon -me for finding you an opportunity. In the meanwhile, eat of my -very best bread, and sleep in absolute tranquillity."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is all kind and well!" -said D'Artagnan, much agitated. "But those poor men at -Belle-Isle? One of them, in particular - so good! so brave! so -true!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Do you ask their pardon of -me?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Upon my knees, sire!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Well! then, go and -take it to them, if it be still in time. But do you answer for -them?"<br> -"With my life, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Go, then. -To-morrow I set out for Paris. Return by that time, for I do not -wish you to leave me in the future."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Be assured of -that, sire," said D'Artagnan, kissing the royal hand.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And with a heart -swelling with joy, he rushed out of the castle on his way to -Belle-Isle.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter LIV:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>M. -Fouquet's Friends.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he king had -returned to Paris, and with him D'Artagnan, who, in twenty-four -hours, having made with greatest care all possible inquiries at -Belle-Isle, succeeded in learning nothing of the secret so well -kept by the heavy rock of Locmaria, which had fallen on the -heroic Porthos. The captain of the musketeers only knew what -those two valiant men - these two friends, whose defense he had -so nobly taken up, whose lives he had so earnestly endeavored to -save - aided by three faithful Bretons, had accomplished against -a whole army. He had seen, spread on the neighboring heath, the -human remains which had stained with clouted blood the scattered -stones among the flowering broom. He learned also that a bark -had been seen far out at sea, and that, like a bird of prey, a -royal vessel had pursued, overtaken, and devoured the poor little -bird that was flying with such palpitating wings. But there -D'Artagnan's certainties ended. The field of supposition was -thrown open. Now, what could he conjecture? The vessel had not -returned. It is true that a brisk wind had prevailed for three -days; but the corvette was known to be a good sailer and solid in -its timbers; it had no need to fear a gale of wind, and it ought, -according to the calculation of D'Artagnan, to have either -returned to Brest, or come back to the mouth of the Loire. Such -was the news, ambiguous, it is true, but in some degree -reassuring to him personally, which D'Artagnan brought to Louis -XIV., when the king, followed by all the court, returned to -Paris.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Louis, satisfied with his -success - Louis, more mild and affable as he felt himself more -powerful - had not ceased for an instant to ride beside the -carriage door of Mademoiselle de la Vallière. Everybody -was anxious to amuse the two queens, so as to make them forget -this abandonment by son and husband. Everything breathed the -future, the past was nothing to anybody. Only that past was like -a painful bleeding wound to the hearts of certain tender and -devoted spirits. Scarcely was the king reinstalled in Paris, -when he received a touching proof of this. Louis XIV. had just -risen and taken his first repast when his captain of the -musketeers presented himself before him. D'Artagnan was pale and -looked unhappy. The king, at the first glance, perceived the -change in a countenance generally so unconcerned. "What is the -matter, D'Artagnan?" said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire, a great misfortune -has happened to me."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Good heavens! what is -that?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Sire, I have lost one of my -friends, M. du Vallon, in the affair of Belle-Isle."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And, while speaking these -words, D'Artagnan fixed his falcon eye upon Louis XIV., to catch -the first feeling that would show itself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I knew it," replied the -king, quietly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You knew it, and did not -tell me!" cried the musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "To what good? Your grief, -my friend, was so well worthy of respect. It was my duty to -treat it gently. To have informed you of this misfortune, which -I knew would pain you so greatly, D'Artagnan, would have been, in -your eyes, to have triumphed over you. Yes, I knew that M. du -Vallon had buried himself beneath the rocks of Locmaria; I knew -that M. d'Herblay had taken one of my vessels with its crew, and -had compelled it to convey him to Bayonne. But I was willing you -should learn these matters in a direct manner, in order that you -might be convinced my friends are with me respected and sacred; -that always in me the man will sacrifice himself to subjects, -whilst the king is so often found to sacrifice men to majesty and -power."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"But, sire, how -could you know?"<br> -"How do you yourself know, D'Artagnan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"By this letter, -sire, which M. d'Herblay, free and out of danger, writes me from -Bayonne."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Look here," said -the king, drawing from a casket placed upon the table closet to -the seat upon which D'Artagnan was leaning, "here is a letter -copied exactly from that of M. d'Herblay. Here is the very -letter, which Colbert placed in my hands a week before you -received yours. I am well served, you may perceive."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, sire," -murmured the musketeer, "you were the only man whose star was -equal to the task of dominating the fortune and strength of my -two friends. You have used your power, sire, you will not abuse -it, will you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"D'Artagnan," said -the king, with a smile beaming with kindness, "I could have M. -d'Herblay carried off from the territories of the king of Spain, -and brought here, alive, to inflict justice upon him. But, -D'Artagnan, be assured I will not yield to this first and natural -impulse. He is free - let him continue free."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, sire! you will -not always remain so clement, so noble, so generous as you have -shown yourself with respect to me and M. d'Herblay; you will have -about you counselors who will cure you of that weakness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, D'Artagnan, -you are mistaken when you accuse my council of urging me to -pursue rigorous measures. The advice to spare M. d'Herblay comes -from Colbert himself."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, sire!" said -D'Artagnan, extremely surprised.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"As for you," -continued the king, with a kindness very uncommon to him, "I have -several pieces of good news to announce to you; but you shall -know them, my dear captain, the moment I have made my accounts -all straight. I have said that I wish to make, and would make, -your fortune; that promise will soon become reality."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A thousand times -thanks, sire! I can wait. But I implore you, whilst I go and -practice patience, that your majesty will deign to notice those -poor people who have for so long a time besieged your -ante-chamber, and come humbly to lay a petition at your -feet."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Who are they?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Enemies of your -majesty." The king raised his head.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Friends of M. -Fouquet," added D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Their names?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"M. Gourville, M. -Pélisson, and a poet, M. Jean de la Fontaine."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king took a -moment to reflect. "What do they want?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I do not -know."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"How do they -appear?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In great -affliction."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What do they -say?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Nothing."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What do they -do?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"They weep."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Let them come in," -said the king, with a serious brow.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan turned -rapidly on his heel, raised the tapestry which closed the -entrance to the royal chamber, and directing his voice to the -adjoining room, cried, "Enter."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The three men -D'Artagnan had named immediately appeared at the door of the -cabinet in which were the king and his captain. A profound -silence prevailed in their passage. The courtiers, at the -approach of the friends of the unfortunate superintendent of -finances, drew back, as if fearful of being affected by contagion -with disgrace and misfortune. D'Artagnan, with a quick step, -came forward to take by the hand the unhappy men who stood -trembling at the door of the cabinet; he led them in front of the -king's <i>fauteuil</i>, who, having placed himself in the -embrasure of a window, awaited the moment of presentation, and -was preparing himself to give the supplicants a rigorously -diplomatic reception.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The first of the -friends of Fouquet's to advance was Pélisson. He did not -weep, but his tears were only restrained that the king might -better hear his voice and prayer. Gourville bit his lips to -check his tears, out of respect for the king. La Fontaine buried -his face in his handkerchief, and the only signs of life he gave -were the convulsive motions of his shoulders, raised by his -sobs.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king preserved -his dignity. His countenance was impassible. He even maintained -the frown which appeared when D'Artagnan announced his enemies. -He made a gesture which signified, "Speak;" and he remained -standing, with his eyes fixed searchingly on these desponding -men. Pélisson bowed to the ground, and La Fontaine knelt -as people do in churches. This dismal silence, disturbed only by -sighs and groans, began to excite in the king, not compassion, -but impatience.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur -Pélisson," said he, in a sharp, dry tone. "Monsieur -Gourville, and you, Monsieur - " and he did not name La Fontaine, -"I cannot, without sensible displeasure, see you come to plead -for one of the greatest criminals it is the duty of justice to -punish. A king does not allow himself to soften save at the -tears of the innocent, the remorse of the guilty. I have no -faith either in the remorse of M. Fouquet or the tears of his -friends, because the one is tainted to the very heart, and the -others ought to dread offending me in my own palace. For these -reasons, I beg you, Monsieur Pélisson, Monsieur Gourville, -and you, Monsieur - , to say nothing that will not plainly -proclaim the respect you have for my will."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Sire," replied -Pélisson, trembling at these words, "we are come to say -nothing to your majesty that is not the most profound expression -of the most sincere respect and love that are due to a king from -all his subjects. Your majesty's justice is redoubtable; every -one must yield to the sentences it pronounces. We respectfully -bow before it. Far from us the idea of coming to defend him who -has had the misfortune to offend your majesty. He who has -incurred your displeasure may be a friend of ours, but he is an -enemy to the state. We abandon him, but with tears, to the -severity of the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Besides," -interrupted the king, calmed by that supplicating voice, and -those persuasive words, "my parliament will decide. I do not -strike without first having weighed the crime; my justice does -not wield the sword without employing first a pair of -scales."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Therefore we have -every confidence in that impartiality of the king, and hope to -make our feeble voices heard, with the consent of your majesty, -when the hour for defending an accused friend strikes."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In that case, -messieurs, what do you ask of me?" said the king, with his most -imposing air.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Sire," continued -Pélisson, "the accused has a wife and family. The little -property he had was scarcely sufficient to pay his debts, and -Madame Fouquet, since her husband's captivity, is abandoned by -everybody. The hand of your majesty strikes like the hand of -God. When the Lord sends the curse of leprosy or pestilence into -a family, every one flies and shuns the abode of the leprous or -plague-stricken. Sometimes, but very rarely, a generous -physician alone ventures to approach the ill-reputed threshold, -passes it with courage, and risks his life to combat death. He -is the last resource of the dying, the chosen instrument of -heavenly mercy. Sire, we supplicate you, with clasped hands and -bended knees, as a divinity is supplicated! Madame Fouquet has -no longer any friends, no longer any means of support; she weeps -in her deserted home, abandoned by all those who besieged its -doors in the hour of prosperity; she has neither credit nor hope -left. At least, the unhappy wretch upon whom your anger falls -receives from you, however culpable he may be, his daily bread -though moistened by his tears. As much afflicted, more destitute -than her husband, Madame Fouquet - the lady who had the honor to -receive your majesty at her table - Madame Fouquet, the wife of -the ancient superintendent of your majesty's finances, Madame -Fouquet has no longer bread."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Here the mortal -silence which had chained the breath of Pélisson's two -friends was broken by an outburst of sobs; and D'Artagnan, whose -chest heaved at hearing this humble prayer, turned round towards -the angle of the cabinet to bite his mustache and conceal a -groan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king had -preserved his eye dry and his countenance severe; but the blood -had mounted to his cheeks, and the firmness of his look was -visibly diminished.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What do you wish?" -said he, in an agitated voice.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"We come humbly to -ask your majesty," replied Pélisson, upon whom emotion was -fast gaining, "to permit us, without incurring the displeasure of -your majesty, to lend to Madame Fouquet two thousand pistoles -collected among the old friends of her husband, in order that the -widow may not stand in need of the necessaries of life."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>At the word -<i>widow</i>, pronounced by Pélisson whilst Fouquet was -still alive, the king turned very pale; - his pride disappeared; -pity rose from his heart to his lips; he cast a softened look -upon the men who knelt sobbing at his feet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"God forbid," said -he, "that I should confound the innocent with the guilty. They -know me but ill who doubt my mercy towards the weak. I strike -none but the arrogant. Do, messieurs, do all that your hearts -counsel you to assuage the grief of Madame Fouquet. Go, -messieurs - go!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The three now rose -in silence with dry eyes. The tears had been scorched away by -contact with their burning cheeks and eyelids. They had not the -strength to address their thanks to the king, who himself cut -short their solemn reverences by entrenching himself suddenly -behind the <i>fauteuil</i>.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan remained -alone with the king.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well," said he, -approaching the young prince, who interrogated him with his -look. "Well, my master! If you had not the device which belongs -to your sun, I would recommend you one which M. Conrart might -translate into eclectic Latin, 'Calm with the lowly; stormy with -the strong.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king smiled, -and passed into the next apartment, after having said to -D'Artagnan, "I give you the leave of absence you must want to put -the affairs of your friend, the late M. du Vallon, in order."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter LV:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Porthos's Will.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>A</span>t Pierrefonds -everything was in mourning. The courts were deserted - the -stables closed - the parterres neglected. In the basins, the -fountains, formerly so jubilantly fresh and noisy, had stopped of -themselves. Along the roads around the château came a few -grave personages mounted on mules or country nags. These were -rural neighbors, curés and bailiffs of adjacent estates. -All these people entered the château silently, handed their -horses to a melancholy-looking groom, and directed their steps, -conducted by a huntsman in black, to the great dining-room, where -Mousqueton received them at the door. Mousqueton had become so -thin in two days that his clothes moved upon him like an -ill-fitting scabbard in which the sword-blade dances at each -motion. His face, composed of red and white, like that of the -Madonna of Vandyke, was furrowed by two silver rivulets which had -dug their beds in his cheeks, as full formerly as they had become -flabby since his grief began. At each fresh arrival, Mousqueton -found fresh tears, and it was pitiful to see him press his throat -with his fat hand to keep from bursting into sobs and -lamentations. All these visits were for the purpose of hearing -the reading of Porthos's will, announced for that day, and at -which all the covetous friends of the dead man were anxious to be -present, as he had left no relations behind him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The visitors took their -places as they arrived, and the great room had just been closed -when the clock struck twelve, the hour fixed for the reading of -the important document. Porthos's procureur - and that was -naturally the successor of Master Coquenard - commenced by slowly -unfolding the vast parchment upon which the powerful hand of -Porthos had traced his sovereign will. The seal broken - the -spectacles put on - the preliminary cough having sounded - every -one pricked up his ears. Mousqueton had squatted himself in a -corner, the better to weep and the better to hear. All at once -the folding-doors of the great room, which had been shut, were -thrown open as if by magic, and a warlike figure appeared upon -the threshold, resplendent in the full light of the sun. This -was D'Artagnan, who had come alone to the gate, and finding -nobody to hold his stirrup, had tied his horse to the knocker and -announced himself. The splendor of daylight invading the room, -the murmur of all present, and, more than all, the instinct of -the faithful dog, drew Mousqueton from his reverie; he raised his -head, recognized the old friend of his master, and, screaming -with grief, he embraced his knees, watering the floor with his -tears. D'Artagnan raised the poor intendant, embraced him as if -he had been a brother, and, having nobly saluted the assembly, -who all bowed as they whispered to each other his name, he went -and took his seat at the extremity of the great carved oak hall, -still holding by the hand poor Mousqueton, who was suffocating -with excess of woe, and sank upon the steps. Then the procureur, -who, like the rest, was considerably agitated, commenced.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Porthos, after a profession -of faith of the most Christian character, asked pardon of his -enemies for all the injuries he might have done them. At this -paragraph, a ray of inexpressible pride beamed from the eyes of -D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He recalled to his mind the -old soldier; all those enemies of Porthos brought to earth by his -valiant hand; he reckoned up the numbers of them, and said to -himself that Porthos had acted wisely, not to enumerate his -enemies or the injuries done to them, or the task would have been -too much for the reader. Then came the following schedule of his -extensive lands:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I possess at this present -time, by the grace of God -</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "1. The domain of -Pierrefonds, lands, woods, meadows, waters, and forests, -surrounded by good walls.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "2. The domain of Bracieux, -châteaux, forests, plowed lands, forming three farms.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "3. The little estate Du -Vallon, so named because it is in the valley." (Brave -Porthos!)</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "4. Fifty farms in Touraine, -amounting to five hundred acres.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "5. Three mills upon the -Cher, bringing in six hundred livres each.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "6. Three fish-pools in -Berry, producing two hundred livres a year.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "As to my personal or -movable property, so called because it can be moved, as is so -well explained by my learned friend the bishop of Vannes - " -(D'Artagnan shuddered at the dismal remembrance attached to that -name) - the procureur continued imperturbably - "they consist - -"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "1. In goods which I cannot -detail here for want of room, and which furnish all my -châteaux or houses, but of which the list is drawn up by my -intendant."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Every one turned his eyes -towards Mousqueton, who was still lost in grief.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "2. In twenty horses for -saddle and draught, which I have particularly at my château -of Pierrefonds, and which are called - Bayard, Roland, -Charlemagne, Pépin, Dunois, La Hire, Ogier, Samson, Milo, -Nimrod, Urganda, Armida, Flastrade, Dalilah, Rebecca, Yolande, -Finette, Grisette, Lisette, and Musette.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "3. In sixty dogs, forming -six packs, divided as follows: the first, for the stag; the -second, for the wolf; the third, for the wild boar; the fourth, -for the hare; and the two others, for setters and protection.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "4. In arms for war and the -chase contained in my gallery of arms.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "5. My wines of Anjou, -selected for Athos, who liked them formerly; my wines of -Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux, and Spain, stocking eight cellars -and twelve vaults, in my various houses.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "6. My pictures and statues, -which are said to be of great value, and which are sufficiently -numerous to fatigue the sight.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "7. My library, consisting -of six thousand volumes, quite new, and have never been -opened.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "8. My silver plate, which -is perhaps a little worn, but which ought to weigh from a -thousand to twelve hundred pounds, for I had great trouble in -lifting the coffer that contained it and could not carry it more -than six times round my chamber.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "9. All these objects, in -addition to the table and house linen, are divided in the -residences I liked the best."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Here the reader stopped to -take breath. Every one sighed, coughed, and redoubled his -attention. The procureur resumed:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I have lived without having -any children, and it is probable I never shall have any, which to -me is a cutting grief. And yet I am mistaken, for I have a son, -in common with my other friends; that is, M. Raoul Auguste Jules -de Bragelonne, the true son of M. le Comte de la Fère.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This young nobleman appears -to me extremely worthy to succeed the valiant gentleman of whom I -am the friend and very humble servant."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Here a sharp sound -interrupted the reader. It was D'Artagnan's sword, which, -slipping from his baldric, had fallen on the sonorous flooring. -Every one turned his eyes that way, and saw that a large tear had -rolled from the thick lid of D'Artagnan, half-way down to his -aquiline nose, the luminous edge of which shone like a little -crescent moon.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This is why," continued the -procureur, "I have left all my property, movable, or immovable, -comprised in the above enumerations, to M. le Vicomte Raoul -Auguste Jules de Bragelonne, son of M. le Comte de la -Fère, to console him for the grief he seems to suffer, and -enable him to add more luster to his already glorious name."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A vague murmur ran through -the auditory. The procureur continued, seconded by the flashing -eye of D'Artagnan, which, glancing over the assembly, quickly -restored the interrupted silence:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "On condition that M. le -Vicomte de Bragelonne do give to M. le Chevalier d'Artagnan, -captain of the king's musketeers, whatever the said Chevalier -d'Artagnan may demand of my property. On condition that M. le -Vicomte de Bragelonne do pay a good pension to M. le Chevalier -d'Herblay, my friend, if he should need it in exile. I leave to -my intendant Mousqueton all of my clothes, of city, war, or -chase, to the number of forty-seven suits, in the assurance that -he will wear them till they are worn out, for the love of and in -remembrance of his master. Moreover, I bequeath to M. le Vicomte -de Bragelonne my old servant and faithful friend Mousqueton, -already named, providing that the said vicomte shall so act that -Mousqueton shall declare, when dying, he has never ceased to be -happy."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> On hearing these words, -Mousqueton bowed, pale and trembling; his shoulders shook -convulsively; his countenance, compressed by a frightful grief, -appeared from between his icy hands, and the spectators saw him -stagger and hesitate, as if, though wishing to leave the hall, he -did not know the way.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Mousqueton, my good -friend," said D'Artagnan, "go and make your preparations. I will -take you with me to Athos's house, whither I shall go on leaving -Pierrefonds."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Mousqueton made no reply. -He scarcely breathed, as if everything in that hall would from -that time be foreign. He opened the door, and slowly -disappeared.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The procureur finished his -reading, after which the greater part of those who had come to -hear the last will of Porthos dispersed by degrees, many -disappointed, but all penetrated with respect. As for -D'Artagnan, thus left alone, after having received the formal -compliments of the procureur, he was lost in admiration of the -wisdom of the testator, who had so judiciously bestowed his -wealth upon the most necessitous and the most worthy, with a -delicacy that neither nobleman nor courtier could have displayed -more kindly. When Porthos enjoined Raoul de Bragelonne to give -D'Artagnan all that he would ask, he knew well, our worthy -Porthos, that D'Artagnan would ask or take nothing; and in case -he did demand anything, none but himself could say what. Porthos -left a pension to Aramis, who, if he should be inclined to ask -too much, was checked by the example of D'Artagnan; and that word -<i>exile</i>, thrown out by the testator, without apparent -intention, was it not the mildest, most exquisite criticism upon -that conduct of Aramis which had brought about the death of -Porthos? But there was no mention of Athos in the testament of -the dead. Could the latter for a moment suppose that the son -would not offer the best part to the father? The rough mind of -Porthos had fathomed all these causes, seized all these shades -more clearly than law, better than custom, with more propriety -than taste.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Porthos had indeed a -heart," said D'Artagnan to himself with a sigh. As he made this -reflection, he fancied he hard a groan in the room above him; and -he thought immediately of poor Mousqueton, whom he felt it was a -pleasing duty to divert from his grief. For this purpose he left -the hall hastily to seek the worthy intendant, as he had not -returned. He ascended the staircase leading to the first story, -and perceived, in Porthos's own chamber, a heap of clothes of all -colors and materials, upon which Mousqueton had laid himself down -after heaping them all on the floor together. It was the legacy -of the faithful friend. Those clothes were truly his own; they -had been given to him; the hand of Mousqueton was stretched over -these relics, which he was kissing with his lips, with all his -face, and covered with his body. D'Artagnan approached to -console the poor fellow.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "My God!" said he, "he does -not stir - he has fainted!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But D'Artagnan was -mistaken. Mousqueton was dead! Dead, like the dog who, having -lost his master, crawls back to die upon his cloak.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter LVI:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Old Age of Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>W</span>hile these -affairs were separating forever the four musketeers, formerly -bound together in a manner that seemed indissoluble, Athos, left -alone after the departure of Raoul, began to pay his tribute to -that foretaste of death which is called the absence of those we -love. Back in his house at Blois, no longer having even Grimaud -to receive a poor smile as he passed through the parterre, Athos -daily felt the decline of vigor of a nature which for so long a -time had seemed impregnable. Age, which had been kept back by -the presence of the beloved object, arrived with that -<i>cortège</i> of pains and inconveniences, which grows by -geometrical accretion. Athos had no longer his son to induce him -to walk firmly, with head erect, as a good example; he had no -longer, in those brilliant eyes of the young man, an ever-ardent -focus at which to kindle anew the fire of his looks. And then, -must it be said, that nature, exquisite in tenderness and -reserve, no longer finding anything to understand its feelings, -gave itself up to grief with all the warmth of common natures -when they yield to joy. The Comte de la Fère, who had -remained a young man to his sixty-second year; the warrior who -had preserved his strength in spite of fatigue; his freshness of -mind in spite of misfortune, his mild serenity of soul and body -in spite of Milady, in spite of Mazarin, in spite of La -Vallière; Athos had become an old man in a week, from the -moment at which he lost the comfort of his later youth. Still -handsome, though bent, noble, but sad, he sought, since his -solitude, the deeper glades where sunshine scarcely penetrated. -He discontinued all the mighty exercises he had enjoyed through -life, when Raoul was no longer with him. The servants, -accustomed to see him stirring with the dawn at all seasons, were -astonished to hear seven o'clock strike before their master -quitted his bed. Athos remained in bed with a book under his -pillow - but he did not sleep, neither did he read. Remaining in -bed that he might no longer have to carry his body, he allowed -his soul and spirit to wander from their envelope and return to -his son, or to God. <b><sup>6</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> His people were sometimes -terrified to see him, for hours together, absorbed in silent -reverie, mute and insensible; he no longer heard the timid step -of the servant who came to the door of his chamber to watch the -sleeping or waking of his master. It often occurred that he -forgot the day had half passed away, that the hours for the two -first meals were gone by. Then he was awakened. He rose, -descended to his shady walk, then came out a little into the sun, -as though to partake of its warmth for a minute in memory of his -absent child. And then the dismal monotonous walk recommenced, -until, exhausted, he regained the chamber and his bed, his -domicile by choice. For several days the comte did not speak a -single word. He refused to receive the visits that were paid -him, and during the night he was seen to relight his lamp and -pass long hours in writing, or examining parchments.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Athos wrote one of these -letters to Vannes, another to Fontainebleau; they remained -without answers. We know why: Aramis had quitted France, and -D'Artagnan was traveling from Nantes to Paris, from Paris to -Pierrefonds. His <i>valet de chambre</i> observed that he -shortened his walk every day by several turns. The great alley -of limes soon became too long for feet that used to traverse it -formerly a hundred times a day. The comte walked feebly as far -as the middle trees, seated himself upon a mossy bank that sloped -towards a sidewalk, and there waited the return of his strength, -or rather the return of night. Very shortly a hundred steps -exhausted him. At length Athos refused to rise at all; he -declined all nourishment, and his terrified people, although he -did not complain, although he wore a smile upon his lips, -although he continued to speak with his sweet voice - his people -went to Blois in search of the ancient physician of the late -Monsieur, and brought him to the Comte de la Fère in such -a fashion that he could see the comte without being himself -seen. For this purpose, they placed him in a closet adjoining -the chamber of the patient, and implored him not to show himself, -for fear of displeasing their master, who had not asked for a -physician. The doctor obeyed. Athos was a sort of model for the -gentlemen of the country; the Blaisois boasted of possessing this -sacred relic of French glory. Athos was a great seigneur -compared with such nobles as the king improvised by touching with -his artificial scepter the parched-up trunks of the heraldic -trees of the province.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> People respected Athos, we -say, and they loved him. The physician could not bear to see his -people weep, to see flock round him the poor of the canton, to -whom Athos had so often given life and consolation by his kind -words and his charities. He examined, therefore, from the depths -of his hiding-place, the nature of that mysterious malady which -bent and aged more mortally every day a man but lately so full of -life and a desire to live. He remarked upon the cheeks of Athos -the hectic hue of fever, which feeds upon itself; slow fever, -pitiless, born in a fold of the heart, sheltering itself behind -that rampart, growing from the suffering it engenders, at once -cause and effect of a perilous situation. The comte spoke to -nobody; he did not even talk to himself. His thought feared -noise; it approached to that degree of over-excitement which -borders upon ecstasy. Man thus absorbed, though he does not yet -belong to God, already appertains no longer to the earth. The -doctor remained for several hours studying this painful struggle -of the will against superior power; he was terrified at seeing -those eyes always fixed, ever directed on some invisible object; -was terrified at the monotonous beating of that heart from which -never a sigh arose to vary the melancholy state; for often pain -becomes the hope of the physician. Half a day passed away thus. -The doctor formed his resolution like a brave man; he issued -suddenly from his place of retreat, and went straight up to -Athos, who beheld him without evincing more surprise than if he -had understood nothing of the apparition.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur le comte, I crave -your pardon," said the doctor, coming up to the patient with open -arms; "but I have a reproach to make you - you shall hear me." -And he seated himself by the pillow of Athos, who had great -trouble in rousing himself from his preoccupation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the matter, -doctor?" asked the comte, after a silence.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The matter is, you are ill, -monsieur, and have had no advice."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I! ill!" said Athos, -smiling.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Fever, consumption, -weakness, decay, monsieur le comte!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Weakness!" replied Athos; -"is it possible? I do not get up."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Come, come! monsieur le -comte, no subterfuges; you are a good Christian?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I hope so," said Athos.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Is it your wish to kill -yourself?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Never, doctor."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! monsieur, you are in -a fair way of doing so. Thus to remain is suicide. Get well! -monsieur le comte, get well!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Of what? Find the disease -first. For my part, I never knew myself better; never did the -sky appear more blue to me; never did I take more care of my -flowers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You have a hidden -grief."<br> - "Concealed! - not at all; the absence of my son, -doctor; that is my malady, and I do not conceal it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur le comte, your son -lives, he is strong, he has all the future before him - the -future of men of merit, of his race; live for him - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But I do live, doctor; oh! -be satisfied of that," added he, with a melancholy smile; "for as -long as Raoul lives, it will be plainly known, for as long as he -lives, I shall live."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What do you say?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "A very simple thing. At -this moment, doctor, I leave life suspended within me. A -forgetful, dissipated, indifferent life would be beyond my -strength, now I have no longer Raoul with me. You do not ask the -lamp to burn when the match has not illumed the flame; do not ask -me to live amidst noise and merriment. I vegetate, I prepare -myself, I wait. Look, doctor; remember those soldiers we have so -often seen together at the ports, where they were waiting to -embark; lying down, indifferent, half on one element, half on the -other; they were neither at the place where the sea was going to -carry them, nor at the place the earth was going to lose them; -baggage prepared, minds on the stretch, arms stacked - they -waited. I repeat it, the word is the one which paints my present -life. Lying down like the soldiers, my ear on the stretch for -the report that may reach me, I wish to be ready to set out at -the first summons. Who will make me that summons? life or -death? God or Raoul? My baggage is packed, my soul is prepared, -I await the signal - I wait, doctor, I wait!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The doctor knew the temper -of that mind; he appreciated the strength of that body; he -reflected for the moment, told himself that words were useless, -remedies absurd, and left the château, exhorting Athos's -servants not to quit him for a moment.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The doctor being gone, Athos -evinced neither anger nor vexation at having been disturbed. He -did not even desire that all letters that came should be brought -to him directly. He knew very well that every distraction which -should arise would be a joy, a hope, which his servants would -have paid with their blood to procure him. Sleep had become -rare. By intense thinking, Athos forgot himself, for a few hours -at most, in a reverie most profound, more obscure than other -people would have called a dream. The momentary repose which -this forgetfulness thus gave the body, still further fatigued the -soul, for Athos lived a double life during these wanderings of -his understanding. One night, he dreamt that Raoul was dressing -himself in a tent, to go upon an expedition commanded by M. de -Beaufort in person. The young man was sad; he clasped his -cuirass slowly, and slowly he girded on his sword.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What is the matter?" asked -his father, tenderly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What afflicts me is the -death of Porthos, ever so dear a friend," replied Raoul. "I -suffer here the grief you soon will feel at home."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And the vision disappeared -with the slumber of Athos. At daybreak one of his servants -entered his master's apartment, and gave him a letter which came -from Spain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The writing of Aramis," -thought the comte; and he read.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Porthos is dead!" cried he, -after the first lines. "Oh! Raoul, Raoul! thanks! thou keepest -thy promise, thou warnest me!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And Athos, seized with a -mortal sweat, fainted in his bed, without any other cause than -weakness.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter LVII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -Athos's Vision.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>W</span>hen this -fainting of Athos had ceased, the comte, almost ashamed of having -given way before this superior natural event, dressed himself and -ordered his horse, determined to ride to Blois, to open more -certain correspondences with either Africa, D'Artagnan, or -Aramis. In fact, this letter from Aramis informed the Comte de -la Fère of the bad success of the expedition of -Belle-Isle. It gave him sufficient details of the death of -Porthos to move the tender and devoted heart of Athos to its -innermost fibers. Athos wished to go and pay his friend Porthos -a last visit. To render this honor to his companion in arms, he -meant to send to D'Artagnan, to prevail upon him to recommence -the painful voyage to Belle-Isle, to accomplish in his company -that sad pilgrimage to the tomb of the giant he had so much -loved, then to return to his dwelling to obey that secret -influence which was conducting him to eternity by a mysterious -road. But scarcely had his joyous servants dressed their master, -whom they saw with pleasure preparing for a journey which might -dissipate his melancholy; scarcely had the comte's gentlest horse -been saddled and brought to the door, when the father of Raoul -felt his head become confused, his legs give way, and he clearly -perceived the impossibility of going one step further. He -ordered himself to be carried into the sun; they laid him upon -his bed of moss where he passed a full hour before he could -recover his spirits. Nothing could be more natural than this -weakness after then inert repose of the latter days. Athos took -a <i>bouillon</i>, to give him strength, and bathed his dried -lips in a glassful of the wine he loved the best - that old Anjou -wine mentioned by Porthos in his admirable will. Then, -refreshed, free in mind, he had his horse brought again; but only -with the aid of his servants was he able painfully to climb into -the saddle. He did not go a hundred paces; a shivering seized -him again at the turning of the road.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "This is very strange!" said -he to his <i>valet de chambre</i>, who accompanied him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Let us stop, monsieur - I -conjure you!" replied the faithful servant; "how pale you are -getting!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That will not prevent my -pursuing my route, now I have once started," replied the comte. -And he gave his horse his head again. But suddenly, the animal, -instead of obeying the thought of his master, stopped. A -movement, of which Athos was unconscious, had checked the -bit.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Something," said Athos, -"wills that I should go no further. Support me," added he, -stretching out his arms; "quick! come closer! I feel my muscles -relax - I shall fall from my horse."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The valet had seen the -movement made by his master at the moment he received the order. -He went up to him quickly, received the comte in his arms, and as -they were not yet sufficiently distant from the house for the -servants, who had remained at the door to watch their master's -departure, not to perceive the disorder in the usually regular -proceeding of the comte, the valet called his comrades by -gestures and voice, and all hastened to his assistance. Athos -had gone but a few steps on his return, when he felt himself -better again. His strength seemed to revive and with it the -desire to go to Blois. He made his horse turn round: but, at the -animal's first steps, he sunk again into a state of torpor and -anguish.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well! decidedly," said he, -"it is <i>willed</i> that I should stay at home." His people -flocked around him; they lifted him from his horse, and carried -him as quickly as possible into the house. Everything was -prepared in his chamber, and they put him to bed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You will be sure to -remember," said he, disposing himself to sleep, "that I expect -letters from Africa this very day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur will no doubt hear -with pleasure that Blaisois's son is gone on horseback, to gain -an hour over the courier of Blois," replied his <i>valet de -chambre</i>.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Thank you," replied Athos, -with his placid smile.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The comte fell asleep, but -his disturbed slumber resembled torture rather than repose. The -servant who watched him saw several times the expression of -internal suffering shadowed on his features. Perhaps Athos was -dreaming.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The day passed away. -Blaisois's son returned; the courier had brought no news. The -comte reckoned the minutes with despair; he shuddered when those -minutes made an hour. The idea that he was forgotten seized him -once, and brought on a fearful pang of the heart. Everybody in -the house had given up all hopes of the courier - his hour had -long passed. Four times the express sent to Blois had repeated -his journey, and there was nothing to the address of the comte. -Athos knew that the courier only arrived once a week. Here, -then, was a delay of eight mortal days to be endured. He -commenced the night in this painful persuasion. All that a sick -man, irritated by suffering, can add of melancholy suppositions -to probabilities already gloomy, Athos heaped up during the early -hours of this dismal night. The fever rose: it invaded the -chest, where the fire soon caught, according to the expression of -the physician, who had been brought back from Blois by Blaisois -at his last journey. Soon it gained the head. The physician -made two successive bleedings, which dislodged it for the time, -but left the patient very weak, and without power of action in -anything but his brain. And yet this redoubtable fever had -ceased. It besieged with its last palpitations the tense -extremities; it ended by yielding as midnight struck.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The physician, seeing the -incontestable improvement, returned to Blois, after having -ordered some prescriptions, and declared that the comte was -saved. Then commenced for Athos a strange, indefinable state. -Free to think, his mind turned towards Raoul, that beloved son. -His imagination penetrated the fields of Africa in the environs -of Gigelli, where M. de Beaufort must have landed with his army. -A waste of gray rocks, rendered green in certain parts by the -waters of the sea, when it lashed the shore in storms and -tempest. Beyond, the shore, strewed over with these rocks like -gravestones, ascended, in form of an amphitheater among -mastic-trees and cactus, a sort of small town, full of smoke, -confused noises, and terrified movements. All of a sudden, from -the bosom of this smoke arose a flame, which succeeded, creeping -along the houses, in covering the entire surface of the town, and -increased by degrees, uniting in its red and angry vortices -tears, screams, and supplicating arms outstretched to Heaven.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> There was, for a moment, a -frightful <i>pêle-mêle</i> of timbers falling to -pieces, of swords broken, of stones calcined, trees burnt and -disappearing. It was a strange thing that in this chaos, in -which Athos distinguished raised arms, in which he heard cries, -sobs, and groans, he did not see one human figure. The cannon -thundered at a distance, musketry madly barked, the sea moaned, -flocks made their escape, bounding over the verdant slope. But -not a soldier to apply the match to the batteries of cannon, not -a sailor to assist in maneuvering the fleet, not a shepherd in -charge of the flocks. After the ruin of the village, the -destruction of the forts which dominated it, a ruin and -destruction magically wrought without the co-operation of a -single human being, the flames were extinguished, the smoke began -to subside, then diminished in intensity, paled and disappeared -entirely. Night then came over the scene; night dark upon the -earth, brilliant in the firmament. The large blazing stars which -spangled the African sky glittered and gleamed without -illuminating anything.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A long silence ensued, which -gave, for a moment, repose to the troubled imagination of Athos; -and as he felt that that which he saw was not terminated, he -applied more attentively the eyes of his understanding on the -strange spectacle which his imagination had presented. This -spectacle was soon continued for him. A mild pale moon rose -behind the declivities of the coast, streaking at first the -undulating ripples of the sea, which appeared to have calmed -after the roaring it had sent forth during the vision of Athos - -the moon, we say, shed its diamonds and opals upon the briers and -bushes of the hills. The gray rocks, so many silent and -attentive phantoms, appeared to raise their heads to examine -likewise the field of battle by the light of the moon, and Athos -perceived that the field, empty during the combat, was now strewn -with fallen bodies.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> An inexpressible shudder of -fear and horror seized his soul as he recognized the white and -blue uniforms of the soldiers of Picardy, with their long pikes -and blue handles, and muskets marked with the <i>fleur-de-lis</i> -on the butts. When he saw all the gaping wounds, looking up to -the bright heavens as if to demand back of them the souls to -which they had opened a passage, - when he saw the slaughtered -horses, stiff, their tongues hanging out at one side of their -mouths, sleeping in the shiny blood congealed around them, -staining their furniture and their manes, - when he saw the white -horse of M. de Beaufort, with his head beaten to pieces, in the -first ranks of the dead, Athos passed a cold hand over his brow, -which he was astonished not to find burning. He was convinced by -this touch that he was present, as a spectator, without -delirium's dreadful aid, the day after the battle fought upon the -shores of Gigelli by the army of the expedition, which he had -seen leave the coast of France and disappear upon the dim -horizon, and of which he had saluted with thought and gesture the -last cannon-shot fired by the duke as a signal of farewell to his -country.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Who can paint the mortal -agony with which his soul followed, like a vigilant eye, these -effigies of clay-cold soldiers, and examined them, one after the -other, to see if Raoul slept among them? Who can express the -intoxication of joy with which Athos bowed before God, and -thanked Him for not having seen him he sought with so much fear -among the dead? In fact, fallen in their ranks, stiff, icy, the -dead, still recognizable with ease, seemed to turn with -complacency towards the Comte de la Fère, to be the better -seen by him, during his sad review. But yet, he was astonished, -while viewing all these bodies, not to perceive the survivors. -To such a point did the illusion extend, that this vision was for -him a real voyage made by the father into Africa, to obtain more -exact information respecting his son.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Fatigued, therefore, with -having traversed seas and continents, he sought repose under one -of the tents sheltered behind a rock, on the top of which floated -the white <i>fleur-de-lised</i> pennon. He looked for a soldier -to conduct him to the tent of M. de Beaufort. Then, while his -eye was wandering over the plain, turning on all sides, he saw a -white form appear behind the scented myrtles. This figure was -clothed in the costume of an officer; it held in its hand a -broken sword; it advanced slowly towards Athos, who, stopping -short and fixing his eyes upon it, neither spoke nor moved, but -wished to open his arms, because in this silent officer he had -already recognized Raoul. The comte attempted to utter a cry, -but it was stifled in his throat. Raoul, with a gesture, -directed him to be silent, placing his finger on his lips and -drawing back by degrees, without Athos being able to see his legs -move. The comte, still paler than Raoul, followed his son, -painfully traversing briers and bushes, stones and ditches, Raoul -not appearing to touch the earth, no obstacle seeming to impede -the lightness of his march. The comte, whom the inequalities of -the path fatigued, soon stopped, exhausted. Raoul still -continued to beckon him to follow him. The tender father, to -whom love restored strength, made a last effort, and climbed the -mountain after the young man, who attracted him by gesture and by -smile.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At length he gained the -crest of the hill, and saw, thrown out in black, upon the horizon -whitened by the moon, the aerial form of Raoul. Athos reached -forth his hand to get closer to his beloved son upon the plateau, -and the latter also stretched out his; but suddenly, as if the -young man had been drawn away in his own despite, still -retreating, he left the earth, and Athos saw the clear blue sky -shine between the feet of his child and the ground of the hill. -Raoul rose insensibly into the void, smiling, still calling with -gesture: - he departed towards heaven. Athos uttered a cry of -tenderness and terror. He looked below again. He saw a camp -destroyed, and all those white bodies of the royal army, like so -many motionless atoms. And, then, raising his head, he saw the -figure of his son still beckoning him to climb the mystic -void.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter LVIII:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Angel of Death.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>A</span>thos was at -this part of his marvelous vision, when the charm was suddenly -broken by a great noise rising from the outer gates. A horse was -heard galloping over the hard gravel of the great alley, and the -sound of noisy and animated conversations ascended to the chamber -in which the comte was dreaming. Athos did not stir from the -place he occupied; he scarcely turned his head towards the door -to ascertain the sooner what these noises could be. A heavy step -ascended the stairs; the horse, which had recently galloped, -departed slowly towards the stables. Great hesitation appeared -in the steps, which by degrees approached the chamber. A door -was opened, and Athos, turning a little towards the part of the -room the noise came from, cried, in a weak voice:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is a courier from -Africa, is it not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No, monsieur le comte," -replied a voice which made the father of Raoul start upright in -his bed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Grimaud!" murmured he. And -the sweat began to pour down his face. Grimaud appeared in the -doorway. It was no longer the Grimaud we have seen, still young -with courage and devotion, when he jumped the first into the boat -destined to convey Raoul de Bragelonne to the vessels of the -royal fleet. 'Twas now a stern and pale old man, his clothes -covered with dust, and hair whitened by old age. He trembled -whilst leaning against the door-frame, and was near falling on -seeing, by the light of the lamps, the countenance of his -master. These two men who had lived so long together in a -community of intelligence, and whose eyes, accustomed to -economize expressions, knew how to say so many things silently - -these two old friends, one as noble as the other in heart, if -they were unequal in fortune and birth, remained tongue-tied -whilst looking at each other. By the exchange of a single glance -they had just read to the bottom of each other's hearts. The old -servitor bore upon his countenance the impression of a grief -already old, the outward token of a grim familiarity with woe. -He appeared to have no longer in use more than a single version -of his thoughts. As formerly he was accustomed not to speak -much, he was now accustomed not to smile at all. Athos read at a -glance all these shades upon the visage of his faithful servant, -and in the same tone he would have employed to speak to Raoul in -his dream:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Grimaud," said he, "Raoul -is dead. <i>Is it not so?</i>"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Behind Grimaud the other -servants listened breathlessly, with their eyes fixed upon the -bed of their sick master. They heard the terrible question, and -a heart-breaking silence followed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," replied the old man, -heaving the monosyllable from his chest with a hoarse, broken -sigh.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Then arose voices of -lamentation, which groaned without measure, and filled with -regrets and prayers the chamber where the agonized father sought -with his eyes the portrait of his son. This was for Athos like -the transition which led to his dream. Without uttering a cry, -without shedding a tear, patient, mild, resigned as a martyr, he -raised his eyes towards Heaven, in order there to see again, -rising above the mountain of Gigelli, the beloved shade that was -leaving him at the moment of Grimaud's arrival. Without doubt, -while looking towards the heavens, resuming his marvelous dream, -he repassed by the same road by which the vision, at once so -terrible and sweet, had led him before; for after having gently -closed his eyes, he reopened them and began to smile: he had just -seen Raoul, who had smiled upon him. With his hands joined upon -his breast, his face turned towards the window, bathed by the -fresh air of night, which brought upon its wings the aroma of the -flowers and the woods, Athos entered, never again to come out of -it, into the contemplation of that paradise which the living -never see. God willed, no doubt, to open to this elect the -treasures of eternal beatitude, at this hour when other men -tremble with the idea of being severely received by the Lord, and -cling to this life they know, in the dread of the other life of -which they get but merest glimpses by the dismal murky torch of -death. Athos was spirit-guided by the pure serene soul of his -son, which aspired to be like the paternal soul. Everything for -this just man was melody and perfume in the rough road souls take -to return to the celestial country. After an hour of this -ecstasy, Athos softly raised his hands as white as wax; the smile -did not quit his lips, and he murmured low, so low as scarcely to -be audible, these three words addressed to God or to Raoul:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "HERE I AM!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> And his hands fell slowly, -as though he himself had laid them on the bed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Death had been kind and mild -to this noble creature. It had spared him the tortures of the -agony, convulsions of the last departure; had opened with an -indulgent finger the gates of eternity to that noble soul. God -had no doubt ordered it thus that the pious remembrance of this -death should remain in the hearts of those present, and in the -memory of other men - a death which caused to be loved the -passage from this life to the other by those whose existence upon -this earth leads them not to dread the last judgment. Athos -preserved, even in the eternal sleep, that placid and sincere -smile - an ornament which was to accompany him to the tomb. The -quietude and calm of his fine features made his servants for a -long time doubt whether he had really quitted life. The comte's -people wished to remove Grimaud, who, from a distance, devoured -the face now quickly growing marble-pale, and did not approach, -from pious fear of bringing to him the breath of death. But -Grimaud, fatigued as he was, refused to leave the room. He sat -himself down upon the threshold, watching his master with the -vigilance of a sentinel, jealous to receive either his first -waking look or his last dying sigh. The noises all were quiet in -the house - every one respected the slumber of their lord. But -Grimaud, by anxiously listening, perceived that the comte no -longer breathed. He raised himself with his hands leaning on the -ground, looked to see if there did not appear some motion in the -body of his master. Nothing! Fear seized him; he rose -completely up, and, at the very moment, heard some one coming up -the stairs. A noise of spurs knocking against a sword - a -warlike sound familiar to his ears - stopped him as he was going -towards the bed of Athos. A voice more sonorous than brass or -steel resounded within three paces of him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Athos! Athos! my friend!" -cried this voice, agitated even to tears.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur le Chevalier -d'Artagnan," faltered out Grimaud.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Where is he? Where is he?" -continued the musketeer. Grimaud seized his arm in his bony -fingers, and pointed to the bed, upon the sheets of which the -livid tints of death already showed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A choked respiration, the -opposite to a sharp cry, swelled the throat of D'Artagnan. He -advanced on tip-toe, trembling, frightened at the noise his feet -made on the floor, his heart rent by a nameless agony. He placed -his ear to the breast of Athos, his face to the comte's mouth. -Neither noise, nor breath! D'Artagnan drew back. Grimaud, who -had followed him with his eyes, and for whom each of his -movements had been a revelation, came timidly; seated himself at -the foot of the bed, and glued his lips to the sheet which was -raised by the stiffened feet of his master. Then large drops -began to flow from his red eyes. This old man in invincible -despair, who wept, bent doubled without uttering a word, -presented the most touching spectacle that D'Artagnan, in a life -so filled with emotion, had ever met with.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The captain resumed standing -in contemplation before that smiling dead man, who seemed to have -burnished his last thought, to give his best friend, the man he -had loved next to Raoul, a gracious welcome even beyond life. -And for reply to that exalted flattery of hospitality, D'Artagnan -went and kissed Athos fervently on the brow, and with his -trembling fingers closed his eyes. Then he seated himself by the -pillow without dread of that dead man, who had been so kind and -affectionate to him for five and thirty years. He was feeding -his soul with the remembrances the noble visage of the comte -brought to his mind in crowds - some blooming and charming as -that smile - some dark, dismal, and icy as that visage with its -eyes now closed to all eternity.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> All at once the bitter flood -which mounted from minute to minute invaded his heart, and -swelled his breast almost to bursting. Incapable of mastering -his emotion, he arose, and tearing himself violently from the -chamber where he had just found dead him to whom he came to -report the news of the death of Porthos, he uttered sobs so -heart-rending that the servants, who seemed only to wait for an -explosion of grief, answered to it by their lugubrious clamors, -and the dogs of the late comte by their lamentable howlings. -Grimaud was the only one who did not lift up his voice. Even in -the paroxysm of his grief he would not have dared to profane the -dead, or for the first time disturb the slumber of his master. -Had not Athos always bidden him be dumb?</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At daybreak D'Artagnan, who -had wandered about the lower hall, biting his fingers to stifle -his sighs - D'Artagnan went up once more; and watching the -moments when Grimaud turned his head towards him, he made him a -sign to come to him, which the faithful servant obeyed without -making more noise than a shadow. D'Artagnan went down again, -followed by Grimaud; and when he had gained the vestibule, taking -the old man's hands, "Grimaud," said he, "I have seen how the -father died; now let me know about the son."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Grimaud drew from his breast -a large letter, upon the envelope of which was traced the address -of Athos. He recognized the writing of M. de Beaufort, broke the -seal, and began to read, while walking about in the first -steel-chill rays of dawn, in the dark alley of old limes, marked -by the still visible footsteps of the comte who had just -died.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter LIX:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Bulletin.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>T</span>he Duc de -Beaufort wrote to Athos. The letter destined for the living only -reached the dead. God had changed the address.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "MY DEAR COMTE," wrote the -prince, in his large, school-boy's hand, - "a great misfortune -has struck us amidst a great triumph. The king loses one of the -bravest of soldiers. I lose a friend. You lose M. de -Bragelonne. He has died gloriously, so gloriously that I have -not the strength to weep as I could wish. Receive my sad -compliments, my dear comte. Heaven distributes trials according -to the greatness of our hearts. This is an immense one, but not -above your courage. Your good friend,</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'>"LE -DUC DE BEAUFORT."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The letter contained a -relation written by one of the prince's secretaries. It was the -most touching recital, and the most true, of that dismal episode -which unraveled two existences. D'Artagnan, accustomed to battle -emotions, and with a heart armed against tenderness, could not -help starting on reading the name of Raoul, the name of that -beloved boy who had become a shade now - like his father.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In the morning," said the -prince's secretary, "monseigneur commanded the attack. Normandy -and Picardy had taken positions in the rocks dominated by the -heights of the mountain, upon the declivity of which were raised -the bastions of Gigelli.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The cannon opened the -action; the regiments marched full of resolution; the pikemen -with pikes elevated, the musket-bearers with their weapons -ready. The prince followed attentively the march and movements -of the troops, so as to be able to sustain them with a strong -reserve. With monseigneur were the oldest captains and his -aides-de-camp. M. le Vicomte de Bragelonne had received orders -not to leave his highness. In the meantime the enemy's cannon, -which at first thundered with little success against the masses, -began to regulate their fire, and the balls, better directed, -killed several men near the prince. The regiments formed in -column, and, advancing against the ramparts, were rather roughly -handled. There was a sort of hesitation in our troops, who found -themselves ill-seconded by the artillery. In fact, the batteries -which had been established the evening before had but a weak and -uncertain aim, on account of their position. The upward -direction of the aim lessened the justness of the shots as well -as their range.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur, comprehending -the bad effect of this position on the siege artillery, commanded -the frigates moored in the little road to commence a regular fire -against the place. M. de Bragelonne offered himself at once to -carry this order. But monseigneur refused to acquiesce in the -vicomte's request. Monseigneur was right, for he loved and -wished to spare the young nobleman. He was quite right, and the -event took upon itself to justify his foresight and refusal; for -scarcely had the sergeant charged with the message solicited by -M. de Bragelonne gained the seashore, when two shots from long -carbines issued from the enemy's ranks and laid him low. The -sergeant fell, dyeing the sand with his blood; observing which, -M. de Bragelonne smiled at monseigneur, who said to him, 'You -see, vicomte, I have saved your life. Report that, some day, to -M. le Comte de la Fère, in order that, learning it from -you, he may thank me.' The young nobleman smiled sadly, and -replied to the duke, 'It is true, monseigneur, that but for your -kindness I should have been killed, where the poor sergeant has -fallen, and should be at rest.' M. de Bragelonne made this reply -in such a tone that monseigneur answered him warmly, '<i>Vrai -Dieu!</i> Young man, one would say that your mouth waters for -death; but, by the soul of Henry IV., I have promised your father -to bring you back alive; and, please the Lord, I mean to keep my -word.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur de Bragelonne -colored, and replied, in a lower voice, 'Monseigneur, pardon me, -I beseech you. I have always had a desire to meet good -opportunities; and it is so delightful to distinguish ourselves -before our general, particularly when that general is M. le Duc -de Beaufort.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur was a little -softened by this; and, turning to the officers who surrounded -him, gave different orders. The grenadiers of the two regiments -got near enough to the ditches and intrenchments to launch their -grenades, which had but small effect. In the meanwhile, M. -d'Estrées, who commanded the fleet, having seen the -attempt of the sergeant to approach the vessels, understood that -he must act without orders, and opened fire. Then the Arabs, -finding themselves seriously injured by the balls from the fleet, -and beholding the destruction and the ruin of their walls, -uttered the most fearful cries. Their horsemen descended the -mountain at a gallop, bent over their saddles, and rushed full -tilt upon the columns of infantry, which, crossing their pikes, -stopped this mad assault. Repulsed by the firm attitude of the -battalion, the Arabs threw themselves with fury towards the -<i>état-major</i>, which was not on its guard at that -moment.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The danger was great; -monseigneur drew his sword; his secretaries and people imitated -him; the officers of the suite engaged in combat with the furious -Arabs. It was then M. de Bragelonne was able to satisfy the -inclination he had so clearly shown from the commencement of the -action. He fought near the prince with the valor of a Roman, and -killed three Arabs with his small sword. But it was evident that -his bravery did not arise from that sentiment of pride so natural -to all who fight. It was impetuous, affected, even forced; he -sought to glut, intoxicate himself with strife and carnage. He -excited himself to such a degree that monseigneur called to him -to stop. He must have heard the voice of monseigneur, because we -who were close to him heard it. He did not, however, stop, but -continued his course to the intrenchments. As M. de Bragelonne -was a well-disciplined officer, this disobedience to the orders -of monseigneur very much surprised everybody, and M. de Beaufort -redoubled his earnestness, crying, 'Stop, Bragelonne! Where are -you going? Stop,' repeated monseigneur, 'I command you!'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "We all, imitating the -gesture of M. le duc, we all raised our hands. We expected that -the cavalier would turn bridle; but M. de Bragelonne continued to -ride towards the palisades.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "'Stop, Bragelonne!' -repeated the prince, in a very loud voice, 'stop! in the name of -your father!'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At these words M. de -Bragelonne turned round; his countenance expressed a lively -grief, but he did not stop; we then concluded that his horse must -have run away with him. When M. le duc saw cause to conclude -that the vicomte was no longer master of his horse, and had -watched him precede the first grenadiers, his highness cried, -'Musketeers, kill his horse! A hundred pistoles for the man who -kills his horse!' But who could expect to hit the beast without -at least wounding his rider? No one dared the attempt. At -length one presented himself; he was a sharp-shooter of the -regiment of Picardy, named Luzerne, who took aim at the animal, -fired, and hit him in the quarters, for we saw the blood redden -the hair of the horse. Instead of falling, the cursed jennet was -irritated, and carried him on more furiously than ever. Every -Picard who saw this unfortunate young man rushing on to meet -certain death, shouted in the loudest manner, 'Throw yourself -off, monsieur le vicomte! - off! - off! throw yourself off!' M. -de Bragelonne was an officer much beloved in the army. Already -had the vicomte arrived within pistol-shot of the ramparts, when -a discharge was poured upon him that enshrouded him in fire and -smoke. We lost sight of him; the smoke dispersed; he was on -foot, upright; his horse was killed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The vicomte was summoned to -surrender by the Arabs, but he made them a negative sign with his -head, and continued to march towards the palisades. This was a -mortal imprudence. Nevertheless the entire army was pleased that -he would not retreat, since ill-chance had led him so near. He -marched a few paces further, and the two regiments clapped their -hands. It was at this moment the second discharge shook the -walls, and the Vicomte de Bragelonne again disappeared in the -smoke; but this time the smoke dispersed in vain; we no longer -saw him standing. He was down, with his head lower than his -legs, among the bushes, and the Arabs began to think of leaving -their intrenchments to come and cut off his head or take his body -- as is the custom with the infidels. But Monseigneur le Duc de -Beaufort had followed all this with his eyes, and the sad -spectacle drew from him many painful sighs. He then cried aloud, -seeing the Arabs running like white phantoms among the -mastic-trees, 'Grenadiers! lancers! will you let them take that -noble body?'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Saying these words and -waving his sword, he himself rode towards the enemy. The -regiments, rushing in his steps, ran in their turn, uttering -cries as terrible as those of the Arabs were wild.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The combat commenced over -the body of M. de Bragelonne, and with such inveteracy was it -fought that a hundred and sixty Arabs were left upon the field, -by the side of at least fifty of our troops. It was a lieutenant -from Normandy who took the body of the vicomte on his shoulders -and carried it back to the lines. The advantage was, however, -pursued, the regiments took the reserve with them, and the -enemy's palisades were utterly destroyed. At three o'clock the -fire of the Arabs ceased; the hand-to-hand fight lasted two -hours; it was a massacre. At five o'clock we were victorious at -all points; the enemy had abandoned his positions, and M. le duc -ordered the white flag to be planted on the summit of the little -mountain. It was then we had time to think of M. de Bragelonne, -who had eight large wounds in his body, through which almost all -his blood had welled away. Still, however, he had breathed, -which afforded inexpressible joy to monseigneur, who insisted on -being present at the first dressing of the wounds and the -consultation of the surgeons. There were two among them who -declared M. de Bragelonne would live. Monseigneur threw his arms -around their necks, and promised them a thousand louis each if -they could save him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The vicomte heard these -transports of joy, and whether he was in despair, or whether he -suffered much from his wounds, he expressed by his countenance a -contradiction, which gave rise to reflection, particularly in one -of the secretaries when he had heard what follows. The third -surgeon was the brother of Sylvain de Saint-Cosme, the most -learned of them all. He probed the wounds in his turn, and said -nothing. M. de Bragelonne fixed his eyes steadily upon the -skillful surgeon, and seemed to interrogate his every movement. -The latter, upon being questioned by monseigneur, replied that he -saw plainly three mortal wounds out of eight, but so strong was -the constitution of the wounded, so rich was he in youth, and so -merciful was the goodness of God, that perhaps M. de Bragelonne -might recover, particularly if he did not move in the slightest -manner. Frère Sylvain added, turning towards his -assistants, 'Above everything, do not allow him to move, even a -finger, or you will kill him;' and we all left the tent in very -low spirits. That secretary I have mentioned, on leaving the -tent, thought he perceived a faint and sad smile glide over the -lips of M. de Bragelonne when the duke said to him, in a -cheerful, kind voice, 'We will save you, vicomte, we will save -you yet.'</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "In the evening, when it was -believed the wounded youth had taken some repose, one of the -assistants entered his tent, but rushed out again immediately, -uttering loud cries. We all ran up in disorder, M. le duc with -us, and the assistant pointed to the body of M. de Bragelonne -upon the ground, at the foot of his bed, bathed in the remainder -of his blood. It appeared that he had suffered some convulsion, -some delirium, and that he had fallen; that the fall had -accelerated his end, according to the prognosis of Frère -Sylvain. We raised the vicomte; he was cold and dead. He held a -lock of fair hair in his right hand, and that hand was tightly -pressed upon his heart."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Then followed the details of -the expedition, and of the victory obtained over the Arabs. -D'Artagnan stopped at the account of the death of poor Raoul. -"Oh!" murmured he, "unhappy boy! a suicide!" And turning his -eyes towards the chamber of the château, in which Athos -slept in eternal sleep, "They kept their words with each other," -said he, in a low voice; "now I believe them to be happy; they -must be reunited." And he returned through the parterre with -slow and melancholy steps. All the village - all the -neighborhood - were filled with grieving neighbors relating to -each other the double catastrophe, and making preparations for -the funeral.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Chapter LX:</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>The -Last Canto of the Poem.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> - </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>O</span>n the morrow, -all the <i>noblesse</i> of the provinces, of the environs, and -wherever messengers had carried the news, might have been seen -arriving in detachments. D'Artagnan had shut himself up, without -being willing to speak to anybody. Two such heavy deaths falling -upon the captain, so closely after the death of Porthos, for a -long time oppressed that spirit which had hitherto been so -indefatigable and invulnerable. Except Grimaud, who entered his -chamber once, the musketeer saw neither servants nor guests. He -supposed, from the noises in the house, and the continual coming -and going, that preparations were being made for the funeral of -the comte. He wrote to the king to ask for an extension of his -leave of absence. Grimaud, as we have said, had entered -D'Artagnan's apartment, had seated himself upon a joint-stool -near the door, like a man who meditates profoundly; then, rising, -he made a sign to D'Artagnan to follow him. The latter obeyed in -silence. Grimaud descended to the comte's bed-chamber, showed -the captain with his finger the place of the empty bed, and -raised his eyes eloquently towards Heaven.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," replied D'Artagnan, -"yes, good Grimaud - now with the son he loved so much!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Grimaud left the chamber, -and led the way to the hall, where, according to the custom of -the province, the body was laid out, previously to being put away -forever. D'Artagnan was struck at seeing two open coffins in the -hall. In reply to the mute invitation of Grimaud, he approached, -and saw in one of them Athos, still handsome in death, and, in -the other, Raoul with his eyes closed, his cheeks pearly as those -of the Palls of Virgil, with a smile on his violet lips. He -shuddered at seeing the father and son, those two departed souls, -represented on earth by two silent, melancholy bodies, incapable -of touching each other, however close they might be.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Raoul here!" murmured he. -"Oh! Grimaud, why did you not tell me this?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Grimaud shook his head, and -made no reply; but taking D'Artagnan by the hand, he led him to -the coffin, and showed him, under the thin winding-sheet, the -black wounds by which life had escaped. The captain turned away -his eyes, and, judging it was useless to question Grimaud, who -would not answer, he recollected that M. de Beaufort's secretary -had written more than he, D'Artagnan, had had the courage to -read. Taking up the recital of the affair which had cost Raoul -his life, he found these words, which ended the concluding -paragraph of the letter:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monseigneur le duc has -ordered that the body of monsieur le vicomte should be embalmed, -after the manner practiced by the Arabs when they wish their dead -to be carried to their native land; and monsieur le duc has -appointed relays, so that the same confidential servant who -brought up the young man might take back his remains to M. le -Comte de la Fère."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And so," thought -D'Artagnan, "I shall follow thy funeral, my dear boy - I, already -old - I, who am of no value on earth - and I shall scatter dust -upon that brow I kissed but two months since. God has willed it -to be so. Thou hast willed it to be so, thyself. I have no -longer the right even to weep. Thou hast chosen death; it seemed -to thee a preferable gift to life."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At length arrived the moment -when the chill remains of these two gentlemen were to be given -back to mother earth. There was such an affluence of military -and other people that up to the place of the sepulture, which was -a little chapel on the plain, the road from the city was filled -with horsemen and pedestrians in mourning. Athos had chosen for -his resting-place the little inclosure of a chapel erected by -himself near the boundary of his estates. He had had the stones, -cut in 1550, brought from an old Gothic manor-house in Berry, -which had sheltered his early youth. The chapel, thus rebuilt, -transported, was pleasing to the eye beneath its leafy curtains -of poplars and sycamores. It was ministered in every Sunday, by -the curé of the neighboring bourg, to whom Athos paid an -allowance of two hundred francs for this service; and all the -vassals of his domain, with their families, came thither to hear -mass, without having any occasion to go to the city.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Behind the chapel extended, -surrounded by two high hedges of hazel, elder and white thorn, -and a deep ditch, the little inclosure - uncultivated, though gay -in its sterility; because the mosses there grew thick, wild -heliotrope and ravenelles there mingled perfumes, while from -beneath an ancient chestnut issued a crystal spring, a prisoner -in its marble cistern, and on the thyme all around alighted -thousands of bees from the neighboring plants, whilst chaffinches -and redthroats sang cheerfully among the flower-spangled hedges. -It was to this place the somber coffins were carried, attended by -a silent and respectful crowd. The office of the dead being -celebrated, the last adieux paid to the noble departed, the -assembly dispersed, talking, along the roads, of the virtues and -mild death of the father, of the hopes the son had given, and of -his melancholy end upon the arid coast of Africa.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Little by little, all noises -were extinguished, like the lamps illuminating the humble nave. -The minister bowed for the last time to the altar and the still -fresh graves; then, followed by his assistant, he slowly took the -road back to the presbytery. D'Artagnan, left alone, perceived -that night was coming on. He had forgotten the hour, thinking -only of the dead. He arose from the oaken bench on which he was -seated in the chapel, and wished, as the priest had done, to go -and bid a last adieu to the double grave which contained his two -lost friends.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> A woman was praying, -kneeling on the moist earth. D'Artagnan stopped at the door of -the chapel, to avoid disturbing her, and also to endeavor to find -out who was the pious friend who performed this sacred duty with -so much zeal and perseverance. The unknown had hidden her face -in her hands, which were white as alabaster. From the noble -simplicity of her costume, she must be a woman of distinction. -Outside the inclosure were several horses mounted by servants; a -travelling carriage was in waiting for this lady. D'Artagnan in -vain sought to make out what caused her delay. She continued -praying, and frequently pressed her handkerchief to her face, by -which D'Artagnan perceived she was weeping. He beheld her strike -her breast with the compunction of a Christian woman. He heard -her several times exclaim as from a wounded heart: "Pardon! -pardon!" And as she appeared to abandon herself entirely to her -grief, as she threw herself down, almost fainting, exhausted by -complaints and prayers, D'Artagnan, touched by this love for his -so much regretted friends, made a few steps towards the grave, in -order to interrupt the melancholy colloquy of the penitent with -the dead. But as soon as his step sounded on the gravel, the -unknown raised her head, revealing to D'Artagnan a face aflood -with tears, a well-known face. It was Mademoiselle de la -Vallière! "Monsieur d'Artagnan!" murmured she.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You!" replied the captain, -in a stern voice, "you here! - oh! madame, I should better have -liked to see you decked with flowers in the mansion of the Comte -de la Fère. You would have wept less - and they too - and -I!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Monsieur!" said she, -sobbing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "For it was you," added this -pitiless friend of the dead, - "it was you who sped these two men -to the grave."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! spare me!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "God forbid, madame, that I -should offend a woman, or that I should make her weep in vain; -but I must say that the place of the murderer is not upon the -grave of her victims." She wished to reply.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "What I now tell you," added -he, coldly, "I have already told the king."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> She clasped her hands. "I -know," said she, "I have caused the death of the Vicomte de -Bragelonne."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! you know it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The news arrived at court -yesterday. I have traveled during the night forty leagues to -come and ask pardon of the comte, whom I supposed to be still -living, and to pray God, on the tomb of Raoul, that he would send -me all the misfortunes I have merited, except a single one. Now, -monsieur, I know that the death of the son has killed the father; -I have two crimes to reproach myself with; I have two punishments -to expect from Heaven."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "I will repeat to you, -mademoiselle," said D'Artagnan, "what M. de Bragelonne said of -you, at Antibes, when he already meditated death: 'If pride and -coquetry have misled her, I pardon her while despising her. If -love has produced her error, I pardon her, but I swear that no -one could have loved her as I have done.'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You know," interrupted -Louise, "that of my love I was about to sacrifice myself; you -know whether I suffered when you met me lost, dying, abandoned. -Well! never have I suffered so much as now; because then I hoped, -desired, - now I have no longer anything to wish for; because -this death drags all my joy into the tomb; because I can no -longer dare to love without remorse, and I feel that he whom I -love - oh! it is but just! - will repay me with the tortures I -have made others undergo."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan made no reply; he -was too well convinced that she was not mistaken.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Well, then," added she, -"dear Monsieur d'Artagnan, do not overwhelm me to-day, I again -implore you! I am like the branch torn from the trunk, I no -longer hold to anything in this world - a current drags me on, I -know not whither. I love madly, even to the point of coming to -tell it, wretch that I am, over the ashes of the dead, and I do -not blush for it - I have no remorse on this account. Such love -is a religion. Only, as hereafter you will see me alone, -forgotten, disdained; as you will see me punished, as I am -destined to be punished, spare me in my ephemeral happiness, -leave it to me for a few days, for a few minutes. Now, even at -the moment I am speaking to you, perhaps it no longer exists. My -God! this double murder is perhaps already expiated!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> While she was speaking thus, -the sound of voices and of horses drew the attention of the -captain. M. de Saint-Aignan came to seek La Vallière. -"The king," he said, "is a prey to jealousy and uneasiness." -Saint-Aignan did not perceive D'Artagnan, half concealed by the -trunk of a chestnut-tree which shaded the double grave. Louise -thanked Saint-Aignan, and dismissed him with a gesture. He -rejoined the party outside the inclosure.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You see, madame," said the -captain bitterly to the young woman, - "you see your happiness -still lasts."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The young woman raised her -head with a solemn air. "A day will come," said she, "when you -will repent of having so misjudged me. On that day, it is I who -will pray God to forgive you for having been unjust towards me. -Besides, I shall suffer so much that you yourself will be the -first to pity my sufferings. Do not reproach me with my fleeting -happiness, Monsieur d'Artagnan; it costs me dear, and I have not -paid all my debt." Saying these words, she again knelt down, -softly and affectionately.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Pardon me the last time, my -affianced Raoul!" said she. "I have broken our chain; we are -both destined to die of grief. It is thou who departest first; -fear nothing, I shall follow thee. See, only, that I have not -been base, and that I have come to bid thee this last adieu. The -Lord is my witness, Raoul, that if with my life I could have -redeemed thine, I would have given that life without hesitation. -I could not give my love. Once more, forgive me, dearest, -kindest friend."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> She strewed a few sweet -flowers on the freshly sodded earth; then, wiping the tears from -her eyes, the heavily stricken lady bowed to D'Artagnan, and -disappeared.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The captain watched the -departure of the horses, horsemen, and carriage, then crossing -his arms upon his swelling chest, "When will it be my turn to -depart?" said he, in an agitated voice. "What is there left for -man after youth, love, glory, friendship, strength, and wealth -have disappeared? That rock, under which sleeps Porthos, who -possessed all I have named; this moss, under which repose Athos -and Raoul, who possessed much more!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He hesitated for a moment, -with a dull eye; then, drawing himself up, "Forward! still -forward!" said he. "When it is time, God will tell me, as he -foretold the others."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He touched the earth, -moistened with the evening dew, with the ends of his fingers, -signed himself as if he had been at the <i>bénitier</i> in -church, and retook alone - ever alone - the road to Paris.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>Epilogue.</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'> </span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span style= -'font-size:12.0pt;'> </span> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>F</span>our years -after the scene we have just described, two horsemen, well -mounted, traversed Blois early in the morning, for the purpose of -arranging a hawking party the king had arranged to make in that -uneven plain the Loire divides in two, which borders on the one -side Meung, on the other Amboise. These were the keeper of the -king's harriers and the master of the falcons, personages greatly -respected in the time of Louis XIII., but rather neglected by his -successor. The horsemen, having reconnoitered the ground, were -returning, their observations made, when they perceived certain -little groups of soldiers, here and there, whom the sergeants -were placing at distances at the openings of the inclosures. -These were the king's musketeers. Behind them came, upon a -splendid horse, the captain, known by his richly embroidered -uniform. His hair was gray, his beard turning so. He seemed a -little bent, although sitting and handling his horse gracefully. -He was looking about him watchfully.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "M. d'Artagnan does not get -any older," said the keeper of the harriers to his colleague the -falconer; "with ten years more to carry than either of us, he has -the seat of a young man on horseback."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "That is true," replied the -falconer. "I don't see any change in him for the last twenty -years."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> But this officer was -mistaken; D'Artagnan in the last four years had lived a dozen. -Age had printed its pitiless claws at each angle of his eyes; his -brow was bald; his hands, formerly brown and nervous, were -getting white, as if the blood had half forgotten them.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan accosted the -officers with the shade of affability which distinguishes -superiors, and received in turn for his courtesy two most -respectful bows.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! what a lucky chance to -see you here, Monsieur d'Artagnan!" cried the falconer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "It is rather I who should -say that, messieurs," replied the captain, "for nowadays, the -king makes more frequent use of his musketeers than of his -falcons."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! it is not as it was in -the good old times," sighed the falconer. "Do you remember, -Monsieur d'Artagnan, when the late king flew the pie in the -vineyards beyond Beaugence? Ah! <i>dame!</i> you were not the -captain of the musketeers at that time, Monsieur d'Artagnan." -<b><sup>7</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And you were nothing but -under-corporal of the tiercelets," replied D'Artagnan, laughing. -"Never mind that, it was a good time, seeing that it is always a -good time when we are young. Good day, monsieur the keeper of -the harriers."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "You do me honor, monsieur -le comte," said the latter. D'Artagnan made no reply. The title -of comte had hardly struck him; D'Artagnan had been a comte four -years.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Are you not very much -fatigued with the long journey you have taken, monsieur le -capitaine?" continued the falconer. "It must be full two hundred -leagues from hence to Pignerol."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Two hundred and sixty to -go, and as many to return," said D'Artagnan, quietly.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And," said the falconer, -"is <i>he</i> well?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who?" asked D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Why, poor M. Fouquet," -continued the falconer, in a low voice. The keeper of the -harriers had prudently withdrawn.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "No," replied D'Artagnan, -"the poor man frets terribly; he cannot comprehend how -imprisonment can be a favor; he says that parliament absolved him -by banishing him, and banishment is, or should be, liberty. He -cannot imagine that they had sworn his death, and that to save -his life from the claws of parliament was to be under too much -obligation to Heaven."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah! yes; the poor man had a -close chance of the scaffold," replied the falconer; "it is said -that M. Colbert had given orders to the governor of the Bastile, -and that the execution was ordered."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Enough!" said D'Artagnan, -pensively, and with a view of cutting short the conversation.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Yes," said the keeper of -the harriers, drawing towards them, "M. Fouquet is now at -Pignerol; he has richly deserved it. He had the good fortune to -be conducted there by you; he robbed the king sufficiently."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan launched at the -master of the dogs one of his crossest looks, and said to him, -"Monsieur, if any one told me you had eaten your dogs' meat, not -only would I refuse to believe it; but still more, if you were -condemned to the lash or to jail for it, I should pity you and -would not allow people to speak ill of you. And yet, monsieur, -honest man as you may be, I assure you that you are not more so -than poor M. Fouquet was."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> After having undergone this -sharp rebuke, the keeper of the harriers hung his head, and -allowed the falconer to get two steps in advance of him nearer to -D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "He is content," said the -falconer, in a low voice, to the musketeer; "we all know that -harriers are in fashion nowadays; if he were a falconer he would -not talk in that way."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan smiled in a -melancholy manner at seeing this great political question -resolved by the discontent of such humble interest. He for a -moment ran over in his mind the glorious existence of the -surintendant, the crumbling of his fortunes, and the melancholy -death that awaited him; and to conclude, "Did M. Fouquet love -falconry?" said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh, passionately, -monsieur!" repeated the falconer, with an accent of bitter regret -and a sigh that was the funeral oration of Fouquet.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan allowed the -ill-humor of the one and the regret of the other to pass, and -continued to advance. They could already catch glimpses of the -huntsmen at the issue of the wood, the feathers of the outriders -passing like shooting stars across the clearings, and the white -horses skirting the bosky thickets looking like illuminated -apparitions.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "But," resumed D'Artagnan, -"will the sport last long? Pray, give us a good swift bird, for -I am very tired. Is it a heron or a swan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Both, Monsieur d'Artagnan," -said the falconer; "but you need not be alarmed; the king is not -much of a sportsman; he does not take the field on his own -account, he only wishes to amuse the ladies."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The words "to amuse the -ladies" were so strongly accented they set D'Artagnan -thinking.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said he, looking -keenly at the falconer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The keeper of the harriers -smiled, no doubt with a view of making it up with the -musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Oh! you may safely laugh," -said D'Artagnan; "I know nothing of current news; I only arrived -yesterday, after a month's absence. I left the court mourning -the death of the queen-mother. The king was not willing to take -any amusement after receiving the last sigh of Anne of Austria; -but everything comes to an end in this world. Well! then he is -no longer sad? So much the better."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "And everything begins as -well as ends," said the keeper with a coarse laugh. -<b><sup>8</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Ah!" said D'Artagnan, a -second time, - he burned to know, but dignity would not allow him -to interrogate people below him, - "there is something beginning, -then, it seems?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The keeper gave him a -significant wink; but D'Artagnan was unwilling to learn anything -from this man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Shall we see the king -early?" asked he of the falconer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "At seven o'clock, monsieur, -I shall fly the birds."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Who comes with the king? -How is Madame? How is the queen?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Better, monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"Has she been ill, -then?"<br> -"Monsieur, since the last chagrin she suffered, her majesty has -been unwell."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='margin-left:.5in'>"What chagrin? You -need not fancy your news is old. I have but just returned."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It appears that -the queen, a little neglected since the death of her -mother-in-law, complained to the king, who answered her, - 'Do I -not sleep at home every night, madame? What more do you -expect?'"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah!" said -D'Artagnan, - "poor woman! She must heartily hate Mademoiselle -de la Vallière."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, no! not -Mademoiselle de la Vallière," replied the falconer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Who then - " The -blast of a hunting-horn interrupted this conversation. It -summoned the dogs and the hawks. The falconer and his companions -set off immediately, leaving D'Artagnan alone in the midst of the -suspended sentence. The king appeared at a distance, surrounded -by ladies and horsemen. All the troop advanced in beautiful -order, at a foot's pace, the horns of various sorts animating the -dogs and horses. There was an animation in the scene, a mirage -of light, of which nothing now can give an idea, unless it be the -fictitious splendor of a theatric spectacle. D'Artagnan, with an -eye a little, just a little, dimmed by age, distinguished behind -the group three carriages. The first was intended for the queen; -it was empty. D'Artagnan, who did not see Mademoiselle de la -Vallière by the king's side, on looking about for her, saw -her in the second carriage. She was alone with two of her women, -who seemed as dull as their mistress. On the left hand of the -king, upon a high-spirited horse, restrained by a bold and -skillful hand, shone a lady of most dazzling beauty. The king -smiled upon her, and she smiled upon the king. Loud laughter -followed every word she uttered.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I must know that -woman," thought the musketeer; "who can she be?" And he stooped -towards his friend, the falconer, to whom he addressed the -question he had put to himself.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The falconer was -about to reply, when the king, perceiving D'Artagnan, "Ah, -comte!" said he, "you are amongst us once more then! Why have I -not seen you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Sire," replied the -captain, "because your majesty was asleep when I arrived, and not -awake when I resumed my duties this morning."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Still the same," -said Louis, in a loud voice, denoting satisfaction. "Take some -rest, comte; I command you to do so. You will dine with me -to-day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>A murmur of -admiration surrounded D'Artagnan like a caress. Every one was -eager to salute him. Dining with the king was an honor his -majesty was not so prodigal of as Henry IV. had been. The king -passed a few steps in advance, and D'Artagnan found himself in -the midst of a fresh group, among whom shone Colbert.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Good-day, Monsieur -d'Artagnan," said the minister, with marked affability, "have you -had a pleasant journey?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, monsieur," -said D'Artagnan, bowing to the neck of his horse.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I heard the king -invite you to his table for this evening," continued the -minister; "you will meet an old friend there."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"An old friend of -mine?" asked D'Artagnan, plunging painfully into the dark waves -of the past, which had swallowed up for him so many friendships -and so many hatreds.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"M. le Duc -d'Alméda, who is arrived this morning from Spain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The Duc -d'Alméda?" said D'Artagnan, reflecting in vain.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Here!" cried an -old man, white as snow, sitting bent in his carriage, which he -caused to be thrown open to make room for the musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"<i>Aramis!</i>" -cried D'Artagnan, struck with profound amazement. And he felt, -inert as it was, the thin arm of the old nobleman hanging round -his neck.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Colbert, after -having observed them in silence for a few moments, urged his -horse forward, and left the two old friends together.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And so," said the -musketeer, taking Aramis's arm, "you, the exile, the rebel, are -again in France?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah! and I shall -dine with you at the king's table," said Aramis, smiling. "Yes, -will you not ask yourself what is the use of fidelity in this -world? Stop! let us allow poor La Vallière's carriage to -pass. Look, how uneasy she is! How her eyes, dim with tears, -follow the king, who is riding on horseback yonder!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"With whom?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"With Mademoiselle -de Tonnay-Charente, now Madame de Montespan," replied Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"She is jealous. -Is she then deserted?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Not quite yet, but -it will not be long before she <i>is</i>." -<b><sup>9</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>They chatted -together, while following the sport, and Aramis's coachman drove -them so cleverly that they arrived at the instant when the -falcon, attacking the bird, beat him down, and fell upon him. -The king alighted; Madame de Montespan followed his example. -They were in front of an isolated chapel, concealed by huge -trees, already despoiled of their leaves by the first cutting -winds of autumn. Behind this chapel was an inclosure, closed by -a latticed gate. The falcon had beaten down his prey in the -inclosure belonging to this little chapel, and the king was -desirous of going in to take the first feather, according to -custom. The <i>cortège</i> formed a circle round the -building and the hedges, too small to receive so many. -D'Artagnan held back Aramis by the arm, as he was about, like the -rest, to alight from his carriage, and in a hoarse, broken voice, -"Do you know, Aramis," said he, "whither chance has conducted -us?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No," replied the -duke.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Here repose men -that we knew well," said D'Artagnan, greatly agitated.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Aramis, without -divining anything, and with a trembling step, penetrated into the -chapel by a little door which D'Artagnan opened for him. "Where -are they buried?" said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"There, in the -inclosure. There is a cross, you see, beneath yon little -cypress. The tree of grief is planted over their tomb; don't go -to it; the king is going that way; the heron has fallen just -there."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Aramis stopped, and -concealed himself in the shade. They then saw, without being -seen, the pale face of La Vallière, who, neglected in her -carriage, at first looked on, with a melancholy heart, from the -door, and then, carried away by jealousy, advanced into the -chapel, whence, leaning against a pillar, she contemplated the -king smiling and making signs to Madame de Montespan to approach, -as there was nothing to be afraid of. Madame de Montespan -complied; she took the hand the king held out to her, and he, -plucking out the first feather from the heron, which the falconer -had strangled, placed it in his beautiful companion's hat. She, -smiling in her turn, kissed the hand tenderly which made her this -present. The king grew scarlet with vanity and pleasure; he -looked at Madame de Montespan with all the fire of new love.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What will you give -me in exchange?" said he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>She broke off a -little branch of cypress and offered it to the king, who looked -intoxicated with hope.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Humph!" said -Aramis to D'Artagnan; "the present is but a sad one, for that -cypress shades a tomb."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, and the tomb -is that of Raoul de Bragelonne," said D'Artagnan aloud; "of -Raoul, who sleeps under that cross with his father."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>A groan resounded - -they saw a woman fall fainting to the ground. Mademoiselle de la -Vallière had seen all, heard all.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Poor woman!" -muttered D'Artagnan, as he helped the attendants to carry back to -her carriage the lonely lady whose lot henceforth in life was -suffering.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>That evening -D'Artagnan was seated at the king's table, near M. Colbert and M. -le Duc d'Alméda. The king was very gay. He paid a -thousand little attentions to the queen, a thousand kindnesses to -Madame, seated at his left hand, and very sad. It might have -been supposed that time of calm when the king was wont to watch -his mother's eyes for the approval or disapproval of what he had -just done.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Of mistresses there -was no question at this dinner. The king addressed Aramis two or -three times, calling him M. l'ambassadeur, which increased the -surprise already felt by D'Artagnan at seeing his friend the -rebel so marvelously well received at court.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king, on rising -from table, gave his hand to the queen, and made a sign to -Colbert, whose eye was on his master's face. Colbert took -D'Artagnan and Aramis on one side. The king began to chat with -his sister, whilst Monsieur, very uneasy, entertained the queen -with a preoccupied air, without ceasing to watch his wife and -brother from the corner of his eye. The conversation between -Aramis, D'Artagnan, and Colbert turned upon indifferent -subjects. They spoke of preceding ministers; Colbert related the -successful tricks of Mazarin, and desired those of Richelieu to -be related to him. D'Artagnan could not overcome his surprise at -finding this man, with his heavy eyebrows and low forehead, -display so much sound knowledge and cheerful spirits. Aramis was -astonished at that lightness of character which permitted this -serious man to retard with advantage the moment for more -important conversation, to which nobody made any allusion, -although all three interlocutors felt its imminence. It was very -plain, from the embarrassed appearance of Monsieur, how much the -conversation of the king and Madame annoyed him. Madame's eyes -were almost red: was she going to complain? Was she going to -expose a little scandal in open court? The king took her on one -side, and in a tone so tender that it must have reminded the -princess of the time when she was loved for herself:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Sister," said he, -"why do I see tears in those lovely eyes?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Why - sire - " -said she.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur is -jealous, is he not, sister?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>She looked towards -Monsieur, an infallible sign that they were talking about -him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes," said -she.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Listen to me," -said the king; "if your friends compromise you, it is not -Monsieur's fault."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>He spoke these -words with so much kindness that Madame, encouraged, having borne -so many solitary griefs so long, was nearly bursting into tears, -so full was her heart.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Come, come, dear -little sister," said the king, "tell me your griefs; on the word -of a brother, I pity them; on the word of a king, I will put an -end to them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>She raised her -glorious eyes and, in a melancholy tone:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is not my -friends who compromise me," said she; "they are either absent or -concealed; they have been brought into disgrace with your -majesty; they, so devoted, so good, so loyal!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You say this on -account of De Guiche, whom I have exiled, at Monsieur's -desire?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And who, since -that unjust exile, has endeavored to get himself killed once -every day."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Unjust, say you, -sister?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"So unjust, that if -I had not had the respect mixed with friendship that I have -always entertained for your majesty - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well! I would -have asked my brother Charles, upon whom I can always - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>The king started. -"What, then?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I would have asked -him to have had it represented to you that Monsieur and his -favorite M. le Chevalier de Lorraine ought not with impunity to -constitute themselves the executioners of my honor and my -happiness."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The Chevalier de -Lorraine," said the king; "that dismal fellow?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Is my mortal -enemy. Whilst that man lives in my household, where Monsieur -retains him and delegates his power to him, I shall be the most -miserable woman in the kingdom."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"So," said the -king, slowly, "you call your brother of England a better friend -than I am?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Actions speak for -themselves, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And you would -prefer going to ask assistance there - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To my own -country!" said she with pride; "yes, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You are the -grandchild of Henry IV. as well as myself, lady. Cousin and -brother-in-law, does not that amount pretty well to the title of -brother-germain?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Then," said -Henrietta, "act!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Let us form an -alliance."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Begin."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I have, you say, -unjustly exiled De Guiche."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! yes," said -she, blushing.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"De Guiche shall -return." <b><sup>10</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"So far, well."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And now you say -that I do wrong in having in your household the Chevalier de -Lorraine, who gives Monsieur ill advice respecting you?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Remember well what -I tell you, sire; the Chevalier de Lorraine some day - Observe, -if ever I come to a dreadful end, I beforehand accuse the -Chevalier de Lorraine; he has a spirit that is capable of any -crime!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The Chevalier de -Lorraine shall no longer annoy you - I promise you that." -<b><sup>11</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoBodyTextIndent">"Then that will be a true -preliminary of alliance, sire, - I sign; but since you have done -your part, tell me what shall be mine."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Instead of -embroiling me with your brother Charles, you must make him a more -intimate friend than ever."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is very -easy."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! not quite so -easy as you may suppose, for in ordinary friendship people -embrace or exercise hospitality, and that only costs a kiss or a -return, profitable expenses; but in political friendship - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah! it's a -political friendship, is it?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes, my sister; -and then, instead of embraces and feasts, it is soldiers - it is -soldiers all alive and well equipped - that we must serve up to -our friends; vessels we must offer, all armed with cannons and -stored with provisions. It hence results that we have not always -coffers in a fit condition for such friendships."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah! you are quite -right," said Madame; "the coffers of the king of England have -been sonorous for some time."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"But you, my -sister, who have so much influence over your brother, you can -secure more than an ambassador could ever get the promise -of."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To effect that I -must go to London, my dear brother."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I have thought -so," replied the king, eagerly; "and I have said to myself that -such a voyage would do your health and spirits good."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Only," interrupted -Madame, "it is possible I should fail. The king of England has -dangerous counselors."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Counselors, do you -say?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Precisely. If, by -chance, your majesty had any intention - I am only supposing so - -of asking Charles II. his alliance in a war - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A war?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes; well! then -the king's counselors, who are in number seven - Mademoiselle -Stewart, Mademoiselle Wells, Mademoiselle Gwyn, Miss Orchay, -Mademoiselle Zunga, Miss Davies, and the proud Countess of -Castlemaine - will represent to the king that war costs a great -deal of money; that it is better to give balls and suppers at -Hampton Court than to equip ships of the line at Portsmouth and -Greenwich."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And then your -negotiations will fail?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! those ladies -cause all negotiations to fall through which they don't make -themselves."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Do you know the -idea that has struck me, sister?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No; inform me what -it is."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is that, -searching well around you, you might perhaps find a female -counselor to take with you to your brother, whose eloquence might -paralyze the ill-will of the seven others."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is really an -idea, sire, and I will search."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You will find what -you want."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I hope so."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"A pretty -ambassadress is necessary; an agreeable face is better than an -ugly one, is it not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Most -assuredly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"An animated, -lively, audacious character."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Certainly."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Nobility; that is, -enough to enable her to approach the king without awkwardness - -not too lofty, so as not to trouble herself about the dignity of -her race."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Very true."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And who knows a -little English."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"<i>Mon Dieu!</i> -why, some one," cried Madame, "like Mademoiselle de -Kéroualle, for instance!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! why, yes!" -said Louis XIV.; "you have hit the mark, - it is you who have -found, my sister."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I will take her; -she will have no cause to complain, I suppose."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! no, I will -name her <i>séductrice plénipotentiaire</i> at -once, and will add a dowry to the title."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is well."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I fancy you -already on your road, my dear little sister, consoled for all -your griefs."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I will go, on two -conditions. The first is, that I shall know what I am -negotiating about."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is it. The -Dutch, you know, insult me daily in their gazettes, and by their -republican attitude. I do not like republics."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That may easily be -imagined, sire."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I see with pain -that these kings of the sea - they call themselves so - keep -trade from France in the Indies, and that their vessels will soon -occupy all the ports of Europe. Such a power is too near me, -sister."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"They are your -allies, nevertheless."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is why they -were wrong in having the medal you have heard of struck; a medal -which represents Holland stopping the sun, as Joshua did, with -this legend: <i>The sun had stopped before me</i>. There is not -much fraternity in that, <i>is</i> there?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I thought you had -forgotten that miserable episode?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I never forget -anything, sister. And if my true friends, such as your brother -Charles, are willing to second me - " The princess remained -pensively silent.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Listen to me; -there is the empire of the seas to be shared," said Louis XIV. -"For this partition, which England submits to, could I not -represent the second party as well as the Dutch?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"We have -Mademoiselle de Kéroualle to treat that question," replied -Madame.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Your second -condition for going, if you please, sister?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"The consent of -Monsieur, my husband."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"You shall have -it."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Then consider me -already gone, brother."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>On hearing these -words, Louis XIV. turned round towards the corner of the room in -which D'Artagnan, Colbert, and Aramis stood, and made an -affirmative sign to his minister. Colbert then broke in on the -conversation suddenly, and said to Aramis:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur -l'ambassadeur, shall we talk about business?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan -immediately withdrew, from politeness. He directed his steps -towards the fireplace, within hearing of what the king was about -to say to Monsieur, who, evidently uneasy, had gone to him. The -face of the king was animated. Upon his brow was stamped a -strength of will, the expression of which already met no further -contradiction in France, and was soon to meet no more in -Europe.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur," said -the king to his brother, "I am not pleased with M. le Chevalier -de Lorraine. You, who do him the honor to protect him, must -advise him to travel for a few months."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>These words fell -with the crush of an avalanche upon Monsieur, who adored his -favorite, and concentrated all his affections in him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In what has the -chevalier been inconsiderate enough to displease your majesty?" -cried he, darting a furious look at Madame.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I will tell you -that when he is gone," said the king, suavely. "And also when -Madame, here, shall have crossed over into England."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Madame! in -England!" murmured Monsieur, in amazement.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"In a week, -brother," continued the king, "whilst <i>we</i> will go whither I -will shortly tell you." And the king turned on his heel, smiling -in his brother's face, to sweeten, as it were, the bitter draught -he had given him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>During this time -Colbert was talking with the Duc d'Alméda.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur," said -Colbert to Aramis, "this is the moment for us to come to an -understanding. I have made your peace with the king, and I owed -that clearly to a man of so much merit; but as you have often -expressed friendship for me, an opportunity presents itself for -giving me a proof of it. You are, besides, more a Frenchman than -a Spaniard. Shall we secure - answer me frankly - the neutrality -of Spain, if we undertake anything against the United -Provinces?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur," replied -Aramis, "the interest of Spain is clear. To embroil Europe with -the Provinces would doubtless be our policy, but the king of -France is an ally of the United Provinces. You are not ignorant, -besides, that it would infer a maritime war, and that France is -in no state to undertake this with advantage."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Colbert, turning -round at this moment, saw D'Artagnan who was seeking some -interlocutor, during this "aside" of the king and Monsieur. He -called him, at the same time saying in a low voice to Aramis, "We -may talk openly with D'Artagnan, I suppose?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! certainly," -replied the ambassador.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"We were saying, M. -d'Alméda and I," said Colbert, "that a conflict with the -United Provinces would mean a maritime war."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That's evident -enough," replied the musketeer.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And what do you -think of it, Monsieur d'Artagnan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I think that to -carry on such a war successfully, you must have very large land -forces."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"What did you say?" -said Colbert, thinking he had ill understood him.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Why such a large -land army?" said Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Because the king -will be beaten by sea if he has not the English with him, and -that when beaten by sea, he will soon be invaded, either by the -Dutch in his ports, or by the Spaniards by land."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And Spain -neutral?" asked Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Neutral as long as -the king shall prove stronger," rejoined D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Colbert admired -that sagacity which never touched a question without enlightening -it thoroughly. Aramis smiled, as he had long known that in -diplomacy D'Artagnan acknowledged no superior. Colbert, who, -like all proud men, dwelt upon his fantasy with a certainty of -success, resumed the subject, "Who told you, M. d'Artagnan, that -the king had no navy?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh! I take no -heed of these details," replied the captain. "I am but an -indifferent sailor. Like all nervous people, I hate the sea; and -yet I have an idea that, with ships, France being a seaport with -two hundred exits, we <i>might</i> have sailors."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Colbert drew from -his pocket a little oblong book divided into two columns. On the -first were the names of vessels, on the other the figures -recapitulating the number of cannon and men requisite to equip -these ships. "I have had the same idea as you," said he to -D'Artagnan, "and I have had an account drawn up of the vessels we -have altogether - thirty-five ships."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Thirty-five ships! -impossible!" cried D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Something like two -thousand pieces of cannon," said Colbert. "That is what the king -possesses at this moment. Of five and thirty vessels we can make -three squadrons, but I must have five."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Five!" cried -Aramis.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"They will be -afloat before the end of the year, gentlemen; the king will have -fifty ship of the line. We may venture on a contest with them, -may we not?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"To build vessels," -said D'Artagnan, "is difficult, but possible. As to arming them, -how is that to be done? In France there are neither foundries -nor military docks."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Bah!" replied -Colbert, in a bantering tone, "I have planned all that this year -and a half past, did you not know it? Do you know M. -d'Imfreville?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"D'Imfreville?" -replied D'Artagnan; "no."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He is a man I have -discovered; he has a specialty; he is a man of genius - he knows -how to set men to work. It is he who has cast cannon and cut the -woods of Bourgogne. And then, monsieur l'ambassadeur, you may -not believe what I am going to tell you, but I have a still -further idea."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Oh, monsieur!" -said Aramis, civilly, "I always believe you."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Calculating upon -the character of the Dutch, our allies, I said to myself, 'They -are merchants, they are friendly with the king; they will be -happy to sell to the king what they fabricate for themselves; -then the more we buy' - Ah! I must add this: I have Forant - do -you know Forant, D'Artagnan?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Colbert, in his -warmth, forgot himself; he called the captain simply -<i>D'Artagnan</i>, as the king did. But the captain only smiled -at it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No," replied he, -"I do not know him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is another -man I have discovered, with a genius for buying. This Forant has -purchased for me 350,000 pounds of iron in balls, 200,000 pounds -of powder, twelve cargoes of Northern timber, matches, grenades, -pitch, tar - I know not what! with a saving of seven per cent -upon what all those articles would cost me fabricated in -France."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is a capital -and quaint idea," replied D'Artagnan, "to have Dutch cannon-balls -cast which will return to the Dutch."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Is it not, with -loss, too?" And Colbert laughed aloud. He was delighted with -his own joke.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Still further," -added he, "these same Dutch are building for the king, at this -moment, six vessels after the model of the best of their name. -Destouches - Ah! perhaps you don't know Destouches?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"No, monsieur."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"He is a man who -has a sure glance to discern, when a ship is launched, what are -the defects and qualities of that ship - that is valuable, -observe! Nature is truly whimsical. Well, this Destouches -appeared to me to be a man likely to prove useful in marine -affairs, and he is superintending the construction of six vessels -of seventy-eight guns, which the Provinces are building for his -majesty. It results from this, my dear Monsieur d'Artagnan, that -the king, if he wished to quarrel with the Provinces, would have -a very pretty fleet. Now, you know better than anybody else if -the land army is efficient."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan and -Aramis looked at each other, wondering at the mysterious labors -this man had undertaken in so short a time. Colbert understood -them, and was touched by this best of flatteries.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"If we, in France, -were ignorant of what was going on," said D'Artagnan, "out of -France still less must be known."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"That is why I told -monsieur l'ambassadeur," said Colbert, "that, Spain promising its -neutrality, England helping us - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"If England assists -you," said Aramis, "I promise the neutrality of Spain."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I take you at your -word," Colbert hastened to reply with his blunt <i>bonhomie</i>. -"And, <i>à propos</i> of Spain, you have not the 'Golden -Fleece,' Monsieur d'Alméda. I heard the king say the -other day that he should like to see you wear the <i>grand -cordon</i> of St. Michael."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Aramis bowed. -"Oh!" thought D'Artagnan, "and Porthos is no longer here! What -ells of ribbons would there be for him in these -<i>largesses!</i> Dear Porthos!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur -d'Artagnan," resumed Colbert, "between us two, you will have, I -wager, an inclination to lead your musketeers into Holland. Can -you swim?" And he laughed like a man in high good humor.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Like an eel," -replied D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah! but there are -some bitter passages of canals and marshes yonder, Monsieur -d'Artagnan, and the best swimmers are sometimes drowned -there."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"It is my -profession to die for his majesty," said the musketeer. "Only, -as it is seldom in war that much water is met with without a -little fire, I declare to you beforehand, that I will do my best -to choose fire. I am getting old; water freezes me - but fire -warms, Monsieur Colbert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>And D'Artagnan -looked so handsome still in quasi-juvenile strength as he -pronounced these words, that Colbert, in his turn, could not help -admiring him. D'Artagnan perceived the effect he had produced. -He remembered that the best tradesman is he who fixes a high -price upon his goods, when they are valuable. He prepared his -price in advance.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"So, then," said -Colbert, "we go into Holland?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Yes," replied -D'Artagnan; "only - "</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Only?" said M. -Colbert.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Only," repeated -D'Artagnan, "there lurks in everything the question of interest, -the question of self-love. It is a very fine title, that of -captain of the musketeers; but observe this: we have now the -king's guards and the military household of the king. A captain -of musketeers ought to command all that, and then he would absorb -a hundred thousand livres a year for expenses."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well! but do you -suppose the king would haggle with you?" said Colbert.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Eh! monsieur, you -have not understood me," replied D'Artagnan, sure of carrying his -point. "I was telling you that I, an old captain, formerly chief -of the king's guard, having precedence of the -<i>maréchaux</i> of France - I saw myself one day in the -trenches with two other equals, the captain of the guards and the -colonel commanding the Swiss. Now, at no price will I suffer -that. I have old habits, and I will stand or fall by them."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>Colbert felt this -blow, but he was prepared for it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I have been -thinking of what you said just now," replied he.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"About what, -monsieur?"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"We were speaking -of canals and marshes in which people are drowned."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Well! if they are -drowned, it is for want of a boat, a plank, or a stick."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Of a stick, -however short it may be," said D'Artagnan.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Exactly," said -Colbert. "And, therefore, I never heard of an instance of a -<i>maréchal</i> of France being drowned."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan became -very pale with joy, and in a not very firm voice, "People would -be very proud of me in my country," said he, "if I were a -<i>maréchal</i> of France; but a man must have commanded -an expedition in chief to obtain the <i>bâton</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur!" said -Colbert, "here is in this pocket-book which you will study, a -plan of campaign you will have to lead a body of troops to carry -out in the next spring." <b><sup>12</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>D'Artagnan took the -book, tremblingly, and his fingers meeting those of Colbert, the -minister pressed the hand of the musketeer loyally.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Monsieur," said -he, "we had both a revenge to take, one over the other. I have -begun; it is now your turn!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"I will do you -justice, monsieur," replied D'Artagnan, "and implore you to tell -the king that the first opportunity that shall offer, he may -depend upon a victory, or to behold me dead - <i>or -both</i>."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Then I will have -the <i>fleurs-de-lis</i> for your <i>maréchal's -bâton</i> prepared immediately," said Colbert.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>On the morrow, -Aramis, who was setting out for Madrid, to negotiate the -neutrality of Spain, came to embrace D'Artagnan at his hotel.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Let us love each -other for four," said D'Artagnan. "We are now but two."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"And you will, -perhaps, never see me again, dear D'Artagnan," said Aramis; "if -you knew how I have loved you! I am old, I am extinct - ah, I am -almost dead."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"My friend," said -D'Artagnan, "you will live longer than I shall: diplomacy -commands you to live; but, for my part, honor condemns me to -die."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Bah! such men as -we are, monsieur le maréchal," said Aramis, "only die -satisfied with joy in glory."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>"Ah!" replied -D'Artagnan, with a melancholy smile, "I assure you, monsieur le -duc, I feel very little appetite for either."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='text-indent:.5in'>They once more -embraced, and, two hours after, separated - forever.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'>The Death of -D'Artagnan.</span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'> -<span style='font-size:12.0pt;'> </span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span style= -'font-size:12.0pt;'> </span> <span style= -'font-size:20.0pt;font-family:Black-Chance'>C</span>ontrary to -that which generally happens, whether in politics or morals, each -kept his promises, and did honor to his engagements.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The king recalled M. de -Guiche, and banished M. le Chevalier de Lorraine; so that -Monsieur became ill in consequence. Madame set out for London, -where she applied herself so earnestly to make her brother, -Charles II., acquire a taste for the political counsels of -Mademoiselle de Kéroualle, that the alliance between -England and France was signed, and the English vessels, ballasted -by a few millions of French gold, made a terrible campaign -against the fleets of the United Provinces. Charles II. had -promised Mademoiselle de Kéroualle a little gratitude for -her good counsels; he made her Duchess of Portsmouth. Colbert -had promised the king vessels, munitions, victories. He kept his -word, as is well known. At length Aramis, upon whose promises -there was least dependence to be placed, wrote Colbert the -following letter, on the subject of the negotiations which he had -undertaken at Madrid:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "MONSIEUR COLBERT, - I have -the honor to expedite to you the R. P. Oliva, general <i>ad -interim</i> of the Society of Jesus, my provisional successor. -The reverend father will explain to you, Monsieur Colbert, that I -preserve to myself the direction of all the affairs of the order -which concern France and Spain; but that I am not willing to -retain the title of general, which would throw too high a -side-light on the progress of the negotiations with which His -Catholic Majesty wishes to intrust me. I shall resume that title -by the command of his majesty, when the labors I have undertaken -in concert with you, for the great glory of God and His Church, -shall be brought to a good end. The R. P. Oliva will inform you -likewise, monsieur, of the consent His Catholic Majesty gives to -the signature of a treaty which assures the neutrality of Spain -in the event of a war between France and the United Provinces. -This consent will be valid even if England, instead of being -active, should satisfy herself with remaining neutral. As for -Portugal, of which you and I have spoken, monsieur, I can assure -you it will contribute with all its resources to assist the Most -Christian King in his war. I beg you, Monsieur Colbert, to -preserve your friendship and also to believe in my profound -attachment, and to lay my respect at the feet of His Most -Christian Majesty. Signed,</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'>"LE -DUC D'ALMÉDA." <b><sup>13</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Aramis had performed more -than he had promised; it remained to be seen how the king, M. -Colbert, and D'Artagnan would be faithful to each other. In the -spring, as Colbert had predicted, the land army entered on its -campaign. It preceded, in magnificent order, the court of Louis -XIV., who, setting out on horseback, surrounded by carriages -filled with ladies and courtiers, conducted the -<i>élite</i> of his kingdom to this sanguinary -<i>fête</i>. The officers of the army, it is true, had no -other music save the artillery of the Dutch forts; but it was -enough for a great number, who found in this war honor, -advancement, fortune - or death.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> M. d'Artagnan set out -commanding a body of twelve thousand men, cavalry, and infantry, -with which he was ordered to take the different places which form -knots of that strategic network called La Frise. Never was an -army conducted more gallantly to an expedition. The officers -knew that their leader, prudent and skillful as he was brave, -would not sacrifice a single man, nor yield an inch of ground -without necessity. He had the old habits of war, to live upon -the country, keeping his soldiers singing and the enemy weeping. -The captain of the king's musketeers well knew his business. -Never were opportunities better chosen, <i>coups-de-main</i> -better supported, errors of the besieged more quickly taken -advantage of.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> The army commanded by -D'Artagnan took twelve small places within a month. He was -engaged in besieging the thirteenth, which had held out five -days. D'Artagnan caused the trenches to be opened without -appearing to suppose that these people would ever allow -themselves to be taken. The pioneers and laborers were, in the -army of this man, a body full of ideas and zeal, because their -commander treated them like soldiers, knew how to render their -work glorious, and never allowed them to be killed if he could -help it. It should have been seen with what eagerness the marshy -glebes of Holland were turned over. Those turf-heaps, mounds of -potter's clay, melted at the word of the soldiers like butter in -the frying-pans of Friesland housewives.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> M. d'Artagnan dispatched a -courier to the king to give him an account of the last success, -which redoubled the good humor of his majesty and his inclination -to amuse the ladies. These victories of M. d'Artagnan gave so -much majesty to the prince, that Madame de Montespan no longer -called him anything but Louis the Invincible. So that -Mademoiselle de la Vallière, who only called the king -Louis the Victorious, lost much of his majesty's favor. Besides, -her eyes were frequently red, and to an Invincible nothing is -more disagreeable than a mistress who weeps while everything is -smiling round her. The star of Mademoiselle de la -Vallière was being drowned in clouds and tears. But the -gayety of Madame de Montespan redoubled with the successes of the -king, and consoled him for every other unpleasant circumstance. -It was to D'Artagnan the king owed this; and his majesty was -anxious to acknowledge these services; he wrote to M. -Colbert:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "MONSIEUR COLBERT, - We have -a promise to fulfil with M. d'Artagnan, who so well keeps his. -This is to inform you that the time is come for performing it. -All provisions for this purpose you shall be furnished with in -due time.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'> -LOUIS."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> In consequence of this, -Colbert, detaining D'Artagnan's envoy, placed in the hands of -that messenger a letter from himself, and a small coffer of ebony -inlaid with gold, not very important in appearance, but which, -without doubt, was very heavy, as a guard of five men was given -to the messenger, to assist him in carrying it. These people -arrived before the place which D'Artagnan was besieging towards -daybreak, and presented themselves at the lodgings of the -general. They were told that M. d'Artagnan, annoyed by a sortie -which the governor, an artful man, had made the evening before, -and in which the works had been destroyed and seventy-seven men -killed, and the reparation of the breaches commenced, had just -gone with twenty companies of grenadiers to reconstruct the -works.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> M. Colbert's envoy had -orders to go and seek M. d'Artagnan, wherever he might be, or at -whatever hour of the day or night. He directed his course, -therefore, towards the trenches, followed by his escort, all on -horseback. They perceived M. d'Artagnan in the open plain, with -his gold-laced hat, his long cane, and gilt cuffs. He was biting -his white mustache, and wiping off, with his left hand, the dust -which the passing balls threw up from the ground they plowed so -near him. They also saw, amidst this terrible fire, which filled -the air with whistling hisses, officers handling the shovel, -soldiers rolling barrows, and vast fascines, rising by being -either carried or dragged by from ten to twenty men, cover the -front of the trench reopened to the center by this extraordinary -effort of the general. In three hours, all was reinstated. -D'Artagnan began to speak more mildly; and he became quite calm -when the captain of the pioneers approached him, hat in hand, to -tell him that the trench was again in proper order. This man had -scarcely finished speaking, when a ball took off one of his legs, -and he fell into the arms of D'Artagnan. The latter lifted up -his soldier, and quietly, with soothing words, carried him into -the trench, amidst the enthusiastic applause of the regiments. -From that time it was no longer a question of valor - the army -was delirious; two companies stole away to the advanced posts, -which they instantly destroyed.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> When their comrades, -restrained with great difficulty by D'Artagnan, saw them lodged -upon the bastions, they rushed forward likewise; and soon a -furious assault was made upon the counterscarp, upon which -depended the safety of the place. D'Artagnan perceived there was -only one means left of checking his army - to take the place. He -directed all his force to the two breaches, where the besieged -were busy in repairing. The shock was terrible; eighteen -companies took part in it, and D'Artagnan went with the rest, -within half cannon-shot of the place, to support the attack by -<i>échelons</i>. The cries of the Dutch, who were being -poniarded upon their guns by D'Artagnan's grenadiers, were -distinctly audible. The struggle grew fiercer with the despair -of the governor, who disputed his position foot by foot. -D'Artagnan, to put an end to the affair, and to silence the fire, -which was unceasing, sent a fresh column, which penetrated like a -very wedge; and he soon perceived upon the ramparts, through the -fire, the terrified flight of the besieged, pursued by the -besiegers.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> At this moment the general, -breathing feely and full of joy, heard a voice behind him, -saying, "Monsieur, if you please, from M. Colbert."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> He broke the seal of the -letter, which contained these words:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "MONSIEUR D'ARTAGNAN: - The -king commands me to inform you that he has nominated you -maréchal of France, as a reward for your magnificent -services, and the honor you do to his arms. The king is highly -pleased, monsieur, with the captures you have made; he commands -you, in particular, to finish the siege you have commenced, with -good fortune to you, and success for him."</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan was standing with -a radiant countenance and sparkling eye. He looked up to watch -the progress of his troops upon the walls, still enveloped in red -and black volumes of smoke. "I have finished," replied he to the -messenger; "the city will have surrendered in a quarter of an -hour." He then resumed his reading:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "The <i>coffret</i>, -Monsieur d'Artagnan, is my own present. You will not be sorry to -see that, whilst you warriors are drawing the sword to defend the -king, I am moving the pacific arts to ornament a present worthy -of you. I commend myself to your friendship, monsieur le -maréchal, and beg you to believe in mine.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style='text-align:right'> -COLBERT"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan, intoxicated with -joy, made a sign to the messenger, who approached, with his -<i>coffret</i> in his hands. But at the moment the -<i>maréchal</i> was going to look at it, a loud explosion -resounded from the ramparts, and called his attention towards the -city. "It is strange," said D'Artagnan, "that I don't yet see -the king's flag on the walls, or hear the drums beat the -<i>chamade</i>." He launched three hundred fresh men, under a -high-spirited officer, and ordered another breach to be made. -Then, more tranquilly, he turned towards the <i>coffret</i>, -which Colbert's envoy held out to him. - It was his treasure - he -had won it.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> D'Artagnan was holding out -his hand to open the <i>coffret</i>, when a ball from the city -crushed the <i>coffret</i> in the arms of the officer, struck -D'Artagnan full in the chest, and knocked him down upon a sloping -heap of earth, whilst the <i>fleur-de-lised bâton</i>, -escaping from the broken box, came rolling under the powerless -hand of the <i>maréchal</i>. D'Artagnan endeavored to -raise himself. It was thought he had been knocked down without -being wounded. A terrible cry broke from the group of terrified -officers; the <i>maréchal</i> was covered with blood; the -pallor of death ascended slowly to his noble countenance. -Leaning upon the arms held out on all sides to receive him, he -was able once more to turn his eyes towards the place, and to -distinguish the white flag at the crest of the principal bastion; -his ears, already deaf to the sounds of life, caught feebly the -rolling of the drum which announced the victory. Then, clasping -in his nerveless hand the <i>bâton</i>, ornamented with its -<i>fleurs-de-lis</i>, he cast on it his eyes, which had no longer -the power of looking upwards towards Heaven, and fell back, -murmuring strange words, which appeared to the soldiers -cabalistic - words which had formerly represented so many things -on earth, and which none but the dying man any longer -comprehended:</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> "Athos - Porthos, farewell -till we meet again! Aramis, adieu forever!"</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> Of the four valiant men -whose history we have related, there now remained but one. -Heaven had taken to itself three noble souls. -<b><sup>14</sup></b></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style='text-align:center'>End -of <u>The Man in the Iron Mask</u>. This is the last text in the -series.</p> - -<h1> </h1> - -<h1>Footnotes</h1> - -<p class="MsoNormal"><span style='font-size:12.0pt;'> </span></p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>1. "He is -patient because he is eternal." is how the Latin translates. It -is from St. Augustine. This motto was sometimes applied to the -Papacy, but not to the Jesuits.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>2. In the -five-volume edition, Volume 4 ends here.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>3. It is -possible that the preceding conversation is an obscure -allegorical allusion to the Fronde, or perhaps an intimation that -the Duc was the father of Mordaunt, from <u>Twenty Years -After</u>, but a definite interpretation still eludes modern -scholars.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>4. The -dictates of such a service would require Raoul to spend the rest -of his life outside of France, hence Athos's and Grimaud's -extreme reactions.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>5. Dumas -here, and later in the chapter, uses the name Roncherat. -Roncherolles is the actual name of the man.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>6. In some -editions, "in spite of Milady" reads "in spite of malady".</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>7. "Pie" in -this case refers to magpies, the prey for the falcons.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>8. Anne of -Austria did not die until 1666, and Dumas sets the current year -as 1665.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>9. Madame -de Montespan would oust Louise from the king's affections by -1667.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>10. De -Guiche would not return to court until 1671.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>11. Madame -did die of poison in 1670, shortly after returning from the -mission described later. The Chevalier de Lorraine had actually -been ordered out of France in 1662.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>12. This -particular campaign did not actually occur until 1673.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>13. -Jean-Paul Oliva was the actual general of the Jesuits from -1664-1681.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal" style='punctuation-wrap:hanging'>14. In -earlier editions, the last line reads, "Of the four valiant men -whose history we have related, there now no longer remained but -one single body; God had resumed the souls." Dumas made the -revision in later editions.</p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal"> </p> - -<p class="MsoNormal">End of Project Gutenberg Etext The Man in -the Iron Mask, by Alexandre Dumas, Pere</p> -</div> -</body> -</html> - - |