Thishillhadimpressedmegreatlyonmyjourneysouth；perhapsbecauseIhadenjoyedfromitmyfirstextendedviewoftheGaronneValley，andhadtherefeltmyselfonthevergeofthesouthcountrywheremymissionlay。Ithadtakenrootinmymemory，sothatIhadcometolookuponitsbareroundedhead，withtheguide-postandthefourroads，asthefirstoutpostofParis，asthefirstsignofreturntotheoldlife。
NowfortwodaysIhadbeenlookingforwardtoseeingitagain，ThatlongstretchofroadwoulddoadmirablyforsomethingIhadinmymind。Thatsign-post，withtheroadspointingnorth，south，east，andwest——couldtherebeabetterplaceformeetingsandpartings？
Wecametothebottomoftheascentaboutanhourbeforenoon，M。
deCocheforet，Mademoiselle，andI。Wehadreversedtheorderofyesterday，andIrodeahead；theycameafterattheirleisure。
Now，atthefootofthehillIstopped，andlettingMademoisellepasson，detainedM。deCocheforetbyagesture。
\'Pardonme，onemoment，\'Isaid。\'Iwanttoaskafavour。\'
Helookedatmesomewhatfretfully；withagleamofwildnessinhiseyesthatbetrayedhowtheironwas，littlebylittle，eatingintohisheart。Hehadstartedafterbreakfastasgailyasabridegroom，butgraduallyhehadsunkbelowhimself；andnowhehadmuchadotocurbhisimpatience。
\'Ofme？\'hesaidbitterly。\'Whatisit？\'
\'IwishtohaveafewwordswithMademoiselle——alone，\'Isaid。
\'Alone？\'heexclaimedinastonishment，\'Yes，\'Ireplied，withoutblenching，thoughhisfacegrewdark。
\'Forthematterofthat，youcanbewithincallallthetime，ifyouplease。ButIhaveareasonforwishingtoridealittlewaywithher。\'
\'Totellhersomething？\'
\'Yes。\'
\'Thenyoucantellittome，\'heretortedsuspiciously。
\'Mademoiselle，Iwillanswerforit，hasnodesireto——\'
\'Seemeorspeaktome？No，\'Isaid。\'Icanunderstandthat。
YetIwanttospeaktoher。\'
\'Verywell，youcanspeakinmypresence，\'heansweredrudely。
\'Ifthatbeall，letusrideonandjoinher。\'Andhemadeamovementasiftodoso。
\'Thatwillnotdo，M。deCocheforet，\'Isaidfirmly，stoppinghimwithmyhand。\'Letmebegyoutobemorecomplaisant。ItisasmallthingIask，averysmallthing；butIsweartoyouthatifMademoiselledoesnotgrantit，shewillrepentitallherlife。\'
Helookedatme，hisfacegrowingdarkeranddarker。
\'Finewords，\'hesaid，withasneer。\'YetIfancyIunderstandthem。\'Andthenwithapassionateoathhebrokeout。\'ButI
willnothaveit！Ihavenotbeenblind，M。deBerault，andI
understand。ButIwillnothaveit。IwillhavenosuchJudasbargainmade。PARDIEU！doyouthinkIcouldsufferitandshowmyfaceagain？\'
\'Idon\'tknowwhatyoumean，\'Isaid，restrainingmyselfwithdifficulty。Icouldhavestruckthefool。
\'ButIknowwhatyoumean，\'hereplied，inatoneofsuppressedrage。\'Youwouldhavehersellherself；sellherselftoyoutosaveme。Andyouwouldhavemestandbyandseethethingdone。
No，sir，never；never，thoughIgotothewheel。Iwilldieagentleman，ifIhavelivedafool。\'
\'Ithinkthatyouwilldotheoneascertainlyasyouhavedonetheother，\'Iretortedinmyexasperation。AndyetIadmiredhim。
\'Oh，Iamnotquiteafool！\'hecried，scowlingatme。\'Ihaveusedmyeyes。\'
\'Thenbegoodenoughtofavourmewithyourears！\'Ianswereddrily。\'Forjustamoment。AndlistenwhenIsaythatnosuchbargainhasevercrossedmymind。Youwerekindenoughtothinkwellofmelastnight，M。deCocheforet。WhyshouldthementionofMademoiselleinamomentchangeyouropinion？Iwishsimplytospeaktoher。Ihavenothingtoaskfromher，nothingtoexpectfromher，eitherfavouroranythingelse。WhatIsayshewilldoubtlesstellyou。CIELman！whatharmcanIdotoher，intheroadinyoursight？\'
Helookedatmesullenly，hisfacestillflushed，hiseyessuspicious。
\'Whatdoyouwanttosaytoher？\'heaskedjealously。Hewasquiteunlikehimself。Hisairynonchalance，hiscarelessgaietyweregone。
\'YouknowwhatIdonotwanttosaytoher，M。deCocheforet，\'I
answered。\'Thatshouldbeenough。\'
Hegloweredatmeamoment，stillillcontent。Then，withoutaword，bemademeagesturetogotoher。
Shehadhaltedascoreofpacesaway；wondering，doubtless，whatwasonfoot。Irodetowardsher。Sheworehermask，sothatI
missedtheexpressionofherfaceasIapproached；butthemannerinwhichsheturnedherhorse\'sheaduncompromisinglytowardsherbrotherandlookedpastmewasfullofmeaning。Ifeltthegroundsuddenlycutfromunderme。Isalutedher，trembling。
\'Mademoiselle，\'Isaid，\'willyougrantmetheprivilegeofyourcompanyforafewminutesasweride？\'
\'Towhatpurpose？\'sheanswered；surely，inthecoldestvoiceinwhichawomaneverspoketoaman。
\'ThatImayexplaintoyouagreatmanythingsyoudonotunderstand，\'Imurmured。
\'Iprefertobeinthedark，\'shereplied。Andhermannerwasmorecruelthanherwords。
\'But，Mademoiselle，\'Ipleaded——Iwouldnotbediscouraged——\'youtoldmeoneday，notsolongago，thatyouwouldneverjudgemehastilyagain。\'
\'Factsjudgeyou，notI，\'sheansweredicily。\'Iamnotsufficientlyonalevelwithyoutobeabletojudgeyou——IthankGod。\'
Ishiveredthoughthesunwasonme，andthehollowwherewestoodwaswarm。
\'Still，oncebeforeyouthoughtthesame，\'Iexclaimedafterapause，\'andafterwardsyoufoundthatyouhadbeenwrong。Itmaybesoagain，Mademoiselle。\'
\'Impossible，\'shesaid。
Thatstungme。
\'No，\'Icried。\'Itisnotimpossible。Itisyouwhoareimpossible。Itisyouwhoareheartless，Mademoiselle。Ihavedonemuchinthelastthreedaystomakethingslighterforyou，muchtomakethingsmoreeasy；nowIaskyoutodosomethinginreturnwhichcancostyounothing。\'
\'Nothing？\'sheansweredslowly——andshelookedatme；andhereyesandhervoicecutmeasiftheyhadbeenknives。\'Nothing？
Doyouthink，Monsieur，itcostsmenothingtolosemyself-
respect，asIdowitheverywordIspeaktoyou？DoyouthinkitcostsmenothingtobeherewhenIfeeleverylookyoucastuponmeaninsult，everybreathItakeinyourpresenceacontamination？Nothing，Monsieur？\'shecontinuedwithbitterirony。\'Nay，something！ButsomethingwhichIcouldnothopetomakecleartoyou。\'
Isatforamomentconfounded，quiveringwithpain。Ithadbeenonethingtofeelthatshehatedandscornedme，toknowthatthetrustandconfidencewhichshehadbeguntoplaceinmeweretransformedtoloathing。Itwasanothertolistentoherhard，pitilesswords，tochangecolourunderthelashofhergibingtongue。ForamomentIcouldnotfindvoicetoanswerher。ThenIpointedtoM。deCocheforet。
\'Doyoulovehim？\'Isaidhoarsely，roughly。Thegibingtonehadpassedfromhervoicetomine。
Shedidnotanswer。
\'Becauseifyoudoyouwillletmetellmytale。Sayno，butoncemore，Mademoiselle——Iamonlyhuman——andIgo。Andyouwillrepentitallyourlife。\'
IhaddonebetterhadItakenthattonefromthebeginning。Shewinced，herheaddropped，sheseemedtogrowsmaller。Allinamoment，asitwere，herpridecollapsed。
\'Iwillhearyou，\'shemurmured。
\'Thenwewillrideon，ifyouplease，\'IsaidkeepingtheadvantageIhadgained。\'Youneednotfear。Yourbrotherwillfollow。\'
Icaughtholdofherreinandturnedherhorse，andshesuffereditwithoutdemur；andinamomentwewerepacingsidebyside，withthelongstraightroadbeforeus。Attheendwhereittoppedthehill，Icouldseethefinger-post，twofaintblacklinesagainstthesky。Whenwereachedthat——involuntarilyI
checkedmyhorseandmadeitmovemoreslowly。
\'Well，sir？\'shesaidimpatiently。Andherfigureshookaswithcold。
\'ItisataleIdesiretotellyou，Mademoiselle，\'Ianswered。
\'PerhapsImayseemtobeginalongwayoff，butbeforeIendI
promisetointerestyou。TwomonthsagotherewaslivinginParisaman——perhapsabadman——atanyrate，bycommonreportahardman；amanwithapeculiarreputation。\'
Sheturnedonmesuddenly，hereyesgleamingthroughhermask。
\'Oh，Monsieur，sparemethis！\'shesaid，quietlyscornful。\'I
willtakeitforgranted。\'
\'Verywell，\'Irepliedsteadfastly。\'Goodorbad，heoneday，indefianceoftheCardinal\'sedictagainstduelling，foughtwithayoungEnglishmanbehindStJacques\'Church。TheEnglishmanhadinfluence，thepersonofwhomIspeakhadnone，andanindifferentname；hewasarrested，thrownintotheChatelet，castfordeath，leftfordaystofacedeath。Atlastanofferwasmadetohim。Ifhewouldseekoutanddeliverupanotherman，anoutlawwithapriceuponhishead，heshouldhimselfgofree。\'
Ipausedanddrewadeepbreath。ThenIcontinued，lookingnotather，butintothedistance，andspeakingslowly。
\'Mademoiselle，itseemseasynowtosaywhatcourseheshouldhavechosen。Itseemshardnowtofindexcusesforhim。ButtherewasonethingwhichIpleadforhim。Thetaskhewasaskedtoundertakewasadangerousone。Herisked，heknewthathemustrisk，andtheeventprovedhimtoberight，hislifeagainstthelifeofthisunknownman。Andonethingmore；timewasbeforehim。Theoutlawmightbetakenbyanother，mightbekilled，mightdie，might——Butthere，Mademoiselle，weknowwhatanswerthispersonmade。Hetookthebasercourse，andonhishonour，onhisparole，withmoneysuppliedtohim，hewentfree；
freeontheconditionthathedeliveredupthisotherman。\'
Ipausedagain，butIdidnotdaretolookather；andafteramomentofsilenceIresumed。
\'Someportionofthesecondhalfofthestoryyouknow，Mademoiselle；butnotall。Sufficeitthatthismancamedowntoaremotevillage，andthereatrisk，but，Heavenknows，baselyenough，foundhiswayintohisvictim\'shome。Oncethere，however，hisheartbegantofailhim。Hadhefoundthehousegarrisonedbymen，hemighthavepressedtohisendwithlittleremorse。Buthefoundthereonlytwohelplessloyalwomen；andI
sayagainthatfromthefirsthourofhisentrancehesickenedattheworkwhichhehadinhand，theworkwhichill-fortunehadlaiduponhim。Stillhepursuedit。Hehadgivenhisword；andiftherewasonetraditionofhisracewhichthismanhadneverbroken，itwasthatoffidelitytohisside——tothemanwhopaidhim。Buthepursueditwithonlyhalfhismind，ingreatmisery，ifyouwillbelieveme；sometimesinagoniesofshame。
Gradually，however，almostagainsthiswill，thedramaworkeditselfoutbeforehim，untilheneededonlyonething。
IlookedatMademoiselle，trembling。Butherheadwasaverted：
Icouldgathernothingfromtheoutlinesofherform；andIwenton。
\'Donotmisunderstandme，\'Isaidinalowervoice。\'DonotmisunderstandwhatIamgoingtosaynext。Thisisnolove-
story；andcanhavenoendingsuchasromancerslovetosettotheirtales。ButIamboundtomention，Mademoiselle，thatthismanwhohadlivedalmostallhislifeaboutinnsandeating-
housesandatthegaming-tablesmethereforthefirsttimeforyearsagoodwoman，andlearnedbythelightofherloyaltyanddevotiontoseewhathislifehadbeen，andwhatwastherealnatureoftheworkhewasdoing。Ithink——nay，Iknow，\'I
continued，\'thatitaddedahundredfoldtohismiserythatwhenhelearnedatlastthesecrethehadcometosurprise，helearneditfromherlips，andinsuchawaythat，hadhefeltnoshame，Hellcouldhavebeennoplaceforhim。ButinonethingIhopeshemisjudgedhim。Shethought，andhadreasontothink，thatthemomentheknewhersecrethewentout，notevenclosingthedoor，andusedit。Butthetruthwasthatwhileherwordswerestillinhisearsnewscametohimthatothershadthesecret；
andhadhenotgoneoutontheinstantanddonewhathedid，andforestalledthem，M。deCocheforetwouldhavebeentaken，butbyothers。\'
Mademoisellebrokeherlongsilencesosuddenlythatherhorsesprangforward。
\'WouldtoHeavenhehad！\'shewailed。
\'Beentakenbyothers？\'Iexclaimed，startledoutofmyfalsecomposure。
\'Oh，yes，yes！\'sheansweredwithapassionategesture。\'Whydidyounottellme？Whydidyounotconfesstome，sir，evenatthelastmoment？But，nomore！Nomore！\'shecontinuedinapiteousvoice；andshetriedtourgeherhorseforward。\'Ihaveheardenough。Youarerackingmyheart，M。deBerault。SomedayIwillaskGodtogivemestrengthtoforgiveyou。\'
\'Butyouhavenotheardmeout，\'Isaid。
\'Iwillhearnomore，\'sheansweredinavoiceshevainlystrovetorendersteady。\'Towhatend？CanIsaymorethanIhavesaid？OrdidyouthinkthatIcouldforgiveyounow——withhimbehindusgoingtohisdeath？Oh，no，no！\'shecontinued。
\'Leaveme！Iimploreyoutoleaveme，sir。Iamnotwell。\'
Shedroopedoverherhorse\'sneckasshespoke，andbegantoweepsopassionatelythatthetearsrandownhercheeksunderhermask，andfellandsparkledlikedewonthemane；whilehersobsshookhersothatIthoughtshemustfall。Istretchedoutmyhandinstinctivelytogiveherhelp，butsheshrankfromme。
\'No！\'shegasped，betweenhersobs。\'Donottouchme。Thereistoomuchbetweenus。\'
\'Yettheremustbeonethingmorebetweenus，\'Iansweredfirmly。
\'Youmustlistentomealittlelongerwhetheryouwillorno，Mademoiselle：fortheloveyoubeartoyourbrother。ThereisonecoursestillopentomebywhichImayredeemmyhonour；andithasbeeninmymindforsometimebacktotakethatcourse。
\'To-day，Iamthankfultosay，Icantakeitcheerfully，ifnotwithoutregret；withasteadfastheart，ifnolightone。
Mademoiselle，\'Icontinuedearnestly，feelingnoneofthetriumph，noneofthevanity，noneoftheelationIhadforeseen，butonlysimplejoyinthejoyIcouldgiveher，\'IthankGodthatitISstillinmypowertoundowhatIhavedone：thatitisstillinmypowertogobacktohimwhosentme，andtellinghimthatIhavechangedmymind，andwillbearmyownburdens，topaythepenalty。\'
Wewerewithinahundredpacesofthetopandthefinger-post。
Shecriedoutwildlythatshedidnotunderstand。\'Whatisityou——you——havejustsaid？\'shemurmured。\'Icannothear。\'Andshebegantofumblewiththeribbonofhermask。
\'Onlythis，Mademoiselle，\'Iansweredgently。\'Igiveyourbrotherbackhisword，hisparole。Fromthismomentheisfreetogowhitherhepleases。Here，wherewestand，fourroadsmeet。
ThattotherightgoestoMontauban，whereyouhavedoubtlessfriends，andcanliehidforatime。OrthattotheleftleadstoBordeaux，whereyoucantakeshipifyouplease。Andinaword，Mademoiselle，\'Icontinued，endingalittlefeebly，\'Ihopethatyourtroublesarenowover。\'
Sheturnedherfacetome——wehadbothcometoastandstill——andpluckedatthefasteningsofhermask。Buthertremblingfingershadknottedthestring，andinamomentshedroppedherhandwithacryofdespair。\'Butyou？You？\'shewailedinavoicesochangedthatIshouldnothaveknownitforhers。\'Whatwillyoudo？Idonotunderstand，Monsieur。\'
\'Thereisathirdroad，\'Ianswered。\'ItleadstoParis。Thatismyroad，Mademoiselle。Weparthere。\'
\'Butwhy？\'shecriedwildly。
\'Becausefromto-dayIwouldfainbegintobehonourable，\'I
answeredinalowvoice。\'BecauseIdarenotbegenerousatanother\'scost。ImustgobackwhenceIcame。\'
\'TotheChatelet？\'shemuttered。
\'Yes，Mademoiselle，totheChatelet。\'
Shetriedfeverishlytoraisehermaskwithherhand。
\'Iamnotwell，\'shestammered。\'Icannotbreathe。\'
AndshebegantoswaysoviolentlyinhersaddlethatIsprangdown，and，runningroundherhorse\'shead，wasjustintimetocatchherasshefell。Shewasnotquiteunconsciousthen，forasIsupportedher，shecriedout，——
\'Donottouchme！Donottouchme！Youkillmewithshame！\'
Butasshespokesheclungtome；andImadenomistake。Thosewordsmademehappy。Icarriedhertothebank，myheartonfire，andlaidheragainstitjustasM。deCocheforetrodeup。
Hesprangfromhishorse，hiseyesblazing，\'Whatisthis？\'hecried。\'Whathaveyoubeensayingtoher，man？\'
\'Shewilltellyou，\'Ianswereddrily，mycomposurereturningunderhiseye。\'Amongstotherthings，thatyouarefree。Fromthismoment，M。deCocheforet，Igiveyoubackyourparole，andI
takemyownhonour。Farewell。\'
HecriedoutsomethingasImounted，butIdidnotstaytoheedoranswer。Idashedthespursintomyhorse，androdeawaypastthecross-roads，pastthefinger-post；awaywiththeleveluplandstretchingbeforeme，dry，bare，almosttreeless；andbehindme，allIloved。Once，whenIhadgoneahundredyards，Ilookedbackandsawhimstandinguprightagainstthesky，staringaftermeacrossherbody。AndagainaminutelaterIlookedback。
Thistimesawonlytheslenderwoodencross，andbelowitadarkblurredmass。
CHAPTERXIV
STMARTIN\'SEVE
Itwaslateeveningonthetwenty-ninthofNovemberwhenIrodeintoParisthroughtheOrleansgate。Thewindwasinthenorth-
east，andagreatcloudofvapourhungintheeyeofanangrysunset。Theairseemedtobeheavywithsmoke，thekennelsreeked，mygorgeroseatthecity\'ssmell；andwithallmyheartIenviedthemanwhohadgoneoutofitbythesamegatenearlytwomonthsbefore，withhisfacetothesouthandtheprospectofridingdayafterdayandleagueafterleagueacrossheathandmoorandpasture。Atleasthehadhadsomeweeksoflifebeforehim，andfreedomandtheopenair，andhopeanduncertainty；
whileIcamebackunderdoom，andinthepallofsmokethathungoverthehuddleofinnumerableroofssawagloomyshadowingofmyownfate。
Formakenomistake。Amaninmiddlelifedoesnotstriphimselfoftheworldlyhabitwithwhichexperiencehasclothedhim，doesnotruncountertoallthehardsawsandinstancesbywhichhehasgovernedhiscoursesolong，withoutshiveringsanddoubtsandhorriblemisgivings，andstrugglesofheart。AtleastadozentimesbetweentheLoireandParisIaskedmyselfwhathonourwas，andwhatgooditcoulddomewhenIlayrottingandforgotten；ifIwerenotafoolfollowingaJacko\'Lanthorn；andwhether，ofallthemenintheworld，therelentlessmantowhomIwasreturningwouldnotbethefirsttogibeatmyfolly？
However，shamekeptmestraight；shameandthememoryofMademoiselle\'slooksandwords。Idarednotbefalsetoheragain；Icouldnot，afterspeakingsoloftily，fallsolow，Andtherefore——thoughnotwithoutmanyasecretstruggleandquaking——Icame，onthelasteveningbutoneofNovember，totheOrleansgate，androdeslowlyandsadlythroughthestreetsbytheLuxembourgonmywaytothePontauChange。
Thestrugglehadsappedmylaststrength，however；andwiththefirstwhiffofthegutters，thefirstrushofbarefootedgaminsundermyhorse\'shoofs，thefirstbabelofstreetcries——thefirstbreath，inaword，ofParis——therecameanewtemptation；
togoforonelastnighttoZaton\'s，toseethetablesagainandthefacesofsurprise，tobeforanhourortwotheoldBerault。
Thatwouldbenobreachofhonour，forinanycaseIcouldnotreachtheCardinalbeforeto-morrow。Anditcoulddonoharm。
Itcouldmakenochangeinanything。Itwouldnothavebeenathingworthstrugglingabout，indeed；only——onlyIhadinmyinmostheartasuspicionthatthestoutestresolutionsmightlosetheirforceinthatatmosphere；andthatthereevensuchatalismanasthememoryofawoman\'slooksandwordsmightloseitsvirtue。
Still，IthinkthatIshouldhavesuccumbedintheendifIhadnotreceivedatthecorneroftheLuxembourgashockwhichsoberedmeeffectually。AsIpassedthegates，acoach，followedbytwooutriders，sweptoutofthePalacecourtyard；itwasgoingatagreatpace，andIreinedmyjadedhorseononesidetogiveitroom。Bychanceasitwhirledbyme，oneoftheleathercurtainsflappedback，andIsawforasecondbythewaninglight——thenearerwheelswerenomorethantwofeetfrommyboot——afaceinside。
Afaceandnomore，andthatonlyforasecond。Butitfrozeme。
ItwasRichelieu\'s，theCardinal\'s；butnotasIhadbeenwonttoseeit——keen，cold，acute，withintellectandindomitablewillineveryfeature。Thisfacewascontortedwiththerageofimpatience，wasgrimwiththefeverofhaste，andthefearofdeath。Theeyesburnedunderthepalebrow，themoustachebristled，theteethshowedthroughthebeard；Icouldfancythemancrying\'Faster！Faster！\'andgnawinghisnailsintheimpotenceofpassion；andIshrankbackasifIhadbeenstruck。
Thenextmomenttheoutriderssplashedme，thecoachwasahundredpacesahead，andIwasleftchilledandwondering，foreseeingtheworst，andnolongerinanymoodforZaton\'s。
Sucharevelationofsuchamanwasenoughtoappalme，foramomentconsciencecriedoutthathemusthaveheardthatCocheforethadescapedhim，andthroughme。ButIdismissedtheideaassoonasformed。InthevastmeshesoftheCardinal\'sschemesCocheforetcouldbeonlyasmallfish；andtoaccountforthefaceinthecoachIneededacataclysm，acatastrophe，amisfortuneasfaraboveordinarymishapsasthisman\'sintellectroseabovethecommonrunofminds。
ItwasalmostdarkwhenIcrossedthebridges，andcreptdespondentlytotheRueSavonnerie。AfterstablingmyhorseI
tookmybagandholsters，andclimbingthestairstomyoldlandlord\'s——Irememberthattheplacehadgrown，asitseemedtome，strangelymeanandsmallandill-smellinginmyabsence——I
knockedatthedoor。Itwaspromptlyopenedbythelittletailorhimself，whothrewuphisarmsandopenedhiseyesatsightofme。
\'BySaintGenevieve！\'hesaid，\'ifitisnotM。deBerault？\'
\'Itis，\'Isaid。Ittouchedmealittle，aftermylonelyjourney，tofindhimsogladtoseeme；thoughIhadneverdonehimagreaterbenefitthansometimestounbendwithhimandborrowhismoney。\'Youlooksurprised，littleman！\'I
continued，ashemadewayformetoenter。\'I\'llbeswornthatyouhavebeenpawningmygoodsandlettingmyroom，youknave！\'
\'Never，yourExcellency！\'heanswered。\'Onthecontrary，Ihavebeenexpectingyou。\'
\'How？\'Isaid。\'To-day？\'
\'To-dayorto-morrow，\'heanswered，followingmeinandclosingthedoor。\'ThefirstthingIsaidwhenIheardthenewsthismorningwas——nowweshallhaveM。deBeraultbackagain。YourExcellencywillpardonthechildren，\'hecontinued，bobbingroundme，asItooktheoldseatonthethree-leggedstoolbeforethehearth。\'Thenightiscoldandthereisnofireinyourroom。\'
Whileherantoandfrowithmycloakandbags，littleGil，towhomIhadstoodatStSulpice\'s，borrowingtencrownsthesameday，Iremember，cameshylytoplaywithmyswordhilt。
\'Soyouexpectedmebackwhenyouheardthenews，Frison，didyou？\'Isaid，takingtheladonmyknee。
\'Tobesure，yourExcellency，\'heanswered，peepingintotheblackpotbeforeheliftedittothehook。
\'Verygood。Thennowletushearwhatthenewsis，\'Isaiddrily。
\'OftheCardinal，M。deBerault。\'
\'Ah！Andwhat？\'
Helookedatme，holdingtheheavypotsuspendedinhishands。
\'Youhavenotheard？\'heexclaimedinastonishment。
\'Notatittle。Tellitme，mygoodfellow。\'
\'YouhavenotheardthathisEminenceisdisgraced？\'
Istaredathim。\'Notaword，\'Isaid。
Hesetdownthepot。
\'ThenyourExcellencymusthavemadeaverylongjourneyindeed，\'
hesaidwithconviction。\'Forithasbeenintheairaweekormore，andIthoughtthatithadbroughtyouback。Aweek？A
month，Idaresay。TheywhisperthatitistheoldQueen\'sdoing。Atanyrate，itiscertainthattheyhavecancelledhiscommissionsanddisplacedhisofficers。TherearerumoursofimmediatepeacewithSpain。Everywherehisenemiesareliftinguptheirheads；andIhearthathehasrelaysofhorsessetallthewaytothecoastthathemayflyatanymoment。ForwhatI
knowhemaybegonealready。\'
\'But，man——\'Isaid，surprisedoutofmycomposure。\'TheKing！
YouforgettheKing。LettheCardinaloncepipetohimandhewilldance。Andtheywilldancetoo！\'Iaddedgrimly。
\'Yes，\'Frisonansweredeagerly。\'True，yourExcellency，buttheKingwillnotseehim。Threetimesto-day，asIamtold，theCardinalhasdriventotheLuxembourgandstoodlikeanycommonmanintheante-chamber，sothatIhearitwaspitifultoseehim。ButhisMajestywouldnotadmithim。AndwhenhewentawaythelasttimeIamtoldthathisfacewaslikedeath！Well，hewasagreatman，andwemaybeworseruled，M。deBerault，savingyourpresence。Ifthenoblesdidnotlikehim，hewasgoodtothetradersandthebourgeoisie，andequaltoall。\'
\'Silence，man！Silence，andletmethink，\'Isaid，muchexcited。
Andwhilehebustledtoandfro，gettingmysupper，andthefirelightplayedaboutthesnug，sorrylittleroom，andthechildtoyedwithhisplaything，Ifelltodigestingthisgreatnews，andponderinghowIstoodnowandwhatIoughttodo。Atfirstsight，Iknow，itseemedtomethatIhadnothingtodobuttositstill。Inafewhoursthemanwhohadtakenmybondwouldbepowerless，andIshouldbefree；inafewhoursImightsmileathim。Toallappearancethedicehadfallenwellforme。Ihaddoneagreatthing，runagreatrisk，wonawoman\'slove；and，afterall，Iwasnottopaythepenalty。
ButawordwhichfellfromFrisonasheflutteredroundme，pouringoutthebrothandcuttingthebread，droppedintomymindandspoiledmysatisfaction。
\'Yes，yourExcellency，\'hesaid，confirmingsomethinghehadstatedbeforeandwhichIhadmissed，\'andIamtoldthatthelasttimehecameintothegallerytherewasnotamanofallthescoreswhohadbeenathisleveelastMondaywouldspeaktohim。
Theyfellofflikerats——justlikerats——untilhewasleftstandingalone。AndIhaveseenhim！\'——Frisonlifteduphiseyesandhishandsanddrewinhisbreath——\'Ah！IhaveseentheKinglookshabbybesidehim！Andhiseye！Iwouldnotliketomeetitnow。\'
\'Pish！\'Igrowled。\'Someonehasfooledyou。Menarewiserthanthat。\'
\'So？Well，yourExcellencyunderstands，\'heansweredmeekly。
\'But——therearenocatsonacoldhearth。\'
Itoldhimagainthathewasafool。Butforallthat，andmyreasoning，Ifeltuncomfortable。Thiswasagreatman，ifeveragreatmanlived，andtheywereallleavinghim；andI——well，I
hadnocausetolovehim。ButIhadtakenhismoney，Ihadacceptedhiscommission，andIhadbetrayedhim。Thesethreethingsbeingso，ifhefellbeforeIcould——withthebestwillintheworld——setmyselfrightwithhim，somuchthebetterforme。
Thatwasmygain——thefortuneofwar，theturnofthedice。ButifIlayhid，andtooktimeformyally，andbeingherewhilehestillstood，thoughtottering，waiteduntilhefell，whatofmyhonourthen？WhatofthegrandwordsIhadsaidtoMademoiselleatAgen？Ishouldbeliketherecreantintheoldromance，who，lyingintheditchwhilethebattleraged，cameoutafterwardsandboastedofhiscourage。
Andyetthefleshwasweak。Aday，twenty-fourhours，twodays，mightmakethedifferencebetweenlifeanddeath，loveanddeath；
andIwavered。ButatlastIsettledwhatIwoulddo。Atnoonthenextday，thetimeatwhichIshouldhavepresentedmyselfifIhadnotheardthisnews，atthattimeIwouldstillpresentmyself。Notearlier；Iowedmyselfthechance。Notlater；thatwasduetohim。
Havingsosettledit，Ithoughttorestinpeace。ButwiththefirstlightIwasawake，anditwasallIcoulddotokeepmyselfquietuntilIheardFrisonstirring。Icalledtohimthentoknowiftherewasanynews，andlaywaitingandlisteningwhilehewentdowntothestreettolearn。Itseemedanendlesstimebeforehecameback；anage，whenhecameback，beforehespoke。
\'Well，hehasnotsetoff？\'Iaskedatlast，unabletocontrolmyeagerness。
Ofcoursehehadnot；andatnineo\'clockIsentFrisonoutagain；andattenandeleven——alwayswiththesameresult。Iwaslikeamanwaitingandlookingand，aboveall，listeningforareprieve；andassickasanycraven。Butwhenhecameback，ateleven，Igaveuphopeanddressedmyselfcarefully。IsupposeI
hadanoddlookthen，however，forFrisonstoppedmeatthedoor，andaskedme，withevidentalarm，whereIwasgoing。
Iputthelittlemanasidegently。
\'Tothetables，\'Isaid，\'tomakeabigthrow，myfriend。\'
Itwasafinemorning，sunny，keen，pleasant，whenIwentoutintothestreet；butIscarcelynoticedit。AllmythoughtswerewhereIwasgoing，sothatitseemedbutastepfrommythresholdtotheHotelRichelieu；IwasnosoonergonefromtheonethanI
foundmyselfattheother。Now，asonamemorableeveningwhenI
hadcrossedthestreetinadrizzlingrain，andlookedthatwaywithforeboding，thereweretwoorthreeguards，intheCardinal\'slivery，loiteringinfrontofthegreatgates。Comingnearer，IfoundtheoppositepavementundertheLouvrethrongedwithpeople，notmovingabouttheirbusiness，butstandingallsilent，alllookingacrossfurtively，allwiththeairofpersonswhowishedtobethoughtpassingby。Theirsilenceandtheirkeenlookshadinsomewayanairofmenace。LookingbackafterIhadturnedintowardsthegates，Ifoundthemdevouringmewiththeireyes。
Andcertainlytheyhadlittleelsetolookat。Inthecourtyard，where，somemornings，whentheCourtwasinParis，Ihadseenascoreofcoacheswaitingandthriceasmanyservants，werenowemptinessandsunshineandstillness。Theofficeronguard，twirlinghismoustachios，lookedatmeinwonderasIpassedhim；
thelackeysloungingintheportico，andalltoomuchtakenupwithwhisperingtomakeapretenceofbeingofservice，grinnedatmyappearance。ButthatwhichhappenedwhenIhadmountedthestairsandcametothedooroftheante-chamberoutdidall。Themanonguardwouldhaveopenedthedoor，butwhenIwenttoenter，amajor-domowhowasstandingby，mutteringwithtwoorthreeofhiskind，hastenedforwardandstoppedme。
\'Yourbusiness，Monsieur，ifyouplease？\'hesaidinquisitively；
whileIwonderedwhyheandtheotherslookedatmesostrangely。
\'IamM。deBerault，\'Iansweredsharply。\'Ihavetheentree。\'
Hebowedpolitelyenough。
\'Yes，M。deBerault，Ihavethehonourtoknowyourface，\'hesaid。\'But——pardonme。HaveyoubusinesswithhisEminence？\'
\'Ihavethecommonbusiness，\'Iansweredsharply。\'Bywhichmanyofuslive，sirrah！Towaitonhim。\'
\'But——byappointment，Monsieur？\'
\'No，\'Isaid，astonished。\'Itistheusualhour。Forthematterofthat，however，Ihavebusinesswithhim。\'
Themanstilllookedatmeforamomentinseemingembarrassment。
Thenhestoodasideandsignedtothedoor-keepertoopenthedoor。Ipassedin，uncovering；withanassuredfaceandsteadfastmien，readytomeetalleyes。Inamoment，onthethreshold，themysterywasexplained。
Theroomwasempty。
CHAPTERXV
STMARTIN\'SSUMMER
Yes，atthegreatCardinal\'sleveeIwastheonlyclient！I
staredroundtheroom，along，narrowgallery，throughwhichitwashiscustomtowalkeverymorning，afterreceivinghismoreimportantvisitors。Istared，Isay，fromsidetoside，inastateofstupefaction。Theseatsagainsteitherwallwereempty，therecessesofthewindowsemptytoo。Thehatsculpturedandpaintedhereandthere，thestaringR，theblazonedarmslookeddownonavacantfloor。Onlyonalittlestoolbythefartherdoor，sataquiet-facedmaninblack，whoread，orpretendedtoread，inalittlebook，andneverlookedup。Oneofthosemen，blind，deaf，secretive，whofattenintheshadowofthegreat。
Suddenly，whileIstoodconfoundedandfullofshamedthought——
forIhadseentheante-chamberofRichelieu\'soldhotelsocrowdedthathecouldnotwalkthroughit——thismanclosedhisbook，roseandcamenoiselesslytowardsme。
\'M。deBerault？\'hesaid。
\'Yes，\'Ianswered。
\'HisEminenceawaitsyou。Begoodenoughtofollowme。\'
Ididso，inadeeperstuporthanbefore。ForhowcouldtheCardinalknowthatIwashere？Howcouldhehaveknownwhenhegavetheorder？ButIhadshorttimetothinkofthesethings，orothers。Wepassedthroughtworooms，inoneofwhichsomesecretarieswerewriting，westoppedatathirddoor。Overallbroodedasilencewhichcouldbefelt。Theusherknocked，opened，and，withhisfingeronhislip，pushedasideacurtainandsignedtometoenter。Ididsoandfoundmyselfbehindascreen。
\'IsthatM。deBerault？\'askedathin，high-pitchedvoice。
\'Yes，Monseigneur，\'Iansweredtrembling。
\'Thencome，myfriend，andtalktome。\'
Iwentroundthescreen，andIknownothowitwas，thewatchingcrowdoutside，thevacantante-chamberinwhichIhadstood，thestillnessandsilenceallseemedtobeconcentratedhere，andtogivetothemanIsawbeforemeadignitywhichhehadneverpossessedformewhentheworldpassedthroughhisdoors，andtheproudestfawnedonhimforasmile。Hesatinagreatchaironthefarthersideofthehearth，alittleredskull-caponhishead，hisfinehandslyingstillinhislap。Thecollaroflawnwhichfelloverhiscapewasquiteplain，buttheskirtsofhisredrobewerecoveredwithrichlace，andtheorderoftheHolyGhost，awhitedoveonagoldcross，shoneonhisbreast。AmongthemultitudinouspapersonthegreattablenearhimIsawaswordandpistols；andsometapestrythatcoveredalittletablebehindhimfailedtohideapairofspurredriding-boots。ButasIadvancedhelookedtowardsmewiththeutmostcomposure；withafacemildandalmostbenign，inwhichIstroveinvaintoreadthetracesoflastnight\'spassion。Sothatitflashedacrossmethatifthismanreallystood（andafterwardsIknewthathedid）
onthethinrazor-edgebetweenlifeanddeath，betweenthesupremeofearthlypower，lordofFranceandarbiterofEurope，andthenothingnessoftheclod，hejustifiedhisfame。Hegaveweakernaturesnoroomfortriumph。
Thethoughtwasnosoonerentertainedthanitwasgone。
\'Andsoyouarebackatlast，M。deBerault，\'hesaidgently。\'I
havebeenexpectingtoseeyousinceninethismorning。\'
\'YourEminenceknew，then——\'Imuttered。
\'ThatyoureturnedtoParisbytheOrleansgatelasteveningalone？\'heanswered，fittingtogethertheendsofhisfingers，andlookingatmeoverthemwithinscrutableeyes。\'Yes，Iknewallthatlastnight。Andnow，ofyourbusiness。Youhavebeenfaithfulanddiligent，Iamsure。Whereishe？\'
Istaredathimandwasdumb。InsomewaythestrangethingsI
hadseensinceIhadleftmylodgings，thesurprisesIhadfoundawaitingmehere，haddrivenmyownfortunes，myownperil，outofmyhead——untilthismoment。Now，atthisquestion，allreturnedwitharush，andIrememberedwhereIstood。Myheartheavedsuddenlyinmybreast。Istroveforasavouroftheoldhardihood，butforthemomentIcouldnotfindaword。
\'Well，\'hesaidlightly，afaintsmileliftinghismoustache。
\'Youdonotspeak。YouleftAuchwithhimonthetwenty-fourth，M。deBerault。SomuchIknow。AndyoureachedPariswithouthimlastnight。Hehasnotgivenyoutheslip？\'
\'No，Monseigneur，\'Imuttered。
\'Ha！thatisgood，\'heanswered，sinkingbackagaininhischair。\'Forthemoment——butIknewthatIcoulddependonyou。
Andnowwhereishe？Whathaveyoudonewithhim？Heknowsmuch，andthesoonerIknowitthebetter。Areyourpeoplebringinghim，M。deBerault？\'
\'No，Monseigneur，\'Istammered，withdrylips。Hisverygood-
humour，hisbenignity，appalledme。Iknewhowterriblewouldbethechange，howfearfulhisrage，whenIshouldtellhimthetruth。AndyetthatI，GildeBerault，shouldtremblebeforeanyman！WiththatthoughtIspurredmyself，asitwere，tothetask。\'No，yourEminence，\'Isaid，withtheenergyofdespair。
\'Ihavenotbroughthim，becauseIhavesethimfree。\'
\'Becauseyouhave——WHAT？\'heexclaimed。Heleanedforwardashespoke，hishandsonthearmofthechair；andhiseyesgrowingeachinstantsmaller，seemedtoreadmysoul。
\'BecauseIhavelethimgo，\'Irepeated。
\'Andwhy？\'hesaid，inavoiceliketheraspingofafile。
\'BecauseItookhimunfairly，\'Ianswered。
\'Because，Monseigneur，Iamagentleman，andthistaskshouldhavebeengiventoonewhowasnot。Itookhim，ifyoumustknow，\'Icontinuedimpatiently——thefenceoncecrossedIwasgrowingbolder——\'bydoggingawoman\'sstepsandwinningherconfidenceandbetrayingit。AndwhateverIhavedoneillinmylife——ofwhichyouweregoodenoughtothrowsomethinginmyteethwhenIwaslasthere——Ihaveneverdonethat，andIwillnot！\'
\'Andsoyousethimfree？\'
\'Yes。\'
\'AfteryouhadbroughthimtoAuch？\'
\'Yes。\'
\'And，inpointoffact，savedhimfromfallingintothehandsoftheCommandantatAuch？\'
\'Yes，\'Ianswereddesperatelytoall。
\'Then，whatofthetrustIplacedinyou，sirrah？\'herejoined，inaterriblevoice；andstoopingstillfartherforwardheprobedmewithhiseyes。\'Youwhoprateoftrustandconfidence，whoreceivedyourlifeonparole，andbutforyourpromisetomewouldhavebeencarrionthismonthpast，answermethat？WhatofthetrustIplacedinyou？\'
\'Theanswerissimple，\'Isaid，shruggingmyshoulderswithatouchofmyoldself。\'Iamheretopaythepenalty。\'
\'AnddoyouthinkthatIdonotknowwhy？\'heretorted，strikingonehandonthearmofhischairwithaforcethatstartledme。
\'Becauseyouhaveheard，sir，thatmypowerisgone！BecauseyouhaveheardthatI，whowasyesterdaytheKing\'srighthand，amto-daydriedup，witheredandparalysed！Becauseyouhaveheard——buthaveacare！haveacare！\'hecontinuedwithextraordinaryvehemence，andinavoicelikeadog\'ssnarl。\'Youandthoseothers！Haveacare，Isay，oryoumayfindyourselvesmistakenyet。\'
\'AsHeavenshalljudgeme，\'Iansweredsolemnly，\'thatisnottrue。UntilIreachedParislastnightIknewnothingofthisreport。Icameherewithasinglemind，toredeemmyhonourbyplacingagaininyourEminence\'shandsthatwhichyougavemeontrust，andhereIdoplaceit。\'
Foramomentheremainedinthesameattitude，staringatmefixedly。Thenhisfacerelaxedsomewhat。
\'Begoodenoughtoringthatbell，\'hesaid。
Itstoodonatablenearme。Irangit，andavelvet-footedmaninblackcamein，andglidinguptotheCardinal，placedapaperinhishand。TheCardinallookedatit；whilethemanstoodwithhisheadobsequiouslybent，andmyheartbeatfuriously。
\'Verygood，\'hisEminencesaid，afterapausewhichseemedtometobeendless，\'Letthedoorsbethrownopen。\'
Themanbowedlow，andretiredbehindthescreen。Iheardalittlebellringsomewhereinthesilence，andinamomenttheCardinalstoodup。
\'Followme！\'hesaid，withastrangeflashofhiskeeneyes。
Astonished，Istoodasidewhilehepassedtothescreen；thenI
followedhim。Outsidethefirstdoor，whichstoodopen，wefoundeightorninepersons——pages，amonk，themajor-domo，andseveralguardswaitinglikemutes。Thesesignedtometoprecedethemandfellinbehindus，andinthatorderwepassedthroughthefirstroomandthesecond，wheretheclerksstoodwithbentheadstoreceiveus。Thelastdoor，thedooroftheante-chamber，flewopenasweapproached，voicescried，\'Room！RoomforhisEminence！\'wepassedthroughtwolinesofbowinglackeys，andentered——anemptychamber。
Theushersdidnotknowhowtolookatoneanother；thelackeystrembledintheirshoes。ButtheCardinalwalkedon，apparentlyunmoved，untilhehadpassedslowlyhalfthelengthofthechamber。Thenheturnedhimselfabout，lookingfirsttoonesideandthentotheother，withalowlaughofderision。
\'Father，\'hesaidinhisthinvoice，\'whatdoesthePsalmistsay？
\"Iambecomelikeapelicaninthewildernessandlikeanowlthatisinthedesert！\"\'
Themonkmumbledassent。
\'Andlaterinthesamepsalm，isitnotwritten，\"Theyshallperish，butthoushaltendure？\"\'
\'Itisso，\'thefatheranswered。\'Amen。\'
\'Doubtlessthough，thatreferstoanotherlife，\'theCardinalsaid，withhisslowwintrysmile。\'Inthemeantimewewillgobacktoourbooks，andserveGodandtheKinginsmallthingsifnotingreat。Come，father，thisisnolongeraplaceforus。
VANITASVANITATUMOMNIAVANITAS！Wewillretire。\'
AndassolemnlyaswehadcomewemarchedbackthroughthefirstandsecondandthirddoorsuntilwestoodagaininthesilenceoftheCardinal\'schamber——heandIandthevelvet-footedmaninblack。ForawhileRichelieuseemedtoforgetme。Hestoodbroodingonthehearth，hiseyesonasmallfire，whichburnedtherethoughtheweatherwaswarm。OnceIheardhimlaugh，andtwiceheutteredinatoneofbittermockerythewords，——
\'Fools！Fools！Fools！\'
Atlasthelookedup，sawme，andstarted。
\'Ah！\'hesaid，\'Ihadforgottenyou。Well，youarefortunate，M。deBerault。YesterdayIhadahundredclients；to-dayIhaveonlyone，andIcannotaffordtohanghim。Butforyourlibertythatisanothermatter。\'
Iwouldhavesaidsomething，pleadedsomething；butheturnedabruptlytothetable，andsittingdownwroteafewlinesonapieceofpaper。Thenheranghisbell，whileIstoodwaitingandconfounded。
Themaninblackcamefrombehindthescreen。
\'Takethisletterandthatgentlemantotheupperguard-room，\'
theCardinalsaidsharply。\'Icanhearnomore，\'hecontinued，frowningandraisinghishandtoforbidinterruption。\'Thematterisended，M。deBerault。Bethankful。\'
InamomentIwasoutsidethedoor，myheadinawhirl，myheartdividedbetweengratitudeandresentment。Iwouldfainhavestoodtoconsidermyposition；butIhadnotime。Obeyingagesture，Ifollowedmyguidealongseveralpassages，andeverywherefoundthesamesilence，thesamemonasticstillness。
Atlength，whileIwasdolefullyconsideringwhethertheBastilleortheChateletwouldbemyfate，hestoppedatadoor，thrusttheletterintomyhands，andliftingthelatch，signedtometoenter。
Iwentininamazement，andstoppedinconfusion。Beforeme，alone，justrisenfromachair，withherfaceonemomentpale，thenextcrimsonwithblushes，stoodMademoiselledeCocheforet。
Icriedouthername。
\'M。deBerault，\'shesaid，trembling。\'Youdidnotexpecttoseeme？\'
\'Iexpectedtoseenoonesolittle，Mademoiselle，\'Ianswered，strivingtorecovermycomposure。
\'Yetyoumighthavethoughtthatweshouldnotutterlydesertyou，\'shereplied，withareproachfulhumilitywhichwenttomyheart。\'Weshouldhavebeenbaseindeed，ifwehadnotmadesomeattempttosaveyou。IthankHeaven，M。deBerault，thatithassofarsucceededthatthatstrangemanhaspromisedmeyourlife。
Youhaveseenhim？\'shecontinuedeagerlyandinanothertone，whilehereyesgrewonasuddenlargewithfear。
\'Yes，Mademoiselle，\'Isaid。\'Ihaveseenhim，anditistrue，Hehasgivenmemylife。\'
\'And——？\'
\'Andsentmeintoimprisonment。\'
\'Forhowlong？\'shewhispered。
\'Idonotknow，\'Ianswered。\'IfearduringtheKing\'spleasure。\'
Sheshuddered。
\'Imayhavedonemoreharmthangood，\'shemurmured，lookingatmepiteously。\'ButIdiditforthebest。Itoldhimall，andperhapsIdidharm。\'
Buttohearheraccuseherselfthus，whenshehadmadethislongandlonelyjourneytosaveme，whenshehadforcedherselfintoherenemy\'spresence，andhad，asIwassureshehad，abasedherselfforme，wasmorethanIcouldbear。
\'Hush，Mademoiselle，hush！\'Isaid，almostroughly。\'Youhurtme。Youhavemademehappy；andyetIwishthatyouwerenothere，where，Ifear，youhavefewfriends，butbackatCocheforet。YouhavedonemoreformethanIexpected，andahundredtimesmorethanIdeserved。Butitmustendhere。Iwasaruinedmanbeforethishappened，beforeIeversawyou。Iamnoworsenow，butIamstillthat；andIwouldnothaveyournamepinnedtomineonParislips。Therefore，good-bye。GodforbidI
shouldsaymoretoyou，orletyoustaywherefoultongueswouldsoonmalignyou。\'
Shelookedatmeinakindofwonder；then，withagrowingsmile，——
\'Itistoolate，\'shesaidgently。
\'Toolate？\'Iexclaimed。\'How，Mademoiselle？\'
\'Because——doyouremember，M。deBerault，whatyoutoldmeofyourlove-storyundertheguide-postbyAgen？Thatitcouldhavenohappyending？ForthesamereasonIwasnotashamedtotellminetotheCardinal。Bythistimeitiscommonproperty。\'
Ilookedatherasshestoodfacingme。Hereyesshoneunderthelashesthatalmosthidthem。Herfiguredrooped，andyetasmiletrembledonherlips。
\'Whatdidyoutellhim，Mademoiselle？\'Iwhispered，mybreathcomingquickly。
\'ThatIloved，\'sheansweredboldly，raisinghercleareyestomine。\'AndthereforethatIwasnotashamedtobeg——evenonmyknees。\'
Ifellonmine，andcaughtherhandbeforethelastwordpassedherlips。ForthemomentIforgotKingandCardinal，prisonandthefuture，all；allexceptthatthiswoman，sopureandsobeautiful，sofarabovemeinallthings，lovedme。Forthemoment，Isay。ThenIrememberedmyself。Istoodup，andstoodbackfromherinasuddenrevulsionoffeeling。
\'Youdonotknowme！\'Icried，\'YoudonotknowwhatIhavedone！\'
\'ThatiswhatIdoknow，\'sheanswered，lookingatmewithawondroussmile。
\'Ah！butyoudonot！\'Icried。\'Andbesides，thereisthis——thisbetweenus。\'AndIpickeduptheCardinal\'sletter。Ithadfallenonthefloor。Sheturnedashadepaler。Thenshecriedquickly，——
\'Openit！openit！Itisnotsealednorclosed。\'
Iobeyedmechanically，dreadingwithahorribledreadwhatI
mightsee。EvenwhenIhaditopenIlookedatthefinelyscrawledcharacterswitheyesaskance。ButatlastImadeitout。Anditranthus：——
\'THEKING\'SPLEASUREISTHATM。GILDEBERAULT，HAVINGMIXED
HIMSELFUPINAFFAIRSOFSTATE，RETIREFORTHWITHTOTHEDEMESNE
OFCOCHEFORET，ANDCONFINEHIMSELFWITHINITSLIMITSUNTILTHE
KING\'SPLEASUREBEFURTHERKNOWN。
\'THECARDINALDERICHELIEU。\'
Weweremarriednextday，andafortnightlaterwereatCocheforet，inthebrownwoodsunderthesouthernmountains；
whilethegreatCardinal，oncemoretriumphantoverhisenemies，sawwithcold，smilingeyestheworldpassthroughhischamber。
Thefloodtideofhisprosperitylastedthirteenyearsfromthattime，andceasedonlywithhisdeath。Fortheworldhadlearneditslesson；tothishourtheycallthatday，whichsawmestandaloneforallhisfriends，\'TheDayofDupes。\'
