第7章
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。"