1 files changed, 7665 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/old/3430.txt b/old/3430.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c13db8d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/3430.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,7665 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Suitors of Yvonne, by Raphael Sabatini
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Suitors of Yvonne
+
+Author: Raphael Sabatini
+
+Posting Date: February 25, 2009 [EBook #3430]
+Release Date: September, 2002
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SUITORS OF YVONNE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by John Stuart Middleton
+
+
+
+
+
+THE SUITORS OF YVONNE
+
+Being a Portion of the Memoirs of the Sieur Gaston de Luynes
+
+
+By Rafael Sabatini
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+
+   CHAPTER
+
+       I.  OF HOW A BOY DRANK TOO MUCH WINE, AND WHAT CAME OF IT
+
+      II.  THE FRUIT OF INDISCRETION
+
+     III.  THE FIGHT IN THE HORSE-MARKET
+
+      IV.  FAIR RESCUERS
+
+       V.  MAZARIN, THE MATCH-MAKER
+
+      VI.  OF HOW ANDREA BECAME LOVE-SICK
+
+     VII.  THE CHATEAU DR CANAPLES
+
+    VIII.  THE FORESHADOW OF DISASTER
+
+      IX.  OF HOW A WHIP PROVED A BETTER ARGUMENT THAN A TONGUE
+
+       X.  THE CONSCIENCE OF MALPERTUIS
+
+      XI.  OF A WOMAN'S OBSTINACY
+
+     XII.  THE RESCUE
+
+    XIII.  THE HAND OF YVONNE
+
+     XIV.  OF WHAT BEFELL AT REAUX
+
+      XV.  OF MY RESURRECTION
+
+     XVI.  THE WAY OF WOMAN
+
+    XVII.  FATHER AND SON
+
+   XVIII.  OF HOW I LEFT CANAPLES
+
+     XIX.  OF MY RETURN TO PARIS
+
+      XX.  OF HOW THE CHEVALIER DE CANAPLES BECAME A FRONDEUR
+
+     XXI.  OF THE BARGAIN THAT ST. AUBAN DROVE WITH MY LORD CARDINAL
+
+    XXII.  OF MY SECOND JOURNEY TO CANAPLES
+
+   XXIII.  OF HOW ST. AUBAN CAME TO BLOIS
+
+    XXIV.  OF THE PASSING OF ST. AUBAN
+
+     XXV.  PLAY-ACTING
+
+    XXVI.  REPARATION
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I. OF HOW A BOY DRANK TOO MUCH WINE, AND WHAT CAME OF IT
+
+
+Andrea de Mancini sprawled, ingloriously drunk, upon the floor. His legs
+were thrust under the table, and his head rested against the chair from
+which he had slipped; his long black hair was tossed and dishevelled;
+his handsome, boyish face flushed and garbed in the vacant expression of
+idiocy.
+
+"I beg a thousand pardons, M. de Luynes," quoth he in the thick,
+monotonous voice of a man whose brain but ill controls his tongue,--"I
+beg a thousand pardons for the unseemly poverty of our repast. 'T is
+no fault of mine. My Lord Cardinal keeps a most unworthy table for
+me. Faugh! Uncle Giulio is a Hebrew--if not by birth, by instinct. He
+carries his purse-strings in a knot which it would break his heart to
+unfasten. But there! some day my Lord Cardinal will go to heaven--to the
+lap of Abraham. I shall be rich then, vastly rich, and I shall bid
+you to a banquet worthy of your most noble blood. The Cardinal's
+health--perdition have him for the niggardliest rogue unhung!"
+
+I pushed back my chair and rose. The conversation was taking a turn that
+was too unhealthy to be pursued within the walls of the Palais Mazarin,
+where there existed, albeit the law books made no reference to it, the
+heinous crime of lese-Eminence--a crime for which more men had been
+broken than it pleases me to dwell on.
+
+"Your table, Master Andrea, needs no apology," I answered carelessly.
+"Your wine, for instance, is beyond praise."
+
+"Ah, yes! The wine! But, ciel! Monsieur," he ejaculated, for a moment
+opening wide his heavy eyelids, "do you believe 't was Mazarin provided
+it? Pooh! 'T was a present made me by M. de la Motte, who seeks my
+interest with my Lord Cardinal to obtain for him an appointment in
+his Eminence's household, and thus thinks to earn my good will. He's
+a pestilent creature, this la Motte," he added, with a hiccough,--"a
+pestilent creature; but, Sangdieu! his wine is good, and I'll speak to
+my uncle. Help me up, De Luynes. Help me up, I say; I would drink the
+health of this provider of wines."
+
+I hurried forward, but he had struggled up unaided, and stood swaying
+with one hand on the table and the other on the back of his chair. In
+vain did I remonstrate with him that already he had drunk overmuch.
+
+"'T is a lie!" he shouted. "May not a gentleman sit upon the floor from
+choice?"
+
+To emphasise his protestation he imprudently withdrew his hand from the
+chair and struck at the air with his open palm. That gesture cost him
+his balance. He staggered, toppled backward, and clutched madly at the
+tablecloth as he fell, dragging glasses, bottles, dishes, tapers, and a
+score of other things besides, with a deafening crash on to the floor.
+
+Then, as I stood aghast and alarmed, wondering who might have overheard
+the thunder of his fall, the fool sat up amidst the ruins, and filled
+the room with his shrieks of drunken laughter.
+
+"Silence, boy!" I thundered, springing towards him. "Silence! or we
+shall have the whole house about our ears."
+
+And truly were my fears well grounded, for, before I could assist him
+to rise, I heard the door behind me open. Apprehensively I turned, and
+sickened to see that that which I had dreaded most was come to pass. A
+tall, imposing figure in scarlet robes stood erect and scowling on the
+threshold, and behind him his valet, Bernouin, bearing a lighted taper.
+
+Mancini's laugh faded into a tremulous cackle, then died out, and with
+gaping mouth and glassy eyes he sat there staring at his uncle.
+
+Thus we stayed in silence while a man might count mayhap a dozen; then
+the Cardinal's voice rang harsh and full of anger.
+
+"'T is thus that you fulfil your trust, M. de Luynes!" he said.
+
+"Your Eminence--" I began, scarce knowing what I should say, when he cut
+me short.
+
+"I will deal with you presently and elsewhere." He stepped up to Andrea,
+and surveyed him for a moment in disgust. "Get up, sir!" he commanded.
+"Get up!"
+
+The lad sought to obey him with an alacrity that merited a kinder fate.
+Had he been in less haste perchance he had been more successful. As it
+was, he had got no farther than his knees when his right leg slid from
+under him, and he fell prone among the shattered tableware, mumbling
+curses and apologies in a breath.
+
+Mazarin stood gazing at him with an eye that was eloquent in scorn, then
+bending down he spoke quickly to him in Italian. What he said I know
+not, being ignorant of their mother tongue; but from the fierceness of
+his utterance I'll wager my soul 't was nothing sweet to listen to. When
+he had done with him, he turned to his valet.
+
+"Bernouin," said he, "summon M. de Mancini's servant and assist him to
+get my nephew to bed. M. de Luynes, be good enough to take Bernouin's
+taper and light me back to my apartments."
+
+Unsavoury as was the task, I had no choice but to obey, and to stalk on
+in front of him, candle in hand, like an acolyte at Notre Dame, and in
+my heart the profound conviction that I was about to have a bad quarter
+of an hour with his Eminence. Nor was I wrong; for no sooner had we
+reached his cabinet and the door had been closed than he turned upon me
+the full measure of his wrath.
+
+"You miserable fool!" he snarled. "Did you think to trifle with the
+trust which in a misguided moment I placed in you? Think you that, when
+a week ago I saved you from starvation to clothe and feed you and give
+you a lieutenancy in my guards, I should endure so foul an abuse as
+this? Think you that I entrusted M. de Mancini's training in arms to you
+so that you might lead him into the dissolute habits which have dragged
+you down to what you are--to what you were before I rescued you--to what
+you will be to-morrow when I shall have again abandoned you?"
+
+"Hear me, your Eminence!" I cried indignantly. "'T is no fault of mine.
+Some fool hath sent M. de Mancini a basket of wine and--"
+
+"And you showed him how to abuse it," he broke in harshly. "You have
+taught the boy to become a sot; in time, were he to remain under your
+guidance, I make no doubt but that he would become a gamester and a
+duellist as well. I was mad, perchance, to give him into your care; but
+I have the good fortune to be still in time, before the mischief has
+sunk farther, to withdraw him from it, and to cast you back into the
+kennel from which I picked you."
+
+"Your Eminence does not mean--"
+
+"As God lives I do!" he cried. "You shall quit the Palais Royal this
+very night, M. de Luynes, and if ever I find you unbidden within half a
+mile of it, I will do that which out of a misguided sense of compassion
+I do not do now--I will have you flung into an oubliette of the
+Bastille, where better men than you have rotted before to-day. Per Dio!
+do you think that I am to be fooled by such a thing as you?"
+
+"Does your Eminence dismiss me?" I cried aghast, and scarce crediting
+that such was indeed the extreme measure upon which he had determined.
+
+"Have I not been plain enough?" he answered with a snarl.
+
+I realised to the full my unenviable position, and with the realisation
+of it there overcame me the recklessness of him who has played his last
+stake at the tables and lost. That recklessness it was that caused me to
+shrug my shoulders with a laugh. I was a soldier of fortune--or should I
+say a soldier of misfortune?--as rich in vice as I was poor in virtue;
+a man who lived by the steel and parried the blows that came as best he
+might, or parried them not at all--but never quailed.
+
+"As your Eminence pleases," I answered coolly, "albeit methinks that for
+one who has shed his blood for France as freely as I have done, a little
+clemency were not unfitting."
+
+He raised his eyebrows, and his lips curled in a malicious sneer.
+
+"You come of a family, M. de Luynes," he said slowly, "that is famed for
+having shed the blood of others for France more freely than its own.
+You are, I believe, the nephew of Albert de Luynes. Do you forget the
+Marshal d'Ancre?"
+
+I felt the blood of anger hot in my face as I made haste to answer him:
+
+"There are many of us, Monseigneur, who have cause to blush for the
+families they spring from--more cause, mayhap, than hath Gaston de
+Luynes."
+
+In my words perchance there was no offensive meaning, but in my tone and
+in the look which I bent upon the Cardinal there was that which told him
+that I alluded to his own obscure and dubious origin. He grew livid, and
+for a moment methought he would have struck me: had he done so, then,
+indeed, the history of Europe would have been other than it is to-day!
+He restrained himself, however, and drawing himself to the full height
+of his majestic figure he extended his arm towards the door.
+
+"Go," he said, in a voice that passion rendered hoarse. "Go, Monsieur.
+Go quickly, while my clemency endures. Go before I summon the guard and
+deal with you as your temerity deserves."
+
+I bowed--not without a taint of mockery, for I cared little what might
+follow; then, with head erect and the firm tread of defiance, I stalked
+out of his apartment, along the corridor, down the great staircase,
+across the courtyard, past the guard,--which, ignorant of my disgrace,
+saluted me,--and out into the street.
+
+Then at last my head sank forward on my breast, and deep in thought I
+wended my way home, oblivious of all around me, even the chill bite of
+the February wind.
+
+In my mind I reviewed my wasted life, with the fleeting pleasures and
+the enduring sorrows that it had brought me--or that I had drawn from
+it. The Cardinal said no more than truth when he spoke of having saved
+me from starvation. A week ago that was indeed what he had done. He
+had taken pity on Gaston de Luynes, the nephew of that famous Albert de
+Luynes who had been Constable of France in the early days of the late
+king's reign; he had made me lieutenant of his guards and maitre d'armes
+to his nephews Andrea and Paolo de Mancini because he knew that a better
+blade than mine could not be found in France, and because he thought it
+well to have such swords as mine about him.
+
+A little week ago life had been replete with fresh promises, the gates
+of the road to fame (and perchance fortune) had been opened to me anew,
+and now--before I had fairly passed that gate I had been thrust rudely
+back, and it had been slammed in my face because it pleased a fool to
+become a sot whilst in my company.
+
+There is a subtle poetry in the contemplation of ruin. With ruin itself,
+howbeit, there comes a prosaic dispelling of all idle dreams--a hard, a
+grim, a vile reality.
+
+Ruin! 'T is an ugly word. A fitting one to carve upon the tombstone of a
+reckless, godless, dissolute life such as mine had been.
+
+Back, Gaston de Luynes! back, to the kennel whence the Cardinal's hand
+did for a moment pluck you; back, from the morning of hope to the night
+of despair; back, to choose between starvation and the earning of a
+pauper's fee as a master of fence!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II. THE FRUIT OF INDISCRETION
+
+
+Despite the dejection to which I had become a prey, I slept no less
+soundly that night than was my wont, and indeed it was not until late
+next morning when someone knocked at my door that I awakened.
+
+I sat up in bed, and my first thought as I looked round the handsome
+room--which I had rented a week ago upon receiving the lieutenancy in
+the Cardinal's guards--was for the position that I had lost and of the
+need that there would be ere long to seek a lodging more humble and
+better suited to my straitened circumstances. It was not without regret
+that such a thought came to me, for my tastes had never been modest, and
+the house was a fine one, situated in the Rue St. Antoine at a hundred
+paces or so from the Jesuit convent.
+
+I had no time, however, to indulge the sorry mood that threatened to
+beset me, for the knocking at my chamber door continued, until at length
+I answered it with a command to enter.
+
+It was my servant Michelot, a grizzled veteran of huge frame and
+strength, who had fought beside me at Rocroi, and who had thereafter
+become so enamoured of my person--for some trivial service he swore I
+had rendered him--that he had attached himself to me and my luckless
+fortunes.
+
+He came to inform me that M. de Mancini was below and craved immediate
+speech with me. He had scarce done speaking, however, when Andrea
+himself, having doubtless grown tired of waiting, appeared in the
+doorway. He wore a sickly look, the result of his last night's debauch;
+but, more than that, there was stamped upon his face a look of latent
+passion which made me think at first that he was come to upbraid me.
+
+"Ah, still abed, Luynes?" was his greeting as he came forward.
+
+His cloak was wet and his boots splashed, which told me both that he had
+come afoot and that it rained.
+
+"There are no duties that bid me rise," I answered sourly.
+
+He frowned at that, then, divesting himself of his cloak, he gave it
+to Michelot, who, at a sign from me, withdrew. No sooner was the door
+closed than the boy's whole manner changed. The simmering passion of
+which I had detected signs welled up and seemed to choke him as he
+poured forth the story that he had come to tell.
+
+"I have been insulted," he gasped. "Grossly insulted by a vile creature
+of Monsieur d'Orleans's household. An hour ago in the ante-chamber at
+the Palais Royal I was spoken of in my hearing as the besotted nephew of
+the Italian adventurer."
+
+I sat up in bed tingling with excitement at the developments which
+already I saw arising from his last night's imprudence.
+
+"Calmly, Andrea," I begged of him, "tell me calmly."
+
+"Mortdieu! How can I be calm? Ough! The thought of it chokes me. I was
+a fool last night--a sot. For that, perchance, men have some right to
+censure me. But, Sangdieu! that a ruffler of the stamp of Eugene de
+Canaples should speak of it--should call me the nephew of an Italian
+adventurer, should draw down upon me the cynical smile of a crowd of
+courtly apes--pah! I am sick at the memory of it!"
+
+"Did you answer him?"
+
+"Pardieu! I should be worthy of the title he bestowed upon me had I not
+done so. Oh, I answered him--not in words. I threw my hat in his face."
+
+"That was a passing eloquent reply!"
+
+"So eloquent that it left him speechless with amazement. He thought to
+bully with impunity, and see me slink into hiding like a whipped dog,
+terrified by his blustering tongue and dangerous reputation. But there!"
+he broke off, "a meeting has been arranged for four o'clock at St.
+Germain."
+
+"A meeting!" I exclaimed.
+
+"What else? Do you think the affront left any alternative?"
+
+"But--"
+
+"Yes, yes, I know," he interrupted, tossing his head. "I am going to be
+killed. Verville has sworn that there shall be one less of the Italian
+brood. That is why I have come to you, Luynes--to ask you to be my
+second. I don't deserve it, perhaps. In my folly last night I did you
+an ill turn. I unwittingly caused you to be stripped of your commission.
+But if I were on my death-bed now, and begged a favour of you, you would
+not refuse it. And what difference is there 'twixt me and one who is on
+his death-bed? Am I not about to die?"
+
+"Peste! I hope not," I made answer with more lightness than I felt. "But
+I'll stand by you with all my heart, Andrea."
+
+"And you'll avenge me?" he cried savagely, his Southern blood a-boiling.
+"You'll not let him leave the ground alive?"
+
+"Not unless my opponent commits the indiscretion of killing me first.
+Who seconds M. de Canaples?"
+
+"The Marquis de St. Auban and M. de Montmedy."
+
+"And who is the third in our party?"
+
+"I have none. I thought that perhaps you had a friend."
+
+"I! A friend?" I laughed bitterly. "Pshaw, Andrea! beggars have no
+friends. But stay; find Stanislas de Gouville. There is no better
+blade in Paris. If he will join us in this frolic, and you can hold off
+Canaples until either St. Auban or Montmedy is disposed of, we may yet
+leave the three of them on the field of battle. Courage, Andrea! Dum
+spiramus, speramus."
+
+My words seemed to cheer him, and when presently he left me to seek out
+the redoubtable Gouville, the poor lad's face was brighter by far than
+when he had entered my room.
+
+Down in my heart, however, I was less hopeful than I had led him to
+believe, and as I dressed after he had gone, 't was not without some
+uneasiness that I turned the matter over in my mind. I had, during the
+short period of our association, grown fond of Andrea de Mancini. Indeed
+the wonted sweetness of the lad's temper, and the gentleness of his
+disposition, were such as to breed affection in all who came in contact
+with him. In a way, too, methought he had grown fond of me, and I had
+known so few friends in life,--truth to tell I fear me that I had few of
+the qualities that engender friendship,--that I was naturally prone to
+appreciate a gift that from its rareness became doubly valuable.
+
+Hence was it that I trembled for the boy. He had shown aptitude with the
+foils, and derived great profit from my tuition, yet he was too raw by
+far to be pitted against so cunning a swordsman as Canaples.
+
+I had but finished dressing when a coach rumbled down the street and
+halted by my door. Naturally I supposed that someone came to visit
+Coupri, the apothecary,--to whom belonged this house in which I had my
+lodging,--and did not give the matter a second thought until Michelot
+rushed in, with eyes wide open, to announce that his Eminence, Cardinal
+Mazarin, commanded my presence in the adjoining room.
+
+Amazed and deeply marvelling what so extraordinary a visit might
+portend, I hastened to wait upon his Eminence.
+
+I found him standing by the window, and received from him a greeting
+that was passing curt and cavalier.
+
+"Has M. de Mancini been here?" he inquired peremptorily, disregarding
+the chair I offered him.
+
+"He has but left me, Monseigneur."
+
+"Then you know, sir, of the harvest which he has already reaped from the
+indiscretion into which you led him last night?"
+
+"If Monseigneur alludes to the affront put upon M. de Mancini touching
+his last night's indiscretion, by a bully of the Court, I am informed of
+it."
+
+"Pish, Monsieur! I do not follow your fine distinctions--possibly this
+is due to my imperfect knowledge of the language of France, possibly to
+your own imperfect acquaintance with the language of truth."
+
+"Monseigneur!"
+
+"Faugh!" he cried, half scornfully, half peevishly. "I came not here to
+talk of you, but of my nephew. Why did he visit you?"
+
+"To do me the honour of asking me to second him at St. Germain this
+evening."
+
+"And so you think that this duel is to be fought?--that my nephew is to
+be murdered?"
+
+"We will endeavour to prevent his being--as your Eminence daintily puts
+it--murdered. But for the rest, the duel, methinks, cannot be avoided."
+
+"Cannot!" he blazed. "Do you say cannot, M. de Luynes? Mark me well,
+sir: I will use no dissimulation with you. My position in France is
+already a sufficiently difficult one. Already we are threatened with a
+second Fronde. It needs but such events as these to bring my family into
+prominence and make it the butt for the ridicule that malcontents but
+wait an opportunity to slur it with. This affair of Andrea's will lend
+itself to a score or so of lampoons and pasquinades, all of which
+will cast an injurious reflection upon my person and position. That,
+Monsieur, is, methinks, sufficient evil to suffer at your hands. The
+late Cardinal would have had you broken on the wheel for less. I have
+gone no farther than to dismiss you from my service--a clemency for
+which you should be grateful. But I shall not suffer that, in addition
+to the harm already done, Andrea shall be murdered by Canaples."
+
+"I shall do my best to render him assistance."
+
+"You still misapprehend me. This duel, sir, must not take place."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders.
+
+"How does your Eminence propose to frustrate it? Will you arrest
+Canaples?"
+
+"Upon what plea, Monsieur? Think you I am anxious to have the whole of
+Paris howling in my ears?"
+
+"Then possibly it is your good purpose to enforce the late king's edict
+against duelling, and send your guards to St. Germain to arrest the men
+before they engage?"
+
+"Benone!" he sneered. "And what will Paris say if I now enforce a law
+that for ten years has been disregarded? That I feared for my nephew's
+skin and took this means of saving him. A pretty story to have on
+Paris's lips, would it not be?"
+
+"Indeed, Monseigneur, you are right, but I doubt me the duel will needs
+be fought."
+
+"Have I not already said that it shall not be fought?"
+
+Again I shrugged my shoulders. Mazarin grew tiresome with his
+repetitions.
+
+"How can it be avoided, your Eminence?"
+
+"Ah, Monsieur, that is your affair."
+
+"My affair?"
+
+"Assuredly. 'T was through your evil agency he was dragged into this
+business, and through your agency he must be extricated from it."
+
+"Your Eminence jests!"
+
+"Undoubtedly,--'t is a jesting matter," he answered with terrible irony.
+"Oh, I jest! Per Dio! yes. But I'll carry my jest so far as to have you
+hanged if this duel be fought--aye, whether my nephew suffers hurt or
+not. Now, sir, you know what fate awaits you; fight it--turn it aside--I
+have shown you the way. The door, M. de Luynes."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III. THE FIGHT IN THE HORSE-MARKET
+
+
+I let him go without a word. There was that in his voice, in his eye,
+and in the gesture wherewith he bade me hold the door for him, that
+cleared my mind of any doubts touching the irrevocable character of his
+determination. To plead was never an accomplishment of mine; to argue, I
+saw, would be to waste the Cardinal's time to no purpose.
+
+And so I let him go,--and my curse with him,--and from my window I
+watched his coach drive away in the drizzling rain, scattering the
+crowd of awe-stricken loiterers who had collected at the rumour of his
+presence.
+
+With a fervent prayer that his patron saint, the devil, might see fit
+to overset his coach and break his neck before he reached the Palace, I
+turned from the window, and called Michelot.
+
+He was quick to answer my summons, bringing me the frugal measure of
+bread and wine wherewith it was my custom to break my fast. Then,
+whilst I munched my crust, I strode to and fro in the little chamber
+and exercised my wits to their utmost for a solution to the puzzle his
+Eminence had set me.
+
+One solution there was, and an easy one--flight. But I had promised
+Andrea de Mancini that I would stand beside him at St. Germain; there
+was a slender chance of saving him if I went, whilst, if I stayed away,
+there would be nothing left for his Eminence to do but to offer up
+prayers for the rest of his nephew's soul.
+
+Another idea I had, but it was desperate--and yet, so persistently did
+my thoughts revert to it that in the end I determined to accept it.
+
+I drank a cup of Armagnac, cheered myself with an oath or two, and again
+I called Michelot. When he came, I asked him if he were acquainted
+with M. de Canaples, to which he replied that he was, having seen the
+gentleman in my company.
+
+"Then," I said, "you will repair to M. de Canaples's lodging in the Rue
+des Gesvres, and ascertain discreetly whether he be at home. If he is,
+you will watch the house until he comes forth, then follow him, and
+bring me word thereafter where he is to be found. Should he be already
+abroad before you reach the Rue des Gesvres, endeavour to ascertain
+whither he has gone, and return forthwith. But be discreet, Michelot.
+You understand?"
+
+He assured me that he did, and left me to nurse my unpleasant thoughts
+for half an hour, returning at the end of that time with the information
+that M. de Canaples was seated at dinner in the "Auberge du Soleil."
+
+Naught could have been more attuned to my purpose, and straightway
+I drew on my boots, girt on my sword, and taking my hat and cloak, I
+sallied out into the rain, and wended my way at a sharp pace towards the
+Rue St. Honore.
+
+One o'clock was striking as I crossed the threshold of the "Soleil" and
+flung my dripping cloak to the first servant I chanced upon.
+
+I glanced round the well-filled room, and at one of the tables I espied
+my quarry in company with St. Auban and Montmedy--the very gentlemen
+who were to fight beside him that evening--and one Vilmorin, as arrant a
+coxcomb and poltroon as could be found in France. With my beaver cocked
+at the back of my head, and a general bearing that for aggressiveness
+would be hard to surpass, I strode up to their table, and stood for a
+moment surveying them with an insolent stare that made them pause in
+their conversation. They raised their noble heads and bestowed upon me a
+look of haughty and disdainful wonder,--such a look as one might bestow
+upon a misbehaving lackey,--all save Vilmorin, who, with a coward's keen
+nose for danger, turned slightly pale and fidgeted in his chair. I was
+well known to all of them, but my attitude forbade all greeting.
+
+"Has M. de Luynes lost anything?" St. Auban inquired icily.
+
+"His wits, mayhap," quoth Canaples with a contemptuous shrug.
+
+He was a tall, powerfully built man, this Canaples, with a swart, cruel
+face that was nevertheless not ill-favoured, and a profusion of black
+hair.
+
+"There is a temerity in M. de Canaples's rejoinder that I had not looked
+for," I said banteringly.
+
+Canaples's brow was puckered in a frown.
+
+"Ha! And why not, Monsieur?"
+
+"Why not? Because it is not to be expected that one who fastens quarrels
+upon schoolboys would evince the courage to beard Gaston de Luynes."
+
+"Monsieur!" the four of them cried in chorus, so loudly that the hum
+of voices in the tavern became hushed, and all eyes were turned in our
+direction.
+
+"M. de Canaples," I said calmly, "permit me to say that I can find no
+more fitting expression for the contempt I hold you in than this."
+
+As I spoke I seized a corner of the tablecloth, and with a sudden tug I
+swept it, with all it held, on to the floor.
+
+Dame! what a scene there was! In an instant the four of them were on
+their feet,--as were half the occupants of the room, besides,--whilst
+poor Vilmorin, who stood trembling like a maid who for the first time
+hears words of love, raised his quavering voice to cry soothingly,
+"Messieurs, Messieurs!"
+
+Canaples was livid with passion, but otherwise the calmest in that room,
+saving perhaps myself. With a gesture he restrained Montmedy and St.
+Auban.
+
+"I shall be happy to give Master de Luynes all the proof of my courage
+that he may desire, and more, I warrant, than he will relish."
+
+"Bravely answered!" I cried, with an approving nod and a beaming smile.
+"Be good enough to lead the way to a convenient spot."
+
+"I have other business at the moment," he answered calmly. "Let us say
+to-morrow at--"
+
+"Faugh!" I broke in scornfully. "I knew it! Confess, Monsieur, that
+you dare not light me now lest you should be unable to keep your
+appointments for this evening."
+
+"Mille diables!" exclaimed St. Auban, "this insolence passes all
+bounds."
+
+"Each man in his turn if you please, gentlemen," I replied. "My present
+affair is with M. de Canaples."
+
+There was a hot answer burning on St. Auban's lips, but Canaples was
+beforehand with him.
+
+"Par la mort Dieu!" he cried; "you go too far, sir, with your 'dare' and
+'dare not.' Is a broken gamester, a penniless adventurer, to tell Eugene
+de Canaples what he dares? Come, sir; since you are eager for the taste
+of steel, follow me, and say your prayers as you go."
+
+With that we left the inn, amidst a prodigious hubbub, and made our way
+to the horse-market behind the Hotel Vendome. It was not to be expected,
+albeit the place we had chosen was usually deserted at such an hour,
+that after the fracas at the "Soleil" our meeting would go unattended.
+When we faced each other--Canaples and I--there were at least some
+twenty persons present, who came, despite the rain, to watch what they
+thought was like to prove a pretty fight. Men of position were they for
+the most part, gentlemen of the Court with here and there a soldier,
+and from the manner in which they eyed me methought they favoured me but
+little.
+
+Our preparations were brief. The absence of seconds disposed of all
+formalities, the rain made us impatient to be done, and in virtue of it
+Canaples pompously announced that he would not risk a cold by stripping.
+With interest did I grimly answer that he need fear no cold when I had
+done with him. Then casting aside my cloak, I drew, and, professing
+myself also disposed to retain my doublet, we forthwith engaged.
+
+He was no mean swordsman, this Canaples. Indeed, his reputation was
+already widespread, and in the first shock of our meeting blades I felt
+that rumour had been just for once. But I was strangely dispossessed
+of any doubts touching the outcome; this being due perchance to a vain
+confidence in my own skill, perchance to the spirit of contemptuous
+raillery wherewith I had from the outset treated the affair, and which
+had so taken root in my heart that even when we engaged I still, almost
+unwittingly, persisted in it.
+
+In my face and attitude there was the reflection of this bantering,
+flippant mood; it was to be read in the mocking disdain of my glance, in
+the scornful curl of my lip, and even in the turn of my wrist as I put
+aside my opponent's passes. All this, Canaples must have noted, and it
+was not without effect upon his nerves. Moreover, there is in steel a
+subtle magnetism which is the index of one's antagonist; and from the
+moment that our blades slithered one against the other I make no doubt
+but that Canaples grew aware of the confident, almost exultant mood in
+which I met him, and which told him that I was his master. Add to this
+the fact that whilst Canaples's nerves were unstrung by passion mine
+were held in check by a mind as calm and cool as though our swords were
+baited, and consider with what advantages I took my ground.
+
+He led the attack fiercely and furiously, as if I were a boy whose guard
+was to be borne down by sheer weight of blows. I contented myself with
+tapping his blade aside, and when at length, after essaying every
+trick in his catalogue, he fell back baffled, I laughed a low laugh of
+derision that drove him pale with fury.
+
+Again he came at me, almost before I was prepared for him, and his
+point, parried with a downward stroke and narrowly averted, scratched
+my thigh, but did more damage to my breeches than my skin, in exchange
+I touched him playfully on the shoulder, and the sting of it drove him
+back a second time. He was breathing hard by then, and would fain have
+paused awhile for breath, but I saw no reason to be merciful.
+
+"Now, sir," I cried, saluting him as though our combat were but on the
+point of starting--"to me! Guard yourself!"
+
+Again our swords clashed, and my blows now fell as swift on his blade
+as his had done awhile ago on mine. So hard did I press him that he was
+forced to give way before me. Back I drove him pace by pace, his
+wrist growing weaker at each parry, each parry growing wider, and the
+perspiration streaming down his ashen face. Panting he went, in that
+backward flight before my onslaught, defending himself as best he could,
+never thinking of a riposte--beaten already. Back, and yet back he went,
+until he reached the railings and could back no farther, and so
+broken was his spirit then that a groan escaped him. I answered with a
+laugh--my mood was lusty and cruel--and thrust at him. Then, eluding his
+guard, I thrust again, beneath it, and took him fairly in the middle of
+his doublet.
+
+He staggered, dropped his rapier, and caught at the railings, where for
+a moment he hung swaying and gasping. Then his head fell forward, his
+grip relaxed, and swooning he sank down into a heap.
+
+A dozen sprang to his aid, foremost amongst them being St. Auban and
+Montmedy, whilst I drew back, suddenly realising my own spent condition,
+to which the heat of the combat had hitherto rendered me insensible. I
+mastered myself as best I might, and, dissembling my hard breathing, I
+wiped my blade with a kerchief, an act which looked so calm and callous
+that it drew from the crowd--for a crowd it had become by then--an angry
+growl. 'T is thus with the vulgar; they are ever ready to sympathise
+with the vanquished without ever pausing to ask themselves if his
+chastisement may not be merited.
+
+In answer to the growl I tossed my head, and sheathing my sword I flung
+the bloodstained kerchief into their very midst. The audacity of the
+gesture left them breathless, and they growled no more, but stared.
+
+Then that outrageous fop, Vilmorin, who had been bending over Canaples,
+started up and coming towards me with a face that was whiter than that
+of the prostrate man, he proved himself so utterly bereft of wit by
+terror that for once he had the temerity to usurp the words and actions
+of a brave man.
+
+"You have murdered him!" he cried in a strident voice, and thrusting his
+clenched fist within an inch of my face. "Do you hear me, you knave? You
+have murdered him!"
+
+Now, as may be well conceived, I was in no mood to endure such words
+from any man, so was but natural that for answer I caught the dainty
+Vicomte a buffet that knocked him into the arms of the nearest
+bystander, and brought him to his senses.
+
+"Fool," I snarled at him, "must I make another example before you
+believe that Gaston de Luynes wears a sword?"
+
+"In the name of Heaven--" he began, putting forth his hands in a
+beseeching gesture; but what more he said was drowned by the roar of
+anger that burst from the onlookers, and it was like to have gone ill
+with me had not St. Auban come to my aid at that most critical juncture.
+
+"Messieurs!" he cried, thrusting himself before me, and raising his hand
+to crave silence, "hear me. I, a friend of M. de Canaples, tell you that
+you wrong M. de Luynes. 'T was a fair fight--how the quarrel arose is no
+concern of yours."
+
+Despite his words they still snarled and growled like the misbegotten
+curs they were. But St. Auban was famous for the regal supper parties he
+gave, to which all were eager to be bidden, and amidst that crowd, as I
+have said, there were a score or so of gentlemen of the Court, who--with
+scant regard for the right or wrong of the case and every regard to
+conciliate this giver of suppers--came to range themselves beside and
+around us, and thus protected me from the murderous designs of that
+rabble.
+
+Seeing how the gentlemen took my part, and deeming--in their blessed
+ignorance--that what gentlemen did must be perforce well done, they grew
+calm in the twinkling of an eye. Thereupon St. Auban, turning to me,
+counselled me in a whisper to be gone, whilst the tide of opinion flowed
+in my favour. Intent to act upon this good advice, I took a step towards
+the little knot that had collected round Canaples, and with natural
+curiosity inquired into the nature of his hurt.
+
+'T was Montmedy who answered me, scowling as he did so:
+
+"He may die of it, Monsieur. If he does not, his recovery will be at
+least slow and difficult."
+
+I had been wise had I held my peace and gone; but, like a fool, I must
+needs give utterance to what was in my mind.
+
+"Ah! At least there will be no duel at St. Germain this evening."
+
+Scarce had the words fallen from my lips when I saw in the faces of
+Montmedy and St. Auban and half a dozen others the evidence of their
+rashness.
+
+"So!" cried St. Auban in a voice that shook with rage. "That was your
+object, eh? That you had fallen low, Master de Luynes, I knew, but I
+dreamt not that in your fall you had come so low as this."
+
+"You dare?"
+
+"Pardieu! I dare more, Monsieur; I dare tell you--you, Gaston de Luynes,
+spy and bravo of the Cardinal--that your object shall be defeated.
+That, as God lives, this duel shall still be fought--by me instead of
+Canaples."
+
+"And I tell you, sir, that as God lives it shall not," I answered with a
+vehemence not a whit less than his own. "To you and to what other fools
+may think to follow in your footsteps, I say this: that not to-night
+nor to-morrow nor the next day shall that duel be fought. Cowards and
+poltroons you are, who seek to murder a beardless boy who has injured
+none of you! But, by my soul! every man who sends a challenge to that
+boy will I at once seek out and deal with as I have dealt with Eugene de
+Canaples. Let those who are eager to try another world make the attempt.
+Adieu, Messieurs!"
+
+And with a flourish of my sodden beaver, I turned and left them before
+they had recovered from the vehemence of my words.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV. FAIR RESCUERS
+
+
+Like the calm of the heavens when pregnant with thunder was the calm of
+that crowd. And as brief it was; for scarce had I taken a dozen steps
+when my ears were assailed by a rumble of angry voices and a rush of
+feet. One glance over my shoulder, one second's hesitation whether I
+should stay and beard them, then the thought of Andrea de Mancini and of
+what would befall him did this canaille vent its wrath upon me decided
+my course and sent me hotfoot down the Rue Monarque. Howling and
+bellowing that rabble followed in my wake, stumbling over one another in
+their indecent haste to reach me.
+
+But I was fleet of foot, and behind me there was that that would lend
+wings to the most deliberate, so that when I turned into the open space
+before the Hotel Vendome I had set a good fifty yards betwixt myself and
+the foremost of my hunters.
+
+A coach was passing at that moment. I shouted, and the knave who drove
+glanced at me, then up the Rue Monarque at my pursuers, whereupon,
+shaking his head, he would have left me to my fate. But I was of another
+mind. I dashed towards the vehicle, and as it passed me I caught at
+the window, which luckily was open, and drawing up my legs I hung there
+despite the shower of mud which the revolving wheels deposited upon me.
+
+From the bowels of the coach I was greeted by a woman's scream; a pale
+face, and a profusion of fair hair flashed before my eyes.
+
+"Fear not, Madame," I shouted. "I am no assassin, but rather one
+who stands in imminent peril of assassination, and who craves your
+protection."
+
+More I would have said, but at that juncture the lash of the coachman's
+whip curled itself about my shoulders, and stung me vilely.
+
+"Get down, you rascal," he bellowed; "get down or I'll draw rein!"
+
+To obey him would have been madness. The crowd surged behind with hoots
+and yells, and had I let go I must perforce have fallen into their
+hands. So, instead of getting down as he inconsiderately counselled, I
+drew myself farther up by a mighty effort, and thrust half my body into
+the coach, whereupon the fair lady screamed again, and the whip caressed
+my legs. But within the coach sat another woman, dark of hair and
+exquisite of face, who eyed my advent with a disdainful glance. Her
+proud countenance bore the stamp of courage, and to her it was that I
+directed my appeal.
+
+"Madame, permit me, I pray, to seek shelter in your carriage, and suffer
+me to journey a little way with you. Quick, Madame! Your coachman is
+drawing rein, and I shall of a certainty be murdered under your very
+nose unless you bid him change his mind. To be murdered in itself is a
+trifling matter, I avow, but it is not nice to behold, and I would not,
+for all the world, offend your eyes with the spectacle of it."
+
+I had judged her rightly, and my tone of flippant recklessness won
+me her sympathy and aid. Quickly thrusting her head through the other
+window:
+
+"Drive on, Louis," she commanded. "Faster!" Then turning to me, "You may
+bring your legs into the coach if you choose, sir," she said.
+
+"Your words, Madame, are the sweetest music I have heard for months," I
+answered drily, as I obeyed her. Then leaning out of the carriage again
+I waved my hat gallantly to the mob which--now realising the futility of
+further pursuit--had suddenly come to a halt.
+
+"Au plaisir de vous revoir, Messieurs," I shouted. "Come to me one by
+one, and I'll keep the devil busy finding lodgings for you."
+
+They answered me with a yell, and I sat down content, and laughed.
+
+"You are not a coward, Monsieur," said the dark lady.
+
+"I have been accounted many unsavoury things, Madame, but my bitterest
+enemies never dubbed me that."
+
+"Why, then, did you run away?"
+
+"Why? Ma foi! because in the excessive humility of my soul I recognised
+myself unfit to die."
+
+She bit her lip and her tiny foot beat impatiently upon the floor.
+
+"You are trifling with me, Monsieur. Where do you wish to alight?"
+
+"Pray let that give you no concern; I can assure you that I am in no
+haste."
+
+"You become impertinent, sir," she cried angrily. "Answer me, where are
+you going?"
+
+"Where am I going? Oh, ah--to the Palais Royal."
+
+Her eyes opened very wide at that, and wandered over me with a look that
+was passing eloquent. Indeed, I was a sorry spectacle for any woman's
+eyes--particularly a pretty one's. Splashed from head to foot with mud,
+my doublet saturated and my beaver dripping, with the feather hanging
+limp and broken, whilst there was a rent in my breeches that had
+been made by Canaples's sword, I take it that I had not the air of a
+courtier, and that when I said that I went to the Palais Royal she might
+have justly held me to be the adventurous lover of some kitchen wench.
+But unto the Palais Royal go others besides courtiers and lovers--spies
+of the Cardinal, for instance, and in her sudden coldness and the next
+question that fell from her beauteous lips I read that she had guessed
+me one of these.
+
+"Why did the mob pursue you, Monsieur?"
+
+There was in her voice and gesture when she asked a question the
+imperiousness of one accustomed to command replies. This pretty
+queenliness it was that drove me to answer--as I had done before--in a
+bantering strain.
+
+"Why did the mob pursue me? Hum! Why does the mob pursue great men?
+Because it loves their company."
+
+Her matchless eyes flashed an angry glance, and the faint smile on my
+lips must have tried her temper sorely.
+
+"What did you do to deserve this affection?"
+
+"A mere nothing--I killed a man," I answered coolly. "Or, at least, I
+left him started on the road to--Paradise."
+
+The little flaxen-haired doll uttered a cry of horror, and covered her
+face with her small white hands. My inquisitor, however, sat rigid and
+unaffected. My answer had confirmed her suspicions.
+
+"Why did you kill him?"
+
+"Ma foi!" I replied, encouraging her thoughts, "because he sought to
+kill me."
+
+"Ah! And why did he seek to kill you?"
+
+"Because I disturbed him at dinner."
+
+"Have a care how you trifle, sir!" she retorted, her eyes kindling
+again.
+
+"Upon my honour, 't was no more than that. I pulled the cloth from
+the table whilst he ate. He was a quick-tempered gentleman, and my
+playfulness offended him. That is all."
+
+Doubt appeared in her eyes, and it may have entered her mind that
+perchance her judgment had been over-hasty.
+
+"Do you mean, sir, that you provoked a duel?"
+
+"Alas, Madame! It had become necessary. You see, M. de Canaples--"
+
+"Who?" Her voice rang sharp as the crack of a pistol.
+
+"Eh? M. de Canaples."
+
+"Was it he whom you killed?"
+
+From her tone, and the eager, strained expression of her face, it was
+not difficult to read that some mighty interest of hers was involved in
+my reply. It needed not the low moan that burst from her companion to
+tell me so.
+
+"As I have said, Madame, it is possible that he is not dead--nay, even
+that he will not die. For the rest, since you ask the question, my
+opponent was, indeed, M. de Canaples--Eugene de Canaples."
+
+Her face went deadly white, and she sank back in her seat as if every
+nerve in her body had of a sudden been bereft of power, whilst she of
+the fair hair burst into tears.
+
+A pretty position was this for me!--luckily it endured not. The girl
+roused herself from her momentary weakness, and, seizing the cord, she
+tugged it violently. The coach drew up.
+
+"Alight, sir," she hissed--"go! I wish to Heaven that I had left you to
+the vengeance of the people."
+
+Not so did I; nevertheless, as I alighted: "I am sorry, Madame, that you
+did not," I answered. "Adieu!"
+
+The coach moved away, and I was left standing at the corner of the Rue
+St. Honore and the Rue des Bons Enfants, in the sorriest frame of mind
+conceivable. The lady in the coach had saved my life, and for that I was
+more grateful perchance than my life was worth. Out of gratitude sprang
+a regret for the pain that I had undoubtedly caused her, and the sorrow
+which it might have been my fate to cast over her life.
+
+Still, regret, albeit an admirable sentiment, was one whose existence
+was usually brief in my bosom. Dame! Had I been a man of regrets I might
+have spent the remainder of my days weeping over my past life. But
+the gods, who had given me a character calculated to lead a man
+into misfortune, had given me a stout heart wherewith to fight that
+misfortune, and an armour of recklessness against which remorse,
+regrets, aye, and conscience itself, rained blows in vain.
+
+And so it befell that presently I laughed myself out of the puerile
+humour that was besetting me, and, finding myself chilled by inaction in
+my wet clothes, I set off for the Palais Royal at a pace that was first
+cousin to a run.
+
+Ten minutes later I stood in the presence of the most feared and hated
+man in France.
+
+"Cospetto!" cried Mazarin as I entered his cabinet. "Have you swum the
+Seine in your clothes?"
+
+"No, your Eminence, but I have been serving you in the rain for the past
+hour."
+
+He smiled that peculiar smile of his that rendered hateful his otherwise
+not ill-favoured countenance. It was a smile of the lips in which the
+eyes had no part.
+
+"Yes," he said slowly, "I have heard of your achievements."
+
+"You have heard?" I ejaculated, amazed by the powers which this man
+wielded.
+
+"Yes, I have heard. You are a brave man, M. de Luynes."
+
+"Pshaw, your Eminence!" I deprecated; "the poor are always brave. They
+have naught to lose but their life, and that is not so sweet to them
+that they lay much store by it. Howbeit, Monseigneur, your wishes have
+been carried out. There will be no duel at St. Germain this evening."
+
+"Will there not? Hum! I am not so confident. You are a brave man, M. de
+Luynes, but you lack that great auxiliary of valour--discretion. What
+need to fling into the teeth of those fine gentlemen the reason you had
+for spitting Canaples, eh? You have provoked a dozen enemies for Andrea
+where only one existed."
+
+"I will answer for all of them," I retorted boastfully.
+
+"Fine words, M. de Luynes; but to support them how many men will you
+have to kill? Pah! What if some fine morning there comes one who,
+despite your vaunted swordsmanship, proves your master? What will become
+of that fool, my nephew, eh?"
+
+And his uncanny smile again beamed on me. "Andrea is now packing his
+valise. In an hour he will have left Paris secretly. He goes--but what
+does it signify where he goes? He is compelled by your indiscretion
+to withdraw from Court. Had you kept a close tongue in your foolish
+head--but there! you did not, and so by a thoughtless word you undid all
+that you had done so well. You may go, M. de Luynes. I have no further
+need of you--and thank Heaven that you leave the Palais Royal free to go
+whither your fancy takes you, and not to journey to the Bastille or to
+Vincennes. I am merciful, M. de Luynes--as merciful as you are brave;
+more merciful than you are prudent. One word of warning, M. de Luynes:
+do not let me learn that you are in my nephew's company, if you would
+not make me regret my clemency and repair the error of it by having you
+hanged. And now, adieu!"
+
+I stood aghast. Was I indeed dismissed? Albeit naught had been said, I
+had not doubted, since my interview with him that morning, that did I
+succeed in saving Andrea my rank in his guards--and thereby a means of
+livelihood--would be restored to me. And now matters were no better than
+they had been before. He dismissed me with the assurance that he was
+merciful. As God lives, it would have been as merciful to have hanged
+me!
+
+He met my astonished look with an eye that seemed to ask me why I
+lingered. Then reading mayhap what was passing in my thoughts, he raised
+a little silver whistle to his lips and blew softly upon it.
+
+"Bernouin," said he to his valet, who entered in answer to the summons,
+"reconduct M. de Luynes."
+
+I remember drawing down upon my bedraggled person the curious gaze of
+the numerous clients who thronged the Cardinal's ante-chamber, as I
+followed Bernouin to the door which opened on to the corridor, and which
+he held for me. And thus, for the second time within twenty-four hours,
+did I leave the Palais Royal to wend my way home to the Rue St. Antoine
+with grim despondency in my heart.
+
+I found Michelot on the point of setting out in search of me, with a
+note which had been brought to my lodging half an hour ago, and which
+its bearer had said was urgent. I took the letter, and bidding Michelot
+prepare me fresh raiment that I might exchange for my wet clothes, I
+broke the seal and read:
+
+
+"A thousand thanks, dear friend, for the service you have rendered me
+and of which his Eminence, my uncle, has informed me. I fear that you
+have made many enemies for yourself through an action which will likely
+go unrewarded, and that Paris is therefore as little suited at present
+to your health as it is to mine. I am setting out for Blois on a mission
+of exceeding delicacy wherein your advice and guidance would be of
+infinite value to me. I shall remain at Choisy until to-morrow morning,
+and should there be no ties to hold you in Paris, and you be minded to
+bear me company, join me there at the Hotel du Connetable where I shall
+lie to-night. Your grateful and devoted
+
+"ANDRE."
+
+
+So! There was one at least who desired my company! I had not thought it.
+"If there be no ties to hold you in Paris," he wrote. Dame! A change
+of air would suit me vastly. I was resolved--a fig for the Cardinal's
+threat to hang me if I were found in his nephew's company!
+
+"My suit of buff, Michelot," I shouted, springing to my feet, "and my
+leather jerkin."
+
+He gazed at me in surprise.
+
+"Is Monsieur going a journey?"
+
+I answered him that I was, and as I spoke I began to divest myself of
+the clothes I wore. "Pack my suit of pearl grey in the valise, with what
+changes of linen I possess; then call Master Coupri that I may settle
+with him. It may be some time before we return."
+
+In less than half an hour I was ready for the journey, spurred
+and booted, with my rapier at my side, and in the pocket of my
+haut-de-chausses a purse containing some fifty pistoles--best part of
+which I had won from Vilmorin at lansquenet some nights before, and
+which moderate sum represented all the moneys that I possessed.
+
+Our horses were ready, my pistols holstered, and my valise strapped
+to Michelot's saddle. Despite the desperate outlook of my fortunes, of
+which I had made him fully cognisant, he insisted upon clinging to me,
+reminding me that at Rocroi I had saved his life and that he would leave
+me only when I bade him go.
+
+As four o'clock was striking at Notre Dame we crossed the Pont Neuf,
+and going by the Quai des Augustins and the Rue de la Harpe, we quitted
+Paris by the St. Michel Gate and took the road to Choisy. The rain
+had ceased, but the air was keen and cold, and the wind cut like a
+sword-edge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V. MAZARIN, THE MATCH-MAKER
+
+
+Twixt Paris and Choisy there lies but a distance of some two leagues,
+which, given a fair horse, one may cover with ease in little more than
+half an hour. So that as the twilight was deepening into night we drew
+rein before the hostelry of the Connetable, in the only square the
+little township boasts, and from the landlord I had that obsequious
+reception which is ever accorded to him who travels with a body-servant.
+
+I found Andrea installed in a fair-sized and comfortable apartment, to
+the original decoration of which he added not a little by bestowing his
+boots in the centre of the floor, his hat, sword, and baldrick on the
+table, his cloak on one chair, and his doublet on another. He himself
+sat toasting his feet before the blazing logs, which cast a warm,
+reddish glow upon his sable hair and dainty shirt of cambric.
+
+He sprang up as I entered, and came towards me with a look of pleasure
+on his handsome, high-bred face, that did me good to see.
+
+"So, you have come, De Luynes," he cried, putting forth his hand. "I did
+not dare to hope that you would."
+
+"No," I answered. "Truly it was not to be expected that I could be
+easily lured from Paris just as my fortunes are nearing a high tide,
+and his Eminence proposing to make me a Marshal of France and create me
+Duke. As you say, you had scant grounds for hoping that my love for you
+would suffice to make me renounce all these fine things for the mere
+sake of accompanying you on your jaunt to Blois."
+
+He laughed, then fell to thanking me for having rid him of Canaples. I
+cut him short at last, and in answer to his questions told him what had
+passed 'twixt his Eminence and me that afternoon. Then as the waiter
+entered to spread our supper, the conversation assumed a less delicate
+character, until we were again alone with the table and its steaming
+viands between us.
+
+"You have not told me yet, Andrea, what takes you to Blois," quoth I
+then.
+
+"You shall learn. Little do you dream how closely interwoven are our
+morning adventures with this journey of mine. To begin with, I go to
+Blois to pay my devoirs to the lady whom his Eminence has selected for
+my future wife."
+
+"You were then right in describing this as a mission of great delicacy."
+
+"More than you think--I have never seen the lady."
+
+"Never seen her? And you go a-wooing a woman you have never seen?"
+
+"It is so. I have never seen her; but his Eminence has, and 't is he
+who arranges the affair. Ah, the Cardinal is the greatest match-maker in
+France! My cousin Anna Martinozzi is destined for the Prince de Conti,
+my sisters Olympia and Marianne he also hopes to marry to princes of the
+blood, whilst I dare wager that he has thoughts of seating either Maria
+or Hortensia upon the throne of France as the wife of Louis XIV., as
+soon as his Majesty shall have reached a marriageable age. You may
+laugh, De Luynes, nevertheless all this may come to pass, for my uncle
+has great ambitions for his family, and it is even possible that should
+that poor, wandering youth, Charles II. of England, ever return to the
+throne of his fathers he may also become my brother-in-law. I am likely
+to become well connected, De Luynes, so make a friend of me whilst I
+am humble. So much for Mazarin's nieces. His nephews are too young for
+alliances just yet, saving myself; and for me his Eminence has
+chosen one of the greatest heiresses in France--Yvonne St. Albaret de
+Canaples."
+
+"Whom?" I shouted.
+
+He smiled.
+
+"Curious, is it not? She is the sister of the man whom I quarrelled
+with this morning, and whom you fought with this afternoon. Now you will
+understand my uncle's reasons for so strenuously desiring to prevent the
+duel at St. Germain. It appears that the old Chevalier de Canaples is
+as eager as the Cardinal to see his daughter wed to me, for his Eminence
+has promised to create me Duke for a wedding gift. 'T will cost him
+little, and 't will please these Canaples mightily. Naturally, had
+Eugene de Canaples and I crossed swords, matters would have been
+rendered difficult."
+
+"When did you learn all this?" I inquired.
+
+"To-day, after the duel, and when it was known what St. Auban and
+Montmedy had threatened me with. My uncle thought it well that I should
+withdraw from Paris. He sent for me and told me what I have told you,
+adding that I had best seize the opportunity, whilst my presence at
+Court was undesirable, to repair to Blois and get my wooing done. I in
+part agreed with him. The lady is very rich, and I am told that she is
+beautiful. I shall see her, and if she pleases me, I'll woo her. If not,
+I'll return to Paris."
+
+"But her brother will oppose you."
+
+"Her brother? Pooh! If he doesn't die of the sword-thrust you gave him,
+which I am told is in the region of the lung and passing dangerous, he
+will at least be abed for a couple of months to come."
+
+"But I, mon cher Andre? What role do you reserve for me, that you have
+desired me to go with you?"
+
+"The role of Mentor if you will. Methought you would prove a merry
+comrade to help one o'er a tedious journey, and knowing that there was
+little to hold you to Paris, and probably sound reasons why you should
+desire to quit it, meseemed that perhaps you would consent to bear me
+company. Who knows, my knight errant, what adventures may await you and
+what fortunes? If the heiress displeases me, it may be that she will
+please you--or mayhap there is another heiress at Blois who will fall
+enamoured of those fierce moustachios."
+
+I laughed with him at the improbability of such things befalling. I
+carried in my bosom too large a heart, and one that was the property of
+every wench I met--for just so long as I chanced to be in her company.
+
+It was no more than in harmony with this habit of mine, that when, next
+morning in the common-room of the Connetable, I espied Jeanneton, the
+landlord's daughter, and remarked that she was winsome and shapely, with
+a complexion that would not have dishonoured a rose-petal, I permitted
+myself to pinch her dainty cheek. She slapped mine in return, and in
+this pleasant manner we became acquainted.
+
+"Sweet Jeanneton," quoth I with a laugh, "that was mightily ill-done! I
+did but pinch your cheek as one may pinch a sweet-smelling bud, so that
+the perfume of it may cling to one's fingers."
+
+"And I, sir," was the pert rejoinder, "did but slap yours as one may
+slap a misbehaving urchin's; so that he may learn better manners."
+
+Nevertheless she was pleased with my courtly speech, and perchance also
+with my moustachios, for a smile took the place of the frown wherewith
+she had at first confronted me. Now, if I had uttered glib pleasantries
+in answer to her frowns, how many more did not her smiles wring from me!
+I discoursed to her in the very courtliest fashion of cows and pullets
+and such other matters as interesting to her as they were mysterious
+to me. I questioned her in a breath touching her father's pigs and
+the swain she loved best in that little township, to all of which she
+answered me with a charming wit, which would greatly divert you did I
+but recall her words sufficiently to set them down. In five minutes
+we had become the best friends in the world, which was attested by the
+protecting arm that I slipped around her waist, as I asked her whether
+she loved that village swain of hers better than she loved me, and
+refused to believe her when she answered that she did.
+
+Outside two men were talking, one calling for a farrier, and when
+informed that the only one in the village was absent and not likely to
+return till noon, demanding relays of horses. The other--probably the
+hostler--answered him that the Connetable was not a post-house and
+that no horses were to be had there. Then a woman's voice, sweet yet
+commanding, rose above theirs.
+
+"Very well, Guilbert," it said. "We will await this farrier's return."
+
+"Let me go, Monsieur!" cried Jeanneton. "Some one comes."
+
+Now for myself I cared little who might come, but methought that it was
+likely to do poor Jeanneton's fair name no benefit, if the arm of
+Gaston de Luynes were seen about her waist. And so I obeyed her, but not
+quickly enough; for already a shadow lay athwart the threshold, and in
+the doorway stood a woman, whose eye took in the situation before we had
+altered it sufficiently to avert suspicion. To my amazement I beheld the
+lady of the coach--she who had saved me from the mob in Place Vendome,
+and touching whose identity I could have hazarded a shrewd guess.
+
+In her eyes also I saw the light of recognition which swiftly changed to
+one of scorn. Then they passed from me to the vanishing Jeanneton, and
+methought that she was about to call her back. She paused, however, and,
+turning to the lackey who followed at her heels.
+
+"Guilbert," she said, "be good enough to call the landlord, and bid him
+provide me with an apartment for the time that we may be forced to spend
+here."
+
+But at this juncture the host himself came hurrying forward with many
+bows and endless rubbing of hands, which argued untold deference. He
+regretted that the hostelry of the Connetable, being but a poor inn,
+seldom honoured as it was at that moment, possessed but one suite of
+private apartments, and that was now occupied by a most noble gentleman.
+The lady tapped her foot, and as at that moment her companion (who was
+none other than the fair-haired doll I had seen with her on the previous
+day) entered the room, she turned to speak with her, whilst I moved away
+towards the window.
+
+"Will this gentleman," she inquired, "lend me one of his rooms, think
+you?"
+
+"Helas, Mademoiselle, he has but two, a bedroom and an ante-chamber, and
+he is still abed."
+
+"Oh!" she cried in pretty anger, "this is insufferable! 'T is your
+fault, Guilbert, you fool. Am I, then, to spend the day here in the
+common-room?"
+
+"No, no, Mademoiselle," exclaimed the host in his most soothing accents.
+"Only for an hour, or less, perhaps, until this very noble lord is
+risen, when assuredly--for he is young and very gallant--he will resign
+one or both of his rooms to you."
+
+More was said between them, but my attention was suddenly drawn
+elsewhere. Michelot burst into the room, disaster written on his face.
+
+"Monsieur," he cried, in great alarm, "the Marquis de St. Auban
+is riding down the street with the Vicomte de Vilmorin and another
+gentleman."
+
+I rapped out an oath at the news; they had got scent of Andrea's
+whereabouts, and were after him like sleuth-hounds on a trail.
+
+"Remain here, Michelot," I answered in a low voice. "Tell them that
+M. de Mancini is not here, that the only occupant of the inn is your
+master, a gentleman from Normandy, or Picardy, or where you will.
+See that they do not guess our presence--the landlord fortunately is
+ignorant of M. de Mancini's name."
+
+There was a clatter of horses' hoofs without, and I was barely in time
+to escape by the door leading to the staircase, when St. Auban's heavy
+voice rang out, calling the landlord.
+
+"I am in search of a gentleman named Andrea de Mancini," he said. "I am
+told that he has journeyed hither, and that he is here at present. Am I
+rightly informed?"
+
+I determined to remain where I was, and hear that conversation to the
+end.
+
+"There is a gentleman here," answered the host, "but I am ignorant of
+his name. I will inquire."
+
+"You may spare yourself the trouble," Michelot interposed. "That is not
+the gentleman's name. I am his servant."
+
+There was a moment's pause, then came Vilmorin's shrill voice.
+
+"You lie, knave! M. de Mancini is here. You are M. de Luynes's lackey,
+and where the one is, there shall we find the other."
+
+"M. de Luynes?" came a voice unknown to me. "That is Mancini's
+sword-blade of a friend, is it not? Well, why does he hide himself?
+Where is he? Where is your master, rascal?"
+
+"I am here, Messieurs," I answered, throwing wide the door, and
+appearing, grim and arrogant, upon the threshold.
+
+Mort de ma vie! Had they beheld the Devil, St. Auban and Vilmorin could
+not have looked less pleased than they did when their eyes lighted upon
+me, standing there surveying them with a sardonic grin.
+
+St. Auban muttered an oath, Vilmorin stifled a cry, whilst he who had so
+loudly called to know where I hid myself--a frail little fellow, in the
+uniform of the gardes du corps--now stood silent and abashed.
+
+The two women, who had withdrawn into a dark and retired corner of the
+apartment, stood gazing with interest upon this pretty scene.
+
+"Well, gentlemen?" I asked in a tone of persiflage, as I took a step
+towards them. "Have you naught to say to me, now that I have answered
+your imperious summons? What! All dumb?"
+
+"Our affair is not with you," said St. Auban, curtly.
+
+"Pardon! Why, then, did you inquire where I was?"
+
+"Messieurs," exclaimed Vilmorin, whose face assumed the pallor usual to
+it in moments of peril, "meseems we have been misinformed, and that M.
+de Mancini is not here. Let us seek elsewhere."
+
+"Most excellent advice, gentlemen," I commented,--"seek elsewhere."
+
+"Monsieur," cried the little officer, turning purple, "it occurs to me
+that you are mocking us."
+
+"Mocking you! Mocking you? Mocking a gentleman who has been tied to so
+huge a sword as yours. Surely--surely, sir, you do not think--"
+
+"I'll not endure it," he broke in. "You shall answer to me for this."
+
+"Have a care, sir," I cried in alarm as he rushed forward. "Have a care,
+sir, lest you trip over your sword."
+
+He halted, drew himself up, and, with a magnificent gesture: "I am
+Armand de Malpertuis, lieutenant of his Majesty's guards," he announced,
+"and I shall be grateful if you will do me the honour of taking a turn
+with me, outside."
+
+"I am flattered beyond measure, M. Malappris--"
+
+"Mal-per-tuis," he corrected furiously.
+
+"Malpertuis," I echoed. "I am honoured beyond words, but I do not wish
+to take a turn."
+
+"Mille diables, sir! Don't you understand? We must fight."
+
+"Must we, indeed? Again I am honoured; but, Monsieur, I don't fight
+sparrows."
+
+"Gentlemen! Gentlemen!" cried St. Auban, thrusting himself between us.
+"Malpertuis, have the goodness to wait until one affair is concluded
+before you create a second one. Now, M. de Luynes, will you tell me
+whether M. de Mancini is here or not?"
+
+"What if he should be?"
+
+"You will be wise to withdraw--we shall be three to two."
+
+"Three to two! Surely, Marquis, your reckoning is at fault. You cannot
+count the Vicomte there as one; his knees are knocking together; at best
+he is but a woman in man's clothes. As for your other friend, unless his
+height misleads me, he is but a boy. Therefore, Monsieur, you see that
+the advantage is with us. We are two men opposed to a man, a woman, and
+a child, so that--"
+
+"In Heaven's name, sir," cried St. Auban, again interposing himself
+betwixt me and the bellicose Malpertuis, "will you cease this
+foolishness? A word with you in private, M. de Luynes."
+
+I permitted him to take me by the sleeve, and lead me aside, wondering
+the while what curb it was that he was setting upon his temper, and what
+wily motives he might have for adopting so conciliatory a tone.
+
+With many generations to come, the name of Cesar de St. Auban must
+perforce be familiar as that of one of the greatest roysterers and most
+courtly libertines of the early days of Louis XIV., as well as that of a
+rabid anti-cardinalist and frondeur, and one of the earliest of that new
+cabal of nobility known as the petits-maitres, whose leader the Prince
+de Conde was destined to become a few years later. He was a man of about
+my own age, that is to say, between thirty-two and thirty-three, and
+of my own frame, tall, spare, and active. On his florid, debonnair
+countenance was stamped his character of bon-viveur. In dress he
+was courtly in the extreme. His doublet and haut-de-chausses were of
+wine-coloured velvet, richly laced, and he still affected the hanging
+sleeves of a fast-disappearing fashion. Valuable lace filled the tops
+of his black boots, a valuable jewel glistened here and there upon
+his person, and one must needs have pronounced him a fop but for the
+strength and resoluteness of his bearing, and the long rapier that hung
+from his gold-embroidered baldrick. Such in brief is a portrait of
+the man who now confronted me, his fine blue eyes fixed upon my face,
+wherein methinks he read but little, search though he might.
+
+"M. de Luynes," he murmured at last, "you appear to find entertainment
+in making enemies, and you do it wantonly."
+
+"Have you brought me aside to instruct me in the art of making friends?"
+
+"Possibly, M. de Luynes; and without intending an offence, permit me to
+remark that you need them."
+
+"Mayhap. But I do not seek them."
+
+"I have it in my heart to wish that you did; for I, M. de Luynes, seek
+to make a friend of you. Nay, do not smile in that unbelieving fashion.
+I have long esteemed you for those very qualities of dauntlessness and
+defiance which have brought you so rich a crop of hatred. If you
+doubt my words, perhaps you will recall my attitude towards you in the
+horse-market yesterday, and let that speak. Without wishing to remind
+you of a service done, I may yet mention that I stood betwixt you and
+the mob that sought to avenge my friend Canaples. He was my friend; you
+stood there, as indeed you have always stood, in the attitude of a foe.
+You wounded Canaples, maltreated Vilmorin, defied me; and yet but for my
+intervention, mille diables sir, you had been torn to pieces."
+
+"All this I grant is very true, Monsieur," I made reply, with deep
+suspicion in my soul. "Yet, pardon me, if I confess that to me it proves
+no more than that you acted as a generous enemy. Pardon my bluntness
+also--but what profit do you look to make from gaining my friendship?"
+
+"You are frank, Monsieur," he said, colouring slightly, "I will be none
+the less so. I am a frondeur, an anti-cardinalist. In a word, I am
+a gentleman and a Frenchman. An interloping foreigner, miserly,
+mean-souled, and Jesuitical, springs up, wins himself into the graces
+of a foolish, impetuous, wilful queen, and climbs the ladder which she
+holds for him to the highest position in France. I allude to Mazarin;
+this Cardinal who is not a priest; this minister of France who is not a
+Frenchman; this belittler of nobles who is not a gentleman."
+
+"Mort Dieu, Monsieur--"
+
+"One moment, M. de Luynes. This adventurer, not content with the
+millions which his avaricious talons have dragged from the people for
+his own benefit, seeks, by means of illustrious alliances, to enrich a
+pack of beggarly nieces and nephews that he has rescued from the squalor
+of their Sicilian homes to bring hither. His nieces, the Mancinis and
+Martinozzis, he is marrying to Dukes and Princes. 'T is not nice to
+witness, but 't is the affair of the men who wed them. In seeking,
+however, to marry his nephew Andrea to one of the greatest heiresses in
+France, he goes too far. Yvonne de Canaples is for some noble countryman
+of her own--there are many suitors to her hand--and for no nephew of
+Giulio Mazarini. Her brother Eugene, himself, thinks thus, and therein,
+M. de Luynes, you have the real motive of the quarrel which he provoked
+with Andrea, and which, had you not interfered, could have had but one
+ending."
+
+"Why do you tell me all this, Monsieur?" I inquired coldly, betraying
+none of the amazement his last words gave birth to.
+
+"So that you may know the true position of affairs, and, knowing it, see
+the course which the name you bear must bid you follow. Because Canaples
+failed am I here to-day. I had not counted upon meeting you, but since
+I have met you, I have set the truth before you, confident that you
+will now withdraw from an affair to which no real interest can bind you,
+leaving matters to pursue their course."
+
+He eyed me, methought, almost anxiously from under his brows, as he
+awaited my reply. It was briefer than he looked for.
+
+"You have wasted time, Monsieur."
+
+"How? You persist?"
+
+"Yes. I persist. Yet for the Cardinal I care nothing. Mazarin has
+dismissed me from his service unjustly and unpaid. He has forbidden me
+his nephew's company. In fact, did he know of my presence here with M.
+de Mancini, he would probably carry out his threat to hang me."
+
+"Ciel!" cried St. Auban, "you are mad, if that be so. France is divided
+into two parties, cardinalists and anti-cardinalists. You, sir, without
+belonging to either, stand alone, an enemy to both. Your attitude is
+preposterous!"
+
+"Nay, sir, not alone. There is Andrea de Mancini. The boy is my only
+friend in a world of enemies. I am growing fond of him, Monsieur, and
+I will stand by him, while my arm can wield a sword, in all that may
+advance his fortunes and his happiness. That, Monsieur, is my last
+word."
+
+"Do not forget, M. de Luynes," he said--his suaveness all departed of
+a sudden, and his tone full of menace and acidity--"do not forget that
+when a wall may not be scaled it may be broken through."
+
+"Aye, Monsieur, but many of those who break through stand in danger
+of being crushed by the falling stones," I answered, entering into the
+spirit of his allegory.
+
+"There are many ways of striking," he said.
+
+"And many ways of being struck," I retorted with a sneer.
+
+Our words grew sinister, our eyes waxed fiery, and more might have
+followed had not the door leading to the staircase opened at that moment
+to admit Andrea himself. He came, elegant in dress and figure, with a
+smile upon his handsome young face, whose noble features gave the lie
+to St. Auban's assertion that he had been drawn from a squalid Sicilian
+home. Such faces are not bred in squalor.
+
+In utter ignorance of the cabal against him, he greeted St. Auban--who
+was well known to him--with a graceful bow, and also Vilmorin, who stood
+in the doorway with Malpertuis, and who at the sight of Mancini grew
+visibly ill at ease. In coming to Choisy, the Vicomte had clearly
+expected to do no more than second St. Auban in the duel which he
+thought to see forced upon Andrea. He now realised that if a fight there
+was, he might, by my presence, be forced into it. Malpertuis looked
+fierce and tugged at his moustachios, whilst his companions returned
+Andrea's salutation--St. Auban gravely, and Vilmorin hesitatingly.
+
+"Ha, Gaston," said the boy, advancing towards me, "our host tells me
+that two ladies who have been shipwrecked here wish to do me the honour
+of occupying my apartments for an hour or so. Ha, there they are," he
+added, as the two girls came suddenly forward. Then bowing--"Mesdames, I
+am enchanted to set the poor room at your disposal for as long as it may
+please you to honour it."
+
+As the ladies--of whose presence St. Auban had been unaware--appeared
+before us, I shot a glance at the Marquis, and, from the start he gave
+upon beholding them, I saw that things were as I had suspected.
+
+Before they could reply to Andrea, St. Auban suddenly advanced:
+
+"Mesdemoiselles," quoth he, "forgive me if in this miserable light I did
+not earlier discover your presence and offer you my services. I do so
+now, with the hope that you will honour me by making use of them."
+
+"Merci, M. de St. Auban," replied the dark-haired one--whom I guessed
+to be none other than Yvonne de Canaples herself--"but, since this
+gentleman so gallantly cedes his apartments to us, all our needs are
+satisfied. It would be churlish to refuse that which is so graciously
+proffered."
+
+Her tone was cold in the extreme, as also was the inclination of her
+head wherewith she favoured the Marquis. In arrant contrast were the
+pretty words of thanks she addressed to Andrea, who stood by, blushing
+like a girl, and a damnable scowl did this contrast draw from St. Auban,
+a scowl that lasted until, escorted by the landlord, the two ladies had
+withdrawn.
+
+There was an awkward pause when they were gone, and methought from the
+look on St. Auban's face that he was about to provoke a fight after all.
+Not so, however, for, after staring at us like a clown whilst one might
+tell a dozen, he turned and strode to the door, calling for his horse
+and those of his companions.
+
+"Au revoir, M. de Luynes," he said significantly as he got into the
+saddle.
+
+"Au revoir, M. de Luynes," said also Malpertuis, coming close up to me.
+"We shall meet again, believe me."
+
+"Pray God that we may not, if you would die in your bed," I answered
+mockingly. "Adieu!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI. OF HOW ANDREA BECAME LOVE-SICK
+
+
+With what fictions I could call to mind I put off Andrea's questions
+touching the peculiar fashion of St. Auban's leave-taking. Tell him
+the truth and expose to him the situation whereof he was himself the
+unconscious centre I dared not, lest his high-spirited impetuosity
+should cause him to take into his own hands the reins of the affair, and
+thus drive himself into irreparable disaster.
+
+Andrea himself showed scant concern, however, and was luckily content
+with my hurriedly invented explanations; his thoughts had suddenly found
+occupation in another and a gentler theme than the ill-humour of men,
+and presently his tongue betrayed them when he drew the conversation to
+the ladies to whom he had resigned his apartments.
+
+"Pardieu! Gaston," he burst out, "she is a lovely maid--saw you ever a
+bonnier?"
+
+"Indeed she is very beautiful," I answered, laughing to myself at the
+thought of how little he dreamt that it was of Yvonne St. Albaret de
+Canaples that he spoke, and not minded for the while to enlighten him.
+
+"If she be as kind and gentle as she is beautiful, Gaston, well--Uncle
+Giulio's plans are likely to suffer shipwreck. I shall not leave
+Choisy until I have spoken to her; in fact, I shall not leave until she
+leaves."
+
+"Nevertheless, we shall still be able to set out, as we had projected,
+after dining, for in an hour, or two at most, they will proceed on their
+journey."
+
+He was silent for some moments, then:
+
+"To the devil with the Cardinal's plans!" quoth he, banging his fist on
+the table. "I shall not go to Blois."
+
+"Pooh! Why not?"
+
+"Why not?" He halted for a moment, then in a meandering tone--"You have
+read perchance in story-books," he said, "of love being born from the
+first meeting of two pairs of eyes, as a spark is born of flint and
+steel, and you may have laughed at the conceit, as I have laughed at
+it. But laugh no more, Gaston; for I who stand before you am one who has
+experienced this thing which poets tell of, and which hitherto I have
+held in ridicule. I will not go to Blois because--because--enfin,
+because I intend to go where she goes."
+
+"Then, mon cher, you will go to Blois. You will go to Blois, if not as
+a dutiful nephew, resigned to obey his reverend uncle's wishes, at least
+because fate forces you to follow a pair of eyes that have--hum, what
+was it you said they did?"
+
+"Do you say that she is going to Blois? How do you know?"
+
+"Eh? How do I know? Oh, I heard her servant speaking with the hostler."
+
+"So much the better, then; for thus if his Eminence gets news of my
+whereabouts, the news will not awaken his ever-ready suspicions. Ciel!
+How beautiful she is! Noted you her eyes, her skin, and what hair, mon
+Dieu! Like threads of gold!"
+
+"Like threads of gold?" I echoed. "You are dreaming, boy. Oh, St. Gris!
+I understand; you are speaking of the fair-haired chit that was with
+her."
+
+He eyed me in amazement.
+
+"'T is you whose thoughts are wandering to that lanky, nose-in-the-air
+Madame who accompanied her."
+
+I began a laugh that I broke off suddenly as I realised that it was not
+Yvonne after all who had imprisoned his wits. The Cardinal's plans were,
+indeed, likely to miscarry if he persisted thus.
+
+"But 't was the nose-in-the-air Madame, as you call her, with whom you
+spoke!"
+
+"Aye, but it was the golden-haired lady that held my gaze. Pshaw! Who
+would mention them in a breath?"
+
+"Who, indeed?" said I, but with a different meaning.
+
+Thereafter, seeing him listless, I suggested a turn in the village to
+stretch our limbs before dining. But he would have none of it, and when
+I pressed the point with sound reasoning touching the benefits which
+health may cull from exercise, he grew petulant as a wayward child.
+She might descend whilst he was absent. Indeed, she might require some
+slight service that lay, perchance, in his power to render her. What
+an opportunity would he not lose were he abroad? She might even depart
+before we returned; and than that no greater calamity could just
+then befall him. No, he would not stir a foot from the inn. A fig for
+exercise! to the devil with health! who sought an appetite? Not he. He
+wished for no appetite--could contrive no base and vulgar appetite for
+food, whilst his soul, he swore, was being consumed by the overwhelming,
+all-effacing appetite to behold her.
+
+Such meandering fools are most of us at nineteen, when the heart is
+young--a flawless mirror ready to hold the image of the first fair maid
+that looks into it through our eyes, and as ready--Heaven knows!--to
+relinquish it when the substance is withdrawn.
+
+But I, who was not nineteen, and the mirror of whose heart--to pursue my
+metaphor--was dulled, warped, and cracked with much ill-usage, grew sick
+of the boy's enthusiasm and the monotony of a conversation which I could
+divert into no other channel from that upon which it had been started
+by a little slip of a girl with hair of gold and sapphire eyes--I use
+Andrea's words. And so I rose, and bidding him take root in the tavern,
+if so it pleased his fancy, I left him there.
+
+Wrapped in my cloak, for the air was raw and damp, I strode aimlessly
+along, revolving in my mind what had befallen at the Connetable that
+morning, and speculating upon the issue that this quaint affair might
+have. In matters of love, or rather, of matrimony--which is not quite
+the same thing--opposition is common enough. But the opposers
+are usually members of either of the interested families. Now the
+families--that is to say, the heads of the families--being agreed and
+even anxious to bring about the union of Yvonne de Canaples and Andrea
+de Mancini, it was something new to have a cabal of persons who, from
+motives of principle--as St. Auban had it--should oppose the alliance so
+relentlessly as to even resort to violence if no other means occurred
+to them. It seemed vastly probable that Andrea would be disposed of by
+a knife in the back, and more than probable that a like fate would be
+reserved for me, since I had constituted myself his guardian angel. For
+my own part, however, I had a pronounced distaste to ending my days in
+so unostentatious a fashion. I had also a notion that I should prove an
+exceedingly difficult person to assassinate, and that those who sought
+to slip a knife into me would find my hide peculiarly tough, and my hand
+peculiarly ready to return the compliment.
+
+So deeply did I sink into ponderings of this character that it was not
+until two hours afterwards that I again found myself drawing near the
+Connetable.
+
+I reached the inn to find by the door a coach, and by that coach Andrea;
+he stood bareheaded, despite the cold, conversing, with all outward
+semblances of profound respect, with those within it.
+
+So engrossed was he and so ecstatic, that my approach was unheeded, and
+when presently I noted that the coach was Mademoiselle de Canaples's, I
+ceased to wonder at the boy's unconsciousness of what took place around
+him.
+
+Clearly the farrier had been found at last, and the horse shod afresh
+during my absence. Loath to interrupt so pretty a scene, I waited,
+aloof, until these adieux should be concluded, and whilst I waited
+there came to me from the carriage a sweet, musical voice that was not
+Yvonne's.
+
+"May we not learn at least, Monsieur, the name of the gentleman to whose
+courtesy we are indebted for having spent the past two hours without
+discomfort?"
+
+"My name, Mademoiselle, is Andrea de Mancini, that of the humblest
+of your servants, and one to whom your thanks are a more than lavish
+payment for the trivial service he may have been fortunate enough to
+render you."
+
+Dame! What glibness doth a tongue acquire at Court!
+
+"M. Andrea de Mancini?" came Yvonne's voice in answer. "Surely a
+relative of the Lord Cardinal?"
+
+"His nephew, Mademoiselle."
+
+"Ah! My father, sir, is a great admirer of your uncle."
+
+From the half-caressing tone, as much as from the very words she
+uttered, I inferred that she was in ignorance of the compact into which
+his Eminence had entered with her father--a bargain whereof she was
+herself a part.
+
+"I am rejoiced, indeed, Mademoiselle," replied Andrea with a bow, as
+though the compliment had been paid to him. "Am I indiscreet in asking
+the name of Monsieur your father?"
+
+"Indiscreet! Nay, Monsieur. You have a right to learn the name of
+those who are under an obligation to you. My father is the Chevalier de
+Canaples, of whom it is possible that you may have heard. I am Yvonne de
+Canaples, of whom it is unlikely that you should have heard, and this is
+my sister Genevieve, whom a like obscurity envelops."
+
+The boy's lips moved, but no sound came from them, whilst his cheeks
+went white and red by turns. His courtliness of a moment ago had
+vanished, and he stood sheepish and gauche as a clown. At length he
+so far mastered himself as to bow and make a sign to the coachman, who
+thereupon gathered up his reins.
+
+"You are going presumably to Blois?" he stammered with a nervous laugh,
+as if the journey were a humorous proceeding.
+
+"Yes, Monsieur," answered Genevieve, "we are going home."
+
+"Why, then, it is possible that we shall meet again. I, too, am
+travelling in that direction. A bientot, Mesdemoiselles!"
+
+The whip cracked, the coach began to move, and the creaking of its
+wheels drowned, so far as I was concerned, the female voices that
+answered his farewell. The coachman roused his horses into an amble; the
+amble became a trot, and the vehicle vanished round a corner. Some few
+idlers stopped to gaze stupidly after it, but not half so stupidly as
+did my poor Andrea, standing bareheaded where the coach had left him.
+
+I drew near, and laid my hand on his shoulder; at the touch he started
+like one awakened suddenly, and looked up.
+
+"Ah--you are returned, Gaston."
+
+"To find that you have made a discovery, and are overwhelmed by your
+error."
+
+"My error?"
+
+"Yes--that of falling in love with the wrong one. Helas, it is but one
+of those ironical jests wherewith Fate amuses herself at every step
+of our lives. Had you fallen in love with Yvonne--and it passes my
+understanding why you did not--everything would have gone smoothly with
+your wooing. Unfortunately, you have a preference for fair hair--"
+
+"Have done," he interrupted peevishly. "What does it signify? To the
+devil with Mazarin's plans!"
+
+"So you said this morning."
+
+"Yes, when I did not even dream her name was Canaples."
+
+"Nevertheless, she is the wrong Canaples."
+
+"For my uncle--but, mille diables! sir, 't is I who am to wed, and I
+shall wed as my heart bids me."
+
+"Hum! And Mazarin?"
+
+"Faugh!" he answered, with an expressive shrug.
+
+"Well, since you are resolved, let us dine."
+
+"I have no appetite."
+
+"Let us dine notwithstanding. Eat you must if you would live; and unless
+you live--think of it!--you'll never reach Blois."
+
+"Gaston, you are laughing at me! I do not wish to eat."
+
+I surveyed him gravely, with my arms akimbo.
+
+"Can love so expand the heart of man that it fills even his stomach?
+Well, well, if you will not eat, at least have the grace to bear me
+company at table. Come, Andrea," and I took his arm, "let us ascend to
+that chamber which she has but just quitted. Who can tell but that we
+shall find there some token of her recent presence? If nothing more, at
+least the air will be pervaded by the perfume she affected, and since
+you scorn the humble food of man, you can dine on that."
+
+He smiled despite himself as I drew him towards the staircase.
+
+"Scoffer!" quoth he. "Your callous soul knows naught of love."
+
+"Whereas you have had three hours' experience. Pardieu! You shall
+instruct me in the gentle art."
+
+Alas, for those perfumes upon which I had proposed that he should feast
+himself. If any the beautiful Genevieve had left behind her, they had
+been smothered in the vulgar yet appetising odour of the steaming ragout
+that occupied the table.
+
+I prevailed at length upon the love-lorn boy to take some food, but I
+could lead him to talk of naught save Genevieve de Canaples. Presently
+he took to chiding me for the deliberateness wherewith I ate, and
+betrayed thereby his impatience to be in the saddle and after her.
+I argued that whilst she saw him not she might think of him. But
+the argument, though sound, availed me little, and in the end I
+was forced--for all that I am a man accustomed to please myself--to
+hurriedly end my repast, and pronounce myself ready to start.
+
+As Andrea had with him some store of baggage--since his sojourn at Blois
+was likely to be of some duration--he travelled in a coach. Into this
+coach, then, we climbed--he and I. His valet, Silvio, occupied the seat
+beside the coachman, whilst my stalwart Michelot rode behind leading
+my horse by the bridle. In this fashion we set out, and ere long the
+silence of my thoughtful companion, the monotonous rumbling of the
+vehicle, and, most important of all factors, the good dinner that I had
+consumed, bred in me a torpor that soon became a sleep.
+
+From a dream that, bound hand and foot, I was being dragged by St. Auban
+and Malpertuis before the Cardinal, I awakened with a start to find
+that we were clattering already through the streets of Etrechy; so that
+whilst I had slept we had covered some six leagues. Twilight had already
+set in, and Andrea lay back idly in the carriage, holding a book which
+it was growing too dark to read, and between the leaves of which he had
+slipped his forefinger to mark the place where he had paused.
+
+His eyes met mine as I looked round, and he smiled. "I should not have
+thought, Gaston," he said, "that a man with so seared a conscience could
+have slept thus soundly."
+
+"I have not slept soundly," I grumbled, recalling my dream.
+
+"Pardieu! you have slept long, at least."
+
+"Out of self-protection; so that I might not hear the name of Genevieve
+de Canaples. 'T is a sweet name, but you render it monotonous."
+
+He laughed good-humouredly.
+
+"Have you never loved, Gaston?"
+
+"Often."
+
+"Ah--but I mean did you never conceive a great passion?"
+
+"Hundreds, boy."
+
+"But never such a one as mine!"
+
+"Assuredly not; for the world has never seen its fellow. Be good enough
+to pull the cord, you Cupid incarnate. I wish to alight."
+
+"You wish to alight! Why?"
+
+"Because I am sick of love. I am going to ride awhile with Michelot
+whilst you dream of her coral lips, her sapphire eyes, and what other
+gems constitute her wondrous personality."
+
+Two minutes later I was in the saddle riding with Michelot in the wake
+of the carriage. As I have already sought to indicate in these pages,
+Michelot was as much my friend as my servant. It was therefore no more
+than natural that I should communicate to him my fears touching what
+might come of the machinations of St. Auban, Vilmorin, and even,
+perchance, of that little firebrand, Malpertuis.
+
+Night fell while we talked, and at last the lights of Etampes, where we
+proposed to lie, peeped at us from a distance, and food and warmth.
+
+It was eight o'clock when we reached the town, and a few moments later
+we rattled into the courtyard of the Hotel de l'Epee.
+
+Andrea was out of temper to learn that Mesdemoiselles de Canaples had
+reached the place two hours earlier, taken fresh horses, and proceeded
+on their journey, intending to reach Monnerville that night. He was even
+mad enough to propose that we should follow their example, but my sober
+arguments prevailed, and at Etampes we stayed till morning.
+
+Andrea withdrew early. But I, having chanced upon a certain M. de la
+Vrilliere, a courtier of Vilmorin's stamp, with whom I had some slight
+acquaintance, and his purse being heavier than his wits, I spent a
+passing profitable evening in his company. This pretty gentleman hailed
+my advent with a delight that amazed me, and suggested that we should
+throw a main together to kill time. The dice were found, and so clumsily
+did he use them that in half an hour, playing for beggarly crowns, he
+had lost twenty pistoles. Next he lost his temper, and with an oath
+pitched the cubes into the fire, swearing that they were toys for
+children and that I must grant him his revanche with cards. The cards
+were furnished us, and with a fortune that varied little we played
+lansquenet until long past midnight. The fire died out in the grate, and
+the air grew chill, until at last, with a violent sneeze, La Vrilliere
+protested that he would play no more.
+
+Cursing himself for the unluckiest being alive, the fool bade me
+good-night, and left me seventy pistoles richer than when I had met him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII. THE CHATEAU DE CANAPLES
+
+
+Despite the strenuous efforts which Andrea compelled us to put forth, we
+did not again come up with Mesdemoiselles de Canaples, who in truth must
+have travelled with greater speed than ladies are wont to.
+
+This circumstance bred much discomfort in Andrea's bosom; for in it he
+read that his Genevieve thought not of him as he of her, else, knowing
+that he followed the same road, she would have retarded their progress
+so that he might overtake them. Thus argued he when on the following
+night, which was that of Friday, we lay at Orleans. But when towards
+noon on Saturday our journey ended with our arrival at Blois, he went so
+far as to conclude that she had hastened on expressly to avoid him. Now,
+from what I had seen of Mademoiselle Yvonne, methought I might hazard
+a guess that she it was who commanded in these--and haply, too, in
+other--matters, and that the manner of their journey had been such as
+was best to her wishes.
+
+With such an argument did I strive to appease Andrea's doubts; but all
+in vain--which is indeed no matter for astonishment, for to reason with
+a man in love is to reason with one who knows no reason.
+
+After a brief halt at the Lys de France--at which hostelry I hired
+myself a room--we set out for the Chateau de Canaples, which is situated
+on the left bank of the Loire, at a distance of about half a league from
+Blois in the direction of Tours.
+
+We cut a brave enough figure as we rode down the Rue Vieille attended by
+our servants, and many a rustic Blaisois stopped to gape at us, to nudge
+his companion, and point us out, whispering the word "Paris."
+
+I had donned my grey velvet doublet--deeming the occasion worthy of
+it--whilst Andrea wore a handsome suit of black, with gold lace,
+which for elegance it would have been difficult to surpass. An air of
+pensiveness added interest to his handsome face and courtly figure, and
+methought that Genevieve must be hard to please if she fell not a victim
+to his wooing.
+
+We proceeded along the road bordering the Loire, a road of rare beauty
+at any other season of the year, but now bare of foliage, grey, bleak,
+and sullen as the clouds overhead, and as cold to the eye as was the
+sharp wind to the flesh. As we rode I fell to thinking of what my
+reception at the Chateau de Canaples was likely to be, and almost to
+regret that I had permitted Andrea to persuade me to accompany him. Long
+ago I had known the Chevalier de Canaples, and for all the disparity
+in our ages--for he counted twice my years--we had been friends and
+comrades. That, however, was ten years ago, in the old days when I owned
+something more than the name of Luynes. To-day I appeared before him as
+a ruined adventurer, a soldier of fortune, a ruffler, a duellist who had
+almost slain his son in a brawl, whose details might be known to him,
+but not its origin. Seeing me in the company of Andrea de Mancini he
+might--who could say?--even deem me one of those parasites who cling to
+young men of fortune so that they may live at their expense. That the
+daughter would have formed such a conceit of me I was assured; it but
+remained to see with what countenance the father would greet me.
+
+From such speculations I was at length aroused by our arrival at the
+gates of the Canaples park. Seeing them wide open, we rode between
+the two massive columns of granite (each surmounted by a couchant lion
+holding the escutcheon of the Canaples) and proceeded at an ambling pace
+up the avenue. Through the naked trees the chateau became discernible--a
+brave old castle that once had been the stronghold of a feudal race
+long dead. Grey it was, and attuned, that day, to the rest of the grey
+landscape. But at its base the ivy grew thick and green, and here and
+there long streaks of it crept up almost to the battlements, whilst
+in one place it had gone higher yet and clothed one of the quaint old
+turrets. A moat there had once been, but this was now filled up and
+arranged into little mounds that became flower-beds in summer.
+
+Resigning our horses to the keeping of our servants, we followed the
+grave maitre d'hotel who had received us. He led us across the spacious
+hall, which had all the appearance of an armoury, and up the regal
+staircase of polished oak on to a landing wide and lofty. Here, turning
+to the left, he opened a door and desired us to give ourselves the
+trouble of awaiting the Chevalier. We entered a handsome room, hung
+in costly Dutch tapestry, and richly furnished, yet with a sobriety of
+colour almost puritanical. The long windows overlooked a broad terrace,
+enclosed in a grey stone balustrade, from which some half-dozen steps
+led to a garden below. Beyond that ran the swift waters of the Loire,
+and beyond that again, in the distance, we beheld the famous Chateau de
+Chambord, built in the days of the first Francis.
+
+I had but remarked these details when the door again opened, to admit
+a short, slender man in whose black hair and beard the hand of time had
+scattered but little of that white dust that marks its passage. His face
+was pale, thin, and wrinkled, and his grey eyes had a nervous, restless
+look that dwelt not long on anything. He was dressed in black, with
+simple elegance, and his deep collar and ruffles were of the finest
+point.
+
+"Welcome to Canaples, M. de Mancini!" he exclaimed, as he hurried
+forward, with a smile so winning that his countenance appeared
+transfigured by it. "Welcome most cordially! We had not hoped that you
+would arrive so soon, but fortunately my daughters, to whom you appear
+to have been of service at Choisy, warned me that you were journeying
+hither. Your apartments, therefore, are prepared for you, and we hope
+that you will honour Canaples by long remaining its guest."
+
+Andrea thanked him becomingly.
+
+"In truth," he added, "my departure from Paris was somewhat sudden,
+but I have a letter here from Monseigneur my uncle, which explains the
+matter."
+
+"No explanation is needed, my dear Andrea," replied the old nobleman,
+abandoning the formalities that had marked his welcoming speech. "How
+left you my Lord Cardinal?" he asked, as he took the letter.
+
+"In excellent health, but somewhat harassed, I fear, by the affairs of
+State."
+
+"Ah, yes, yes. But stay. You are not alone." And Canaples's grey eyes
+shot an almost furtive glance of inquiry in my direction. A second
+glance followed the first and the Chevalier's brows were knit. Then he
+came a step nearer, scanning my face.
+
+"Surely, surely, Monsieur," he exclaimed before Andrea had time to
+answer him. "Were you not at Rocroi?"
+
+"Your memory flatters me, Monsieur," I replied with a laugh. "I was
+indeed at Rocroi--captain in the regiment of chevaux-legers whereof you
+were Mestre de Champ."
+
+"His name," said Andrea, "is Gaston de Luynes, my very dear friend,
+counsellor, and, I might almost say, protector."
+
+"Pardieu, yes! Gaston de Luynes!" he ejaculated, seizing my hand in an
+affectionate grip. "But how have you fared since Rocroi was fought? For
+a soldier of such promise, one might have predicted great things in ten
+years."
+
+"Helas, Monsieur! I was dismissed the service after Senlac."
+
+"Dismissed the service!"
+
+"Pah!" I laughed, not without bitterness, "'t is a long story and an
+ugly one, divided 'twixt the dice-box, the bottle, and the scabbard. Ten
+years ago I was a promising young captain, ardent and ambitious; to-day
+I am a broken ruffler, unrecognised by my family--a man without hope,
+without ambition, almost without honour."
+
+I know not what it was that impelled me to speak thus. Haply the wish
+that since he must soon learn to what depths Gaston de Luynes had sunk,
+he should at least learn it from my own lips at the outset.
+
+He shuddered at my concluding words, and had not Andrea at that moment
+put his arm affectionately upon my shoulder, and declared me the bravest
+fellow and truest friend in all the world, it is possible that the
+Chevalier de Canaples would have sought an excuse to be rid of me. Such
+men as he seek not the acquaintance of such men as I.
+
+To please Andrea was, however, of chief importance in his plans, and
+to that motive I owe it that he pressed me to remain a guest at the
+chateau. I declined the honour with the best grace I could command,
+determined that whilst Andrea remained at Canaples I would lodge at the
+Lys de France in Blois, independent and free to come or go as my fancy
+bade me. His invitation that I should at least dine at Canaples I
+accepted; but with the condition that he should repeat his invitation
+after he had heard something that I wished to tell him. He assented with
+a puzzled look, and when presently Andrea repaired to his apartments,
+and we were alone, I began.
+
+"You have doubtlessly received news, Monsieur, of a certain affair in
+which your son had recently the misfortune to be dangerously wounded?"
+
+We were standing by the great marble fireplace, and Canaples was resting
+one of his feet upon the huge brass andirons. He made a gesture of
+impatience as I spoke.
+
+"My son, sir, is a fool! A good-for-nothing fool! Oh, I have heard of
+this affair, a vulgar tavern brawl, the fifth in which his name has been
+involved and besmirched. I had news this morning by a courier dispatched
+me by my friend St. Simon, who imagines that I am deeply concerned in
+that young profligate. I learn that he is out of danger, and that in a
+month or so, he will be about again and ready to disgrace the name
+of Canaples afresh. But there, sir; I crave your pardon for the
+interruption."
+
+I bowed, and when in answer to my questions he told me that he was in
+ignorance of the details of the affair of which I spoke, I set about
+laying those details before him. Beginning with the original provocation
+in the Palais Royal and ending with the fight in the horse-market, I
+related the whole story to him, but in an impersonal manner, and keeping
+my own name out of my narrative. When I had done, Canaples muttered an
+oath of the days of the fourth Henry.
+
+"Ventre St. Gris! Does the dog carry his audacity so far as to dare come
+betwixt me and my wishes, and to strive against them? He sought to kill
+Mancini, eh? Would to Heaven he had died by the hand of this fellow who
+shielded the lad!"
+
+"Monsieur!" I cried, aghast at so unnatural an expression.
+
+"Pah!" he cried harshly. "He is my son in name alone, filial he never
+was."
+
+"Nevertheless, Monsieur, he is still your son, your heir."
+
+"My heir? And what, pray, does he inherit? A title--a barren, landless
+title! By his shameful conduct he alienated the affection of his uncle,
+and his uncle has disinherited him in favour of Yvonne. 'T is she who
+will be mistress of this chateau with its acres of land reaching from
+here to Blois, and three times as far on the other side. My brother,
+sir, was the rich Canaples, the owner of all this, and by his testament
+I am his heir during my lifetime, the estates going to Yvonne at my
+death. So that you see I have naught to leave; but if I had, not a
+denier should go to my worthless son!"
+
+He spread his thin hands before the blaze, and for a moment there was
+silence. Then I proceeded to tell him of the cabal which had been formed
+against Mancini, and of the part played by St. Auban. At the mention of
+that name he started as if I had stung him.
+
+"What!" he thundered. "Is that ruffian also in the affair? Sangdieu! His
+motives are not far to seek. He is a suitor--an unfavoured suitor--for
+the hand of Yvonne, that seemingly still hopes. But you have not told
+me, Monsieur, the name of this man who has stood betwixt Andrea and his
+assassins."
+
+"Can you not guess, Monsieur?" quoth I, looking him squarely in the
+face. "Did you not hear Andrea call me, even now, his protector."
+
+"You? And with what motive, pray?"
+
+"At first, as I have told you, because the Cardinal gave me no choice
+in the matter touching your son. Since then my motive has lain in my
+friendship for the boy. He has been kind and affectionate to one who
+has known little kindness or affection in life. I seek to repay him by
+advancing his interests and his happiness. That, Monsieur, is why I am
+here to-day--to shield him from St. Auban and his fellows should they
+appear again, as I believe they will."
+
+The old man stood up and eyed me for a moment as steadily as his
+vacillating glance would permit him, then he held out his hand.
+
+"I trust, Monsieur," he said, "that you will do me the honour to dine
+with us, and that whilst you are at Blois we shall see you at Canaples
+as often as it may please you to cross its threshold."
+
+I took his hand, but without enthusiasm, for I understood that his words
+sprang from no warmth of heart for me, but merely from the fact that he
+beheld in me a likely ally to his designs of raising his daughter to the
+rank of Duchess.
+
+Eugene de Canaples may have been a good-for-nothing knave; still,
+methought his character scarce justified the callous indifference
+manifested by this selfish, weak-minded old man towards his own son.
+
+There was a knock at the door, and a lackey--the same Guilbert whom
+I had seen at Choisy in Mademoiselle's company--appeared with the
+announcement that the Chevalier was served.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII. THE FORESHADOW OF DISASTER
+
+
+In the spacious dining salon of the Chateau de Canaples I found the two
+daughters of my host awaiting us--those same two ladies of the coach
+in Place Vendome and of the hostelry at Choisy, the dark and stately
+icicle, Yvonne, and the fair, playful doll, Genevieve.
+
+I bowed my best bow as the Chevalier presented me, and from the corner
+of my eye, with inward malice, I watched them as I did so. Genevieve
+curtsied with a puzzled air and a sidelong glance at her sister. Yvonne
+accorded me the faintest, the coldest, inclination of her head, whilst
+her cheeks assumed a colour that was unwonted.
+
+"We have met before, I think, Monsieur," she said disdainfully.
+
+"True, Mademoiselle--once," I answered, thinking only of the coach.
+
+"Twice, Monsieur," she corrected, whereupon I recalled how she had
+surprised me with my arm about the waist of the inn-keeper's daughter,
+and had Heaven given me shame I might have blushed. But if sweet Yvonne
+thought to bring Gaston de Luynes to task for profiting by the good
+things which God's providence sent his way, she was led by vanity into a
+prodigious error.
+
+"Twice, indeed, Mademoiselle. But the service which you rendered me upon
+the first occasion was so present to my mind just now that it
+eclipsed the memory of our second meeting. I have ever since desired,
+Mademoiselle, that an opportunity might be mine wherein to thank you for
+the preservation of my life. I do so now, and at your service do I lay
+that life which you preserved, and which is therefore as much yours as
+mine."
+
+Strive as I might I could not rid my tone of an ironical inflection. I
+was goaded to it by her attitude, by the scornful turn of her lip and
+the disdainful glance of her grey eyes--she had her father's eyes,
+saving that her gaze was as steadfast as his was furtive.
+
+"What is this?" quoth Canaples. "You owe your life to my daughter? Pray
+tell me of it."
+
+"With all my heart," I made haste to answer before Mademoiselle could
+speak. "A week ago, I disagreed upon a question of great delicacy with a
+certain gentleman who shall be nameless. The obvious result attended
+our disagreement, and we fought 'neath the eyes of a vast company of
+spectators. Right was on my side, and the gentleman hurt himself upon
+my sword. Well, sir, the crowd snarled at me as though it were my fault
+that this had so befallen, and I flouted the crowd in answer. They were
+a hundred opposed to one, and so confident did this circumstance
+render them of their superiority, that for once those whelps displayed
+sufficient valour to attack me. I fled, and as a coach chanced to come
+that way, I clutched at the window and hung there. Within the coach
+there were two ladies, and one of them, taking compassion upon me,
+invited me to enter and thus rescued me. That lady, sir," I ended with a
+bow, "was Mademoiselle your daughter."
+
+In his eyes I read it that he had guessed the name of my nameless
+gentleman.
+
+The ladies were struck dumb by my apparent effrontery. Yvonne at last
+recovered sufficiently to ask if my presence at the chateau arose from
+my being attached to M. de Mancini. Now, "attached" is an unpleasant
+word. A courtier is attached to the King; a soldier to the army; there
+is humiliation in neither of these. But to a private gentleman, a man
+may be only attached as his secretary, his valet, or, possibly, as his
+bravo. Therein lay the sting of her carefully chosen word.
+
+"I am M. de Mancini's friend," I answered with simple dignity.
+
+For all reply she raised her eyebrows in token of surprise; Canaples
+looked askance; I bit my lip, and an awkward silence followed, which,
+luckily, was quickly ended by the appearance of Andrea.
+
+The ladies received him graciously, and a faint blush might, to
+searching eyes, have been perceived upon Genevieve's cheek.
+
+There came a delicate exchange of compliments, after which we got to
+table, and for my part I did ample justice to the viands.
+
+I sat beside Genevieve, and vis-a-vis with Andrea, who occupied the
+place of the honoured guest, at the host's right hand, with Yvonne
+beside him. Me it concerned little where I sat, since the repast was all
+that I could look for; not so the others. Andrea scowled at me because
+I was nearer to Genevieve than he, and Yvonne frowned at me for other
+reasons. By Genevieve I was utterly disregarded, and my endeavours to
+converse were sorely unsuccessful--for one may not converse alone.
+
+I clearly saw that Yvonne only awaited an opportunity to unmask me, and
+denounce me to her father as the man who had sought his son's life.
+
+This opportunity, however, came not until the moment of my departure
+from the chateau, that evening. I was crossing the hail with the
+Chevalier de Canaples, and we had stopped for a moment to admire a piece
+of old chain armour of the days of the Crusaders. Andrea and Genevieve
+had preceded us, and passed out through the open doorway, whilst Yvonne
+lingered upon the threshold looking back.
+
+"I trust, M. de Luynes," said Canaples, as we moved towards her, "that
+you will remember my invitation, and that whilst you remain at Biois
+we shall see you here as often as you may be pleased to come; indeed, I
+trust that you will be a daily visitor."
+
+Before I could utter a reply--"Father," exclaimed Mademoiselle, coming
+forward, "do you know to whom you are offering the hospitality of
+Canaples?"
+
+"Why that question, child? To M. de Luynes, M. de Mancini's friend."
+
+"And the would-be murderer of Eugene," she added fiercely.
+
+Canaples started.
+
+"Surely such affairs are not for women to meddle with," he cried.
+"Moreover, M. de Luynes has already given me all details of the affair."
+
+Her eyes grew very wide at that.
+
+"He has told you? Yet you invite him hither?" she exclaimed.
+
+"M. de Luynes has naught wherewith to reproach himself, nor have I.
+Those details which he has given me I may not impart to you; suffice it,
+however, that I am satisfied that his conduct could not have been other
+than it was, whereas that of my son reflects but little credit upon his
+name."
+
+She stamped her foot, and her eyes, blazing with anger, passed from one
+to the other of us.
+
+"And you--you believe this man's story?"
+
+"Yvonne!"
+
+"Possibly," I interposed, coolly, "Mademoiselle may have received some
+false account of it that justifies her evident unbelief in what I may
+have told you."
+
+It is not easy to give a lie unless you can prove it a lie. I made her
+realise this, and she bit her lip in vexation. Dame! What a pretty viper
+I thought her at that moment!
+
+"Let me add, Yvonne," said her father, "that M. de Luynes and I are
+old comrades in arms." Then turning to me--"My daughter, sir, is but
+a child, and therefore hasty to pass judgment upon matters beyond
+her understanding. Forget this foolish outburst, and remember only my
+assurance of an ever cordial welcome."
+
+"With all my heart," I answered, after a moment's deliberation, during
+which I had argued that for once I must stifle pride if I would serve
+Andrea.
+
+"Ough!" was all Mademoiselle's comment as she turned her back upon me.
+Nevertheless, I bowed and flourished my beaver to her retreating figure.
+
+Clearly Mademoiselle entertained for me exactly that degree of
+fondness which a pious hermit feels for the devil, and if I might
+draw conclusions from what evidences I had had of the strength of
+her character and the weakness of her father's, our sojourn at Blois
+promised to afford me little delectation. In fact, I foresaw many
+difficulties that might lead to disaster should our Paris friends appear
+upon the scene--a contingency this that seemed over-imminent.
+
+It was not my wont, howbeit, to brood over the evils that the future
+might hold, and to this I owe it that I slept soundly that night in my
+room at the Lys de France.
+
+It was a pleasant enough chamber on the first floor, overlooking the
+street, and having an alcove attached to it which served for Michelot.
+
+Next day I visited the Chateau de Canaples early in the afternoon. The
+weather was milder, and the glow of the sun heralded at last the near
+approach of spring and brightened wondrously a landscape that had
+yesterday worn so forbidding a look.
+
+This change it must have been that drew the ladies, and Andrea with
+them, to walk in the park, where I came upon them as I rode up. Their
+laughter rippled merrily and they appeared upon the best of terms until
+they espied me. My advent was like a cloud that foretells a storm, and
+drove Mesdemoiselles away, when they had accorded me a greeting that
+contained scant graciousness.
+
+All unruffled by this act, from which I gathered that Yvonne the strong
+had tutored Genevieve the frail concerning me, I consigned my horse to a
+groom of the chateau, and linked arms with Andrea.
+
+"Well, boy," quoth I, "what progress?"
+
+He smiled radiantly.
+
+"My hopes are all surpassed. It exceeds belief that so poor a thing as I
+should find favour in her eyes--what eyes, Gaston!" He broke off with a
+sigh of rapture.
+
+"Peste, you have lost no time. And so, already you know that you find
+favour, eh! How know you that?"
+
+"How? Need a man be told such things? There is an inexpressible--"
+
+"My good Andrea, seek not to express it, therefore," I interrupted
+hastily. "Let it suffice that the inexpressible exists, and makes you
+happy. His Eminence will doubtless share your joy! Have you written to
+him?"
+
+The mirth faded from the lad's face at the words, as the blossom fades
+'neath the blighting touch of frost. What he said was so undutiful
+from a nephew touching his uncle--particularly when that uncle is a
+prelate--that I refrain from penning it.
+
+We were joined just then by the Chevalier, and together we strolled
+round to the rose-garden--now, alas! naught but black and naked
+bushes--and down to the edge of the Loire, yellow and swollen by the
+recent rains.
+
+"How lovely must be this place in summer," I mused, looking across
+the water towards Chambord. "And, Dame," I cried, suddenly changing my
+meditations, "what an ideal fencing ground is this even turf!"
+
+"The swordsman's instinct," laughed Canaples.
+
+And with that our talk shifted to swords, swordsmen, and sword-play,
+until I suggested to Andrea that he should resume his practice,
+whereupon the Chevalier offered to set a room at our disposal.
+
+"Nay, if you will pardon me, Monsieur, 't is not a room we want," I
+answered. "A room is well enough at the outset, but it is the common
+error of fencing-masters to continue their tutoring on a wooden floor.
+It results from this that when the neophyte handles a real sword,
+and defends his life upon the turf, the ground has a new feeling; its
+elasticity or even its slipperiness discomposes him, and sets him at a
+disadvantage."
+
+He agreed with me, whilst Andrea expressed a wish to try the turf. Foils
+were brought, and we whiled away best part of an half-hour. In the end,
+the Chevalier, who had watched my play intently, offered to try a bout
+with me. And so amazed was he with the result, that he had not done
+talking of it when I left Canaples a few hours later--a homage this that
+earned me some more than ordinarily unfriendly glances from Yvonne.
+No doubt since the accomplishment was mine it became in her eyes
+characteristic of a bully and a ruffler.
+
+During the week that followed I visited the chateau with regularity, and
+with equal regularity did Andrea receive his fencing lessons. The object
+of his presence at Canaples, however, was being frustrated more and more
+each day, so far as the Cardinal and the Chevalier were concerned.
+
+He raved to me of Genevieve, the one perfect woman in all the world and
+brought into it by a kind Providence for his own particular delectation.
+In truth, love is like a rabid dog--whom it bites it renders mad; so
+open grew his wooing, and so ardent, that one evening I thought well to
+take him aside and caution him.
+
+"My dear Andrea," said I, "if you will love Genevieve, you will, and
+there's an end of it. But if you would not have the Chevalier pack you
+back to Paris and the anger of my Lord Cardinal, be circumspect, and at
+least when M. de Canaples is by divide your homage equally betwixt
+the two. 'T were well if you dissembled even a slight preference for
+Yvonne--she will not be misled by it, seeing how unmistakable at all
+other seasons must be your wooing of Genevieve."
+
+He was forced to avow the wisdom of my counsel, and to be guided by it.
+
+Nevertheless, I rode back to my hostelry in no pleasant frame of mind.
+It was more than likely that a short shrift and a length of hemp
+would be the acknowledgment I should anon receive from Mazarin for my
+participation in the miscarriage of his desires.
+
+I felt that disaster was on the wing. Call it a premonition; call it
+what you will. I know but this; that as I rode into the courtyard of
+the Lys de France, at dusk, the first man my eyes alighted on was the
+Marquis Cesar de St. Auban, and, in conversation with him, six of the
+most arrant-looking ruffians that ever came out of Paris.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX. OF HOW A WHIP PROVED A BETTER ARGUMENT THAN A TONGUE
+
+
+"I crave Monsieur's pardon, but there is a gentleman below who desires
+to speak with you immediately."
+
+"How does this gentleman call himself, M. l'Hote?"
+
+"M. le Marquis de St. Auban," answered the landlord, still standing in
+the doorway.
+
+It wanted an hour or so to noon on the day following that of St. Auban's
+arrival at Blois, and I was on the point of setting out for the chateau
+on an errand of warning.
+
+It occurred to me to refuse to see the Marquis, but remembering betimes
+that from your enemy's speech you may sometimes learn where to look for
+his next attack, I thought better of it and bade my host admit him.
+
+I strode over to the fire, and stirring the burning logs, I put my back
+to the blaze, and waited.
+
+Steps sounded on the stairs; there was the shuffling of the landlord's
+slippered feet and the firm tread of my visitor, accompanied by
+the jingle of spurs and the clank of his scabbard as it struck the
+balustrade. Then my door was again opened, and St. Auban, as superbly
+dressed as ever, was admitted.
+
+We bowed formally, as men bow who are about to cross swords, and whilst
+I waited for him to speak, I noted that his face was pale and bore the
+impress of suppressed anger.
+
+"So, M. de Luynes, again we meet."
+
+"By your seeking, M. le Marquis."
+
+"You are not polite."
+
+"You are not opportune."
+
+He smiled dangerously.
+
+"I learn, Monsieur, that you are a daily visitor at the Chateau de
+Canaples."
+
+"Well, sir, what of it?"
+
+"This. I have been to Canaples this morning and, knowing that you will
+learn anon, from that old dotard, what passed between us, I prefer that
+you shall hear it first from me."
+
+I bowed to conceal a smile.
+
+"Thanks to you, M. de Luynes, I was ordered from the house. I--Cesar
+de St. Auban--have been ordered from the house of a provincial upstart!
+Thanks to the calumnies which you poured into his ears."
+
+"Calumnies! Was that the word?"
+
+"I choose the word that suits me best," he answered, and the rage that
+was in him at the affront he had suffered at the hands of the Chevalier
+de Canaples was fast rising to the surface. "I warned you at Choisy of
+what would befall. Your opposition and your alliance with M. de Mancini
+are futile. You think to have gained a victory by winning over to your
+side an old fool who will sacrifice his honour to see his daughter a
+duchess, but I tell you, sir--"
+
+"That you hope to see her a marchioness," I put in calmly. "You see, M.
+de St. Auban, I have learned something since I came to Blois."
+
+He grew livid with passion.
+
+"You shall learn more ere you quit it, you meddler! You shall be taught
+to keep that long nose of yours out of matters that concern you not."
+
+I laughed.
+
+"Loud threats!" I answered jeeringly.
+
+"Never fear," he cried, "there is more to follow. To your cost shall
+you learn it. By God, sir! do you think that I am to suffer a Sicilian
+adventurer and a broken tavern ruffler to interfere with my designs?"
+
+Still I kept my temper.
+
+"So!" I said in a bantering tone. "You confess that you have designs.
+Good! But what says the lady, eh? I am told that she is not yet
+outrageously enamoured of you, for all your beauty!"
+
+Beside himself with passion, his hand sought his sword. But the gesture
+was spasmodic.
+
+"Knave!" he snarled.
+
+"Knave to me? Have a care, St. Auban, or I'll find you a shroud for a
+wedding garment."
+
+"Knave!" he repeated with a snarl. "What price are you paid by that
+boy?"
+
+"Pardieu, St. Auban! You shall answer to me for this."
+
+"Answer for it? To you!" And he laughed harshly. "You are mad, my
+master. When did a St. Auban cross swords with a man of your stamp?"
+
+"M. le Marquis," I said, with a calmness that came of a stupendous
+effort, "at Choisy you sought my friendship with high-sounding talk of
+principles that opposed you to the proposed alliance, twixt the houses
+of Mancini and Canaples. Since then I have learned that your motives
+were purely personal. From my discovery I hold you to be a liar."
+
+"Monsieur!"
+
+"I have not yet done. You refuse to cross swords with me on the pretext
+that you do not fight men of my stamp. I am no saint, sir, I confess.
+But my sins cannot wash out my name--the name of a family accounted as
+good as that of St. Auban, and one from which a Constable of France
+has sprung, whereas yours has never yet bred aught but profligates and
+debauchees. You are little better than I am, Marquis; indeed, you do
+many things that I would not do, that I have never done. For instance,
+whilst refusing to cross blades with me, who am a soldier and a man
+of the sword, you seek to pick a fight with a beardless boy who hardly
+knows the use of a rapier, and who--wittingly at least--has done you no
+wrong. Now, my master, you may call me profligate, ruffler, gamester,
+duellist--what you will; but there are two viler things you cannot dub
+me, and which, methinks, I have proven you to be--liar and craven."
+
+And as I spoke the burning words, I stood close up to him and tapped his
+breast as if to drive the epithets into his very heart.
+
+Rage he felt, indeed, and his distorted countenance was a sight fearful
+to behold.
+
+"Now, my master," I added, setting my arms akimbo and laughing brutally
+in his face, "will you fight?"
+
+For a moment he wavered, and surely meseemed that I had drawn him. Then:
+
+"No," he cried passionately. "I will not do dishonour to my sword." And
+turning he made for the door, leaving me baffled.
+
+"Go, sir," I shouted, "but fame shall stalk fast behind you. Liar and
+craven will I dub you throughout the whole of France."
+
+He stopped 'neath the lintel, and faced me again.
+
+"Fool," he sneered. "You'll need dispatch to spread my fame so far. By
+this time to-morrow you'll be arrested. In three days you will be in the
+Bastille, and there shall you lie until you rot to carrion."
+
+"Loud threats again!" I laughed, hoping by the taunt to learn more.
+
+"Loud perchance, but not empty. Learn that the Cardinal has knowledge of
+your association with Mancini, and means to separate you. An officer
+of the guards is on his way to Blois. He is at Meung by now. He bears
+a warrant for your arrest and delivery to the governor of the Bastille.
+Thereafter, none may say what will betide." And with a coarse burst of
+laughter he left me, banging the door as he passed out.
+
+For a moment I stood there stricken by his parting words. He had sought
+to wound me, and in this he had succeeded. But at what cost to himself?
+In his blind rage, the fool had shown me that which he should have
+zealously concealed, and what to him was but a stinging threat was to me
+a timely warning. I saw the necessity for immediate action. Two things
+must I do; kill St. Auban first, then fly the Cardinal's warrant as
+best I could. I cast about me for means to carry out the first of these
+intentions. My eye fell upon my riding-whip, lying on a chair close to
+my hand, and the sight of it brought me the idea I sought. Seizing it, I
+bounded out of the room and down the stairs, three steps at a stride.
+
+Along the corridor I sped and into the common-room, which at the moment
+was tolerably full. As I entered by one door, the Marquis was within
+three paces of the other, leading to the courtyard.
+
+My whip in the air, I sprang after him; and he, hearing the rush of
+my onslaught, turned, then uttered a cry of pain as I brought the lash
+caressingly about his shoulders.
+
+"Now, master craven," I shouted, "will that change your mind?"
+
+With an almost inarticulate cry, he sought to draw there and then, but
+those about flung themselves upon us, and held us apart--I, passive
+and unresisting; the Marquis, bellowing, struggling, and foaming at the
+mouth.
+
+"To meet you now would be to murder you, Marquis," I said coolly. "Send
+your friends to me to appoint the time."
+
+"Soit!" he cried, his eyes blazing with a hate unspeakable. "At eight
+to-morrow morning I shall await you on the green behind the castle of
+Blois."
+
+"At eight o'clock I shall be there," I answered. "And now, gentlemen, if
+you will unhand me, I will return to my apartments."
+
+They let me go, but with many a growl and angry look, for in their eyes
+I was no more than a coarse aggressor, whilst their sympathy was all for
+St. Auban.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X. THE CONSCIENCE OF MALPERTUIS
+
+
+And so back to my room I went, my task accomplished, and so pleased was
+I with what had passed that as I drew on my boots--preparing to set out
+to Canaples--I laughed softly to myself.
+
+St. Auban I would dispose of in the morning. As for the other members
+of the cabal, I deemed neither Vilmorin nor Malpertuis sufficiently
+formidable to inspire uneasiness. St. Auban gone, they too would vanish.
+There remained then Eugene de Canaples. Him, however, methought no great
+evil was to be feared from. In Paris he might be as loud-voiced as he
+pleased, but in his father's chateau--from what I had learned--'t was
+unlikely he would so much as show himself. Moreover, he was wounded, and
+before he had sufficiently recovered to offer interference it was
+more than probable that Andrea would have married one or the other of
+Mesdemoiselles de Canaples--though I had a shrewd suspicion that it
+would be the wrong one, and there again I feared trouble.
+
+As I stood up, booted and ready to descend, there came a gentle tap
+at my door, and, in answer to my "Enter," there stood before me a very
+dainty and foppish figure. I stared hard at the effeminate face and the
+long fair locks of my visitor, thinking that I had become the dupe of my
+eyes.
+
+"M. de Vilmorin!" I murmured in astonishment, as he came forward, having
+closed the door. "You here?"
+
+In answer, he bowed and greeted me with cold ceremoniousness.
+
+"I have been in Blois since yesterday, Monsieur."
+
+"In truth I might have guessed it, Vicomte. Your visit flatters me,
+for, of course, I take it, you are come to pay me your respects," I said
+ironically. "A glass of wine, Vicomte?"
+
+"A thousand thanks, Monsieur--no," he answered coldly in his mincing
+tones. "It is concerning your affair with M. le Marquis de St. Auban
+that I am come." And drawing forth a dainty kerchief, which filled the
+room with the scent of ambregris, he tapped his lips with it affectedly.
+
+"Do you come as friend or--in some other capacity?"
+
+"I come as mediator."
+
+"Mediator!" I echoed, and my brow grew dark. "Sdeath! Has St. Auban's
+courage lasted just so long as the sting of my whip?"
+
+He raised his eyebrows after a supercilious fashion that made me thirst
+to strike the chair from under him.
+
+"You misapprehend me; M. de St. Auban has no desire to avert the duel.
+On the contrary, he will not rest until the affront you have put upon
+him be washed out--"
+
+"It will be, I'll answer for it."
+
+"Your answer, sir, is characteristic of a fanfarron. He who promises
+most does not always fulfil most."
+
+I stared at him in amazement.
+
+"Shall I promise you something, Vicomte? Mortdieu! If you seek to pick a
+quarrel with me--"
+
+"God forbid!" he ejaculated, turning colour. And his suddenly awakened
+apprehensions swept aside the affectation that hitherto had marked his
+speech and manner.
+
+"Then, Monsieur, be brief and state the sum of this mediation."
+
+"It is this, Monsieur. In the heat of the moment, M. le Marquis gave
+you, in the hearing of half a score of people, an assignation for
+to-morrow morning. News of the affair will spread rapidly through Blois,
+and it is likely there will be no lack of spectators on the green to
+witness the encounter. Therefore, as my friend thinks this will be as
+unpalatable to you as it is to him, he has sent me to suggest a fresh
+rendezvous."
+
+"Pooh, sir," I answered lightly. "I care not, for myself, who comes.
+I am accustomed to a crowd. Still, since M. de St. Auban finds it
+discomposing, let us arrange otherwise."
+
+"There is yet another point. M. de St. Auban spoke to you, I believe, of
+an officer who is coming hither charged with your arrest. It is probable
+that he may reach Blois before morning, so that the Marquis thinks that
+to make certain you might consent to meet him to-night."
+
+"Ma foi. St. Auban is indeed in earnest then! Convey to him my
+expressions of admiration at this suddenly awakened courage. Be good
+enough, Vicomte, to name the rendezvous."
+
+"Do you know the chapel of St. Sulpice des Reaux?"
+
+"What! Beyond the Loire?"
+
+"Precisely, Monsieur. About a league from Chambord by the river side."
+
+"I can find the place."
+
+"Will you meet us there at nine o'clock to-night?"
+
+I looked askance at him.
+
+"But why cross the river? This side affords many likely spots!"
+
+"Very true, Monsieur. But the Marquis has business at Chambord
+this evening, after which there will be no reason--indeed, it will
+inconvenience him exceedingly--to return to Blois."
+
+"What!" I cried, more and more astonished. "St. Auban is leaving Blois?"
+
+"This evening, sir."
+
+"But, voyons, Vicomte, why make an assignation in such a place and at
+night, when at any hour of the day I can meet the Marquis on this side,
+without suffering the inconvenience of crossing the river?"
+
+"There will be a bright moon, well up by nine o'clock. Moreover,
+remember that you cannot, as you say, meet St. Auban on this side at any
+time he may appoint, since to-night or to-morrow the officer who is in
+search of you will arrive."
+
+I pondered for a moment. Then:
+
+"M. le Vicomte," I said, "in this matter of ground 't is I who have the
+first voice."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"Because the Marquis is the affronted one."
+
+"Therefore he has a right to choose."
+
+"A right, yes. But that is not enough. The necessity to fight is on his
+side. His honour is hurt, not mine; I have whipped him; I am content.
+Now let him come to me."
+
+"Assuredly you will not be so ungenerous."
+
+"I do not care about journeying to Reaux to afford him satisfaction."
+
+"Does Monsieur fear anything?"
+
+"Vicomte, you go too far!" I cried, my pride gaining the mastery. "Since
+it is asked of me,--I will go."
+
+"M. le Marquis will be grateful to you."
+
+"A fig for his gratitude," I answered, whereupon the Vicomte shrugged
+his narrow shoulders, and, his errand done, took his leave of me.
+
+When he was gone I called Michelot, to tell him of the journey I must go
+that night, so that he might hold himself in readiness.
+
+"Why--if Monsieur will pardon me," quoth he, "do you go to meet the
+Marquis de St. Auban at St. Sulpice des Reaux by night?"
+
+"Precisely what I asked Vilmorin. The Marquis desires it, and--what will
+you?--since I am going to kill the man, I can scarce do less than kill
+him on a spot of his own choosing."
+
+Michelot screwed up his face and scratched at his grey beard with his
+huge hand.
+
+"Does no suspicion of foul play cross your mind, Monsieur?" he inquired
+timidly.
+
+"Shame on you, Michelot," I returned with some heat. "You do not yet
+understand the ways of gentlemen. Think you that M. de St. Auban would
+stoop to such a deed as that? He would be shamed for ever! Pooh, I would
+as soon suspect my Lord Cardinal of stealing the chalices from Notre
+Dame. Go, see to my horse. I am riding to Canaples."
+
+As I rode out towards the chateau I fell to thinking, and my thoughts
+turning to Vilmorin, I marvelled at the part he was playing in this
+little comedy of a cabal against Andrea de Mancini. His tastes and
+instincts were of the boudoir, the ante-chamber, and the table. He wore
+a sword because it was so ordained by fashion, and because the hilt was
+convenient for the display of a jewel or two. Certainly 't was not for
+utility that it hung beside him, and no man had ever seen it drawn.
+Nature had made him the most pitiable coward begotten. Why then should
+he involve himself in an affair which promised bloodshed, and which must
+be attended by many a risk for him? There was in all this some mystery
+that I could not fathom.
+
+From the course into which they had slipped, my thoughts were diverted,
+when I was within half a mile of the chateau, by the sight of a horseman
+stationed, motionless, among the trees that bordered the road.
+It occurred to me that men take not such a position without
+purpose--usually an evil one. I slackened speed somewhat and rode on,
+watching him sharply. As I came up, he walked his horse forward to meet
+me, and I beheld a man in the uniform of the gardes du corps, in whom
+presently I recognised the little sparrow Malpertuis, with whom I had
+exchanged witticisms at Choisy. He was the one man wanting to complete
+the trinity that had come upon us at the inn of the Connetable.
+
+It flashed across my mind that he might be the officer charged with my
+arrest, and that he had arrived sooner than had been expected. If so,
+it was likely to go ill with him, for I was not minded to be taken until
+St. Auban's soul sped hellwards.
+
+He hailed me as I advanced, and indeed rode forward to meet me.
+
+"You are come at last, M. de Luynes," was his greeting. "I have waited
+for you this hour past."
+
+"How knew you I should ride this way?"
+
+"I learnt that you would visit Canaples before noon. Be good enough to
+quit the road, and pass under those trees with me. I have something to
+say to you, but it were not well that we should be seen together."
+
+"For the sake of your character or mine, M. Malappris?"
+
+"Malpertuis!" he snapped.
+
+"Malpertuis," I corrected. "You were saying that we should not be seen
+together."
+
+"St. Auban might hear of it."
+
+"Ah! And therefore?"
+
+"You shall learn." We were now under the trees, which albeit leafless
+yet screened us partly from the road. He drew rein, and I followed his
+example.
+
+"M. de Luynes," he began, "I am or was a member of the cabal formed
+against Mazarin's aims in the matter of the marriage of Mademoiselle
+de Canaples to his nephew. I joined hands with St. Auban, lured by his
+protestations that it is not meet that such an heiress as Yvonne de
+Canaples should be forced to marry a foreigner of no birth and less
+distinction, whilst France holds so many noble suitors to her hand. This
+motive, by which I know that even Eugene de Canaples was actuated, was,
+St. Auban gave me to understand, his only one for embarking upon this
+business, as it was also Vilmorin's. Now, M. de Luynes, I have to-day
+discovered that I had been duped by St. Auban and his dupe, Vilmorin.
+St. Auban lied to me; another motive brings him into the affair. He
+seeks himself, by any means that may present themselves, to marry
+Yvonne--and her estates; whilst the girl, I am told, loathes him beyond
+expression. Vilmorin again is actuated by no less a purpose. And so,
+what think you these two knaves--this master knave and his dupe--have
+determined? To carry off Mademoiselle by force!"
+
+"Sangdieu!" I burst out, and would have added more, but his gesture
+silenced me, and he continued:
+
+"Vilmorin believes that St. Auban is helping him in this, whereas St.
+Auban is but fooling him with ambiguous speeches until they have the
+lady safe. Then might will assert itself, and St. Auban need but show
+his fangs to drive the sneaking coward away from the prize he fondly
+dreams is to be his."
+
+"When do these gentlemen propose to carry out their plan? Have they
+determined that?" I inquired breathlessly.
+
+"Aye, they have. They hope to accomplish it this very day. Mademoiselle
+de Canaples has received a letter wherein she is asked to meet her
+anonymous writer in the coppice yonder, at the Angelus this evening, if
+she would learn news of great importance to her touching a conspiracy
+against her father."
+
+"Faugh!" I sneered. "'T is too poor a bait to lure her with."
+
+"Say you so? Believe me that unless she be dissuaded she will comply
+with the invitation, so cunningly was the letter couched. A closed
+carriage will be waiting at this very spot. Into this St. Auban,
+Vilmorin, and their bravos will thrust the girl, then away through Blois
+and beyond it, for a mile or so, in the direction of Meung, thereby
+misleading any chance pursuers. There they will quit the coach and take
+a boat that is to be in waiting for them and which will bear them back
+with the stream to Chambord. Thereafter, God pity the poor lady if they
+get thus far without mishap."
+
+"Mort de ma vie!" I cried, slapping my thigh, "I understand!" And to
+myself I thought of the assignation at St. Sulpice des Reaux, and the
+reason for this, as also St. Auban's resolution to so suddenly quit
+Blois, grew of a sudden clear to me. Also did I recall the riddle
+touching Vilmorin's conduct which a few moments ago I had puzzled over,
+and of which methought that I now held the solution.
+
+"What do you understand?" asked Malpertuis.
+
+"Something that was told me this morning," I made answer, then spoke of
+gratitude, wherein he cut me short.
+
+"I ask no thanks," he said curtly. "You owe me none. What I have done
+is not for love of you or Mancini--for I love neither of you. It is done
+because noblesse m'oblige. I told St. Auban that I would have no part in
+this outrage. But that is not enough; I owe it to my honour to attempt
+the frustration of so dastardly a plan. You, M. de Luynes, appear to
+be the most likely person to encompass this, in the interests of your
+friend Mancini; I leave the matter, therefore, in your hands. Good-day!"
+
+And with this abrupt leave-taking, the little fellow doffed his hat
+to me, and wheeling his horse he set spurs in its flanks, and was gone
+before a word of mine could have stayed him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI. OF A WOMAN'S OBSTINACY
+
+
+"M. de Luynes is a wizard," quoth Andrea, laughing, in answer to
+something that had been said.
+
+It was afternoon. We had dined, and the bright sunshine and spring-like
+mildness of the weather had lured us out upon the terrace. Yvonne and
+Genevieve occupied the stone seat. Andrea had perched himself upon the
+granite balustrade, and facing them he sat, swinging his shapely legs
+to and fro as he chatted merrily, whilst on either side of him stood the
+Chevalier de Canaples and I.
+
+"If M. de Luynes be as great a wizard in other things as with the sword,
+then, pardieu, he is a fearful magician," said Canaples.
+
+I bowed, yet not so low but that I detected a sneer on Yvonne's lips.
+
+"So, pretty lady," said I to myself, "we shall see if presently your lip
+will curl when I show you something of my wizard's art."
+
+And presently my chance came. M. de Canaples found reason to leave us,
+and no sooner was he gone than Genevieve remembered that she had that
+day discovered a budding leaf upon one of the rose bushes in the garden
+below. Andrea naturally caused an argument by asserting that she was
+the victim of her fancy, as it was by far too early in the year. By
+that means these two found the plea they sought for quitting us, since
+neither could rest until the other was convinced.
+
+So down they went into that rose garden which methought was like to
+prove their fool's paradise, and Yvonne and I were left alone. Then she
+also rose, but as she was on the point of quitting me:
+
+"Mademoiselle," I ventured, "will you honour me by remaining for a
+moment? There is something that I would say to you."
+
+With raised eyebrows she gave me a glance mingled with that
+superciliousness which she was for ever bestowing upon me, and which,
+from the monotony of it alone, grew irksome.
+
+"What can you have to say to me, M. de Luynes?"
+
+"Will you not be seated? I shall not long detain you, nevertheless--"
+
+"If I stand, perchance you will be more brief. I am waiting, Monsieur."
+
+I shrugged my shoulders rudely. Why, indeed, be courteous where so
+little courtesy was met with?
+
+"A little while ago, Mademoiselle, when M. de Mancini dubbed me a wizard
+you were good enough to sneer. Now, a sneer, Mademoiselle, implies
+unbelief, and I would convince you that you were wrong to disbelieve."
+
+"If you have no other motive for detaining me, suffer me to depart," she
+interrupted with some warmth. "Whether you be a wizard or not is of no
+moment to me."
+
+"And yet I dare swear that you will be of a different mind within five
+minutes. A wizard is one who discloses things unknown to his fellow-men.
+I am about to convince you that I can do this, and by convincing you I
+am about to serve you."
+
+"I seek neither conviction nor service at your hands," she answered.
+
+"Your courtesy dumfounds me, Mademoiselle!"
+
+"No less than does your insolence dumfound me," she retorted, with
+crimson cheeks. "Do you forget, sir, that I know you for what you are--a
+gamester, a libertine, a duellist, the murderer of my brother?"
+
+"That your brother lives, Mademoiselle, is, methinks, sufficient proof
+that I have not murdered him."
+
+"You willed his death if you did not encompass it; so 't is all one.
+Do you not understand that it is because my father receives you here,
+thanks to M. de Mancini, your friend--a friendship easily understood
+from the advantages you must derive from it--that I consent to endure
+your presence and the insult of your glance? Is it not enough that
+I should do this, and have you not wit enough to discern it, without
+adding to my shame by your insolent call upon my courtesy?"
+
+Her words cut me as no words that I ever heard, and, more than her
+words, her tone of loathing and disgust unspeakable. For half that
+speech I should have killed a man--indeed, I had killed men for less
+than half. And yet, for all the passion that raged in my soul, I
+preserved upon my countenance a smiling mask. That smile exhausted her
+patience and increased her loathing, for with a contemptuous exclamation
+she turned away.
+
+"Tarry but a moment, Mademoiselle," I cried, with a sudden note of
+command. "Or, if you will go, go then; but take with you my assurance
+that before nightfall you will weep bitterly for it."
+
+My words arrested her. The mystery of them awakened her curiosity.
+
+"You speak in riddles, Monsieur."
+
+"Like a true wizard, Mademoiselle. You received a letter this morning in
+a handwriting unknown, and bearing no signature."
+
+She wheeled round and faced me again with a little gasp of astonishment.
+
+"How know you that? Ah! I understand; you wrote it!"
+
+"What shrewdness, Mademoiselle!" I laughed, ironically. "Come; think
+again. What need have I to bid you meet me in the coppice yonder? May I
+not speak freely with you here?"
+
+"You know the purport of that letter?"
+
+"I do, Mademoiselle, and I know more. I know that this hinted conspiracy
+against your father is a trumped-up lie to lure you to the coppice."
+
+"And for what purpose, pray?"
+
+"An evil one,--your abduction. Shall I tell you who penned that note,
+and who awaits you? The Marquis Cesar de St. Auban."
+
+She shuddered as I pronounced the name, then, looking me straight
+between the eyes--"How come you to know these things?" she inquired.
+
+"What does it signify, since I know them?"
+
+"This, Monsieur, that unless I learn how, I can attach no credit to your
+preposterous story."
+
+"Not credit it!" I cried. "Let me assure you that I have spoken the
+truth; let me swear it. Go to the coppice at the appointed time, and
+things will fall out as I have predicted."
+
+"Again, Monsieur, how know you this?" she persisted, as women will.
+
+"I may not tell you."
+
+We stood close together, and her clear grey eyes met mine, her lip
+curling in disdain.
+
+"You may not tell me? You need not. I can guess." And she tossed her
+shapely head and laughed. "Seek some likelier story, Monsieur. Had you
+not spoken of it, 't is likely I should have left the letter unheeded.
+But your disinterested warning has determined me to go to this
+rendezvous. Shall I tell you what I have guessed? That this conspiracy
+against my father, the details of which you would not have me learn,
+is some evil of your own devising. Ah! You change colour!" she cried,
+pointing to my face. Then with a laugh of disdain she left me before I
+had sufficiently recovered from my amazement to bid her stay.
+
+"Ciel!" I cried, as I watched the tall, lissom figure vanish through the
+portals of the chateau. "Did ever God create so crass and obstinate a
+thing as woman?"
+
+It occurred to me to tell Andrea, and bid him warn her. But then she
+would guess that I had prompted him. Naught remained but to lay the
+matter before the Chevalier de Canaples. Already I had informed him of
+my fracas with St. Auban, and of the duel that was to be fought that
+night, and he, in his turn, had given me the details of his stormy
+interview with the Marquis, which had culminated in St. Auban's
+dismissal from Canaples. I had not hitherto deemed it necessary to alarm
+him with the news imparted to me by Malpertuis, imagining that did I
+inform Mademoiselle that would suffice.
+
+Now, however, as I have said, no other course was left me but to tell
+him of it. Accordingly, I went within and inquired of Guilbert, whom I
+met in the hall, where I might find the Chevalier. He answered me that
+M. de Canaples was not in the chateau. It was believed that he had gone
+with M. Louis, the intendant of the estates, to visit the vineyards at
+Montcroix.
+
+The news made me choke with impatience. Already it was close upon five
+o'clock, and in another hour the sun would set and the Angelus would
+toll the knell of Mademoiselle's preposterous suspicions, unless in the
+meantime I had speech with Canaples, and led him to employ a father's
+authority to keep his daughter indoors.
+
+Fuming at the contretemps I called for my horse and set out at a brisk
+trot for Montcroix. But my ride was fruitless. The vineyard peasants had
+not seen the Chevalier for over a week.
+
+Now, 'twixt Montcroix and the chateau there lies a good league, and to
+make matters worse, as I galloped furiously back to Canaples, an evil
+chance led me to mistake the way and pursue a track that brought me out
+on the very banks of the river, with a strong belt of trees screening
+the chateau from sight, and defying me to repair my error by going
+straight ahead.
+
+I was forced to retrace my steps, and before I had regained the point
+where I had gone astray a precious quarter of an hour was wasted, and
+the sun already hung, a dull red globe, on the brink of the horizon.
+
+Clenching my teeth, I tore at my horse's flanks, and with a bloody heel
+I drove the maddened brute along at a pace that might have cost us both
+dearly. I dashed, at last, into the quadrangle, and, throwing the reins
+to a gaping groom, I sprang up the steps.
+
+"Has the Chevalier returned?" I gasped breathlessly.
+
+"Not yet, Monsieur," answered Guilbert with a tranquillity that made me
+desire to strangle him. "Is Mademoiselle in the chateau?" was my next
+question, mechanically asked.
+
+"I saw her on the terrace some moments ago. She has not since come
+within."
+
+Like one possessed I flew across the intervening room and out on to the
+terrace. Genevieve and Andrea were walking there, deep in conversation.
+At another time I might have cursed their lack of prudence. At the
+moment I did not so much as remark it.
+
+"Where is Mademoiselle de Canaples?" I burst out.
+
+They gazed at me, as much astounded by my question and the abruptness of
+it as by my apparent agitation.
+
+"Has anything happened?" inquired Genevieve, her blue eyes wide open.
+
+"Yes--no; naught has happened. Tell me where she is. I must speak to
+her."
+
+"She was here a while ago," said Andrea, "but she left us to stroll
+along the river bank."
+
+"How long is it since she left you?"
+
+"A quarter of an hour, perhaps."
+
+"Something has happened!" cried Genevieve, and added more, maybe, but I
+waited not to hear.
+
+Muttering curses as I ran--for 't was my way to curse where pious souls
+might pray--I sped back to the quadrangle and my horse.
+
+"Follow me," I shouted to the groom, "you and as many of your fellows
+as you can find. Follow me at once--at once, mark you--to the coppice
+by the river." And without waiting for his answer, I sent my horse
+thundering down the avenue. The sun was gone, leaving naught but a
+roseate streak to tell of its passage, and at that moment a distant bell
+tinkled forth the Angelus.
+
+With whip, spur, and imprecations I plied my steed, a prey to such
+excitement as I had never known until that moment--not even in the
+carnage of battle.
+
+I had no plan. My mind was a chaos of thought without a single
+clear idea to light it, and I never so much as bethought me that
+single-handled I was about to attempt to wrest Yvonne from the hands of
+perchance half a dozen men. To save time I did not far pursue the road,
+but, clearing a hedge, I galloped ventre-a-terre across the meadow
+towards the little coppice by the waterside. As I rode I saw no sign of
+any moving thing. No sound disturbed the evening stillness save the dull
+thump of my horse's hoofs upon the turf, and a great fear arose in my
+heart that I might come too late.
+
+At last I reached the belt of trees, and my fears grew into certainty.
+The place was deserted.
+
+Then a fresh hope sprang up. Perchance, thinking of my warning, she had
+seen the emptiness of her suspicions towards me, and had pursued that
+walk of hers in another direction.
+
+But when I had penetrated to the little open space within that cluster
+of naked trees, I had proof overwhelming that the worst had befallen.
+Not only on the moist ground was stamped the impress of struggling feet,
+but on a branch I found a strip of torn green velvet, and, remembering
+the dress she had worn that day, I understood to the full the
+significance of that rag, and, understanding it, I groaned aloud.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII. THE RESCUE
+
+
+Some precious moments did I waste standing with that green rag betwixt
+my fingers, and I grew sick and numb in body and in mind. She was gone!
+Carried off by a man I had reason to believe she hated, and whom God
+send she might have no motive to hate more deeply hereafter!
+
+The ugly thought swelled until it blotted out all others, and in its
+train there came a fury upon me that drove me to do by instinct that
+which earlier I should have done by reason. I climbed back into the
+saddle, and away across the meadow I went, journeying at an angle with
+the road, my horse's head turned in the direction of Blois. That road at
+last was gained, and on I thundered at a stretched gallop, praying that
+my hard-used beast might last until the town was reached.
+
+Now, as I have already said, I am not a man who easily falls a prey
+to excitement. It may have beset me in the heat of battle, when the
+fearsome lust of blood and death makes of every man a raving maniac,
+thrilled with mad joy at every stab he deals, and laughing with fierce
+passion at every blow he takes, though in the taking of it his course
+be run. But, saving at such wild times, never until then could I recall
+having been so little master of myself. There was a fever in me; all
+hell was in my blood, and, stranger still, and hitherto unknown at any
+season, there was a sickly fear that mastered me, and drew out great
+beads of sweat upon my brow. Fear for myself I have never known, for at
+no time has life so pampered me that the thought of parting company
+with it concerned me greatly. Fear for another I had not known till
+then--saving perchance the uneasiness that at times I had felt touching
+Andrea--because never yet had I sufficiently cared.
+
+Thus far my thoughts took me, as I rode, and where I have halted did
+they halt, and stupidly I went over their ground again, like one who
+gropes for something in the dark,--because never yet had I sufficiently
+cared--I had never cared.
+
+And then, ah Dieu! As I turned the thought over I understood, and,
+understanding, I pursued the sentence where I had left off.
+
+But, caring at last, I was sick with fear of what might befall the one I
+cared for! There lay the reason of the frenzied excitement whereof I had
+become the slave. That it was that had brought the moisture to my brow
+and curses to my lips; that it was that had caused me instinctively to
+thrust the rag of green velvet within my doublet.
+
+Ciel! It was strange--aye, monstrous strange, and a right good jest for
+fate to laugh at--that I, Gaston de Luynes, vile ruffler and worthless
+spadassin, should have come to such a pass; I, whose forefinger had for
+the past ten years uptilted the chin of every tavern wench I had chanced
+upon; I, whose lips had never known the touch of other than the lips of
+these; I, who had thought my heart long dead to tenderness and devotion,
+or to any fondness save the animal one for my ignoble self. Yet there I
+rode as if the Devil had me for a quarry,--panting, sweating, cursing,
+and well-nigh sobbing with rage at a fear that I might come too
+late,--all because of a proud lady who knew me for what I was and held
+me in contempt because of her knowledge; all for a lady who had not
+the kindness for me that one might spare a dog--who looked on me as
+something not good to see.
+
+Since there was no one to whom I might tell my story that he might mock
+me, I mocked myself--with a laugh that startled passers-by and which,
+coupled with the crazy pace at which I dashed into Blois, caused them, I
+doubt not, to think me mad. Nor were they wrong, for mad indeed I deemed
+myself.
+
+That I trampled no one underfoot in my furious progress through the
+streets is a miracle that passes my understanding.
+
+In the courtyard of the Lys de France I drew rein at last with a tug
+that brought my shuddering brute on to his haunches and sent those who
+stood about flying into the shelter of the doorways.
+
+"Another horse!" I shouted as I sprang to the ground. "Another horse at
+once!"
+
+Then as I turned to inquire for Michelot, I espied him leaning stolidly
+against the porte-cochere.
+
+"How long have you been there, Michelot?" I asked.
+
+"Half an hour, mayhap."
+
+"Saw you a closed carriage pass?"
+
+"Ten minutes ago I saw one go by, followed by M. de St. Auban and a
+gentleman who greatly resembled M. de Vilmorin, besides an escort of
+four of the most villainous knaves--"
+
+"That is the one," I broke in. "Quick, Michelot! Arm yourself and get
+your horse; I have need of you. Come, knave, move yourself!"
+
+At the end of a few minutes we set out at a sharp trot, leaving the
+curious ones whom my loud-voiced commands had assembled, to speculate
+upon the meaning of so much bustle. Once clear of the township we gave
+the reins to our horses, and our trot became a gallop as we travelled
+along the road to Meung, with the Loire on our right. And as we went I
+briefly told Michelot what was afoot, interlarding my explanations with
+prayers that we might come upon the kidnappers before they crossed the
+river, and curses at the flying pace of our mounts, which to my anxious
+mind seemed slow.
+
+At about a mile from Blois the road runs over an undulation of the
+ground that is almost a hill. From the moment that I had left Canaples
+as the Angelus was ringing, until the moment when our panting horses
+gained the brow of that little eminence, only half an hour had sped.
+Still in that half-hour the tints had all but faded from the sky, and
+the twilight shadows grew thicker around us with every moment. Yet not
+so thick had they become but that I could see a coach at a standstill
+in the hollow, some three hundred yards beneath us, and, by it, half a
+dozen horses, of which four were riderless and held by the two men who
+were still mounted. Then, breathlessly scanning the field between the
+road and the river, I espied five persons, half way across, and at the
+same distance from the water that we were from the coach. Two men, whom
+I supposed to be St. Auban and Vilmorin, were forcing along a woman,
+whose struggles, feeble though they appeared--yet retarded their
+progress in some measure. Behind them walked two others, musket on
+shoulder.
+
+I pointed them out to Michelot with a soft cry of joy. We were in time!
+
+Following with my eyes the course they appeared to be pursuing I saw by
+the bank a boat, in which two men were waiting. Again I pointed, this
+time to the boat.
+
+"Over the hedge, Michelot!" I cried. "We must ride in a straight line
+for the water and so intercept them. Follow me."
+
+Over the hedge we went, and down the gentle slope at as round a pace
+as the soft ground would with safety allow. I had reckoned upon being
+opposed to six or even eight men, whereas there were but four, one of
+whom I knew was hardly to be reckoned. Doubtless St. Auban had imagined
+himself safe from pursuit when he left two of his bravos with the
+horses, probably to take them on to Meung, and there cross with them and
+rejoin him. Two more, I doubted not, were those seated at the oars.
+
+I laughed to myself as I took in all this, but, even as I laughed, those
+in the field stood still, and sent up a shout that told me we had been
+perceived.
+
+"On, Michelot, on!" I shouted, spurring my horse forward. Then, in
+answer to their master's call, the two ruffians who had been doing duty
+as grooms came pounding into the field.
+
+"Ride to meet them, Michelot!" I cried. Obediently he wheeled to the
+left, and I caught the swish of his sword as it left the scabbard.
+
+St. Auban was now hurrying towards the river with his party. Already
+they were but fifty yards from the boat, and a hundred still lay between
+him and me. Furiously I pressed onward, and presently but half the
+distance separated us, whilst they were still some thirty yards from
+their goal.
+
+Then his two bravos faced round to meet me, and one, standing some fifty
+paces in ad-vance of the other, levelled his musket and fired. But in
+his haste he aimed too high; the bullet carried away my hat, and before
+the smoke had cleared I was upon him. I had drawn a pistol from my
+holster, but it was not needed; my horse passed over him before he could
+save himself from my fearful charge.
+
+In the fast-fading light a second musket barrel shone, and I saw the
+second ruffian taking aim at me with not a dozen yards between us. With
+the old soldier's instinct I wrenched at the reins till I brought my
+horse on to his haunches. It was high time, for simultaneously with my
+action the fellow blazed at me, and the scream of pain that broke from
+my steed told me that the poor brute had taken the bullet. With a bound
+that carried me forward some six paces, the animal sank, quivering, to
+the ground. I disengaged my feet from the stirrups as he fell, but the
+shock of it sent me rolling on the ground, and the ruffian, seeing me
+fallen, sprang forward, swinging his musket up above his head. I dodged
+the murderous downward stroke, and as the stock buried itself close
+beside me in the soft earth I rose on one knee and with a grim laugh I
+raised my pistol. I brought the muzzle within a hand's breadth of his
+face, then fired and shot him through the head. Perchance you'll say it
+was a murderous, cruel stroke: mayhap it was, but at such seasons
+men stay not to unravel niceties, but strike ere they themselves be
+stricken.
+
+Leaping over the twitching corpse, I got out my sword and sprang after
+St. Auban, who, with Vilmorin and Yvonne, careless of what might betide
+his followers, was now within ten paces of the boat.
+
+Pistol shots cracked behind me, and I wondered how Michelot was faring,
+but dared not pause to look.
+
+The twain in the boat stood up, wielding their great oars, and methought
+them on the point of coming to their master's aid, in which case my
+battle had truly been a lost one. But that craven Vilmorin did me good
+service then, for with a cry of fear at my approach, he abandoned his
+hold of Yvonne, whose struggles were keeping both the men back; thus
+freed, he fled towards the boat, and jumping in, he shouted to the men
+in his shrill, quavering voice, to put off. Albeit they disobeyed him
+contemptuously and waited for the Marquis; still they did not leave the
+boat, fearing, no doubt, that if they did so the coward would put off
+alone.
+
+As for St. Auban, Vilmorin's flight left him unequal to the task of
+dragging the girl along. She dug her heels into the ground, and, tug as
+he might, for all that he set both hands to work, he could not move her.
+In this plight I came upon him, and challenged him to stand and face me.
+
+With a bunch of oaths he got out his sword, but in doing so he was
+forced to remove one of his hands from the girl's arm. Seizing the
+opportunity with a ready wit and courage seldom found in women of her
+quality, she twisted herself from the grip of his left hand, and came
+staggering towards me for protection, holding up her pinioned wrists.
+With my blade I severed the cord, whereupon she plucked the gag from
+her mouth, and sank against my side, her struggles having left her weak
+indeed.
+
+As I set my arm about her waist to support her, my heart seemed to swell
+within me, and strange melodies shaped themselves within my soul.
+
+St. Auban bore down upon me with a raucous oath, but the glittering
+point of my rapier danced before his eyes and drove him back again.
+
+"To me, Vilmorin, you cowardly cur!" he shouted. "To me, you dogs!"
+
+He let fly at them a volley of blood-curdling oaths, then, without
+waiting to see if they obeyed him, he came at me again, and our swords
+met.
+
+"Courage, Mademoiselle," I whispered, as a sigh that was almost a groan
+escaped her. "Have no fear."
+
+But that fight was not destined to be fought, for, as again we engaged,
+there came the fall of running feet behind me. It flashed across my
+mind that Michelot had been worsted, and that my back was about to be
+assailed. But in St. Auban's face I saw, as in a mirror, that he who
+came was Michelot.
+
+"Mort de Christ!" snarled the Marquis, springing back beyond my reach.
+"What can a man do with naught but fools and poltroons to serve
+him? Faugh! We will continue our sword-play at St. Sulpice des Reaux
+to-night. Au revoir, M. de Luynes!"
+
+Turning, he sheathed his sword, and, running down to the river, bounded
+into the boat, where I heard him reviling Vilmorin with every foul name
+he could call to mind.
+
+My blood was aflame, and I was not minded to wait for our meeting
+at Reaux. Consigning Mademoiselle to the care of Michelot, who stood
+panting and bleeding from a wound in his shoulder, I turned back to my
+dead horse, and plucking the remaining pistol from the holster I ran
+down to the very edge of the water. The boat was not ten yards from
+shore, and my action had been unheeded by St. Auban, who was standing in
+the stern.
+
+Kneeling I took careful aim at him, and as God lives, I would have saved
+much trouble that was to follow had I been allowed to fire. But at that
+moment a hand was laid upon my arm, and Yvonne's sweet voice murmured in
+my ear:
+
+"You have fought a brave and gallant fight, M. de Luynes, and you have
+done a deed of which the knights of old might have been proud. Do not
+mar it by an act of murder."
+
+"Murder, Mademoiselle!" I gasped, letting my hand fall. "Surely there is
+no murder in this!"
+
+"A suspicion of it, I think, and so brave a man should have clean
+hands."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII. THE HAND OF YVONNE
+
+
+We did not long remain upon the field of battle. Indeed, if we lingered
+at all it was but so that Mademoiselle might bandage Michelot's wound.
+And whilst she did so, my stout henchman related to us how it had fared
+with him, and how, having taken the two ruffians separately, he had been
+wounded by the first, whom he repaid by splitting his skull, whereupon
+the second one had discharged his pistol without effect, then made
+off towards the road, whilst Michelot, remembering that I might need
+assistance, had let him go.
+
+"There, good Michelot," quoth Mademoiselle, completing her task, "I have
+done what little I can. And now, M. de Luynes, let us go."
+
+It was close upon seven o'clock, and night was at hand. Already the moon
+was showing her large, full face above the tree-tops by Chambord, and
+casting a silver streak athwart the stream. The plash of oars from the
+Marquis's boat was waxing indistinct despite the stillness, whilst by
+the eye the boat itself was no longer to be distinguished.
+
+As I turned, my glance fell upon the bravo whom I had shot. He lay
+stiff and stark upon his back, his sightless eyes wide open and staring
+heavenwards, his face all blood-smeared and ghastly to behold.
+
+Mademoiselle shuddered. "Let us go," she repeated in a faint whisper;
+her eye had also fallen on that thing, and her voice was full of awe.
+She laid her hand upon my sleeve and 'neath the suasion of her touch I
+moved away.
+
+To our surprise and joy we found St. Auban's coach where we had left it,
+with two saddled horses tethered close by. The others had doubtless been
+taken by the coachman and the bravo who had escaped Michelot, both of
+whom had fled. These animals we looked upon as the spoils of war, and
+accordingly when we set out in the coach,--Mademoiselle having desired
+me to ride beside her therein,--Michelot wielding the reins, it was with
+those two horses tethered behind.
+
+"Monsieur de Luynes," said my companion softly, "I fear that I have done
+you a great injustice. Indeed, I know not how to crave your forgiveness,
+how to thank you, or how to hide my shame at those words I spoke to you
+this afternoon at Canaples."
+
+"Not another word on that score, Mademoiselle!"
+
+And to myself I thought of what recompense already had been mine. To me
+it had been given to have her lean trustingly upon me, my arm about her
+waist, whilst, sword in hand, I had fought for her. Dieu! Was that not
+something to have lived for?--aye, and to have died for, methought.
+
+"I deserved, Monsieur," she continued presently, "that you should have
+left me to my fate for all the odious things I uttered when you warned
+me of my peril,--for the manner in which I have treated you since your
+coming to Blois."
+
+"You have but treated me, Mademoiselle, in the only manner in which you
+could treat one so far beneath you, one who is utterly unworthy that you
+should bestow a single regret upon him."
+
+"You are strangely humble to-night, Monsieur. It is unwonted in you, and
+for once you wrong yourself. You have not said that I am forgiven."
+
+"I have naught to forgive."
+
+"Helas! you have--indeed you have!"
+
+"Eh, bien!" quoth I, with a return of my old tone of banter, "I forgive
+then."
+
+Thereafter we travelled on in silence for some little while, my heart
+full of joy at being so near to her, and the friendliness which she
+evinced for me, and my mind casting o'er my joyous heart a cloud of some
+indefinable evil presage.
+
+"You are a brave man, M. de Luynes," she murmured presently, "and I have
+been taught that brave men are ever honourable and true."
+
+"Had they who taught you that known Gaston de Luynes, they would have
+told you instead that it is possible for a vile man to have the one
+redeeming virtue of courage, even as it is possible for a liar to have a
+countenance that is sweet and innocent."
+
+"There speaks that humble mood you are affecting, and which sits upon
+you as my father's clothes might do. Nay, Monsieur, I shall believe in
+my first teaching, and be deaf to yours."
+
+Again there was a spell of silence. At last--"I have been thinking,
+Monsieur," she said, "of that other occasion on which you rode with me.
+I remember that you said you had killed a man, and when I asked you why,
+you said that you had done it because he sought to kill you. Was that
+the truth?"
+
+"Assuredly, Mademoiselle. We fought a duel, and it is customary in a
+duel for each to seek to kill the other."
+
+"But why was this duel fought?" she cried, with some petulance.
+
+"I fear me, Mademoiselle, that I may not answer you," I said, recalling
+the exact motives, and thinking how futile appeared the quarrel which
+Eugene de Canaples had sought with Andrea when viewed in the light of
+what had since befallen.
+
+"Was the quarrel of your seeking?"
+
+"In a measure it was, Mademoiselle."
+
+"In a measure!" she echoed. Then persisting, as women will--"Will you
+not tell me what this measure was?"
+
+"Tenez, Mademoiselle," I answered in despair; "I will tell you just
+so much as I may. Your brother had occasion to be opposed to certain
+projects that were being formed in Paris by persons high in power
+around a beardless boy. Himself of too small importance to dare wage
+war against those powerful ones who would have crushed him, your brother
+sought to gain his ends by sending a challenge to this boy. The lad was
+high-spirited and consented to meet M. de Canaples, by whom he would
+assuredly have been murdered--'t is the only word, Mademoiselle--had I
+not intervened as I did."
+
+She was silent for a moment. Then--"I believe you, Monsieur," she said
+simply. "You fought, then, to shield another--but why?"
+
+"For three reasons, Mademoiselle. Firstly, those persons high in power
+chose to think it my fault that the quarrel had arisen, and threatened
+to hang me if the duel took place and the boy were harmed. Secondly,
+I myself felt a kindness for the boy. Thirdly, because, whatever sins
+Heaven may record against me, it has at least ever been my way to side
+against men who, confident of their superiority, seek, with the cowardly
+courage of the strong, to harm the weak. It is, Mademoiselle, the
+courage of the man who knows no fear when he strikes a woman, yet who
+will shake with a palsy when another man but threatens him."
+
+"Why did you not tell me all this before?" she whispered, after a pause.
+And methought I caught a quaver in her voice.
+
+I laughed for answer, and she read my laugh aright; presently she
+pursued her questions and asked me the name of the boy I had defended.
+But I evaded her, telling her that she must need no further details to
+believe me.
+
+"It is not that, Monsieur! I do believe you; I do indeed, but--"
+
+"Hark, Mademoiselle!" I cried suddenly, as the clatter of many hoofs
+sounded near at hand. "What is that?"
+
+A shout rang out at that moment. "Halt! Who goes there?"
+
+"Mon Dieu!" exclaimed Mademoiselle, drawing close up to me, and again
+the voice sounded, this time more sinister.
+
+"Halt, I say--in the King's name!"
+
+The coach came to a standstill, and through the window I beheld the
+shadowy forms of several mounted men, and the feeble glare of a lantern.
+
+"Who travels in the carriage, knave?" came the voice again.
+
+"Mademoiselle de Canaples," answered Michelot; then, like a fool, he
+must needs add: "Have a care whom you knave, my master, if you would
+grow old."
+
+"Pardieu! let us behold this Mademoiselle de Canaples who owns so
+fearful a warrior for a coachman."
+
+The door was flung rudely open, and the man bearing the lantern--whose
+rays shone upon a uniform of the Cardinal's guards--confronted us.
+
+With a chuckle he flashed the light in my face, then suddenly grew
+serious.
+
+"Peste! Is it indeed you, M. de Luynes?" quoth he; adding, with stern
+politeness, "It grieves me to disturb you, but I have a warrant for your
+arrest."
+
+He was fumbling in his doublet as he spoke, and during the time I had
+leisure to scan his countenance, recognising, to my surprise, a young
+lieutenant of the guards who had but recently served with me, and with
+whom I had been on terms almost of friendship. His words, "I have a
+warrant for your arrest," came like a bolt from the blue to enlighten
+me, and to remind me of what St. Auban had that morning told me, and
+which for the nonce I had all but forgotten.
+
+Upon hearing those same words, Yvonne, methought, grew pale, and her
+eyes were bent upon me with a look of surprise and pity.
+
+"Upon what charge am I arrested?" I enquired, with forced composure.
+
+"My warrant mentions none, M. de Luynes. It is here." And he thrust
+before me a paper, whose purport I could have read in its shape and
+seals. Idly my eye ran along the words:
+
+"By these presents I charge and empower my lieutenant, Jean de
+Montresor, to seize where'er he may be found, hold, and conduct to Paris
+the Sieur Gaston de Luynes--"
+
+And so further, until the Cardinal's signature ended the legal verbiage.
+
+"In the King's name, M. de Luynes," said Montresor, firmly yet
+deferentially, "your sword!"
+
+It would have been madness to do aught but comply with his request, and
+so I surrendered my rapier, which he in his turn delivered to one of his
+followers. Next I stepped down from the coach and turned to take leave
+of Mademoiselle, whereupon Montresor, thinking that peradventure
+matters were as they appeared to be between us, and, being a man of fine
+feelings, signed to his men to fall back, whilst he himself withdrew a
+few paces.
+
+"Adieu, Mademoiselle!" I said simply. "I shall carry with me for
+consolation the memory that I have been of service to you, and I shall
+ever--during the little time that may be left me--be grateful to Heaven
+for the opportunity that it has afforded me of causing you--perchance
+without sufficient reason--to think better of me. Adieu, Mademoiselle!
+God guard you!"
+
+It was too dark to see her face, but my heart bounded with joy to catch
+in her voice a quaver that argued, methought, regret for me.
+
+"What does it mean, M. de Luynes? Why are they taking you?"
+
+"Because I have displeased my Lord Cardinal, albeit, Mademoiselle, I
+swear to you that I have no cause for shame at the reasons for which I
+am being arrested."
+
+"My father is Monseigneur de Mazarin's friend," she cried. "He is also
+yours. He shall exert for you what influence he possesses."
+
+"'T were useless, Mademoiselle. Besides, what does it signify? Again,
+adieu!"
+
+She spoke no answering word, but silently held out her hand. Silently
+I took it in mine, and for a moment I hesitated, thinking of what I
+was--of what she was. At last, moved by some power that was greater than
+my will, I stooped and pressed those shapely fingers to my lips. Then
+I stepped suddenly back and closed the carriage door, oppressed by a
+feeling akin to that of having done an evil deed.
+
+"Have I your permission to say a word to my servant, M. le Lieutenant?"
+I inquired.
+
+He bowed assent, whereat, stepping close up to the horror-stricken
+Michelot--
+
+"Drive straight to the Chateau de Canaples," I said in a low voice.
+"Thereafter return to the Lys de France and there wait until you hear
+from me. Here, take my purse; there are some fifty pistoles in it."
+
+"Speak but the word, Monsieur," he growled, "and I'll pistol a couple of
+these dogs."
+
+"Pah! You grow childish," I laughed, "or can you not see that fellow's
+musket?"
+
+"Pardieu! I'll risk his aim! I never yet saw one of these curs shoot
+straight."
+
+"No, no, obey me, Michelot. Think of Mademoiselle. Go! Adieu! If we
+should not meet again, mon brave," I finished, as I seized his loyal
+hand, "what few things of mine are at the hostelry shall belong to you,
+as well as what may be left of this money. It is little enough payment,
+Michelot, for all your faithfulness--"
+
+"Monsieur, Monsieur!" he cried.
+
+"Diable!" I muttered, "we are becoming women! Be off, you knave! Adieu!"
+
+The peremptoriness of my tone ended our leave-taking and caused him
+to grip his reins and bring down his whip. The coach moved on. A white
+face, on which the moonlight fell, glanced at me from the window,
+then to my staring eyes naught was left but the back of the retreating
+vehicle, with one of the two saddle-horses that had been tethered to it
+still ambling in its wake.
+
+"M. de Montresor," I said, thrusting my bullet-pierced hat upon my head,
+"I am at your service."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV. OF WHAT BEFELL AT REAUX. At my captor's bidding I mounted
+the horse which they had untethered from the carriage, and we started
+off along the road which the coach itself had disappeared upon a moment
+before. But we travelled at a gentle trot, which, after that evening's
+furious riding, was welcome to me.
+
+With bitterness I reflected as I rode that the very moment at which
+Mademoiselle de Canaples had brought herself to think better of me was
+like to prove the last we should spend together. Yet not
+altogether bitter was that reflection; for with it came also the
+consolation--whereof I had told her--that I had not been taken before
+she had had cause to change her mind concerning me.
+
+That she should care for me was too preposterous an idea to be
+nourished, and, indeed, it was better--much better--that M. de Montresor
+had come before I, grown sanguine as lovers will, had again earned her
+scorn by showing her what my heart contained. Much better was it that I
+should pass for ever out of her life--as, indeed, methought I was
+like to pass out of all life--whilst I could leave in her mind a kind
+remembrance and a grateful regret, free from the stain that a subsequent
+possible presumption of mine might have cast o'er it.
+
+Then my thoughts shifted to Andrea. St. Auban would hear of my removal,
+and I cared not to think of what profit he might derive from it. To
+Yvonne also his presence must hereafter be a menace, and in that wherein
+tonight he had failed, he might, again, succeed. It was at this juncture
+of my reverie that M. de Montresor's pleasant young voice aroused me.
+
+"You appear downcast, M. de Luynes."
+
+"I, downcast!" I echoed, throwing back my head and laughing. "Nay. I was
+but thinking.
+
+"Believe me, M. de Luynes," he said kindly, "when I tell you that
+it grieves me to be charged with this matter. I have done my best to
+capture you. That was my duty. But I should have rejoiced had I failed
+with the consciousness of having done all in my power."
+
+"Thanks, Montresor," I murmured, and silence followed.
+
+"I have been thinking, Monsieur," he went on presently, "that possibly
+the absence of your sword causes you discomfort."
+
+"Eh? Discomfort? It does, most damnably!"
+
+"Give me your parole d'honneur that you will attempt no escape, and not
+only shall your sword be returned to you, but you shall travel to Paris
+with all comfort and dignity."
+
+Now, so amazed was I that I paused to stare at the officer who was young
+enough to make such a proposal to a man of my reputation. He turned his
+face towards me, and in the moonlight I could make out his questioning
+glance.
+
+"Eh, bien, Monsieur?"
+
+"I am more than grateful to you, M. de Montresor," I replied, "and I
+freely give you my word of honour to seek no means of eluding you, nor
+to avail myself of any that may be presented to me."
+
+I said this loud enough for those behind to hear, so that no surprise
+was evinced when the lieutenant bade the man who bore my sword return it
+to me.
+
+If he who may chance to read these simple pages shall have gathered
+aught of my character from their perusal, he will marvel, perchance,
+that I should give the lieutenant my parole, instead rather of watching
+for an opportunity to--at least--attempt an escape. Preeminent in my
+thoughts, however, stood at that moment the necessity to remove St.
+Auban, and methought that by acting as I did I saw a way by which,
+haply, I might accomplish this. What might thereafter befall me seemed
+of little moment.
+
+"M. de Montresor," I said presently, "your kindness impels me to set a
+further tax upon your generosity."
+
+"That is, Monsieur?"
+
+"Bid your men fall back a little, and I will tell you."
+
+He made a sign to his troopers, and when the distance between us had
+been sufficiently widened, I began:
+
+"There is a man at present across the river, yonder, who has done me
+no little injury, and with whom I have a rendezvous at nine o'clock
+to-night at St. Sulpice des Reaux, where our swords are to determine the
+difference between us. I crave, Monsieur, your permission to keep that
+appointment."
+
+"Impossible!" he answered curtly.
+
+I took a deep breath like a man who is about to jump an obstacle in his
+path.
+
+"Why impossible, Monsieur?"
+
+"Because you are a prisoner, and therefore no longer under obligation to
+keep appointments."
+
+"How would you feel, Montresor, if, burning to be avenged upon a man
+who had done you irreparable wrong, you were arrested an hour before
+the time at which you were to meet this man, sword in hand, and your
+captor--whose leave you craved to keep the assignation--answered you
+with the word 'impossible'?"
+
+"Yes, yes, Monsieur," he replied impatiently. "But you forget my
+position. Let us suppose that I allow you to go to St. Sulpice des
+Reaux. What if you do not return?"
+
+"You mistrust me?" I exclaimed, my hopes melting.
+
+"You misapprehend me. I mean, what if you are killed?"
+
+"I do not think that I shall be."
+
+"Ah! But what if you are? What shall I say to my Lord Cardinal?"
+
+"Dame! That I am dead, and that he is saved the trouble of hanging me.
+The most he can want of me is my life. Let us suppose that you had
+come an hour later. You would have been forced to wait until after the
+encounter, and, did I fall, matters would be no different."
+
+The young man fell to thinking, but I, knowing that it is not well to
+let the young ponder overlong if you would bend them to your wishes,
+broke in upon his reflections--"See, Montresor, yonder are the lights of
+Blois; by eight o'clock we shall be in the town. Come; grant me leave to
+cross the Loire, and by ten o'clock, or half-past at the latest, I shall
+return to sup with you or I shall be dead. I swear it."
+
+"Were I in your position," he answered musingly, "I know how I would be
+treated, and, pardieu! come what may I shall deal with you accordingly.
+You may go to your assignation, M. de Luynes, and may God prosper you."
+
+And thus it came to pass that shortly after eight o'clock, albeit
+a prisoner, I rode into the courtyard of the Lys de France, and,
+alighting, I stepped across the threshold of the inn, and strode up to
+a table at which I had espied Michelot. He sat nursing a huge measure
+of wine, into the depths of which he was gazing pensively, with an
+expression so glum upon his weather-beaten countenance that it defies
+depicting. So deep was he in his meditations, that albeit I stood by the
+table surveying him for a full minute, he took no heed of me.
+
+"Allons, Michelot!" I said at length. "Wake up."
+
+He started up with a cry of amazement; surprise chased away the grief
+that had been on his face, and a moment later joy unfeigned, and good to
+see, took the place of surprise.
+
+"You have escaped, Monsieur!" he cried, and albeit caution made him
+utter the words beneath his breath, a shout seemed to lurk somewhere in
+the whisper.
+
+Pressing his hand I sat down and briefly told him how matters stood, and
+how I came to be for the moment free. And when I had done I bade him,
+since his wound had not proved serious, to get his hat and cloak and go
+with me to find a boat.
+
+He obeyed me, and a quarter of an hour after we had quitted the hostelry
+he was rowing me across the stream, whilst, wrapped in my cloak, I sat
+in the stern, thinking of Yvonne.
+
+"Monsieur," said Michelot, "observe how swift is the stream. If I were
+to let the boat drift we should be at Tours to-morrow, and from there it
+would be easy to defy pursuit. We have enough money to reach Spain. What
+say you, Monsieur?"
+
+"Say, you rascal? Why, bend your back to the work and set me ashore by
+St. Sulpice in a quarter of an hour, or I'll forget that you have been
+my friend. Would you see me dishonoured?"
+
+"Sooner than see you dead," he grumbled as he resumed his task.
+Thereafter, whilst he rowed, Michelot entertained me with some quaint
+ideas touching that which fine gentlemen call honour, and to what sorry
+passes it was wont to bring them, concluding by thanking God that he was
+no gentleman and had no honour to lead him into mischief.
+
+At last, however, our journey came to an end, and I sprang ashore some
+five hundred paces from the little chapel, and almost exactly opposite
+the Chateau de Canaples. I stood for a moment gazing across the water at
+the lighted windows of the chateau, wondering which of those eyes that
+looked out upon the night might be that of Yvonne's chamber.
+
+Then, bidding Michelot await me, or follow did I not return in half an
+hour, I turned and moved away towards the chapel.
+
+There is a clearing in front of the little white edifice--which rather
+than a temple is but a monument to the martyr who is said to have
+perished on that spot in the days before Clovis.
+
+As I advanced into the centre of this open patch of ground, and stood
+clear of the black silhouettes of the trees, cast about me by the moon,
+two men appeared to detach themselves from the side wall of the chapel,
+and advanced to meet me.
+
+Albeit they were wrapped in their cloaks--uptilted behind by their
+protruding scabbards--it was not difficult to tell the tall figure and
+stately bearing of St. Auban and the mincing gait of Vilmorin.
+
+I doffed my hat in a grave salutation, which was courteously returned.
+
+"I trust, Messieurs, that I have not kept you waiting?"
+
+"I was on the point of expressing that very hope, Monsieur," returned
+St. Auban. "We have but arrived. Do you come alone?"
+
+"As you perceive."
+
+"Hum! M. le Vicomte, then, will act for both of us."
+
+I bowed in token of my satisfaction, and without more ado cast aside my
+cloak, pleased to see that the affair was to be conducted with decency
+and politeness, as such matters should ever be conducted, albeit
+impoliteness may have marked their origin.
+
+The Marquis, having followed my example and divested himself of his
+cloak and hat, unsheathed his rapier and delivered it to Vilmorin, who
+came across with it to where I stood. When he was close to me I saw
+that he was deadly pale; his teeth chattered, and the hand that held the
+weapon shook as with a palsy.
+
+"Mu--Monsieur," he stammered, "will it please you to lend me your sword
+that I may mu-measure it?"
+
+"What formalities!" I exclaimed with an amused smile, as I complied with
+his request. "I am afraid you have caught a chill, Vicomte. The night
+air is little suited to health so delicate."
+
+He answered me with a baleful glance, as silently he took my sword and
+set it--point to hilt--with St. Auban's. He appeared to have found some
+slight difference in the length, for he took two steps away from me,
+holding the weapons well in the light, where for a moment he surveyed
+them attentively. His hands shook so that the blades clattered one
+against the other the while. But, of a sudden, taking both rapiers by
+the hilt, he struck the blades together with a ringing clash, then
+flung them both behind him as far as he could contrive, leaving me
+thunderstruck with amazement, and marvelling whether fear had robbed him
+of his wits.
+
+Not until I perceived that the trees around me appeared to spring into
+life did it occur to me that that clashing of blades was a signal, and
+that I was trapped. With the realisation of it I was upon Vilmorin in a
+bound, and with both hands I had caught the dog by the throat before he
+thought of flight. The violence of my onslaught bore him to the ground,
+and I, not to release my choking grip, went with him.
+
+For a moment we lay together where we had fallen, his slender body
+twisting and writhing under me, his swelling face upturned and his
+protruding, horror-stricken eyes gazing into mine that were fierce and
+pitiless. Voices rang above me; someone stooped and strove to pluck me
+from my victim; then below the left shoulder I felt a sting of pain,
+first cold then hot, and I knew that I had been stabbed.
+
+Again I felt the blade thrust in, lower down and driven deeper; then, as
+the knife was for the second time withdrawn, and my flesh sucked at the
+steel,--the pain of it sending a shudder through me,--the instinct of
+preservation overcame the sweet lust to strangle Vilmorin. I let him go
+and, staggering to my feet, I turned to face those murderers who struck
+a defenceless man behind.
+
+Swords gleamed around me: one, two, three, four, five, six, I counted,
+and stood weak and dazed from loss of blood, gazing stupidly at the
+white blades. Had I but had my sword I should have laid about me, and
+gone down beneath their blows as befits a soldier. But the absence of
+that trusty friend left me limp and helpless--cowed for the first time
+since I had borne arms.
+
+Of a sudden I became aware that St. Auban stood opposite to me, hand on
+hip, surveying me with a malicious leer. As our eyes met--"So, master
+meddler," quoth he mockingly, "you crow less lustily than is your wont."
+
+"Hound!" I gasped, choking with rage, "if you are a man, if there be a
+spark of pride or honour left in your lying, cowardly soul, order your
+assassins to give me my sword, and, wounded though I be, I'll fight with
+you this duel that you lured me here to fight."
+
+He laughed harshly.
+
+"I told you but this morning, Master de Luynes, that a St. Auban does
+not fight men of your stamp. You forced a rendezvous upon me; you shall
+reap the consequences."
+
+Despite the weakness arising from loss of blood, I sprang towards him,
+beside myself with fury. But ere I had covered half the distance
+that lay between us my arms were gripped from behind, and in my spent
+condition I was held there, powerless, at the Marquis's mercy. He came
+slowly forward until we were but some two feet apart. For a second he
+stood leering at me, then, raising his hand, he struck me--struck a man
+whose arms another held!--full upon the face. Passion for the moment
+lent me strength, and in that moment I had wrenched my right arm free
+and returned his blow with interest.
+
+With an oath he got out a dagger that hung from his baldrick.
+
+"Sang du Christ! Take that, you dog!" he snarled, burying the blade in
+my breast as he spoke.
+
+"My God! You are murdering me!" I gasped.
+
+"Have you discovered it? What penetration!" he retorted, and those about
+him laughed at his indecent jest!
+
+He made a sign, and the man who had held me withdrew his hands. I
+staggered forward, deprived of his support, then a crashing blow took me
+across the head.
+
+I swayed for an instant, and with arms upheld I clutched at the air,
+as if I sought, by hanging to it, to save myself from falling; then the
+moon appeared to go dark, a noise as of the sea beating upon its shore
+filled my ears, and I seemed to be falling--falling--falling.
+
+A voice that buzzed and vibrated oddly, growing more distant at each
+word, reached me as I sank.
+
+"Come," it said. "Fling that carrion into the river."
+
+Then nothingness engulfed me.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV. OF MY RESURRECTION
+
+
+Even as the blow which had plunged me into senselessness had imparted to
+me the sinking sensation which I have feebly endeavoured to depict,
+so did the first dim ray of returning consciousness bring with it the
+feeling that I was again being buoyed upwards through the thick
+waters that had enveloped me, to their surface, where intelligence and
+wakefulness awaited.
+
+And as I felt myself borne up and up in that effortless ascension, my
+senses awake and my reason still half-dormant, an exquisite sense of
+languor pervaded my whole being. Presently meseemed that the surface
+was gained at last, and an instinct impelled me to open my eyes upon the
+light, of which, through closed lids, I had become conscious.
+
+I beheld a fair-sized room superbly furnished, and flooded with amber
+sunlight suggestive in itself of warmth and luxury, the vision of which
+heightened the delicious torpor that held me in thrall. The bed I
+lay upon was such, I told myself, as would not have disgraced a royal
+sleeper. It was upheld by great pillars of black oak, carved with a
+score of fantastic figures, and all around it, descending from the dome
+above, hung curtains of rich damask, drawn back at the side that looked
+upon the window. Near at hand stood a table laden with phials and such
+utensils as one sees by the bedside of the wealthy sick. All this I
+beheld in a languid, unreasoning fashion through my half-open lids, and
+albeit the luxury of the room and the fine linen of my bed told me that
+this was neither my Paris lodging in the Rue St. Antoine, nor yet my
+chamber at the hostelry of the Lys de France, still I taxed not my brain
+with any questions touching my whereabouts.
+
+I closed my eyes, and I must have slept again: when next I opened them
+a burly figure stood in the deep bay of the latticed window, looking out
+through the leaded panes.
+
+I recognised the stalwart frame of Michelot, and at last I asked myself
+where I might be. It did not seem to occur to me that I had but to call
+him to receive an answer to that question. Instead, I closed my
+eyes again, and essayed to think. But just then there came a gentle
+scratching at the door, and I could hear Michelot tiptoeing across
+the room; next he and the one he had admitted tiptoed back towards my
+bedside, and as they came I caught a whisper in a voice that seemed to
+drag me to full consciousness.
+
+"How fares the poor invalid this morning?"
+
+"The fever is gone, Mademoiselle, and he may wake at any moment; indeed,
+it is strange that he should sleep so long."
+
+"He will be the better for it when he does awaken. I will remain here
+while you rest, Michelot. My poor fellow, you are almost as worn with
+your vigils as he is with the fever."
+
+"Pooh! I am strong enough, Mademoiselle," he answered. "I will get a
+mouthful of food and return, for I would be by when he wakes."
+
+Then their voices sank so low that as they withdrew I caught not what
+was said. The door closed softly and for a space there was silence,
+broken at last by a sigh above my head. With an answering sigh I
+opened wide my eyes and feasted them upon the lovely face of Yvonne de
+Canaples, as she bent over me with a look of tenderness and pity that at
+once recalled to me our parting when I was arrested.
+
+But suddenly meeting the stare of my gaze, she drew back with a
+half-stifled cry, whose meaning my dull wits sought not to interpret,
+but methought I caught from her lips the words, "Thank God!"
+
+"Where am I, Mademoiselle?" I inquired, and the faintness of my voice
+amazed me.
+
+"You know me!" she exclaimed, as though the thing were a miracle. Then
+coming forward again, and setting her cool, sweet hand upon my forehead,
+
+"Hush," she murmured in the accents one might use to soothe a child.
+"You are at Canaples, among friends. Now sleep."
+
+"At Canaples!" I echoed. "How came I here? I am a prisoner, am I not?"
+
+"A prisoner!" she exclaimed. "No, no, you are not a prisoner. You are
+among friends."
+
+"Did I then but dream that Montresor arrested me yesterday on the road
+to Meung? Ah! I recollect! M. de Montresor gave me leave on parole to go
+to Reaux."
+
+Then, like an avalanche, remembrance swept down upon me, and my memory
+drew a vivid picture of the happenings at St. Sulpice.
+
+"My God!" I cried. "Am I not dead, then?" And I sought to struggle up
+into a sitting posture, but that gentle hand upon my forehead restrained
+and robbed me of all will that was not hers.
+
+"Hush, Monsieur!" she said softly. "Lie still. By a miracle and the
+faithfulness of Michelot you live. Be thankful, be content, and sleep."
+
+"But my wounds, Mademoiselle?" I inquired feebly.
+
+"They are healed."
+
+"Healed?" quoth I, and in my amazement my voice sounded louder than it
+had yet done since my awakening. "Healed! Three such wounds as I took
+last night, to say naught of a broken head, healed?"
+
+"'T was not last night, Monsieur."
+
+"Not last night? Was it not last night that I went to Reaux?"
+
+"It is nearly a month since that took place," she answered with a smile.
+"For nearly a month have you lain unconscious upon that bed, with the
+angel of Death at your pillow. You have fought and won a silent battle.
+Now sleep, Monsieur, and ask no more questions until next you awaken,
+when Michelot shall tell you all that took place."
+
+She held a glass to my lips from which I drank gratefully, then, with
+the submissiveness of a babe, I obeyed her and slept.
+
+As she had promised, it was Michelot who greeted me when next I opened
+my eyes, on the following day. There were tears in his eyes--eyes that
+had looked grim and unmoved upon the horrors of the battlefield.
+
+From him I learned how, after they had flung me into the river, deeming
+me dead already, St. Auban and his men had made off. The swift stream
+swirled me along towards the spot where, in the boat, Michelot awaited
+my return all unconscious of what was taking place. He had heard the
+splash, and had suddenly stood up, on the point of going ashore, when
+my body rose within a few feet of him. He spoke of the agony of mind
+wherewith he had suddenly stretched forth and clutched me by my doublet,
+fearing that I was indeed dead. He had lifted me into the boat to find
+that my heart still beat and that the blood flowed from my wounds. These
+he had there and then bound up in the only rude fashion he was master
+of, and forthwith, thinking of Andrea and the Chevalier de Canaples,
+who were my friends, and of Mademoiselle, who was my debtor, also seeing
+that the chateau was the nearest place, he had rowed straight across to
+Canaples, and there I had lain during the four weeks that had elapsed,
+nursed by Mademoiselle, Andrea, and himself, and thus won back to life.
+
+Ah, Dieu! How good it was to know that someone there was still who cared
+for worthless Gaston de Luynes a little--enough to watch beside him and
+withhold his soul from the grim claws of Death.
+
+"What of M. de St. Auban?" I inquired presently.
+
+"He has not been seen since that night. Probably he feared that did he
+come to Blois, the Chevalier would find means of punishing him for the
+attempted abduction of Mademoiselle."
+
+"Ah, then Andrea is safe?"
+
+As if in answer to my question, the lad entered at that moment, and upon
+seeing me sitting up, talking to Michelot, he uttered an exclamation of
+joy, and hurried forward to my bedside.
+
+"Gaston, dear friend!" he cried, as he took my hand--and a thin,
+withered hand it was.
+
+We talked long together,--we three,--and anon we were joined by the
+Chevalier de Canaples, who offered me also, in his hesitating manner,
+his felicitations. And with me they lingered until Yvonne came to drive
+them with protestations from my bedside.
+
+Such, in brief, was the manner of my resurrection. For a week or so I
+still kept my chamber; then one day towards the middle of April, the
+weather being warm and the sun bright, Michelot assisted me to don my
+clothes, which hung strangely empty upon my gaunt, emaciated frame, and,
+leaning heavily upon my faithful henchman, I made my way below.
+
+In the salon I found the Chevalier de Canaples with Mesdemoiselles and
+Andrea awaiting me, and the kindness wherewith they overwhelmed me, as
+I sat propped up with pillows, was such that I asked myself again and
+again if, indeed, I was that same Gaston de Luynes who but a little
+while ago had held himself as destitute of friends as he was of fortune.
+I was the pampered hero of the hour, and even little Genevieve had a
+sunny smile and a kind word for me.
+
+Thereafter my recovery progressed with great strides, and gradually, day
+by day, I felt more like my old vigorous self. They were happy days, for
+Mademoiselle was often at my side, and ever kind to me; so kind was she
+that presently, as my strength grew, there fell a great cloud athwart my
+happiness--the thought that soon I must leave Canaples never to return
+there,--leave Mademoiselle's presence never to come into it again.
+
+I was Monsieur de Montresor's prisoner. I had learned that in common
+with all others, save those at Canaples, he deemed me dead, and that,
+informed of it by a message from St. Auban, he had returned to Paris
+on the day following that of my journey to Reaux. Nevertheless, since
+I lived, he had my parole, and it was my duty as soon as I had regained
+sufficient strength, to journey to Paris and deliver myself into his
+hands.
+
+Nearer and nearer drew the dreaded hour in which I felt that I must
+leave Canaples. On the last day of April I essayed a fencing bout with
+Andrea, and so strong and supple did I prove myself that I was forced to
+realise that the time was come. On the morrow I would go.
+
+As I was on the point of returning indoors with the foils under my arm,
+Andrea called me back.
+
+"Gaston, I have something of importance to say to you. Will you take a
+turn with me down yonder by the river?"
+
+There was a serious, almost nervous look on his comely face, which
+arrested my attention. I dropped the foils, and taking his arm I went
+with him as he bade me. We seated ourselves on the grass by the edge of
+the gurgling waters, and he began:
+
+"It is now two months since we came to Blois: I, to pay my court to
+the wealthy Mademoiselle de Canaples; you, to watch over and protect
+me--nay, you need not interrupt me. Michelot has told me what St. Auban
+sought here, and the true motives of your journey to St. Sulpice. Never
+shall I be able to sufficiently prove my gratitude to you, my poor
+Gaston. But tell me, dear friend, you who from the outset saw how
+matters stood, why did you not inform St. Auban that he had no cause to
+hunt me down since I intended not to come between him and Yvonne?"
+
+"Mon Dieu!" I exclaimed, "that little fair-haired coquette has--"
+
+"Gaston," he interrupted, "you go too fast. I love Genevieve de
+Canaples. I have loved her, I think, since the moment I beheld her in
+the inn at Choisy, and, what is more, she loves me."
+
+"So that--?" I asked with an ill-repressed sneer.
+
+"We have plighted our troth, and with her father's sanction, or without
+it, she will do me the honour to become my wife."
+
+"Admirable!" I exclaimed. "And my Lord Cardinal?"
+
+"May hang himself on his stole for aught I care."
+
+"Ah! Truly a dutiful expression for a nephew who has thwarted his
+uncle's plans!"
+
+"My uncle's plans are like himself, cold and selfish in their ambition."
+
+"Andrea, Andrea! Whatever your uncle may be, to those of your blood, at
+least, he was never selfish."
+
+"Not selfish!" he cried. "Think you that he is enriching and contracting
+great alliances for us because he loves us? No, no. Our uncle seeks to
+gain our support and with it the support of those noble houses to which
+he is allying us. The nobility opposes him, therefore he seeks to find
+relatives among noblemen, so that he may weather the storm of which his
+far-seeing eyes have already detected the first dim clouds. What to him
+are my feelings, my inclinations, my affections? Things of no moment, to
+be sacrificed so that I may serve him in the manner that will bring him
+the most profit. Yet you call him not selfish! Were he not selfish, I
+should go to him and say: 'I love Genevieve de Canaples. Create me Duke
+as you would do, did I wed her sister, and the Chevalier de Canaples
+will not withstand our union.' What think you would be his answer?"
+
+"I have a shrewd idea what his answer would be," I replied slowly. "Also
+I have a shrewd idea of what he will say when he learns in what manner
+you have defied his wishes."
+
+"He can but order me away from Court, or, at most, banish me from
+France."
+
+"And then what will become of you--of you and your wife?"
+
+"What is to become of us?" he cried in a tone that was almost that of
+anger. "Think you that I am a pauper dependent upon my uncle's bounty?
+I have an estate near Palermo, which, for all that it does not yield
+riches, is yet sufficient to enable us to live with dignity and comfort.
+I have told Genevieve, and she is content."
+
+I looked at his flushed face and laughed.
+
+"Well, well!" said I. "If you are resolved upon it, it is ended."
+
+He appeared to meditate for a moment, then--"We have decided to be
+married by the Cure of St. Innocent on the day after to-morrow."
+
+"Credieu!" I answered, with a whistle, "you have wasted no time in
+determining your plans. Does Yvonne know of it?"
+
+"We have dared tell nobody," he replied; and a moment later he added
+hesitatingly, "You, I know, will not betray us."
+
+"Do you know me so little that you doubt me on that score? Have no
+fear, Andrea, I shall not speak. Besides, to-morrow, or the next day at
+latest, I leave Canaples."
+
+"You do not mean that you are returning to the Lys de France!"
+
+"No. I am going farther than that. I am going to Paris."
+
+"To Paris?"
+
+"To Paris, to deliver myself up to M. de Montresor, who gave me leave to
+go to Reaux some seven weeks ago."
+
+"But it is madness, Gaston!" he ejaculated.
+
+"All virtue is madness in a world so sinful; nevertheless I go. In a
+measure I am glad that things have fallen out with you as they have
+done, for when the news goes abroad that you have married Genevieve de
+Canaples and left the heiress free, your enemies will vanish, and you
+will have no further need of me. New enemies you will have perchance,
+but in your strife with them I could lend you no help, were I by."
+
+He sat in silence casting pebbles into the stream, and watching the
+ripples they made upon the face of the waters.
+
+"Have you told Mademoiselle?" he asked at length.
+
+"Not yet. I shall tell her to-day. You also, Andrea, must take her into
+your confidence touching your approaching marriage. That she will prove
+a good friend to you I am assured."
+
+"But what reason shall I give form my secrecy?" he inquired, and
+inwardly I smiled to see how the selfishness which love begets in us had
+caused him already to forget my affairs, and how the thought of his
+own approaching union effaced all thought of me and the doom to which I
+went.
+
+"Give no reason," I answered. "Let Genevieve tell her of what you
+contemplate, and if a reason she must have, let Genevieve bid her come
+to me. This much will I do for you in the matter; indeed, Andrea, it is
+the last service I am like to render you."
+
+"Sh! Here comes the Chevalier. She shall be told to-day."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI. THE WAY OF WOMAN
+
+
+For all that I realised that this love of mine for Yvonne was as a child
+still-born--a thing that had no existence save in the heart that had
+begotten it--I rejoiced meanly at the thought that she was not destined
+to become Andrea's wife. For since I understood that this woman--who to
+me was like no other of her sex--was not for so poor a thing as Gaston
+de Luynes, like the dog in the fable I wished that no other might
+possess her. Inevitable it seemed that sooner or later one must come who
+would woo and win her. But ere that befell, my Lord Cardinal would have
+meted out justice to me--the justice of the rope meseemed--and I should
+not be by to gnash my teeth in jealousy.
+
+That evening, when the Chevalier de Canaples had gone to pay a visit to
+his vineyard,--the thing that, next to himself, he loved most in this
+world,--and whilst Genevieve and Andrea were vowing a deathless love to
+each other in the rose garden, their favourite haunt when the Chevalier
+was absent, I seized the opportunity for making my adieux to Yvonne.
+
+We were leaning together upon the balustrade of the terrace, and our
+faces were turned towards the river and the wooded shores beyond--a
+landscape this that was as alive and beautiful now as it had been dead
+and grey when first I came to Canaples two months ago.
+
+Scarce were my first words spoken when she turned towards me, and
+methought--but I was mad, I told myself--that there was a catch in her
+voice as she exclaimed, "You are leaving us, Monsieur?"
+
+"To-morrow morning I shall crave Monsieur your father's permission to
+quit Canaples."
+
+"But why, Monsieur? Have we not made you happy here?"
+
+"So happy, Mademoiselle," I answered with fervour, "that at times it
+passes my belief that I am indeed Gaston de Luynes. But go I must. My
+honour demands of me this sacrifice."
+
+And in answer to the look of astonishment that filled her wondrous eyes,
+I told her what I had told Andrea touching my parole to Montresor, and
+the necessity of its redemption. As Andrea had done, she also dubbed it
+madness, but her glance was, nevertheless, so full of admiration, that
+methought to have earned it was worth the immolation of liberty--of life
+perchance; who could say?
+
+"Before I go, Mademoiselle," I pursued, looking straight before me as
+I spoke, and dimly conscious that her glance was bent upon my
+face--"before I go, I fain would thank you for all that you have done
+for me here. Your care has saved my life, Mademoiselle; your kindness,
+methinks, has saved my soul. For it seems to me that I am no longer the
+same man whom Michelot fished out of the Loire that night two months
+ago. I would thank you, Mademoiselle, for the happiness that has been
+mine during the past few days--a happiness such as for years has not
+fallen to my lot. To another and worthier man, the task of thanking you
+might be an easy one; but to me, who know myself to be so far beneath
+you, the obligation is so overwhelming that I know of no words to fitly
+express it."
+
+"Monsieur, Monsieur, I beseech you! Already you have said overmuch."
+
+"Nay, Mademoiselle; not half enough."
+
+"Have you forgotten, then, what you did for me? Our trivial service to
+you is but unseemly recompense. What other man would have come to my
+rescue as you came, with such odds against you--and forgetting the
+affronting words wherewith that very day I had met your warning? Tell
+me, Monsieur, who would have done that?"
+
+"Why, any man who deemed himself a gentleman, and who possessed such
+knowledge as I had."
+
+She laughed a laugh of unbelief.
+
+"You are mistaken, sir," she answered. "The deed was worthy of one of
+those preux chevaliers we read of, and I have never known but one man
+capable of accomplishing it."
+
+Those words and the tone wherein they were uttered set my brain on fire.
+I turned towards her; our glances met, and her eyes--those eyes that but
+a while ago had never looked on me without avowing the disdain wherein
+she had held me--were now filled with a light of kindliness, of
+sympathy, of tenderness that seemed more than I could endure.
+
+Already my hand was thrust into the bosom of my doublet, and my fingers
+were about to drag forth that little shred of green velvet that I had
+found in the coppice on the day of her abduction, and that I had kept
+ever since as one keeps the relic of a departed saint. Another moment
+and I should have poured out the story of the mad, hopeless passion that
+filled my heart to bursting, when of a sudden--"Yvonne, Yvonne!" came
+Genevieve's fresh voice from the other end of the terrace. The spell of
+that moment was broken.
+
+Methought Mademoiselle made a little gesture of impatience as she
+answered her sister's call; then, with a word of apology, she left me.
+
+Half dazed by the emotions that had made sport of me, I leaned over the
+balustrade, and with my elbows on the stone and my chin on my palms,
+I stared stupidly before me, thanking God for having sent Genevieve in
+time to save me from again earning Mademoiselle's scorn. For as I grew
+sober I did not doubt that with scorn she would have met the wild words
+that already trembled on my lips.
+
+I laughed harshly and aloud, such a laugh as those in Hell may vent.
+"Gaston, Gaston!" I muttered, "at thirty-two you are more a fool than
+ever you were at twenty."
+
+I told myself then that my fancy had vested her tone and look with a
+kindliness far beyond that which they contained, and as I thought of
+how I had deemed impatient the little gesture wherewith she had greeted
+Genevieve's interruption I laughed again.
+
+From the reverie into which, naturally enough, I lapsed, it was
+Mademoiselle who aroused me. She stood beside me with an unrest of
+manner so unusual in her, that straightway I guessed the substance of
+her talk with Genevieve.
+
+"So, Mademoiselle," I said, without waiting for her to speak, "you have
+learned what is afoot?"
+
+"I have," she answered. "That they love each other is no news to me.
+That they intend to wed does not surprise me. But that they should
+contemplate a secret marriage passes my comprehension."
+
+I cleared my throat as men will when about to embark upon a perilous
+subject with no starting-point determined.
+
+"It is time, Mademoiselle," I began, "that you should learn the true
+cause of M. de Mancini's presence at Canaples. It will enlighten you
+touching his motives for a secret wedding. Had things fallen out as was
+intended by those who planned his visit--Monsieur your father and my
+Lord Cardinal--it is improbable that you would ever have heard that
+which it now becomes necessary that I should tell you. I trust,
+Mademoiselle," I continued, "that you will hear me in a neutral
+spirit, without permitting your personal feelings to enter into your
+consideration of that which I shall unfold."
+
+"So long a preface augurs anything but well," she interposed, looking
+monstrous serious.
+
+"Not ill, at least, I hope. Hear me then. Your father and his Eminence
+are friends; the one has a daughter who is said to be very wealthy and
+whom he, with fond ambition, desires to see wedded to a man who can
+give her an illustrious name; the other possesses a nephew whom he can
+ennoble by the highest title that a man may bear who is not a prince of
+the blood,--and borne indeed by few who are not,--and whom he desires to
+see contract an alliance that will bring him enough of riches to enable
+him to bear his title with becoming dignity." I glanced at Mademoiselle,
+whose cheeks were growing an ominous red.
+
+"Well, Mademoiselle," I continued, "your father and Monseigneur de
+Mazarin appear to have bared their heart's desire to each other, and
+M. de Mancini was sent to Canaples to woo and win your father's elder
+daughter."
+
+A long pause followed, during which she stood with face aflame, averted
+eyes, and heaving bosom, betraying the feelings that stormed within
+her at the disclosure of the bargain whereof she had been a part. At
+length--"Oh, Monsieur!" she exclaimed in a choking voice, and clenching
+her shapely hands, "to think--"
+
+"I beseech you not to think, Mademoiselle," I interrupted calmly, for,
+having taken the first plunge, I was now master of myself. "The ironical
+little god, whom the ancients painted with bandaged eyes, has led M. de
+Mancini by the nose in this matter, and things have gone awry for the
+plotters. There, Mademoiselle, you have the reason for a clandestine
+union. Did Monsieur your father guess how Andrea's affections have"--I
+caught the word "miscarried" betimes, and substituted--"gone against his
+wishes, his opposition is not a thing to be doubted."
+
+"Are you sure there is no mistake?" she inquired after a pause. "Is all
+this really true, Monsieur?"
+
+"It is, indeed."
+
+"But how comes it that my father has seen naught of what has been so
+plain to me--that M. de Mancini was ever at my sister's side?"
+
+"Your father, Mademoiselle, is much engrossed in his vineyard. Moreover,
+when the Chevalier has been at hand he has been careful to show no
+greater regard for the one than for the other of you. I instructed him
+in this duplicity many weeks ago."
+
+She looked at me for a moment.
+
+"Oh, Monsieur," she cried passionately, "how deep is my humiliation! To
+think that I was made a part of so vile a bargain! Oh, I am glad that M.
+de Mancini has proved above the sordid task to which they set him--glad
+that he will dupe the Cardinal and my father."
+
+"So am not I, Mademoiselle," I exclaimed. She vouchsafed me a stare of
+ineffable surprise.
+
+"How?
+
+"Diable!" I answered. "I am M. de Mancini's friend. It was to shield him
+that I fought your brother; again, because of my attitude towards him
+was it that I went perilously near assassination at Reaux. Enemies
+sprang up about him when the Cardinal's matrimonial projects became
+known. Your brother picked a quarrel with him, and when I had dealt with
+your brother, St. Auban appeared, and after St. Auban there were others.
+When it is known that he has played this trick upon 'Uncle Giulio' his
+enemies will disappear; but, on the other hand, his prospects will all
+be blighted, and for that I am sorry."
+
+"So that was the motive of your duel with Eugene!"
+
+"At last you learn it."
+
+"And," she added in a curious voice, "you would have been better pleased
+had M. de Mancini carried out his uncle's wishes?"
+
+"It matters little what I would think, Mademoiselle," I answered
+guardedly, for I could not read that curious tone of hers.
+
+"Nevertheless, I am curious to hear your answer."
+
+What answer could I make? The truth--that for all my fine talk, I was
+at heart and in a sense right glad that she was not to become Andrea's
+wife--would have seemed ungallant. Moreover, I must have added the
+explanation that I desired to see her no man's wife, so that I might not
+seem to contradict myself. Therefore--
+
+"In truth, Mademoiselle," I answered, lying glibly, "it would have given
+me more pleasure had Andrea chosen to obey his Eminence."
+
+Her manner froze upon the instant.
+
+"In the consideration of your friend's advancement," she replied, half
+contemptuously, "you forget, M. de Luynes, to consider me. Am I, then, a
+thing to be bartered into the hands of the first fortune-hunter who
+woos me because he has been bidden so to do, and who is to marry me for
+political purposes? Pshaw, M. de Luynes!" she added, with a scornful
+laugh, "after all, I was a fool to expect aught else from--"
+
+She checked herself abruptly, and a sudden access of mercy left
+the stinging "you" unuttered. I stood by, dumb and sheepish, not
+understanding how the words that I had deemed gallant could have brought
+this tempest down upon my head. Before I could say aught that might have
+righted matters, or perchance made them worse--"Since you leave Canaples
+to-morrow," quoth she, "I will say 'Adieu,' Monsieur, for it is unlikely
+that we shall meet again."
+
+With a slight inclination of her head, and withholding her hand
+intentionally, she moved away, whilst I stood, as only a fool or a
+statue would stand, and watched her go.
+
+Once she paused, and, indeed, half turned, whereupon hope knocked at
+my heart again; but before I had admitted it, she had resumed her walk
+towards the house. Hungrily I followed her graceful, lissom figure with
+my eyes until she had crossed the threshold. Then, with a dull ache in
+my breast, I flung myself upon a stone seat, and, addressing myself to
+the setting sun for want of a better audience, I roundly cursed her sex
+for the knottiest puzzle that had ever plagued the mind of man in the
+unravelling.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII. FATHER AND SON
+
+
+"Gaston," quoth Andrea next morning, "you will remain at Canaples until
+to-morrow? You must, for to-morrow I am to be wed, and I would fain have
+your good wishes ere you go."
+
+"Nice hands, mine, to seek a benediction at," I grumbled.
+
+"But you will remain? Come, Gaston, we have been good friends, you and
+I, and who knows when next we shall meet? Believe me, I shall value your
+'God speed' above all others."
+
+"Likely enough, since it will be the only one you'll hear."
+
+But for all my sneers he was not to be put off. He talked and coaxed so
+winningly that in the end--albeit I am a man not easily turned from the
+course he has set himself--the affectionate pleading in his fresh young
+voice and the affectionate look in his dark eyes won me to his way.
+
+Forthwith I went in quest of the Chevalier, whom, at the indication of a
+lackey, I discovered in the room it pleased him to call his study--that
+same room into which we had been ushered on the day of our arrival at
+Canaples. I told him that on the morrow I must set out for Paris, and
+albeit he at first expressed a polite regret, yet when I had shown him
+how my honour was involved in my speedy return thither, he did not urge
+me to put off my departure.
+
+"It grieves me, sir, that you must go, and I deeply regret the motive
+that is taking you. Yet I hope that his Eminence, in recognition of the
+services you have rendered his nephew, will see fit to forget what cause
+for resentment he may have against you, and render you your liberty. If
+you will give me leave, Monsieur, I will write to his Eminence in this
+strain, and you shall be the bearer of my letter."
+
+I thanked him, with a smile of deprecation, as I thought of the true
+cause of Mazarin's resentment, which was precisely that of the plea upon
+which M. de Canaples sought to obtain for me my liberation.
+
+"And now, Monsieur," he pursued nervously, "touching Andrea and his
+visit here, I would say a word to you who are his friend, and may haply
+know something of his mind. It is over two months since he came here,
+and yet the--er--affair which we had hoped to bring about seems no
+nearer its conclusion than when first he came. Of late I have watched
+him and I have watched Yvonne; they are certainly good friends, yet not
+even the frail barrier of formality appears overcome betwixt them, and
+I am beginning to fear that Andrea is not only lukewarm in this matter,
+but is forgetful of his uncle's wishes and selfishly indifferent to
+Monseigneur's projects and mine, which, as he well knows, are the reason
+of his sojourn at my chateau. What think you of this, M. de Luynes?"
+
+He shot a furtive glance at me as he spoke, and with his long, lean
+forefinger he combed his beard in a nervous fashion.
+
+I gave a short laugh to cover my embarrassment at the question.
+
+"What do I think, Monsieur?" I echoed to gain time. Then, thinking that
+a sententious answer would be the most fitting,--"Ma foi! Love is as the
+spark that lies latent in flint and steel: for days and weeks these two
+may be as close together as you please, and naught will come of it; but
+one fine day, a hand--the hand of chance--will strike the one against
+the other, and lo!--the spark is born!"
+
+"You speak in parables, Monsieur," was his caustic comment.
+
+"'T is in parables that all religions are preached," I returned, "and
+love, methinks, is a great religion in this world."
+
+"Love, sir, love!" he cried petulantly. "The word makes me sick! What
+has love to do with this union? Love, sir, is a pretty theme for poets,
+romancers, and fools. The imagination of such a sentiment--for it is a
+sentiment that does not live save in the imagination--may serve to draw
+peasants and other low-bred clods into wedlock. With such as we--with
+gentlemen--it has naught to do. So let that be, Monsieur. Andrea de
+Mancini came hither to wed my daughter."
+
+"And I am certain, Monsieur," I answered stoutly, "that Andrea will wed
+your daughter."
+
+"You speak with confidence."
+
+"I know Andrea well. Signs that may be hidden to you are clear to me,
+and I have faith in my prophecy."
+
+He looked at me, and fell a victim to my confidence of manner. The
+petulancy died out of his face.
+
+"Well, well! We will hope. My Lord Cardinal is to create him Duke, and
+he will assume as title his wife's estate, becoming known to history as
+Andrea de Mancini, Duke of Canaples. Thus shall a great house be founded
+that will bear our name. You see the importance of it?"
+
+"Clearly."
+
+"And how reasonable is my anxiety?"
+
+"Assuredly."
+
+"And you are in sympathy with me?"
+
+"Pardieu! Why else did I go so near to killing your son?"
+
+"True," he mused. Then suddenly he added, "Apropos, have you heard that
+Eugene has become one of the leaders of these frondeur madmen?"
+
+"Ah! Then he is quite recovered?"
+
+"Unfortunately," he assented with a grimace, and thus our interview
+ended.
+
+That day wore slowly to its close. I wandered hither and thither in the
+chateau and the grounds, hungering throughout the long hours for a word
+with Mademoiselle--a glimpse of her, at least.
+
+But all day long she kept her chamber, the pretext being that she was
+beset by a migraine. By accident I came upon her that evening, at last,
+in the salon; yet my advent was the signal for her departure, and all
+the words she had for me were:
+
+"Still at Canaples, Monsieur? I thought you were to have left this
+morning." She looked paler than her wont, and her eyes were somewhat
+red.
+
+"I am remaining until to-morrow," said I awkwardly.
+
+"Vraiement!" was all she answered, and she was gone.
+
+Next morning the Chevalier and I breakfasted alone. Mademoiselle's
+migraine was worse. Genevieve was nursing, so her maid brought
+word--whilst Andrea had gone out an hour before and had not returned.
+
+The Chevalier shot me an apologetic glance across the board.
+
+"'T is a poor 'God speed' to you, M. de Luynes."
+
+I made light of it and turned the conversation into an indifferent
+channel, wherein it abided until, filling himself a bumper of Anjou, the
+Chevalier solemnly drank to my safe journey and good fortune in Paris.
+
+At that moment Andrea entered by the door abutting on the terrace
+balcony. He was flushed, and his eyes sparkled with a joyous fever.
+Profuse was he in his apologies, which, howbeit, were passing vague
+in character, and which he brought to a close by pledging me as the
+Chevalier had done already.
+
+As we rose, Genevieve appeared with the news that Yvonne was somewhat
+better, adding that she had come to take leave of me. Her composure
+surprised me gladly, for albeit in her eyes there was also a telltale
+light, the lids, demurely downcast as was her wont, amply screened it
+from the vulgar gaze.
+
+Andrea would tell his father-in-law of the marriage later in the day;
+and for all I am not a chicken-hearted man, still I had no stomach to be
+at hand when the storm broke.
+
+The moment having come for my departure, and Michelot awaiting me
+already with the horses in the courtyard, M. de Canaples left us to seek
+the letter which I was to carry to his Eminence. So soon as the door had
+closed upon him, Andrea came forward, leading his bride by the hand, and
+asked me to wish them happiness.
+
+"With all my heart," I answered; "and if happiness be accorded you in a
+measure with the fervency of my wishes then shall you, indeed, be happy.
+Each of you I congratulate upon the companion in life you have chosen.
+Cherish him, Mademoi--Madame, for he is loyal and true--and such are
+rare in this world."
+
+It is possible that I might have said more in this benign and fatherly
+strain--for it seemed to me that this new role I had assumed suited
+me wondrous well--but a shadow that drew our eyes towards the nearest
+window interrupted me. And what we saw there drew a cry from Andrea, a
+shudder from Genevieve, and from me a gasp that was half amazement, half
+dismay. For, leaning upon the sill, surveying us with a sardonic, evil
+grin, we beheld Eugene de Canaples, the man whom I had left with a
+sword-thrust through his middle behind the Hotel Vendome two months ago.
+Whence was he sprung, and why came he thus to his father's house?
+
+He started as I faced him, for doubtless St. Auban had boasted to him
+that he had killed me in a duel. For a moment he remained at the window,
+then he disappeared, and we could hear the ring of his spurred heel as
+he walked along the balcony towards the door.
+
+And simultaneously came the quick, hurrying steps of the Chevalier de
+Canaples, as he crossed the hall, returning with the letter he had gone
+to fetch.
+
+Genevieve shuddered again, and looked fearfully from one door to the
+other; Andrea drew a sharp breath like a man in pain, whilst I rapped
+out an oath to brace my nerves for the scene which we all three foresaw.
+Then in silence we waited, some subtle instinct warning us of the
+disaster that impended.
+
+The steps on the balcony halted, and a second later those in the hall;
+and then, as though the thing had been rehearsed and timed so that the
+spectators might derive the utmost effect from it, the doors opened
+together, and on the opposing thresholds, with the width of the room
+betwixt them, stood father and son confronted.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII. OF HOW I LEFT CANAPLES
+
+
+Whilst a man might tell a dozen did those two remain motionless, the
+one eyeing the other. But their bearing was as widely different as their
+figures; Eugene's stalwart frame stood firm and erect, insolence in
+every line of it, reflected perchance from the smile that lurked about
+the corners of his thin-lipped mouth.
+
+The hat, which he had not had the grace to doff, set jauntily upon his
+straight black hair, the jerkin of leather which he wore, and the stout
+sword which hung from the plainest of belts, all served to give him the
+air of a ruffler, or tavern knight.
+
+The Chevalier, on the other hand, stood as if turned to stone. From his
+enervated fingers the letter fluttered to the ground, and on his pale,
+thin face was to be read a displeasure mixed with fear.
+
+At length, with an oath, the old man broke the silence.
+
+"What seek you at Canaples?" he asked in a quivering voice, as he
+advanced into the room. "Are you so dead to shame that you dare present
+yourself with such effrontery? Off with your hat, sir!" he blazed,
+stamping his foot, and going from pale to crimson. "Off with your hat,
+or Mortdieu, I'll have you flung out of doors by my grooms."
+
+This show of vehemence, as sudden as it was unexpected, drew from Eugene
+a meek obedience that I had not looked for. Nevertheless, the young
+man's lip curled as he uncovered.
+
+"How fatherly is your greeting!" he sneered. The Chevalier's eyes
+flashed a glance that lacked no venom at his son.
+
+"What manner of greeting did you look for?" he returned hotly. "Did you
+expect me to set a ring upon your finger, and have the fattened calf
+killed in honour of your return? Sangdieu, sir! Have you come hither
+to show me how a father should welcome the profligate son who has
+dishonoured his name? Why are you here, unbidden? Answer me, sir!"
+
+A deep flush overspread Eugene's cheeks.
+
+"I had thought when I crossed the threshold that this was the Chateau de
+Canaples, or else that my name was Canaples--I know not which. Clearly
+I was mistaken, for here is a lady who has no word either of greeting or
+intercession for me, and who, therefore, cannot be my sister, and yonder
+a man whom I should never look to find in my father's house."
+
+I took a step forward, a hot answer on my lips, when from the doorway at
+my back came Yvonne's sweet voice.
+
+"Eugene! You here?"
+
+"As you see, Sister. Though had you delayed your coming 't is probable
+you would no longer have found me, for your father welcomes me with
+oaths and threatens me with his grooms."
+
+She cast a reproachful glance upon the Chevalier, 'neath which the anger
+seemed to die out of him; then she went forward with hands outstretched
+and a sad smile upon her lips.
+
+"Yvonne!" The Chevalier's voice rang out sharp and sudden.
+
+She stopped.
+
+"I forbid you to approach that man!"
+
+For a moment she appeared to hesitate; then, leisurely pursuing her way,
+she set her hands upon her brother's shoulders and embraced him.
+
+The Chevalier swore through set teeth; Genevieve trembled, Andrea looked
+askance, and I laughed softly at the Chevalier's discomfiture. Eugene
+flung his hat and cloak into a corner and strode across the room to
+where his father stood.
+
+"And now, Monsieur, since I have travelled all the way from Paris to
+save my house from a step that will bring it into the contempt of all
+France, I shall not go until you have heard me."
+
+The Chevalier shrugged his shoulders and made as if to turn away.
+Yvonne's greeting of her brother appeared to have quenched the spark of
+spirit that for a moment had glimmered in the little man's breast.
+
+"Monsieur," cried Eugene, "believe me that what I have to say is of the
+utmost consequence, and say it I will--whether before these strangers or
+in your private ear shall be as you elect."
+
+The old man glanced about him like one who seeks a way of escape. At
+last--"If say it you must," he growled, "say it here and now. And when
+you have said it, go."
+
+Eugene scowled at me, and from me to Andrea. To pay him for that scowl,
+I had it in my mind to stay; but, overcoming the clownish thought, I
+took Andrea by the arm.
+
+"Come, Andrea," I said, "we will take a turn outside while these family
+matters are in discussion."
+
+I had a shrewd idea what was the substance of Eugene's mission to
+Canaples--to expostulate with his father touching the proposed marriage
+of Yvonne to the Cardinal's nephew.
+
+Nor was I wrong, for when, some moments later, the Chevalier recalled us
+from the terrace, where we were strolling--"What think you he has come
+hither to tell me?" he inquired as we entered. He pointed to his son
+as he spoke, and passion shook his slender frame as the breeze shakes a
+leaf. Mademoiselle and Genevieve sat hand in hand--Yvonne deadly pale,
+Genevieve weeping.
+
+"What think you he has the effrontery to say? Tetedieu! it seems that he
+has profited little by the lesson you read him in the horse-market about
+meddling in matters which concern him not. He has come hither to tell me
+that he will not permit his sister to wed the Cardinal's nephew; that he
+will not have the estates of Canaples pass into the hands of a foreign
+upstart. He, forsooth--he! he! he!" And at each utterance of the pronoun
+he lunged with his forefinger in the direction of his son. "This he is
+not ashamed to utter before Yvonne herself!"
+
+"You compelled me to do so," cried Eugene angrily.
+
+"I?" ejaculated the Chevalier. "Did I compel you to come hither with
+your 'I will' and 'I will not'? Who are you, that you should give laws
+at Canaples? And he adds, sir," quoth the old knight excitedly, "that
+sooner than allow this marriage to take place he will kill M. de
+Mancini."
+
+"I shall be happy to afford him the opportunity!" shouted Andrea,
+bounding forward.
+
+Eugene looked up quickly and gave a short laugh. Thereupon followed a
+wild hubbub; everyone rushed forward and everyone talked; even little
+Genevieve--louder than all the rest.
+
+"You shall not fight! You shall not fight!" she cried, and her voice
+was so laden with command that all others grew silent and all eyes were
+turned upon her.
+
+"What affair is this of yours, little one?" quoth Eugene.
+
+"'T is this," she answered, panting, "that you need fear no marriage
+'twixt my sister and Andrea."
+
+In her eagerness she had cast caution to the winds of heaven. Her father
+and brother stared askance at her; I gave an inward groan.
+
+"Andrea!" echoed Eugene at last. "What is this man to you that you speak
+thus of him?"
+
+The girl flung herself upon her father's breast.
+
+"Father," she sobbed, "dear father, forgive!"
+
+The Chevalier's brow grew dark; roughly he seized her by the arms and,
+holding her at arm's length, scanned her face.
+
+"What must I forgive?" he inquired in a thick voice. "What is M. de
+Mancini to you?"
+
+Some sinister note in her father's voice caused the girl to grow of a
+sudden calm and to assume a rigidity that reminded me of her sister.
+
+"He is my husband!" she answered. And there was a note of pride--almost
+of triumph--in her voice.
+
+An awful silence followed the launching of that thunderbolt. Eugene
+stood with open mouth, staring now at Genevieve, now at his father.
+Andrea set his arm about his bride's waist, and her fair head was laid
+trustingly upon his shoulder. The Chevalier's eyes rolled ominously. At
+length he spoke in a dangerously calm voice.
+
+"How long is it--how long have you been wed?"
+
+"We were wed in Blois an hour ago," answered Genevieve.
+
+Something that was like a grunt escaped the Chevalier, then his eye
+fastened upon me, and his anger boiled up.
+
+"You knew of this?" he asked, coming towards me.
+
+"I knew of it."
+
+"Then you lied to me yesterday."
+
+I drew myself up, stiff as a broomstick.
+
+"I do not understand," I answered coldly.
+
+"Did you not give me your assurance that M. de Mancini would marry
+Yvonne?"
+
+"I did not, Monsieur. I did but tell you that he would wed your
+daughter. And, ma foi! your daughter he has wed."
+
+"You have fooled me, scelerat!" he blazed out. "You, who have been
+sheltered by--"
+
+"Father!" Yvonne interrupted, taking his arm. "M. de Luynes has behaved
+no worse than have I, or any one of us, in this matter."
+
+"No!" he cried, and pointed to Andrea. "'T is you who have wrought this
+infamy. Eugene," he exclaimed, turning of a sudden to his son, "you have
+a sword; wipe out this shame."
+
+"Shame!" echoed Genevieve. "Oh, father, where is the shame? If it were
+no shame for Andrea to marry Yvonne, surely--"
+
+"Silence!" he thundered. "Eugene--"
+
+But Eugene answered him with a contemptuous laugh.
+
+"You are quick enough to call upon my sword, now that things have not
+fallen out as you would have them. Where are your grooms now, Monsieur?"
+
+"Insolent hound!" cried his father indignantly. Then, letting fall his
+arms with something that was near akin to a sob--"Is there no one left
+to do aught but mock me?" he groaned.
+
+But this weakness was no more than momentary.
+
+"Out of my house, sir!" he blazed, turning upon Andrea, and for a moment
+methought he would have struck him. "Out of my house--you and this wife
+of yours!"
+
+"Father!" sobbed Genevieve, with hands outstretched in entreaty.
+
+"Out of my house," he repeated, "and you also, M. de Luynes. Away with
+you! Go with the master you have served so well." And, turning on his
+heel, he strode towards the door.
+
+"Father--dear father!" cried Genevieve, following him: he slammed the
+door in her face for answer.
+
+With a moan she sank down upon her knees, her frail body shaken by
+convulsive sobs--Dieu! what a bridal morn was hers!
+
+Andrea and Yvonne raised her and led her to a chair. Eugene watched them
+with a cynical eye, then laughed brutally, and, gathering up his hat and
+cloak, he moved towards the balcony door and vanished.
+
+"Is M. de Luynes still there?" quoth Genevieve presently.
+
+"I am here, Madame."
+
+"You had best set out, Monsieur," she said. "We shall follow soon--very
+soon."
+
+I took Andrea aside and asked him whither it was his intention to take
+his wife. He replied that they would go to Chambord, where they would
+remain for some weeks in the hope that the Chevalier might relent
+sufficiently to forgive them. Thereafter it was his purpose to take his
+bride home to his Sicilian demesne.
+
+Our farewells were soon spoken; yet none the less warm, for all its
+brevity, was my leave-taking of Andrea, and our wishes for each other's
+happiness were as fervent as the human heart can shape. We little
+thought that we were not destined to meet again for years.
+
+Yvonne's adieu was cold and formal--so cold and formal that it seemed to
+rob the sunshine of its glory for me as I stepped out into the open air.
+
+After all, what mattered it? I was a fool to have entertained a single
+tender thought concerning her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX. OF MY RETURN TO PARIS
+
+
+Scant cause is there for me to tarry over the details of my return to
+Paris. A sad enough journey was it; as sad for my poor Michelot as for
+myself, since he rode with one so dejected as I.
+
+Things had gone ill, and I feared that when the Cardinal heard the story
+things would go worse, for Mazarin was never a tolerant man, nor one to
+be led by the gospel of mercy and forgiveness. For myself I foresaw the
+rope--possibly even the wheel; and a hundred times a day I dubbed myself
+a fool for obeying the voice of honour with such punctiliousness when
+so grim a reward awaited me. What mood was on me--me, Gaston de Luynes,
+whose honour had been long since besmirched and tattered until no
+outward semblance of honour was left?
+
+But swift in the footsteps of that question would come the
+answer--Yvonne. Ay, truly enough, it was because in my heart I had
+dared to hold a sentiment of love for her, the purest--nay, the only
+pure--thing my heart had held for many a year, that I would set nothing
+vile to keep company with that sentiment; that until my sun should
+set--and already it dropped swiftly towards life's horizon--my actions
+should be the actions of such a man as might win Yvonne's affections.
+
+But let that be. This idle restrospective mood can interest you but
+little; nor can you profit from it, unless, indeed, it be by noting
+how holy and cleansing to the heart of man is the love--albeit
+unrequited--that he bears a good woman.
+
+As we drew near Meung--where we lay on that first night of our
+journey--a light travelling chaise, going in the same direction, passed
+us at a gallop. As it flashed by, I caught a glimpse of Eugene de
+Canaples's swart face through the window. Whether the recognition was
+mutual I cannot say--nor does it signify.
+
+When we reached the Hotel de la Couronne, half an hour later, we saw
+that same chaise disappearing round a corner of the street, whilst
+through the porte-cochere the hostler was leading a pair of horses,
+foam-flecked and steaming with sweat.
+
+Whither went Master Canaples at such a rate, and in a haste that caused
+him to travel day and night? To a goal he little looked for--or rather,
+which, in the madness of his headlong rush, he could not see. So I was
+to learn ere long.
+
+Next day I awoke betimes, and setting my window wide to let in the
+fresh, clean-smelling air of that May morning I made shift to dress.
+Save for the cackle of the poultry which had strayed into the courtyard,
+and the noisy yawns and sleep-laden ejaculations of the stable-boy, who
+was drawing water for the horses, all was still, for it had not yet gone
+five o'clock.
+
+But of a sudden a door opened somewhere, and a step rang out,
+accompanied by the jangle of spurs, and with it came a sharp, unpleasant
+voice calling for its owner's horse. There was a familiar sound in those
+shrill accents that caused me to thrust my head through the casement.
+But I was quick to withdraw it, as I recognised in the gaily dressed
+little fellow below my old friend Malpertuis.
+
+I know not what impulse made me draw back so suddenly. The action was as
+much the child of instinct as of the lately acquired habit of concealing
+my face from the gaze of all who were likely to spread abroad the news
+that I still lived.
+
+From behind my curtains I watched Malpertuis ride out of the yard,
+saying, in answer to a parting question of the landlord, who had come
+upon the scene, that he would breakfast at Beaugency.
+
+Then, as he rode down the street, he of a sudden raised his discordant
+voice and sang to the accompaniment of his horse's hoofs. And the burden
+of his song ran thus:
+
+     A frondeur wind
+     Got up to-day,
+     'Gainst Mazarin
+     It blows, they say.
+
+I listened in amazement to his raven's voice.
+
+Whither was he bound, I asked myself, and whence a haste that made him
+set out fasting, with an anti-cardinalist ditty on his lips, and ride
+two leagues to seek a breakfast in a village that did not hold an inn
+where a dog might be housed in comfort?
+
+Like Eugene de Canaples, he also travelled towards a goal that he little
+dreamt of. And so albeit the one went south and the other north,
+these two men were, between them, drawing together the thread of this
+narrative of mine, as anon you shall learn.
+
+We reached Paris at dusk three days later, and we went straight to my
+old lodging in the Rue St. Antoine.
+
+Coupri started and gasped upon beholding me, and not until I had cursed
+him for a fool in a voice that was passing human would he believe that I
+was no ghost. He too had heard the rumour of my death.
+
+I dispatched Michelot to the Palais Royal, where--without permitting his
+motive to transpire--he was to ascertain for me whether M. de Montresor
+was in Paris, whether he still dwelt at the Hotel des Cloches, and at
+what hour he could be found there.
+
+Whilst he was away I went up to my room, and there I found a letter
+which Coupri informed me had been left by a lackey a month ago--before
+the report that I had been killed had reached Paris--and since lain
+forgotten. It was a delicate note, to which still hung the ghost of a
+perfume; there were no arms on the seal, but the writing I took to be
+that of my aunt, the Duchesse de Chevreuse, and vaguely marvelling what
+motive she could have had for communicating with me, I cut the silk.
+
+It was, indeed, from the Duchesse, but it contained no more than a
+request that I should visit her at her hotel on the day following upon
+that on which she had written, adding that she had pleasing news for me.
+
+I thrust the note into my pocket with a sigh. Of what could it avail me
+now to present myself at her hotel? Her invitation was for a month ago.
+Since then she would likely enough have heard the rumour that had been
+current, and would have ceased to expect me.
+
+I caught myself wondering whether the news might have caused her a pang
+of regret, and somehow methought this possible. For of all my relatives,
+Madame de Chevreuse was the only one--and she was but my aunt by
+marriage--who of late years had shown me any kindness, or even
+recognition. I marvelled what her pleasing news could be, and I
+concluded that probably she had heard of my difficulties, and wished
+once again to help me out of them. Well, my purse was hollow, indeed,
+at the moment, but I need not trouble her, since I was going somewhere
+where purses are not needed--on a journey to which no expenses are
+attached.
+
+In my heart, nevertheless, I blessed the gracious lady, who, for all the
+lies that the world may have told of her, was the kindest woman I had
+known, and the best--save one other.
+
+I was still musing when Michelot returned with the information that M.
+de Montresor was to be found at the Hotel des Cloches, whither he had
+gone to sup a few minutes before. Straightway I set out, bidding him
+attend me, and, muffled in my cloak, I proceeded at a brisk pace to the
+Rue des Fosses St. Germain, where the lieutenant's auberge was situated.
+
+I left Michelot in the common-room, and, preceded by the plump little
+woman who owned the house, I ascended to Montresor's chamber. I found
+the young soldier at table, and, fortunately, alone. He rose as I
+entered, and as the hostess, retreating, closed the door, I doffed my
+hat, and letting fall my cloak revealed myself. His lips parted, and I
+heard the hiss of an indrawn breath as his astonished eyes fell upon my
+countenance. My laugh dispelled his doubts that I might be other than
+flesh and blood--yet not his doubts touching my identity. He caught up
+a taper and, coming forward, he cast the light on my face for a moment,
+then setting the candle back upon the table, he vented his surprise in
+an oath or two, which was natural enough in one of his calling.
+
+"'T is clear, Lieutenant," quoth I, as I detached my sword from the
+baldrick, "that you believed me dead. Fate willed, however, that I
+should be restored to life, and so soon as I had recovered sufficient
+strength to undertake the journey to Paris, I set out. I arrived an hour
+ago, and here I am, to redeem my word of honour, and surrender the sword
+and liberty which you but lent me."
+
+I placed my rapier on the table and waited for him to speak. Instead,
+however, he continued to stare at me for some moments, and when at last
+he did break the silence, it was to burst into a laugh that poured from
+his throat in rich, mellow peals, as he lay back in his chair.
+
+My wrath arose. Had I travelled from Blois, and done what I deemed the
+most honourable deed of my life, to be laughed at for my pains by a
+foppish young jackanapes of his Eminence's guards? Something of my
+displeasure must he have seen reflected on my face, for of a sudden he
+checked his mirth.
+
+"Forgive me, M. de Luynes," he gasped. "Pardieu, 't is no matter for
+laughter, and albeit I laughed with more zest than courtesy, I give you
+my word that my admiration for you vastly exceeds my amusement. M. de
+Luynes," he added, rising and holding out his hand to me, "there are
+liars in Paris who give you an evil name--men who laughed at me when
+they heard that I had given you leave to go on parole to St. Sulpice des
+Reaux that night, trusting to your word of honour that you would return
+if you lived. His Eminence dubbed me a fool and went near to dismissing
+me from his service, and yet I have now the proof that my confidence was
+not misplaced, since even though you were believed to be dead, you did
+not hesitate to bring me your sword."
+
+"Monsieur, spare me!" I exclaimed, for in truth his compliments waxed as
+irksome as had been his whilom merriment.
+
+He continued, however, his laudatory address, and when it was at last
+ended, and he paused exhausted alike in breath and brain, it was to take
+up my sword and return it to me with my parole, pronouncing me a free
+man, and advising me to let men continue to think me dead, and to
+withdraw from France. He cut short my half-protesting thanks, and
+calling the hostess bade her set another cover, whilst me he invited to
+share his supper. And as we ate he again urged upon me the advice that I
+should go abroad.
+
+"For by Heaven," he added, "Mazarin has been as a raging beast since the
+news was brought him yesterday of his nephew's marriage."
+
+"How?" I cried. "He has heard already?"
+
+"He has, indeed; and should he learn that your flesh still walks the
+earth, methinks it would go worse with you than it went even with Eugene
+de Canaples."
+
+In answer to the questions with which I excitedly plied him, I drew from
+him the story of how Eugene had arrived the day before in Paris, and
+gone straight to the Palais Royal. M. de Montresor had been on guard
+in the ante-chamber, and in virtue of an excitement noticeable in
+Canaples's bearing, coupled with the ill-odour wherein already he was
+held by Mazarin, the lieutenant's presence had been commanded in the
+Cardinal's closet during the interview--for his Eminence was never like
+to acquire fame for valour.
+
+In his exultation at what had chanced, and at the manner in which
+Mazarin's Chateau en Espagne had been dispelled, Canaples used little
+caution, or even discretion, in what he said. In fact, from what
+Montresor told me, I gathered that the fool's eagerness to be the first
+to bear the tidings to Mazarin sprang from a rash desire to gloat over
+the Cardinal's discomfiture. He had told his story insolently--almost
+derisively--and Mazarin's fury, driven beyond bounds already by what
+he had heard, became a very tempest of passion 'neath the lash of
+Canaples's impertinences. And, naturally enough, that tempest had burst
+upon the only head available--Eugene de Canaples's--and the Cardinal had
+answered his jibes with interest by calling upon Montresor to arrest the
+fellow and bear him to the Bastille.
+
+When the astonished and sobered Canaples had indignantly asked upon what
+charge he was being robbed of his liberty, the Cardinal had laughed
+at him, and answered with his never-failing axiom that "He who sings,
+pays."
+
+"You sang lustily enough just now," his Eminence had added, "and you
+shall pay by lodging awhile in an oubliette of the Bastille, where you
+may lift up your voice to sing the De profundis."
+
+"Was my name not mentioned?" I anxiously inquired when Montresor had
+finished.
+
+"Not once. You may depend that I should have remarked it. After I had
+taken Canaples away, the Cardinal, I am told, sat down, and, still
+trembling with rage, wrote a letter which he straightway dispatched to
+the Chevalier Armand de Canaples, at Blois.
+
+"No doubt," I mused, "he attributes much blame to me for what has come
+to pass."
+
+"Not a doubt of it. This morning he said to me that it was a pity your
+wings had not been clipped before you left Paris, and that his misplaced
+clemency had helped to bring him great misfortunes. You see, therefore,
+M. de Luynes, that your sojourn in France will be attended with great
+peril. I advise you to try Spain; 't is a martial country where a man of
+the sword may find honourable and even profitable employment."
+
+His counsel I deemed sound. But how follow it? Then of a sudden I
+bethought me of Madame de Chevreuse's friendly letter. Doubtless she
+would assist me once again, and in such an extremity as this. And with
+the conception of the thought came the resolution to visit her on the
+morrow. That formed, I gave myself up to the task of drinking M. de
+Montresor under the table with an abandon which had not been mine for
+months. In each goblet that I drained, methought I saw Yvonne's sweet
+face floating on the surface of the red Armagnac; it looked now sad, now
+reproachful, still I drank on, and in each cup I pledged her.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX. OF HOW THE CHEVALIER DE CANAPLES BECAME A FRONDEUR
+
+
+It wanted an hour or so to noon next day as I drove across the Pont Neuf
+in a closed carriage, and was borne down the Rue St. Dominique to the
+portals of that splendid palace, facing the Jacobins, which bears the
+title of the "Hotel de Luynes," and over the portals of which is carved
+the escutcheon of our house.
+
+Michelot--in obedience to the orders I had given him--got down only to
+be informed that Madame la Duchesse was in the country. The lackey who
+was summoned did not know where the lady might be found, nor when she
+might return to Paris. And so I was compelled to drive back almost
+despairingly to the Rue St. Antoine, and there lie concealed, nursing my
+impatience, until my aunt should return.
+
+Daily I sent Michelot to the Hotel de Luynes to make the same inquiry,
+and to return daily with the same dispiriting reply--that there was no
+news of Madame la Duchesse.
+
+In this fashion some three weeks wore themselves out, during which
+period I lay in my concealment, a prey to weariness unutterable. I might
+not venture forth save at night, unless I wore a mask; and as masks
+were no longer to be worn without attracting notice--as during the late
+king's reign--I dared not indulge the practice.
+
+Certainly my ennui was greatly relieved by the visits of Montresor,
+which grew very frequent, the lad appearing to have conceived a kindness
+for me; and during those three weeks our fellowship at nights over a
+bottle or two engendered naturally enough a friendship and an intimacy
+between us.
+
+I had written to Andrea on the morrow of my return to Paris, to tell
+him how kindly Montresor had dealt with me, and some ten days later the
+following letter was brought me by the lieutenant--to whom, for safety,
+it had been forwarded:
+
+
+"MY VERY DEAR GASTON:
+
+I have no words wherewith to express my joy at the good news you send
+me, which terminates the anxiety that has been mine since you left us on
+the disastrous morning of our nuptials.
+
+The uncertainty touching your fate, the fear that the worst might have
+befallen you, and the realisation that I--for whom you have done so
+much--might do naught for you in your hour of need, has been the one
+cloud to mar the sunshine of my own bliss.
+
+That cloud your letter has dispelled, and the knowledge of your safety
+renders my happiness complete.
+
+The Chevalier maintains his unforgiving mood, as no doubt doth also my
+Lord Cardinal. But what to me are the frowns of either, so that my lady
+smile? My little Genevieve is yet somewhat vexed in spirit at all this,
+but I am teaching her to have faith in Time, the patron saint of all
+lovers who follow not the course their parents set them. And so that
+time may be allowed to intercede and appeal to the parent heart with
+the potent prayer of a daughter's absence, I shall take my lady from
+Chambord some three days hence. We shall travel by easy stages to
+Marseilles, and there take ship for Palermo.
+
+And so, dear, trusty friend, until we meet again, fare you well and
+may God hold you safe from the wickedness of man, devil, and my Lord
+Cardinal.
+
+For all that you have done for me, no words of mine can thank you,
+but should you determine to quit this France of yours, and journey to
+Palermo after me, you shall never want a roof to shelter you or a board
+to sit at, so long as roof and board are owned by him who signs himself,
+in love at least, your brother--
+
+"ANDREA DE MANCINI."
+
+
+With a sigh I set the letter down. A sigh of love and gratitude it was;
+a sigh also of regret for the bright, happy boy who had been the source
+alike of my recent joys and sorrows, and whom methought I was not
+likely to see again for many a day, since the peaceful vegetation of his
+Sicilian home held little attraction for me, a man of action.
+
+It was on the evening of the last Sunday in May, whilst the bell of
+the Jesuits, close by, was tinkling out its summons to vespers, that
+Montresor burst suddenly into my room with the request that I should
+get my hat and cloak and go with him to pay a visit. In reply to my
+questions--"Monseigneur's letter to Armand de Canaples," he said, "has
+borne fruit already. Come with me and you shall learn how."
+
+He led me past the Bastille and up the Rue des Tournelles to the door
+of an unpretentious house, upon which he knocked. We were admitted by an
+old woman to whom Montresor appeared to be known, for, after exchanging
+a word or two with her, he himself led the way upstairs and opened the
+door of a room for me.
+
+By the melancholy light of a single taper burning upon the table I
+beheld a fair-sized room containing a curtained bed.
+
+My companion took up the candle, and stepping to the bedside, he drew
+apart the curtains.
+
+Lying there I beheld a man whose countenance, despite its pallor and
+the bloody bandages about his brow, I recognised for that of the little
+spitfire Malpertuis.
+
+As the light fell upon his face, the little fellow opened his eyes, and
+upon beholding me at his side he made a sudden movement which wrung from
+him a cry of pain.
+
+"Lie still, Monsieur," said Montresor quietly.
+
+But for all the lieutenant's remonstrances, he struggled up into a
+sitting posture, requesting Montresor to set the pillows at his back.
+
+"Thank God you are here, M. de Luynes!" he said. "I learnt at Canaples
+that you were not dead."
+
+"You have been to Canaples?"
+
+"I was a guest of the Chevalier for twelve days. I arrived there on the
+day after your departure."
+
+"You!" I ejaculated. "Pray what took you to Canaples?"
+
+"What took me there?" he echoed, turning his feverish eyes upon me,
+almost with fierceness. "The same motive that led me to join hands with
+that ruffian St. Auban, when he spoke of waging war against Mancini; the
+same motive that led me to break with him when I saw through his plans,
+and when the abduction of Mademoiselle was on foot; the same motive that
+made me come to you and tell you of the proposed abduction so that you
+might interfere if you had the power, or cause others to do so if you
+had not."
+
+I lay back in my chair and stared at him. Was this, then, another suitor
+of Yvonne de Canaples, and were all men mad with love of her?
+
+Presently he continued:
+
+"When I heard that St. Auban was in Paris, having apparently abandoned
+all hope in connection with Mademoiselle, I obtained a letter from M. de
+la Rochefoucauld--who is an intimate friend of mine--and armed with this
+I set out. As luck would have it I got embroiled in the streets of Blois
+with a couple of cardinalist gentlemen, who chose to be offended by
+lampoon of the Fronde that I was humming. I am not a patient man, and I
+am even indiscreet in moments of choler. I ended by crying, 'Down with
+Mazarin and all his creatures,' and I would of a certainty have had my
+throat slit, had not a slight and elegant gentleman interposed, and,
+exercising a wonderful influence over my assailants, extricated me from
+my predicament. This gentleman was the Chevalier de Canaples. He was
+strangely enough in a mood to be pleased by an anti-cardinalist ditty,
+for his rage against Andrea de Mancini--which he took no pains to
+conceal--had extended already to the Cardinal, and from morn till night
+he did little else but revile the whole Italian brood--as he chose to
+dub the Cardinal's family."
+
+I recognised the old knight's weak, vacillating character in this, a
+creature of moods that, like the vane on a steeple, turns this way or
+that, as the wind blows.
+
+"I crave your patience, M. de Luynes," he continued, "and beg of you
+to hear my story so that you may determine whether you will save the
+Canaples from the danger that threatens them. I only ask that you
+dispatch a reliable messenger to Blois. But hear me out first. In virtue
+as much of La Rochefoucauld's letters as of the sentiments which the
+Chevalier heard me express, I became the honoured guest at his chateau.
+Three days after my arrival I sustained a shock by the unexpected
+appearance at Canaples of St. Auban. The Chevalier, however, refused
+him admittance, and, baffled, the Marquis was forced to withdraw. But he
+went no farther than Blois, where he hired himself a room at the Lys de
+France. The Chevalier hated him as a mad dog hates water--almost as much
+as he hated you. He spoke often of you, and always bitterly."
+
+Before I knew what I had said--
+
+"And Mademoiselle?" I burst out. "Did she ever mention my name?"
+
+Malpertuis looked up quickly at the question, and a wan smile flickered
+round his lips.
+
+"Once she spoke of you to me--pityingly, as one might speak of a dead
+man whose life had not been good."
+
+"Yes, yes," I broke in. "It matters little. Your story, M. Malpertuis."
+
+"After I had been at the chateau ten days, we learnt that Eugene de
+Canaples had been sent to the Bastille. The news came in a letter penned
+by his Eminence himself--a bitter, viperish letter, with a covert threat
+in every line. The Chevalier's anger went white hot as he read the
+disappointed Cardinal's epistle. His Eminence accused Eugene of being a
+frondeur; M. de Canaples, whose politics had grown sadly rusted in the
+country, asked me the meaning of the word. I explained to him the
+petty squabbles between Court and Parliament, in consequence of the
+extortionate imposts and of Mazarin's avariciousness. I avowed myself a
+partisan of the Fronde, and within three days the Chevalier--who but
+a little time before had sought an alliance with the Cardinal's
+family--had become as rabid a frondeur as M. de Gondi, as fierce an
+anti-cardinalist as M. de Beaufort.
+
+"I humoured him in his new madness, with the result that ere long from
+being a frondeur in heart, he thirsted to become a frondeur in deeds,
+and he ended by begging me to bear a letter from him to the Coadjutor
+of Paris, wherein he offered to place at M. de Gondi's disposal, towards
+the expenses of the civil war which he believed to be imminent,--as,
+indeed, it is,--the sum of sixty thousand livres.
+
+"Now albeit I had gone to Canaples for purposes of my own, and not as
+an agent of M. le Coadjuteur's, still for many reasons I saw fit to
+undertake the Chevalier's commission. And so, bearing the letter
+in question, which was hot and unguarded, and charged with endless
+treasonable matter, I set out four days later for Paris, arriving here
+yesterday.
+
+"I little knew that I had been followed by St. Auban. His suspicions
+must have been awakened, I know not how, and clearly they were confirmed
+when I stopped before the Coadjutor's house last night. I was about to
+mount the steps, when of a sudden I was seized from behind by half a
+dozen hands and dragged into a side street. I got free for a moment and
+attempted to defend myself, but besides St. Auban there were two others.
+They broke my sword and attempted to break my skull, in which they went
+perilously near succeeding, as you see. Albeit half-swooning, I had
+yet sufficient consciousness left to realise that my pockets were being
+emptied, and that at last they had torn open my doublet and withdrawn
+the treasonable letter from the breast of it.
+
+"I was left bleeding in the kennel, and there I lay for nigh upon an
+hour until a passer-by succoured me and carried out my request to be
+brought hither and put to bed."
+
+He ceased, and for some moments there was silence, broken only by the
+wounded man's laboured breathing, which argued that his narrative had
+left him fatigued. At last I sprang up.
+
+"The Chevalier de Canaples must be warned," I exclaimed.
+
+"'T is an ugly business," muttered Montresor. "I'll wager a hundred that
+Mazarin will hang the Chevalier if he catches him just now."
+
+"He would not dare!" cried Malpertuis.
+
+"Not dare?" echoed the lieutenant. "The man who imprisoned the Princes
+of Conde and Conti, and the Duke of Beaufort, not dare hang a provincial
+knight with never a friend at Court! Pah, Monsieur, you do not know
+Cardinal Mazarin."
+
+I realised to the full how likely Montresor's prophecy was to be
+fulfilled, and before I left Malpertuis I assured him that he had not
+poured his story into the ears of an indifferent listener, and that I
+would straightway find means of communicating with Canaples.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI. OF THE BARGAIN THAT ST. AUBAN DROVE WITH MY LORD CARDINAL
+
+
+From the wounded man's bedside I wended my steps back to the Rue St.
+Antoine, resolved to start for Blois that very night; and beside me
+walked Montresor, with bent head, like a man deep in thought.
+
+At my door I paused to take my leave of the lieutenant, for I was
+in haste to have my preparations made, and to be gone. But Montresor
+appeared not minded to be dismissed thus easily.
+
+"What plan have you formed?" he asked.
+
+"The only plan there is to form--to set out for Canaples at once."
+
+"Hum!" he grunted, and again was silent. Then, suddenly throwing back
+his head, "Par la mort Dieu!" he cried, "I care not what comes of it;
+I'll tell you what I know. Lead the way to your chamber, M. de Luynes,
+and delay your departure until you have heard me."
+
+Surprised as much by his words as by the tone in which he uttered them,
+which was that of a man who is angry with himself, I passively did as I
+was bidden.
+
+Once within my little ante-chamber, he turned the key with his own
+hands, and pointing to the door of my bedroom--"In there, Monsieur,"
+quoth he, "we shall be safe from listeners."
+
+Deeper grew my astonishment at all this mystery, as we passed into the
+room beyond.
+
+"Now, M. de Luynes," he cried, flinging down his hat, "for no apparent
+reason I am about to commit treason; I am about to betray the hand that
+pays me."
+
+"If no reason exists, why do so evil a deed?" I inquired calmly. "I have
+learnt during our association to wish you well, Montresor; if by telling
+me that which your tongue burns to tell, you shall have cause for shame,
+the door is yonder. Go before harm is done, and leave me alone to fight
+my battle out."
+
+He stood up, and for a moment he seemed to waver, then dismissing his
+doubts with an abrupt gesture, he sat down again.
+
+"There is no wrong in what I do. Right is with you, M. de Luynes, and
+if I break faith with the might I serve, it is because that might is
+an unjust one; I do but betray the false to the true, and there can be
+little shame in such an act. Moreover, I have a reason--but let that
+be."
+
+He was silent for a moment, then he resumed:
+
+"Most of that which you have learnt from Malpertuis to-night, I myself
+could have told you. Yes; St. Auban has carried Canaples's letter to the
+Cardinal already. I heard from his lips to-day--for I was present at the
+interview--how the document had been wrested from Malpertuis. For your
+sake, so that you might learn all he knew, I sought the fellow out, and
+having found him in the Rue des Tournelles, I took you thither."
+
+In a very fever of excitement I listened.
+
+"To take up the thread of the story where Malpertuis left off, let me
+tell you that St. Auban sought an audience with Mazarin this morning,
+and by virtue of a note which he desired an usher to deliver to his
+Eminence, he was admitted, the first of all the clients that for hours
+had thronged the ante-room. As in the instance of the audience to Eugene
+de Canaples, so upon this occasion did it chance that the Cardinal's
+fears touching St. Auban's purpose had been roused, for he bade me stand
+behind the curtains in his cabinet.
+
+"The Marquis spoke bluntly enough, and with rude candour he stated that
+since Mazarin had failed to bring the Canaples estates into his family
+by marriage, he came to set before his Eminence a proof so utter of
+Canaples's treason that it would enable him to snatch the estates
+by confiscation. The Cardinal may have been staggered by St. Auban's
+bluntness, but his avaricious instincts led him to stifle his feelings
+and bid the Marquis to set this proof before him. But St. Auban had
+a bargain to drive--a preposterous one methought. He demanded that in
+return for his delivering into the hands of Mazarin the person of Armand
+de Canaples together with an incontestable proof that the Chevalier was
+in league with the frondeurs, and had offered to place a large sum of
+money at their disposal, he was to receive as recompense the demesne
+of Canaples on the outskirts of Blois, together with one third of the
+confiscated estates. At first Mazarin gasped at his audacity, then
+laughed at him, whereupon St. Auban politely craved his Eminence's
+permission to withdraw. This the Cardinal, however, refused him, and
+bidding him remain, he sought to bargain with him. But the Marquis
+replied that he was unversed in the ways of trade and barter, and that
+he had no mind to enter into them. From bargaining the Cardinal passed
+on to threatening and from threatening to whining, and so on until the
+end--St. Auban preserving a firm demeanour--the comedy was played out
+and Mazarin fell in with his proposal and his terms.
+
+"Mille diables!" I cried. "And has St. Auban set out?"
+
+"He starts to-morrow, and I go with him. When finally the Cardinal
+had consented, the Marquis demanded and obtained from him a promise in
+writing, signed and sealed by Mazarin, that he should receive a third
+of the Canaples estates and the demesne on the outskirts of Blois, in
+exchange for the body of Armand de Canaples, dead or alive, and a proof
+of treason sufficient to warrant his arrest and the confiscation of his
+estates. Next, seeing in what regard the Seigneur is held by the people
+of Blois, and fearing that his arrest might be opposed by many of his
+adherents, the Marquis has demanded a troop of twenty men. This Mazarin
+has also granted him, entrusting the command of the troop to me, under
+St. Auban. Further, the Marquis has stipulated that the greatest secrecy
+is to be observed, and has expressed his purpose of going upon this
+enterprise disguised and masked, for--as he rightly opines--when months
+hence he enters into possession of the demesne of Canaples in the
+character of purchaser, did the Blaisois recognise in him the man who
+sold the Chevalier, his life would stand in hourly peril."
+
+I heard him through patiently enough; yet when he stopped, my pent-up
+feelings burst all bonds, and I resolved there and then to go in quest
+of that Judas, St. Auban, and make an end of his plotting, for all time.
+But Montresor restrained me, showing me how futile such a course must
+prove, and how I risked losing all chance of aiding those at Canaples.
+
+He was right. First I must warn the Chevalier--afterwards I would deal
+with St. Auban.
+
+Someone knocked at that moment, and with the entrance of Michelot, my
+talk with Montresor came perforce to an end. For Michelot brought me the
+news that for days I had been awaiting; Madame de Chevreuse had returned
+to Paris at last.
+
+But for Montresor's remonstrances it is likely that I should have set
+out forthwith to wait upon her. I permitted myself, however, to be
+persuaded that the lateness of the hour would render my visit unwelcome,
+and so I determined in the end--albeit grudgingly--to put off my
+departure for Blois until the morrow.
+
+Noon had but struck from Notre Dame, next day, as I mounted the steps
+of the Hotel de Luynes. My swagger, and that brave suit of pearl grey
+velvet with its silver lace, bore me unchallenged past the gorgeous
+suisse, who stood, majestic, in the doorway.
+
+But, for the first mincing lackey I chanced upon, more was needed to
+gain me an audience. And so, as I did not choose to speak my name, I
+drew a ring from my finger and bade him bear it to the Duchesse.
+
+He obeyed me in this, and presently returning, he bowed low and begged
+of me to follow him, for, as I had thought, albeit Madame de Chevreuse
+might not know to whom that ring belonged, yet the arms of Luynes carved
+upon the stone had sufficed to ensure an interview.
+
+I was ushered into a pretty boudoir, hung in blue and gold, which
+overlooked the garden, and wherein, reclining upon a couch, with a
+book of Bois Robert's verses in her white and slender hand, I found my
+beautiful aunt.
+
+Of this famous lady, who was the cherished friend and more than sister
+of Anne of Austria, much has been written; much that is good, and
+more--far more--that is ill, for those who have a queen for friend shall
+never lack for enemies. But those who have praised and those who have
+censured have at least been at one touching her marvellous beauty. At
+the time whereof I write it is not possible that she could be less than
+forty-six, and yet her figure was slender and shapely and still endowed
+with the grace of girlhood; her face delicate of tint, and little marked
+by time--or even by the sufferings to which, in the late king's reign,
+Cardinal de Richelieu had subjected her; her eyes were blue and peaceful
+as a summer sky; her hair was the colour of ripe corn. He would be a
+hardy guesser who set her age at so much as thirty.
+
+My appearance she greeted by letting fall her book, and lifting up her
+hands--the loveliest in France--she uttered a little cry of surprise.
+
+"Is it really you, Gaston?" she asked.
+
+Albeit it was growing wearisome to be thus greeted by all to whom I
+showed myself, yet I studied courtesy in my reply, and then, 'neath
+the suasion of her kindliness, I related all that had befallen me
+since first I had journeyed to Blois, in Andrea de Mancini's company,
+withholding, however, all allusions to my feelings towards Yvonne. Why
+betray them when they were doomed to be stifled in the breast that begat
+them? But Madame de Chevreuse had not been born a woman and lived six
+and forty years to no purpose.
+
+"And this maid with as many suitors as Penelope, is she very beautiful?"
+she inquired slyly.
+
+"France does not hold her equal," I answered, falling like a simpleton
+into the trap she had set me.
+
+"This to me?" quoth she archly. "Fi donc, Gaston! Your evil ways have
+taught you as little gallantry as dissimulation." And her merry ripple
+of laughter showed me how in six words I had betrayed that which I had
+been at such pains to hide.
+
+But before I could, by protestations, plunge deeper than I stood
+already, the Duchesse turned the conversation adroitly to the matter of
+that letter of hers, wherein she had bidden me wait upon her.
+
+A cousin of mine--one Marion de Luynes, who, like myself, had, through
+the evil of his ways, become an outcast from his family--was lately
+dead. Unlike me, however, he was no adventurous soldier of fortune, but
+a man of peace, with an estate in Provence that had a rent-roll of five
+thousand livres a year. On his death-bed he had cast about him for an
+heir, unwilling that his estate should swell the fortunes of the family
+that in life had disowned him. Into his ear some kindly angel had
+whispered my name, and the memory that I shared with him the frowns of
+our house, and that my plight must be passing pitiful, had set up a bond
+of sympathy between us, which had led him to will his lands to me. Of
+Madame de Chevreuse--who clearly was the patron saint of those of her
+first husband's nephews who chanced to tread ungodly ways--my cousin
+Marion had besought that she should see to the fulfilment of his last
+wishes.
+
+My brain reeled beneath the first shock of that unlooked-for news.
+Already I saw myself transformed from a needy adventurer into a
+gentleman of fortune, and methought my road to Yvonne lay open, all
+obstacles removed. But swiftly there followed the thought of my own
+position, and truly it seemed that a cruel irony lay in the manner
+wherein things had fallen out, since did I declare myself to be alive
+and claim the Provence estates, the Cardinal's claws would be quick to
+seize me.
+
+Thus much I told Madame de Chevreuse, but her answer cheered me, and
+said much for my late cousin's prudence.
+
+"Nay," she cried. "Marion was ever shrewd. Knowing that men who live by
+the sword, as you have lived, are often wont to die by the sword,--and
+that suddenly at times,--he has made provision that in the event of
+your being dead his estates shall come to me, who have been the most
+indulgent of his relatives. This, my dear Gaston, has already taken
+place, for we believed you dead; and therein fortune has been kind to
+you, for now, while receiving the revenues of your lands--which the
+world will look upon as mine--I shall contrive that they reach you
+wherever you may be, until such a time as you may elect to come to life
+again."
+
+Now but for the respect in which I held her, I could have taken the
+pretty Duchesse in my arms and kissed her.
+
+Restraining myself, however, I contented myself by kissing her hand, and
+told her of the journey I was going, then craved another boon of her.
+No matter what the issue of that journey, and whether I went alone or
+accompanied, I was determined to quit France and repair to Spain. There
+I would abide until the Parliament, the Court, or the knife of some
+chance assassin, or even Nature herself should strip Mazarin of his
+power.
+
+Now, at the Court of Spain it was well known that my aunt's influence
+was vast, and so, the boon I craved was that she should aid me to a
+position in the Spanish service that would allow me during my exile to
+find occupation and perchance renown. To this my aunt most graciously
+acceded, and when at length I took my leave--with such gratitude in my
+heart that what words I could think of seemed but clumsily to express
+it--I bore in the breast of my doublet a letter to Don Juan de
+Cordova--a noble of great prominence at the Spanish Court--and in the
+pocket of my haut-de-chausses a rouleau of two hundred gold pistoles, as
+welcome as they were heavy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII. OF MY SECOND JOURNEY TO CANAPLES
+
+
+An hour after I had quitted the Hotel de Luynes, Michelot and I left
+Paris by the barrier St. Michel and took the Orleans road. How different
+it looked in the bright June sunshine, to the picture which it had
+presented to our eyes on that February evening, four months ago, when
+last we had set out upon that same journey!
+
+Not only in nature had a change been wrought, but in my very self. My
+journey then had been aimless, and I had scarcely known whither I was
+bound nor had I fostered any great concern thereon. Now I rode in hot
+haste with a determined purpose, a man of altered fortunes and altered
+character.
+
+Into Choisy we clattered at a brisk pace, but at the sight of the inn
+of the Connetable such memories surged up that I was forced to draw rein
+and call for a cup of Anjou, which I drank in the saddle. Thereafter we
+rode without interruption through Longjumeau, Arpajon, and Etrechy, and
+so well did we use our horses that as night fell we reached Etampes.
+
+From inquiries that Michelot had made on the road, we learned that no
+troop such as that which rode with St. Auban had lately passed that way,
+so that 't was clear we were in front of them.
+
+But scarce had we finished supper in the little room which I had hired
+at the Gros Paon, when, from below, a stamping of hoofs, the jangle of
+arms, and the shouts of many men told me that we were overtaken.
+
+Clearly I did not burn with a desire to linger, but rather it seemed to
+me that although night had closed in, black and moonless, we must set
+out again, and push on to Monnerville, albeit our beasts were worn and
+the distance a good three leagues.
+
+With due precaution we effected our departure, and thereafter had a spur
+been needed to speed us on our way that spur we had in the knowledge
+that St. Auban came close upon our heels. At Monnerville we slept, and
+next morning we were early afoot; by four o'clock in the afternoon we
+had reached Orleans, whence--with fresh horses--we pursued our journey
+as far as Meung, where we lay that night.
+
+There we were joined by a sturdy rascal whom Michelot enlisted into my
+service, seeing that not only did my means allow, but the enterprise
+upon which I went might perchance demand another body servant. This
+recruit was a swart, powerfully built man of about my own age; trusty,
+and a lover of hard knocks, as Michelot--who had long counted him among
+his friends--assured me. He owned the euphonious name of Abdon.
+
+I spent twenty pistoles in suitable raiment and a horse for him, and as
+we left Meung next day the knave cut a brave enough figure that added
+not a little to my importance to have at my heels.
+
+This, however, so retarded our departure, that night had fallen by the
+time we reached Blois. Still our journey had been a passing swift one.
+We had left Paris on a Monday, the fourth of June--I have good cause to
+remember, since on that day I entered both upon my thirty-second year
+and my altered fortunes; on the evening of Wednesday we reached Blois,
+having covered a distance of forty-three leagues in less than three
+days.
+
+Bidding Michelot carry my valise to the hostelry of the Vigne d'Or,
+and there await my coming, I called to Abdon to attend me, and rode on,
+jaded and travel-stained though I was, to Canaples, realising fully that
+there was no time to lose.
+
+Old Guilbert, who came in answer to my knock at the door of the
+chateau, looked askance when he beheld me, and when I bade him carry my
+compliments to the Chevalier, with the message that I desired immediate
+speech of him on a matter of the gravest moment, he shook his grey head
+and protested that it would be futile to obey me. Yet, in the end,
+when I had insisted, he went upon my errand, but only to return with a
+disturbed countenance, to tell me that the Chevalier refused to see me.
+
+"But I must speak to him, Guilbert," I exclaimed, setting foot upon the
+top step. "I have travelled expressly from Paris."
+
+The man stood firm and again shook his head.
+
+"I beseech you not to insist, Monsieur. M. le Chevalier has sworn to
+dismiss me if I permit you to set foot within the chateau."
+
+"Mille diables! This is madness! I seek to serve him," I cried, my
+temper rising fast. "At least, Guilbert, will you tell Mademoiselle that
+I am here, and that I--"
+
+"I may carry no more messages for you, Monsieur," he broke in. "Listen!
+There is M. le Chevalier."
+
+In reality I could hear the old knight's voice, loud and shrill with
+anger, and a moment later Louis, his intendant, came across the hall.
+
+"Guilbert," he commanded harshly, "close the door. The night air is
+keen."
+
+My cheeks aflame with anger, I still made one last attempt to gain an
+audience.
+
+"Master Louis," I exclaimed, "will you do me the favour to tell M. de
+Canaples--"
+
+"You are wasting time, Monsieur," he interrupted. "M. de Canaples will
+not see you. He bids you close the door, Guilbert."
+
+"Pardieu! he shall see me!"
+
+"The door, Guilbert!"
+
+I took a step forward, but before I could gain the threshold, the door
+was slammed in my face, and as I stood there, quivering with anger and
+disappointment, I heard the bolts being shot within.
+
+I turned with an oath.
+
+"Come, Abdon," I growled, as I climbed once more into the saddle, "let
+us leave the fool to the fate he has chosen."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII. OF HOW ST. AUBAN CAME TO BLOIS
+
+
+In silence we rode back to Blois. Not that I lacked matter for
+conversation. Anger and chagrin at the thought that I had come upon this
+journey to earn naught but an insult and to have a door slammed in my
+face made my gorge rise until it went near to choking me. I burned to
+revile Canaples aloud, but Abdon's was not the ear into which I might
+pour the hot words that welled up to my lips.
+
+Yet if silent, the curses that I heaped upon the Chevalier's crassness
+were none the less fervent, and to myself I thought with grim relish of
+how soon and how dearly he would pay for the affront he had put upon me.
+
+That satisfaction, however, endured not long; for presently I bethought
+me of how heavily the punishment would fall upon Yvonne--and yet, of how
+she would be left to the mercy of St. Auban, whose warrant from Mazarin
+would invest with almost any and every power at Canaples.
+
+I ground my teeth at the sudden thought, and for a moment I was on the
+point of going back and forcing my way into the chateau at the sword
+point if necessary, to warn and save the Chevalier in spite of himself
+and unthanked.
+
+It was not in such a fashion that I had thought to see my mission to
+Canaples accomplished; I had dreamt of gratitude, and gratitude unbars
+the door to much. Nevertheless, whether or not I earned it, I must
+return, and succeed where for want of insistence I had failed awhile
+ago.
+
+Of a certainty I should have acted thus, but that at the very moment
+upon which I formed the resolution Abdon drew my attention to a dark
+shadow by the roadside not twenty paces in front of us. This proved to
+be the motionless figure of a horseman.
+
+As soon as I was assured of it, I reined in my horse, and taking a
+pistol from the holster, I levelled it at the shadow, accompanying the
+act by a sonorous--
+
+"Who goes there?"
+
+The shadow stirred, and Michelot's voice answered me:
+
+"'T is I, Monsieur. They have arrived. I came to warn you."
+
+"Who has arrived?" I shouted.
+
+"The soldiers. They are lodged at the Lys de France."
+
+An oath was the only comment I made as I turned the news over in my
+mind. I must return to Canaples.
+
+Then another thought occurred to me. The Chevalier was capable of going
+to extremes to keep me from entering his house; he might for instance
+greet me with a blunderbuss. It was not the fear of that that deterred
+me, but the fear that did a charge of lead get mixed with my poor brains
+before I had said what I went to say, matters would be no better, and
+there would be one poor knave the less to adorn the world.
+
+"What shall we do, Michelot?" I groaned, appealing in my despair to my
+henchman.
+
+"Might it not be well to seek speech with M. de Montresor?" quoth he.
+
+I shrugged my shoulders. Nevertheless, after a moment's deliberation I
+determined to make the attempt; if I succeeded something might come of
+it.
+
+And so I pushed on to Blois with my knaves close at my heels.
+
+Up the Rue Vieille we proceeded with caution, for the hostelry of the
+Vigne d'Or, where Michelot had hired me a room, fortunately overlooking
+the street, fronted the Lys de France, where St. Auban and his men were
+housed.
+
+I gained that room of mine without mishap, and my first action was to
+deal summarily with a fat and well-roasted capon which the landlord
+set before me--for an empty stomach is a poor comrade in a desperate
+situation. That meal, washed down with the best part of a bottle of red
+Anjou, did much to restore me alike in body and in mind.
+
+From my open window I gazed across the street at the Lys de France.
+The door of the common-room, opening upon the street, was set wide, and
+across the threshold came a flood of light in which there flitted the
+black figures of maybe a dozen amazed rustics, drawn thither for all the
+world as bats are drawn to a glare.
+
+And there they hovered with open mouths and stupid eyes, hearkening to
+the din of voices that floated out on the tranquil air, the snatches of
+ribald songs, the raucous bursts of laughter, the clink of glasses, the
+clank of steel, the rattle of dice, and the strange soldier oaths that
+fell with every throw, and which to them must have sounded almost as
+words of some foreign tongue.
+
+Whilst I stood by my window, the landlord entered my room, and coming up
+to me--
+
+"Thank Heaven they are not housed at the Vigne d'Or," he said. "It will
+take Maitre Bernard a week to rid his house of the stench of leather.
+They are part of a stray company that is on its way to fight the
+Spaniards," he informed me. "But methinks they will be forced to spend
+two or three days at Blois; their horses are sadly jaded and will need
+that rest before they can take the road again, thanks to the pace at
+which their boy of an officer must have led them. There is a gentleman
+with them who wears a mask. 'T is whispered that he is a prince of
+the blood who has made a vow not to uncover his face until this war be
+ended, in expiation of some sin committed in mad Paris."
+
+I heard him in silence, and when he had done I thanked him for his
+information. So! This was the story that the crafty St. Auban had spread
+abroad to lull suspicion touching the real nature of their presence
+until their horses should be fit to undertake the return journey to
+Paris, or until he should have secured the person of M. de Canaples.
+
+Towards eleven o'clock, as the lights in the hostelry opposite were
+burning low, I descended, and made my way out into the now deserted
+street. The troopers had apparently seen fit--or else been ordered--to
+seek their beds, for the place had grown silent, and a servant was in
+the act of making fast the door for the night. The porte-cochere was
+half closed, and a man carrying a lantern was making fast the bolt,
+whistling aimlessly to himself. Through the half of the door that was
+yet open, I beheld a window from which the light fell upon a distant
+corner of the courtyard.
+
+I drew near the fellow with the lantern, in whom I recognised Rene, the
+hostler, and as I approached he flashed the light upon my face; then
+with a gasp--"M. de Luynes," he exclaimed, remembering me from the time
+when I had lodged at the Lys de France, three months ago.
+
+"Sh!" I whispered, pressing a louis d'or into his hand. "Whose window is
+that, Rene?" And I pointed towards the light.
+
+"That," he replied, "is the room of the lieutenant and the gentleman in
+the mask."
+
+"I must take a look at them, Rene, and whilst I am looking I shall
+search my pocket for another louis. Now let me in."
+
+"I dare not, Monsieur. Maitre Bernard may call me, and if the doors are
+not closed--"
+
+"Dame!" I broke in. "I shall stay but a moment."
+
+"But--"
+
+"And you will have easily earned a louis d'or. If Bernard calls
+you--peste, tell him that you have let fall something, and that you are
+seeking it. There, let me pass."
+
+I got past him at last, and made my way swiftly towards the other end of
+the quadrangle.
+
+As I approached, the sound of voices smote my ear, for the lighted
+window stood open. I stopped within half a dozen paces of it, and
+climbed on to the step of a coach that stood there. Thence I could look
+straight into the room, whilst the darkness hid me from the eyes of
+those I watched.
+
+Three men there were; Montresor, the sergeant of his troop, and a tall
+man dressed in black, and wearing a black silk mask. This I concluded
+to be St. Auban, despite the profusion of fair locks that fell upon his
+shoulders, concealing--I rightly guessed--his natural hair, which was as
+black as my own. It was a cunning addition to his disguise, and one well
+calculated to lead people on to the wrong scent hereafter.
+
+Presently, as I watched them, St. Auban spoke, and his voice was that
+of a man whose gums are toothless, or else whose nether lip is drawn
+in over his teeth whilst he speaks. Here again the dissimulation was as
+effective as it was simple.
+
+"So; that is concluded," were the words that reached me. "To-morrow
+we will install our men at the chateau, for while we remain here it is
+preposterous to lodge them at an inn. On the following day I hope that
+we may be able to set out again."
+
+"If we could obtain fresh horses--" began the sergeant, when he of the
+mask interrupted him.
+
+"Sangdieu! Think you my purse is bottomless? We return as we came, with
+the Cardinal's horses. What signify a day or two, after all? Come--call
+the landlord to light me to my room."
+
+I had heard enough. But more than that, whilst I listened, an idea had
+of a sudden sprung up in my mind which did away with the necessity
+of gaining speech with Montresor--a contingency, moreover, that now
+presented insuperable difficulties.
+
+So I got down softly from my perch and made my way out of the yard, and,
+after fulfilling my part of the bargain with Rene, across to the Vigne
+d'Or and to my room, there to sit and mature the plan that of a sudden I
+had conceived.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV. OF THE PASSING OF ST. AUBAN
+
+
+Dame! What an ado there was next day in Blois, when the news came that
+the troopers had installed themselves at the Chateau de Canaples and
+that the Chevalier had been arrested for treason by order of the Lord
+Cardinal, and that he would be taken to Paris, and--probably--the
+scaffold.
+
+Men gathered in little knots at street corners, and with sullen brows
+and threatening gestures they talked of the affair; and the more
+they talked, the more clouded grew their looks, and more than one
+anti-cardinalist pasquinade was heard in Blois that day.
+
+Given a leader those men would have laid hands upon pikes and muskets,
+and gone to the Chevalier's rescue. As I observed them, the thought did
+cross my mind that I might contrive a pretty fight in the rose garden of
+Canaples were I so inclined. And so inclined I should, indeed, have been
+but for the plan that had come to me like an inspiration from above, and
+which methought would prove safer in the end.
+
+To carry out this plan of mine, I quitted Blois at nightfall, with my
+two knaves, having paid my reckoning at the Lys de France, and given
+out that we were journeying to Tours. We followed the road that leads to
+Canaples, until we reached the first trees bordering the park. There
+I dismounted, and, leaving Abdon to guard the horses, I made my way on
+foot, accompanied by Michelot, towards the garden.
+
+We gained this, and were on the point of quitting the shadow of the
+trees, when of a sudden, by the light of the crescent moon, I beheld
+a man walking in one of the alleys, not a hundred paces from where we
+stood. I had but time to seize Michelot by the collar of his pourpoint
+and draw him towards me. But as he trod precipitately backwards a twig
+snapped 'neath his foot with a report that in the surrounding stillness
+was like a pistol shot.
+
+I caught my breath as he who walked in the garden stood still, his face,
+wrapped in the shadows of his hat, turned towards us.
+
+"Who goes there?" he shouted. Then getting no reply he came resolutely
+forward, whilst I drew a pistol wherewith to welcome him did he come too
+near.
+
+On he came, and already I had brought my pistol to a level with his
+head, when fortunately he repeated his question, "Who goes there?"--and
+this time I recognised the voice of Montresor, the very man I could then
+most wish to meet.
+
+"Hist! Montresor!" I called softly. "'T is I--Luynes."
+
+"So!" he exclaimed, coming close up to me. "You have reached Canaples at
+last!"
+
+"At last?" I echoed.
+
+"Whom have you there?" he inquired abruptly.
+
+"Only Michelot."
+
+"Bid him fall behind a little."
+
+When Michelot had complied with this request, "You see, M. de Luynes,"
+quoth the officer, "that you have arrived too late."
+
+There was a certain coldness in his tone that made me seek by my reply
+to sound him.
+
+"Indeed, I trust not, my friend. With your assistance I hope to get M.
+de Canaples from the clutches of St. Auban."
+
+He shook his head.
+
+"It is impossible that I should help you," he replied with increasing
+coldness. "Already once for your sake have I broken faith to those who
+pay me, by setting you in a position to forestall St. Auban and get M.
+de Canaples away before his arrival. Unfortunately, you have dallied
+on the road, M. de Luynes, and Canaples is already a prisoner--a doomed
+one, I fear."
+
+"Is that your last word, Montresor?" I inquired sadly.
+
+"I am sorry," he answered in softened tones, "but you must see that I
+cannot do otherwise. I warned you; more you cannot expect of me."
+
+I sighed, and stood musing for an instant. Then--"You are right,
+Montresor. Nevertheless, I am still grateful to you for the warning you
+gave me in Paris. God pity and help Canaples! Adieu, Montresor. I do not
+think that you will see me again."
+
+He took my hand, but as he did so he pushed me back into the shadow from
+which I had stepped to proffer it him.
+
+"Peste!" he ejaculated. "The moon was full upon your face, and did St.
+Auban chance to look out, he must have seen you."
+
+I followed the indication of his thumb, and noted the lighted window to
+which he pointed. A moment later he was gone, and as I joined Michelot,
+I chuckled softly to myself.
+
+For two hours and more I sat in the shrubbery, conversing in whispers
+with Michelot, and watching the lights in the chateau die out one by
+one, until St. Auban's window, which opened on to the terrace balcony,
+was the only one that was not wrapt in darkness.
+
+I waited a little while longer, then rising I cautiously made a tour of
+inspection. Peace reigned everywhere, and the only sign of life was the
+sentry, who with musket on shoulder paced in front of the main entrance,
+a silent testimony of St. Auban's mistrust of the Blaisois and of his
+fears of a possible surprise.
+
+Satisfied that everyone slept I retraced my steps to the shrubbery where
+Michelot awaited me, watching the square of light, and after exchanging
+word with him, I again stepped forth.
+
+When I was half way across the intervening space of garden, treading
+with infinite precaution, a dark shadow obscured the window, which a
+second later was thrown open. Crouching hastily behind a boxwood hedge,
+I watched St. Auban--for I guessed that he it was--as he leaned out and
+gazed skywards.
+
+For a little while he remained there, then he withdrew, leaving the
+casement open, and presently I caught the grating of a chair on the
+parquet floor within. If ever the gods favoured mortal, they favoured me
+at that moment.
+
+Stealthily as a cat I sprang towards the terrace, the steps to which I
+climbed on hands and knees. Stooping, I sped silently across it until I
+had gained the flower-bed immediately below the window that had drawn
+me to it. Crouching there--for did I stand upright my chin would be on a
+level with the sill--I paused to listen for some moments. The only sound
+I caught was a rustle, as of paper. Emboldened, I took a deep breath,
+and standing up I gazed straight into the chamber.
+
+By the light of four tapers in heavy silver sconces, I beheld St. Auban
+seated at a table littered with parchments, over which he was intently
+poring. His back was towards me, and his long black hair hung straight
+upon his shoulders. On the table, amid the papers, lay his golden wig
+and black mask, and on the floor in the centre of the room, his back and
+breast of blackened steel and his sword.
+
+It needed but little shrewdness to guess those parchments before him
+to be legal documents touching the Canaples estates, and his occupation
+that of casting up exactly what profit he would reap from his infamous
+work of betrayal.
+
+So intent was the hound upon his calculations that my cautious movements
+passed unheeded by him as I got astride of the window ledge. It was only
+when I swung my right leg into the room that he turned his head, but
+before his eyes reached me I was standing upright and motionless within
+the chamber.
+
+I have seen fear of many sorts writ large upon the faces of men of many
+conditions--from the awe that blanches the cheek of the boy soldier when
+first he hears the cannon thundering to the terror that glazes the eye
+of the vanquished swordsman who at every moment expects the deadly point
+in his heart. But never had I gazed upon a countenance filled with such
+abject ghastly terror as that which came over St. Auban's when his eyes
+met mine that night.
+
+He sprang up with an inarticulate cry that sank into something that I
+can but liken to the rattle which issues from the throat of expiring
+men. For a second he stood where he had risen, then terror loosened his
+knees, and he sank back into his chair. His mouth fell open, and the
+trembling lips were drawn down at the corners like those of a sobbing
+child; his cheeks turned whiter than the lawn collar at his throat, and
+his eyes, wide open in a horrid stare, were fixed on mine and, powerless
+to avert them, he met my gaze--cold, stern, and implacable.
+
+For a moment we remained thus, and I marvelled greatly to see a man
+whose heart, if full of evil, I had yet deemed stout enough, stricken by
+fear into so parlous and pitiful a condition.
+
+Then I had the explanation of it as he lifted his right hand and made
+the sign of the cross, first upon himself, then in the air, whilst his
+lips moved, and I guessed that to himself he was muttering some prayer
+of exorcising purport. There was the solution of the terror--sweat
+that stood out in beads upon his brow--he had deemed me a spectre; the
+spectre of a man he believed to have foully done to death on a spot
+across the Loire visible from the window at my back.
+
+At last he sufficiently mastered himself to break the awful silence.
+
+"What do you want?" he whispered; then, his voice gaining power as he
+used it--"Speak," he commanded. "Man or devil, speak!"
+
+I laughed for answer, harshly, mockingly; for never had I known a
+fiercer, crueller mood. At the sound of that laugh, satanical though may
+have been its ring, he sprang up again, and unsheathing a dagger he took
+a step towards me.
+
+"We shall see of what you are made," he cried. "If you blast me in the
+act, I'll strike you!"
+
+I laughed again, and raising my arm I gave him the nozzle of a pistol to
+contemplate.
+
+"Stand where you are, St. Auban, or, by the God above us, I'll send your
+ghost a-wandering," quoth I coolly.
+
+My voice, which I take it had nothing ghostly in it, and still more
+the levelled pistol, which of all implements is the most unghostly,
+dispelled his dread. The colour crept slowly back to his cheeks, and his
+mouth closed with a snap of determination.
+
+"Is it, indeed, you, master meddler?" he said. "Peste! I thought you
+dead these three months."
+
+"And you are overcome with joy to find that you were in error, eh,
+Marquis? We Luynes die hard."
+
+"It seems so, indeed," he answered with a cool effrontery past crediting
+in one who but a moment ago had looked so pitiful. "What do you seek at
+Canaples?"
+
+"Many things, Marquis. You among others."
+
+"You have come to murder me," he cried, and again alarm overspread his
+countenance.
+
+"Hoity, toity, Marquis! We do not all follow the same trade. Who talks
+of murder? Faugh!"
+
+Again he took a step towards me, but again the nozzle of my pistol drove
+him back. To have pistoled him there and then as he deserved would have
+brought the household about my ears, and that would have defeated my
+object. To have fallen upon him and slain him with silent steel would
+have equally embarrassed me, as you shall understand anon.
+
+"You and I had a rendezvous at St. Sulpice des Reaux," I said calmly,
+"to which you came with a band of hired assassins. For this you deserve
+to be shot like the dog you are. But I have it in my heart to be
+generous to you," I added in a tone of irony. "Come, take up your
+sword."
+
+"To what purpose?"
+
+"Do you question me? Take up your sword, man, and do my bidding; thus
+shall you have a slender chance of life. Refuse and I pistol you without
+compunction. So now put on that wig and mask."
+
+When he obeyed me in this--"Now listen, St. Auban," I said. "You and
+I are going together to that willow copse whither three months ago you
+lured Yvonne de Canaples for the purpose of abducting her. On that spot
+you and I shall presently face each other sword in hand, with none other
+to witness our meeting save God, in whose hands the issue lies. That is
+your chance; at the first sign that you meditate playing me any tricks,
+that chance is lost to you." And I tapped my pistol significantly. "Now
+climb out through that window."
+
+When he had done so, I bade him stand six paces away whilst I followed,
+and to discourage any foolish indiscretion on his part I again showed
+him my pistol.
+
+He answered me with an impatient gesture, and by the light that fell on
+his face I saw him sneer.
+
+"Come on, you fool," he snarled, "and have done threatening. I'll talk
+to you in the copse. And tread softly lest you arouse the sentry on the
+other side."
+
+Rejoiced to see the man so wide awake in him, I followed him closely
+across the terrace, and through the rose garden to the bank of the
+river. This we followed until we came at last to the belt of willows,
+where, having found a suitable patch of even and springy turf, I drew my
+sword and invited him to make ready.
+
+"Will you not strip?" he inquired sullenly.
+
+"I do not think so," I answered. "The night air is sharp. Nevertheless,
+do you make ready as best you deem fit, and that speedily, Monsieur."
+
+With an exclamation of contempt, he divested himself of his wig, mask,
+and doublet, then drawing his sword, he came forward, and announced
+himself at my disposal.
+
+As well you may conceive, we wasted no time in compliments, but
+straightway went to work, and that with a zest that drew sparks from our
+rapiers at the first contact.
+
+The Marquis attacked me furiously, and therein lay his only chance; for
+a fierce, rude sword-play that is easily dealt with in broad daylight
+is vastly discomposing in such pale moonshine as lighted us. I defended
+myself warily, for of a sudden I had grown conscious of the danger that
+I ran did he once by luck or strength get past my guard with that point
+of his which in the spare light I could not follow closely enough to
+feel secure.
+
+'Neath the fury of his onslaught I was compelled to break ground more
+than once, and each time he was so swift to follow up his advantage that
+I had ne'er a chance to retaliate.
+
+Still fear or doubt of the issue I had none. I needed but to wait until
+the Marquis's fury was spent by want of breath, to make an end of it.
+And presently that which I waited for came about. His attack began to
+lag in vigour, and the pressure of his blade to need less resistance,
+whilst his breathing grew noisy as that of a broken-winded horse. Then
+with the rage of a gambler who loses at every throw, he cursed and
+reviled me with every thrust or lunge that I turned aside.
+
+My turn was come; yet I held back, and let him spend his strength to the
+utmost drop, whilst with my elbow close against my side and by an easy
+play of wrist, I diverted each murderous stroke of his point that came
+again and again for my heart.
+
+When at last he had wasted in blasphemies what little breath his wild
+exertions had left him, I let him feel on his blade the twist that
+heralded my first riposte. He caught the thrust, and retreated a
+step, his blasphemous tongue silenced, and his livid face bathed in
+perspiration.
+
+Cruelly I toyed with him then, and with every disengagement I made him
+realise that he was mastered, and that if I withheld the coup de grace
+it was but to prolong his agony. And to add to the bitterness of that
+agony of his, I derided him whilst I fenced; with a recitation of his
+many sins I mocked him, showing him how ripe he was for hell, and asking
+him how it felt to die unshriven with such a load upon his soul.
+
+Goaded to rage by my bitter words, he grit his teeth, and gathered what
+rags of strength were left him for a final effort, And before I knew
+what he was about, he had dropped on to his left knee, and with his body
+thrown forward and supported within a foot of the ground by his left
+arm, he came, like a snake, under my guard with his point directed
+upwards.
+
+So swift had been this movement and so unlooked-for, that had I not
+sprung backwards in the very nick of time, this narrative of mine had
+ne'er been written. With a jeering laugh I knocked aside his sword, but
+even as I disengaged, to thrust at him, he knelt up and caught my blade
+in his left hand, and for all that it ate its way through the flesh to
+the very bones of his fingers, he clung to it with that fierce strength
+and blind courage that is born of despair.
+
+Then raising himself on his knees again, he struck at me wildly. I swung
+aside, and as his sword, missing its goal, shot past me, I caught his
+wrist in a grip from which I contemptuously invited him to free himself.
+With that began a fierce tugging and panting on both sides, which,
+however, was of short duration, for presently, my blade, having severed
+the last sinew of his fingers, was set free. Simultaneously I let go
+his wrist, pushing his arm from me so violently that in his exhausted
+condition it caused him to fall over on his side.
+
+In an instant, however, he was up and at me again. Again our swords
+clashed--but once only. It was time to finish. With a vigorous
+disengagement I got past his feeble guard and sent my blade into him
+full in the middle of his chest and out again at his back until a foot
+or so of glittering steel protruded.
+
+A shudder ran through him, and his mouth worked oddly, whilst
+spasmodically he still sought, without avail, to raise his sword; then
+as I recovered my blade, a half-stifled cry broke from his lips, and
+throwing up his arms, he staggered and fell in a heap.
+
+As I turned him over to see if he were dead, his eyes met mine, and were
+full of piteous entreaty; his lips moved, and presently I caught the
+words:
+
+"I am sped, Luynes." Then struggling up, and in a louder voice: "A
+priest!" he gasped. "Get me a priest, Luynes. Jesu! Have mer--"
+
+A rush of blood choked him and cut short his utterance. He writhed and
+twitched for a moment, then his chin sank forward and he fell back,
+death starkening his limbs and glazing the eyes which stared hideously
+upwards at the cold, pitiless moon.
+
+Such was the passing of the Marquis Cesar de St. Auban.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV. PLAY-ACTING
+
+
+For a little while I stood gazing down at my work, my mind full of the
+unsolvable mysteries of life and death; then I bethought me that
+time stood not still for me, and that something yet remained to be
+accomplished ere my evening's task were done.
+
+And forthwith I made shift to do a thing at the memory of which my blood
+is chilled and my soul is filled with loathing even now--albeit the gulf
+of many years separates me from that June night at Canaples.
+
+To pass succinctly o'er an episode on which I have scant heart to tarry,
+suffice it you to know that using my sash as a rope I bound a heavy
+stone to St. Auban's ankle; then lifting the body in my arms, I half
+dragged, half bore it across the little stretch of intervening sward to
+the water's edge, and flung it in.
+
+As I write I have the hideous picture in my mind, and again I can see
+St. Auban's ghastly face grinning up at me through the moonlit waters,
+until at last it was mercifully swallowed up in their black depths, and
+naught but a circling wavelet that spread swiftly across the stream was
+left to tell of what had chanced.
+
+I dare not dwell upon the feelings that assailed me as I stooped to
+rinse the blood from my hands, nor yet of the feverish haste wherewith I
+tore my blood-stained doublet from my back, and hurled it wide into the
+stream. For all my callousness I was sick and unmanned by that which had
+befallen.
+
+No time, however, did I waste in mawkish sentiment, but setting my teeth
+hard, I turned away from the river, and back to the trampled ground of
+our recent conflict. There, with no other witness save the moon, I clad
+myself in the Marquis's doublet of black velvet; I set his mask of silk
+upon my face, his golden wig upon my head, and over that his sable hat
+with its drooping feather. Next I buckled on his sword belt, wherefrom
+hung his rapier that I had sheathed.
+
+In Blois that day I had taken the precaution--knowing the errand upon
+which I came--to procure myself haut-de-chausses of black velvet, and
+black leather boots with gilt spurs that closely resembled those which
+St. Auban had worn in life.
+
+Now, as I have already written, St. Auban and I were of much the same
+build and stature, and so methought with confidence that he would have
+shrewd eyes, indeed, who could infer from my appearance that I was
+other than the same masked gentleman who had that very day ridden into
+Canaples at the head of a troop of his Eminence's guards.
+
+I made my way swiftly back along the path that St. Auban and I had
+together trodden but a little while ago, and past the chateau until I
+came to the shrubbery where Michelot--faithful to the orders I had given
+him--awaited my return. From his concealment he had seen me leave the
+chateau with the Marquis, and as I suddenly loomed up before him now, he
+took me for the man whose clothes I wore, and naturally enough assumed
+that ill had befallen Gaston de Luynes. Of a certainty I had been
+pistolled by him had I not spoken in time. I lingered but to give him
+certain necessary orders; then, whilst he went off to join Abdon and see
+to their fulfilment, I made my way stealthily, with eyes keeping watch
+around me, across the terrace, and through the window into the room that
+St. Auban had left to follow me to his death.
+
+The tapers still burned, and in all respects the chamber was as it had
+been; the back and breast pieces still lay upon the floor, and on the
+table the littered documents. The door I ascertained had been locked on
+the inside, a precaution which St. Auban had no doubt taken so that none
+might spy upon the work that busied him.
+
+I closed and made fast the window, then I bethought me that, being in
+ignorance of the whereabouts of St. Auban's bed-chamber, I must perforce
+spend the night as best I could within that very room.
+
+And so I sat me down and pondered deeply o'er the work that was to come,
+the part I was about to play, and the details of its playing. In this
+manner did I while away perchance an hour; through the next one I must
+have slept, for I awakened with a start to find three tapers spent and
+the last one spluttering, and in the sky the streaks that heralded the
+summer dawn.
+
+Again I fell to thinking; again I slept, and woke again to find the
+night gone and the sunlight on my face. Someone knocked at the door, and
+that knocking vibrated through my brain and set me wide-awake, indeed.
+It was as the signal to uplift the curtain and let my play-acting
+commence.
+
+Hastily I rose and shot a glance at the mirror to see that my wig hung
+straight and that my mask was rightly adjusted. I started at my own
+reflection, for methought that from the glass 't was St. Auban who
+looked at me, as I had seen him look the night before when he had donned
+those things at my command.
+
+"Hola there, within!" came Montresor's voice. "Monsieur le Capitaine!" A
+fresh shower of blows descended on the oak panels.
+
+I yawned with prodigious sonority, and overturned a chair with my foot.
+Then bracing myself for the ordeal, through which I looked to what scant
+information I possessed and my own mother wit, to bear me successfully,
+I strode across to admit my visitor.
+
+Muffling my voice, as I had heard St. Auban do at the inn, by drawing my
+nether lip over my teeth--
+
+"Pardieu!" quoth I, as I opened the door, "it seems, Lieutenant, that I
+must have fallen asleep over those musty documents."
+
+I trembled as I watched him, waiting for his reply, and I thanked Heaven
+that in the role I had assumed a mask was worn, not only because it
+hid my features, but because it hid the emotions which these might have
+betrayed.
+
+"I was beginning to fear," he replied coldly, and without so much as
+looking at me, "that worse had befallen you."
+
+I breathed again.
+
+"You mean--?"
+
+"Pooh, nothing," said he half contemptuously. "Only methinks 't were
+well whilst we remain at Canaples that you do not spend your nights in a
+room within such easy access of the terrace."
+
+"Your advice no doubt is sound, but as I shall not spend another night
+at Canaples, it comes too late."
+
+"You mean, Monsieur--?"
+
+"That we set out for Paris to-day."
+
+He shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"Oh, ca! I have just visited the stables, and there are not four horses
+fit for the journey. So that unless you have in mind the purchase of
+fresh animals--"
+
+"Pish! My purse is not bottomless," I broke in, repeating the very words
+that I heard St. Auban utter.
+
+"So you said once before, Monsieur. Still, unless you are prepared
+to take that course, the only alternative is to remain here until the
+horses are sufficiently recovered. But perhaps you think of walking?" he
+added with a sniff.
+
+"Such is your opinion, your time being worthless and it being of little
+moment where you spend it. I have conceived a plan."
+
+"Ah!"
+
+"Has it not occurred to you that the danger which threatens us and which
+calls for the protection of a troop is only on this side of the Loire,
+where the Blaisois might be minded to attempt a rescue of the Chevalier?
+But over yonder, Chevalier, on the Chambord side, who cares a fig for
+the Lord of Canaples or his fate? None; is it not so?"
+
+He made an assenting gesture, whereupon I continued:
+
+"This being so, I have bethought me that it will suffice if I take but
+three or four men and the sergeant as an escort, and cross the river
+with our prisoner after nightfall, travelling along the opposite shore
+until we reach Orleans. What think you, Lieutenant?"
+
+He shrugged his shoulders again.
+
+"'T is you who command here," he answered with apathy, "not I."
+
+"Nevertheless, do you not think the plan a safe one, as well as one that
+will allay his Eminence's very natural impatience?"
+
+"Oh, it is safe enough, I doubt not," he replied coldly.
+
+"Your enthusiasm determines me," quoth I, with an irony that made him
+wince. "And we will follow the plan, since you agree with me touching
+its excellence. But keep the matter to yourself until an hour or so
+after sunset."
+
+He bowed, so utterly my dupe that I could have laughed at him.
+Then--"There is a little matter that I would mention," he said.
+"Mademoiselle de Canaples has expressed a wish to accompany her father
+to Paris and has asked me whether this will be permitted her."
+
+My heart leaped. Surely the gods fought on my side!
+
+"I cannot permit it," I answered icily.
+
+"Monsieur, you are pitiless," he protested in a tone of indignation for
+which I would gladly have embraced him.
+
+I feigned to ponder.
+
+"The matter needs consideration. Tell Mademoiselle that I will discuss
+it with her at noon, if she will condescend to await me on the terrace;
+I will then give her my definite reply. And now, Lieutenant, let us
+breakfast."
+
+As completely as I had duped Montresor did I presently dupe those of
+the troopers with whom I came in contact, among others the sergeant--and
+anon the Chevalier himself.
+
+From the brief interview that I had with him I discovered that whilst he
+but vaguely suspected me to be St. Auban--and when I say "he
+suspected me" I mean he suspected him whose place I had taken--he was,
+nevertheless, aware of the profit which his captor, whoever he might be,
+derived from this business. It soon grew clear to me from what he said
+that St. Auban had mocked him with it whilst concealing his identity;
+that he had told him how he had obtained from Malpertuis the treasonable
+letter, and of the bargain which it had enabled him to strike with
+Mazarin. I did not long remain in his company, and, deeming the time
+not yet ripe for disclosures, I said little in answer to his lengthy
+tirades, which had, I guessed, for scope to trap me into betraying the
+identity he but suspected.
+
+It wanted a few minutes to noon as I left the room in which the old
+nobleman was confined, and by the door of which a trooper was stationed,
+musket on shoulder. With every pulse a-throbbing at the thought of my
+approaching interview with Mademoiselle, I made my way below and out
+into the bright sunshine, the soldiers I chanced to meet saluting me as
+I passed them.
+
+On the terrace I found Mademoiselle already awaiting me. She was
+standing, as often I had seen her stand, with her back turned towards
+me and her elbows resting upon the balustrade. But as my step
+sounded behind her, she turned, and stood gazing at me with a face so
+grief-stricken and pale that I burned to unmask and set her torturing
+fears at rest. I doffed my hat and greeted her with a silent bow, which
+she contemptuously disregarded.
+
+"My lieutenant tells me, Mademoiselle," said I in my counterfeited
+voice, "that it is your desire to bear Monsieur your father company upon
+this journey of his to Paris."
+
+"With your permission, sir," she answered in a choking voice.
+
+"It is a matter for consideration, Mademoiselle," I pursued. "There are
+in it many features that may have escaped you, and which I shall discuss
+with you if you will honour me by stepping into the garden below."
+
+"Why will not the terrace serve?"
+
+"Because I may have that to say which I would not have overheard."
+
+She knit her brows and stared at me as though she would penetrate the
+black cloth that hid my face. At last she shrugged her shoulders, and
+letting her arms fall to her side in a gesture of helplessness and
+resignation--
+
+"Soit; I will go with you," was all she said.
+
+Side by side we went down the steps as a pair of lovers might have
+gone, save that her face was white and drawn, and that her eyes looked
+straight before her, and never once, until we reached the gravel
+path below, at her companion. Side by side we walked along one of the
+rose-bordered alleys, until at length I stopped.
+
+"Mademoiselle," I said, speaking in the natural tones of that
+good-for-naught Gaston de Luynes, "I have already decided, and you have
+my permission to accompany your father."
+
+At the sound of my voice she started, and with her left hand clutching
+at the region of her heart, she stood, her head thrust forward, and on
+her face the look of one who is confronted with some awful doubt. That
+look was brief, however, and swift to replace it was one of hideous
+revelation.
+
+"In God's name, who are you?" she cried in accents that bespoke internal
+agony.
+
+"Already you have guessed it, Mademoiselle," I answered, and I would
+have added that which should have brought comfort to her distraught
+mind, when--
+
+"You!" she gasped in a voice of profound horror. "You! You, the Judas
+who has sold my father to the Cardinal for a paltry share in our
+estates. And I believed that mask of yours to hide the face of St.
+Auban!"
+
+Her words froze me into a stony mass of insensibility. There was no
+logic in my attitude; I see it now. Appearances were all against me, and
+her belief no more than justified. I overlooked all this, and instead of
+saving time by recounting how I came to be there and thus delivering her
+from the anguish that was torturing her, I stood, dumb and cruel, cut to
+the quick by her scorn and her suspicions that I was capable of such a
+thing as she imputed, and listening to the dictates of an empty pride
+that prompted me to make her pay full penalty.
+
+"Oh, God pity me!" she wailed. "Have you naught to say?"
+
+Still I maintained my mad, resentful silence. And presently, as one who
+muses--
+
+"You!" she said again. "You, whom I--" She stopped short. "Oh! The shame
+of it!" she moaned.
+
+Reason at last came uppermost, and as in my mind I completed her broken
+sentence, my heart gave a great throb and I was thawed to a gentler
+purpose.
+
+"Mademoiselle!" I exclaimed.
+
+But even as I spoke, she turned, and sweeping aside her gown that it
+might not touch me, she moved rapidly towards the steps we had just
+descended. Full of remorse, I sprang after her.
+
+"Mademoiselle! Hear me," I cried, and put forth my hand to stay her.
+Thereat she wheeled round and faced me, a blaze of fury in her grey
+eyes.
+
+"Dare not to touch me," she panted. "You thief, you hound!"
+
+I recoiled, and, like one turned to stone, I stood and watched her mount
+the steps, my feelings swaying violently between anger and sorrow. Then
+my eye fell upon Montresor standing on the topmost step, and on his face
+there was a sneering, insolent smile which told me that he had heard the
+epithets she had bestowed upon me.
+
+Albeit I sought that day another interview with Yvonne, I did not gain
+it, and so I was forced to sun myself in solitude upon the terrace. But
+I cherished for my consolation that broken sentence of hers, whereby
+I read that the coldness which she had evinced for me before I left
+Canaples had only been assumed.
+
+And presently as I recalled what talks we had had, and one in particular
+from which it now appeared to me that her coldness had sprung, a light
+seemed suddenly to break upon my mind, as perchance it hath long ago
+broken upon the minds of those who may happen upon these pages, and
+whose wits in matters amorous are of a keener temper than were mine.
+
+I who in all things had been arrogant, presumptuous, and self-satisfied,
+had methought erred for once through over-humility.
+
+And, indeed, even as I sat and pondered on that June day, it seemed to
+me a thing incredible that she whom I accounted the most queenly and
+superb of women should have deigned to grant a tender thought to one so
+mean, so far beneath her as I had ever held myself to be.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI. REPARATION
+
+
+Things came to pass that night as I had planned, and the fates which of
+late had smiled upon me were kind unto the end.
+
+Soon after ten, and before the moon had risen, a silent procession
+wended its way from the chateau to the river. First went Montresor and
+two of his men; next came the Chevalier with Mademoiselle, and on either
+side of them a trooper; whilst I, in head-piece and back and breast of
+steel, went last with Mathurin, the sergeant--who warmly praised the
+plan I had devised for the conveyance of M. de Canaples to Paris without
+further loss of time.
+
+Two boats which I had caused to be secretly procured were in readiness,
+and by these a couple of soldiers awaited us, holding the bridles of
+eight horses, one of which was equipped with a lady's saddle. Five of
+these belonged--or had belonged--to the Chevalier, whilst the others
+were three of those that had brought the troop from Paris, and which I,
+in the teeth of all protestations, had adjudged sufficiently recovered
+for the return journey.
+
+The embarkation was safely effected, M. de Canaples and Mademoiselle
+in one boat with Montresor, Mathurin, and myself; the sergeant took the
+oars; Montresor and I kept watch over our prisoner. In the other boat
+came the four troopers, who were to accompany us, and one other who
+was to take the boats, and Montresor in them, back to Canaples. For the
+lieutenant was returning, so that he might, with the remainder of the
+troop, follow us to Paris so soon as the condition of the horses would
+permit it.
+
+The beasts we took with us were swimming the stream, guided and upheld
+by the men in the other boat.
+
+Just as the moon began to show her face our bow grated on the shore at
+the very point where I had intended that we should land. I sprang out
+and turned to assist Mademoiselle.
+
+But, disdaining my proffered hand, she stepped ashore unaided. The
+Chevalier came next, and after him Montresor and Mathurin.
+
+Awhile we waited until the troopers brought their boat to land, then
+when they had got the snorting animals safely ashore, I bade them look
+to the prisoner, and requested Montresor and Mathurin to step aside with
+me, as I had something to communicate to them.
+
+Walking between the pair, I drew them some twenty paces away from the
+group by the water, towards a certain thicket in which I had bidden
+Michelot await me.
+
+"It has occurred to me, Messieurs," I began, speaking slowly and
+deliberately as we paced along,--"it has occurred to me that despite all
+the precautions taken to carry out my Lord Cardinal's wishes--a work
+at least in which you, yourselves, have evinced a degree of zeal that I
+cannot too highly commend to his Eminence--the possibility yet remains
+of some mistake of trivial appearance, of some slight flaw that might
+yet cause the miscarriage of those wishes."
+
+They turned towards me, and although I could not make out the
+expressions of their faces, in the gloom, yet I doubted not but that
+they were puzzled ones at that lengthy and apparently meaningless
+harangue.
+
+The sergeant was the first to speak, albeit I am certain that he
+understood the less.
+
+"I venture, M. le Capitaine, to think that your fears, though very
+natural, are groundless."
+
+"Say you so?" quoth I, with a backward glance to assure myself that we
+were screened by the trees from the eyes of those behind us. "Say you
+so? Well, well, mayhap you are right, though you speak of my fears being
+groundless. I alluded to some possible mistake of yours--yours and M. de
+Montresor's--not of mine. And, by Heaven, a monstrous flaw there is in
+this business, for if either of you so much as whisper I'll blow your
+brains out!"
+
+And to emphasise these words, as sinister as they were unlooked-for, I
+raised both hands suddenly from beneath my cloak, and clapped the cold
+nose of a pistol to the head of each of them.
+
+I was obeyed as men are obeyed who thus uncompromisingly prove the
+force of their commands. Seeing them resigned, I whistled softly, and
+in answer there was a rustle from among the neighbouring trees, and
+presently two shadows emerged from the thicket. In less time than it
+takes me to relate it, Montresor and his sergeant found themselves
+gagged, and each securely bound to a tree.
+
+Then, with Michelot and Abdon following a short distance behind me,
+I made my way back to the troopers, and, feigning to stumble as I
+approached, I hurtled so violently against two of them that I knocked
+the pair headlong into the stream.
+
+Scarce was it done, and almost before the remaining three had realised
+it, there was a pistol at the head of each of them and sweet promises of
+an eternal hereafter being whispered in their ears. They bore themselves
+with charming discretion, and like lambs we led them each to a tree
+and dealt with them as we had dealt with their officers, whilst the
+Chevalier and his daughter watched us, bewildered and dumfounded at what
+they saw.
+
+As soon as the other two had crawled--all unconscious of the fates of
+their comrades--out of the river, we served them also in a like manner.
+
+Bidding Abdon and Michelot lead the horses, and still speaking in my
+assumed voice, I desired Mademoiselle and the Chevalier--who had not
+yet sufficiently recovered from his bewilderment to have found his
+tongue--to follow me. I led the way up the gentle slope to the spot
+where our first victims were pinioned.
+
+Montresor's comely young face looked monstrous wicked in the moonlight,
+and his eyes rolled curiously as he beheld me. Stepping up to him I
+freed him of his gag--an act which I had almost regretted a moment
+later, for he cleared his throat with so lusty a torrent of profanity
+that methought the heavens must have fallen on us. At last when he was
+done with that--"Before you leave me in this plight, M. de St. Auban,"
+quoth he, "perchance you will satisfy me with an explanation of your
+unfathomable deeds and of this violence."
+
+"St. Auban!" exclaimed the Chevalier.
+
+"St. Auban!" cried Yvonne.
+
+And albeit wonder rang in both their voices, yet their minds I knew went
+different ways.
+
+"No, not St. Auban," I answered with a laugh and putting aside all
+counterfeit of speech.
+
+"Par la mort Dieu! I know that voice," cried Montresor.
+
+"Mayhap, indeed! And know you not this face?" And as I spoke I whipped
+away my wig and mask, and thrust my countenance close up to his.
+
+"Thunder of God!" ejaculated the boy. Then--"Pardieu," he added, "there
+is Michelot! How came I not to recognise him?"
+
+"Since you would not assist me, Montresor, you see I was forced to do
+without you."
+
+"But St. Auban?" he gasped. "Where is he?"
+
+"In heaven, I hope--but I doubt it sadly."
+
+"You have killed him?"
+
+There and then, as briefly as I might, I told him, whilst the others
+stood by to listen, how I had come upon the Marquis in the chateau the
+night before and what had passed thereafter.
+
+"And now," I said, as I cut his bonds, "it grieves me to charge you with
+an impolite errand to his Eminence, but--"
+
+"I'll not return to him," he burst out. "I dare not. Mon Dieu, you have
+ruined me, Luynes!"
+
+"Then come with me, and I'll build your fortunes anew and on a sounder
+foundation. I have an influential letter in my pocket that should
+procure us fortune in the service of the King of Spain."
+
+He needed little pressing to fall in with my invitation, so we set the
+sergeant free, and him instead I charged with a message that must have
+given Mazarin endless pleasure when it was delivered to him. But he had
+the Canaples estates wherewith to console himself and his never-failing
+maxim that "chi canta, paga." Touching the Canaples estates, however, he
+did not long enjoy them, for when he went into exile, two years later,
+the Parliament returned them to their rightful owner.
+
+The Chevalier de Canaples approached me timidly.
+
+"Monsieur," quoth he, "I have wronged you very deeply. And this generous
+rescue of one who has so little merited your aid truly puts me to so
+much shame that I know not what thanks to offer you."
+
+"Then offer none, Monsieur," I answered, taking his proffered hand.
+"Moreover, time presses and we have a possible pursuit to baffle. So to
+horse, Monsieurs."
+
+I assisted Mademoiselle to mount, and she passively suffered me to do
+her this office, having no word for me, and keeping her face averted
+from my earnest gaze.
+
+I sighed as I turned to mount the horse Michelot held for me; but
+methinks 't was more a sigh of satisfaction than of pain.
+
+     .     .     .      .     .      .     .     .
+
+All that night we travelled and all next day until Tours was reached
+towards evening. There we halted for a sorely needed rest and for fresh
+horses.
+
+Three days later we arrived at Nantes, and a week from the night of the
+Chevalier's rescue we took ship from that port to Santander.
+
+That same evening, as I leaned upon the taffrail watching the distant
+coast line of my beloved France, whose soil meseemed I was not like to
+tread again for years, Yvonne came softly up behind me.
+
+"Monsieur," she said in a voice that trembled somewhat, "I have, indeed,
+misjudged you. The shame of it has made me hold aloof from you since we
+left Blois. I cannot tell you, Monsieur, how deep that shame has
+been, or with what sorrow I have been beset for the words I uttered at
+Canaples. Had I but paused to think--"
+
+"Nay, nay, Mademoiselle, 't was all my fault, I swear. I left you
+overlong the dupe of appearances."
+
+"But I should not have believed them so easily. Say that I am forgiven,
+Monsieur," she pleaded; "tell me what reparation I can make."
+
+"There is one reparation that you can make if you are so minded," I
+answered, "but 'tis a life-long reparation."
+
+They were bold words, indeed, but my voice played the coward and shook
+so vilely that it bereft them of half their boldness. But, ah, Dieu,
+what joy, what ecstasy was mine to see how they were read by her; to
+remark the rich, warm blood dyeing her cheeks in a bewitching blush; to
+behold the sparkle that brightened her matchless eyes as they met mine!
+
+"Yvonne!"
+
+"Gaston!"
+
+She was in my arms at last, and the work of reparation was begun whilst
+together we gazed across the sun-gilt sea towards the fading shores of
+France.
+
+If you be curious to learn how, guided by the gentle hand of her who
+plucked me from the vile ways that in my old life I had trodden, I have
+since achieved greatness, honour, and renown, History will tell you.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Suitors of Yvonne, by Raphael Sabatini
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SUITORS OF YVONNE ***
+
+***** This file should be named 3430.txt or 3430.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/3/3430/
+
+Produced by John Stuart Middleton
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.