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