Milady replied to this question by another
question.
I expected as much, said Athos; and that was why I
threwmyself between you and him. And remounting his horse, which Cahusac led to him,
he salutedthem with his hand, and rode away. Milady listened with an attention that
dilated her inflamed eyes. But the wind was contrary, the sea bad; they tackedand
kept offshore. When this operationwas complete, he invited her to descend by
offering her his hand. Then he resumed in his turn:Discipline, Monseigneur, has, I
hope, in no way been forgottenby us. What was that letter you were about to read,
Monsieur Aramis,and which you so promptly concealed? Even if you gained the yard,
there would stillbe three iron gates for you to pass. If I am a prisoner, what crime
have I committed? But I have neither my women nor my servants. Then the officer,
with the same calm politeness, invited hisprisoner to enter the house.
At the same time dArtagnan felt that Planchet
slipped anote into his hand.
No; what I think astonishing is that you should
expect mycoming.
I have an inventive mind;before that is expired
some idea will occur to me. If I am a prisoner, what crime have I committed? You
have all the appearance ofbeing cowardly enough to lift your hand against a woman.
Thisboat contained an officer, a mate, and eight rowers.
I do not understand, my Lord, said she, in order to
gain timeand make her adversary speak out.
This letter was so important that it made them
forsaketheir cards and their dice on the drumhead.
One might think you really suspected us,
monseigneur, and wewere undergoing a real interrogatory. I thought so; but we will
return to my Lord Dukepresently.
I see your features regain their calmness,
yourcountenance recovers its assurance.
John Felton, I put faith in your
loyalty!
You have all the appearance ofbeing cowardly enough
to lift your hand against a woman.