His love, which he believed to be extinct butwhich
was only asleep, awoke again in his heart. The answer to Madames, replied Kitty, all
in a tremble. My brother-in-law and myselfexpected you yesterday and the day before,
but in vain. You are right; and upon my soul, I would give my life for ahair, said
Athos. And she made a sign for Kitty to leave the room. Dont ask me for counsel;
dont tell me you areperplexed what to do.
Comte de WardesNot a word about the
sapphire.
Well, said Milady, in a trembling voice, why do you
notenter? It is impossible a gentlemancould have written such a letter to a
woman.
I oughtnot to have driven a bargain when it was to
equip a cavalierlike you.
You are right; and upon my soul, I would give my
life for ahair, said Athos. But on my part, said Milady, how should I repay such
aservice? At that instant he felt himself ready to revealall. This letter was in
Miladys handwriting; only this time itwas addressed to M. The answer to Madames,
replied Kitty, all in a tremble. You tried to kill her; she is awoman to return you
the like, and not to fail. The pale light ofthe first rays of day gave to her clear
eyes a strangelyfrightful _expression_. Grimaud contented himself with pointing
dArtagnan out tohis master with his finger.
My dear friend, of what consequence is it if she
kills me?
It was wrong, Monsieur Porthos; but I will repair
thatwrong, upon my word of honor.
I am quite ready, said dArtagnan; but in the first
placeI should like to be certain of one thing. In a turn of the handshe muffled him
up in a flowered robe, a large hood, and acloak.
He almost believed in the tenderness of Milady;
healmost believed in the crime of de Wardes. The porter was drawing the cord at the
momentMilady cried from her window, Dont open! Milady had already rung her bell, and
roused thewhole hotel.
Hardly was he concealed when thelittle bell
sounded. Instinct made poor Kitty guess a part of what was to happen. She will not
dare to say anything; that would be todenounce herself. Well, but put on this
dressing gown first, said theMusketeer to his friend.
DArtagnan tried with his sweetest smile to touch
his lipsto Miladys, but she evaded him. At sight of the mustaches and thenaked
sword, the poor devil perceived he had to deal with aman. As was his custom,
dArtagnan presented himself at Miladysat about nine oclock.
Well, said Milady, in a trembling voice, why do you
notenter? Do you, perchance, think I set any great storeby life?