DArtagnan tried with his sweetest smile to touch
his lipsto Miladys, but she evaded him. Porthos went away after having appointed a
meeting with theprocurators wife in the cloister of St.
There was a moment at which he felt somethinglike
remorse.
Her mistress put on acharming face, and smiled on
her graciously; but alas!
The poor girl, under the caresses ofdArtagnan,
lifted her head.
Talking with you brings me misfortune, said
Porthos. My brother-in-law and myselfexpected you yesterday and the day before, but
in vain. Well, madame, said Porthos, if he owed you more than fivecrowns, your
horsedealer is a thief. But on my part, said Milady, how should I repay such
aservice?
Her very self; she gave it me last night. Athos
uttered a groan, and let his head sink on his hands.
It would be wrong to judge the actions ofone period
from the point of view of another.
DArtagnan approached her with his usual
gallantry.
It formed part of the nuptial present he madehis
wife, and it is magnificent. Her very self; she gave it me last night.
The heart of the best woman is pitiless toward the
sorrowsof a rival.
He took back the ring, but put it in hispocket and
not on his finger.
I gave it awayin a night of love, as it has been
given to you.
That there shall be five hundred crowns for you,
and fivehundred crowns for me. If de Wardes hadat that moment been under his hand,
he would have killedhim. I am quite ready, said dArtagnan; but in the first placeI
should like to be certain of one thing. DArtagnan took off the ring, giving it again
to Athos. You gave de Wardes a meeting on Thursday last in this veryroom, did you
not?
The answer to Madames, replied Kitty, all in a
tremble.
This letter was in Miladys handwriting; only this
time itwas addressed to M.
You are right, said dArtagnan; I will have done
withher. She joined herhands with a suppliant air, but without venturing to speak
aword. You have understood me, then, dear Monsieur dArtagnan,said Milady. You have
understood me, then, dear Monsieur dArtagnan,said Milady. In onefashion or another
you have a terrible enemy on your hands.
This woman is full of mysteries, murmured dArtagnan
tohimself. At ten oclock Milady began to appear restless.
This letter was in Miladys handwriting; only this
time itwas addressed to M.
When yourturn comes, I shall have the honor to
inform you of it.
Milady held out her hand to him, which he kissed
tenderly.
Porthos went away after having appointed a meeting
with theprocurators wife in the cloister of St. Talking with you brings me
misfortune, said Porthos. The moment she lost sight of him,Milady tumbled fainting
into her chamber.
Then if through excess of love I have rendered
myselfculpable toward you, you will pardon me?