United States or Tokelau ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"There is no doubt on the subject," said Chicot, "it is the husband, a good-natured fellow of a husband after all, since he does not think it worth his while to explore the house in order to be revenged on my friend Carmainges." The litter then moved off, the cavalier walking his horse beside the door of it.
The duke went out, and calling De Loignac, said to him, "Choose me two good horsemen, to execute a commission for his majesty." De Loignac went to the gallery where they were lodged, and called M. de Carmainges and M. de St. Maline. They soon appeared, and were conducted to the duke, who presented them to the king, who dismissed the duke.
"I see, monsieur, there is nothing to be learned from you; you are as discreet as brave." "I observe that you say that in a reproachful manner; but, on the contrary, you ought to be reassured, for a man who is discreet with one person will be so with another." "You are right! your hand, M. de Carmainges." Ernanton did quietly as he was asked.
"You are of my Forty-five, then?" said he to the young men. "I have that honor, sire," said St. Maline. "And you, monsieur?" "And I, also, sire," replied Carmainges; "and I am devoted to your majesty's service, as much as any one in the world." "Good! Then mount your horses, and take the road to Tours do you know it?" "We will inquire." "Go by Charenton." "Yes, sire."
"M. de Carmainges, you forget your oath of fidelity." "Monsieur, I have sworn fidelity only to one person, and that is the king; if he asks me for the letter, he must have it, but he is not here."
Maline, angrily; "what is he doing here?" "Good-evening, gentlemen," said Carmainges; "I did not, I confess, expect to find so much good company." "Diable!" growled St. Maline; "this is unforeseen." "By me also, I assure you," said Ernanton, laughing. "It is embarrassing; what were you doing here?" "If I asked you that question, would you answer?" "No." "Then let me act as you would."
Maline, "we have our oath, and M. de Carmainges is so strict that he will not infringe discipline; we cannot draw our swords against each other; therefore, a light, Montcrabeau, a light!" Montcrabeau descended, and in five minutes returned with a light, which he offered to St. Maline. "No, no," said he; "keep it; I may, perhaps, want both hands." And he made a step forward.
"The only thing I find heavy, monsieur, is the disgrace into which I seem likely to fall; not my fortune, which my refusal to obey you renders, I know, very precarious; but, no matter; I do what I ought to do, and no one, excepting the king, shall see this letter, but the person to whom it is addressed." "De Loignac," cried D'Epernon, "place M. de Carmainges in arrest at once."
"Every one has a master; and if you are too proud to acknowledge him we spoke of, you may look higher; I authorize you." "The king!" murmured Carmainges. "Silence!" said De Loignac. "But first will you do me the favor to read aloud this parchment."
"Stay, I have made a mistake," said Chicot, "you were not my neighbor when I left, and yet I know who you are." "And I know you too," said the young man. "You are Monsieur le Vicomte Ernanton de Carmainges." "And you are 'The Shade." "Really," said Chicot, "I am quite bewildered." "Well, and what do you want, monsieur?" inquired the young man, somewhat churlishly.
Word Of The Day