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Rh LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE. 85 not the only one who undertakes the defense of that poor girl. I entreat yon^ therefore, messieurs, a second time, to leave us. You see, it is impossible we could be more calm and composed than we are." It was the very thing the courtiers wished; some went out at one door, and the rest at the other, and the two young men were left alone. ''Well played," said De Wardes, to the comte. "Was it not?" replied the latter. ''How can it be wondered at, my dear fellow; I have got quite rusty in the country, while the command you have acquired over yourself, comte, confounds me; a man always gains something in women's society; so, pray accept my congratulations. " "I do accept them." "And I will make madame a present of them." "And now, my dear Monsieur de Wardes, let us speak as loud as you pl-ease." "Do not defy me." "I do defy you, for you are known to be an evil-minded man; if you do that, you will be looked upon as a coward, too; and Monsieur would have you hanged this evening at his window-casement. Speak, my dear De Wardes^ speak." "I have fought already." "But not quite enough yet." "I see, you would not be sorry to fight with me while my wounds are still open." "No; better still." "The deuce! you are unfortunate in the moment you have chosen; a duel, after the one I have just fought, would hardly suit me; I have lost too much blood at Boulogne; at the slightest effort my wounds would open again, and you would really have too good a bargain with me." "True," said De Guiche; "and yet, on your arrival here, your looks and your arms showed there was nothing the matter with you." "Yes, my arms are all right, but my legs are weak; and then, I have not had a foil in my hand since that devil of a duel; and you, I am sure, have been fencing every day, in order to carry your little conspiracy against me to a success- ful issue." "Upon my honor, monsieur," replied De Guiche, "it is six months since I last practiced." "No, comte, after due reflection, I will not fight, at least, with you. I shall await Bragelonne's return, since you say that it is Bragelonne who has fault to find with me."