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Rh 86 LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE. return," exclaimed the comte, losing all command over himself, ''for you have said that Bragelonne might possibly be some time before he returns; and, in the meanwhile, your wicked insinuations would have had their effect.'* "Yet I shall have my excuse. So take care.'* "I will give you a week to finish your recovery." "Yes, yes, I understand; a week will give time to my ad- versary to make his escape. No, no; I will not give you one day, even." "You are mad, monsieur," said De Wardes, retreating a step. "And you are a coward, if you do not fight willingly. Nay, what is more, I will denounce you to the king, as hav- ing refused to fight, after having insulted La Valliere." "Ah!" said De Wardes, "you are dangerously treacherous, though you pass for a man of honor." 'There is nothing more dangerous than the treachery, as you term it, of the man whose conduct is always loyal and upright." "Eestore me the use of my legs, then, or get yourself bled, till you are as white as I am, so as to equalize our chances." "No, do; I have something better than that to propose." "What is it?" "We will fight on horseback, and will exchange three pistol-shots each. You are a first-rate marksman. I have seen you bring down swallows with single balls, and at full gallop. Do not deny it, for I have seen you myself." "I believe you are right," said De Wardes; "and as that is the case, it is not unlikely I might kill you." "You would be rendering me a very great service if you did." "I will do my best." "Is it agreed? Give me your hand upon it." "There it is; but on one condition, however." "Name it." "That not a word shall be said about it to the king.** "Not a word, I swear." "I shall go and get my horse, then.** "In the open plain; I know an admirable place."
 * '0h, no, indeed! You shall not wait until Bragelonne's
 * 'That is better. So let us wait a week."
 * And I mine."
 * Where shall we meet?**
 * Shall we go together?**