Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/81

Rh of our sovereign master, to witness the devotion of an Englishman to our future mistress, the second lady in point of rank in the kingdom?"

"Yes, you're right; but I do not think any danger is to be apprehended from Buckingham."

"No; still he is intrusive. Did he not, on his arrival here, almost succeed in creating a disturbance between the English and ourselves; and, had it not been for you, for your admirable prudence, for your singular decision of character, swords would have been drawn in the very streets of the town."

"You observe, however, that he has changed."

"Yes, certainly; but it is that which amazes me so much. You spoke to him in a low tone of voice; what did you say to him? You think he loves her; you admit that such a passion does not give way readily. He does not love her, then!"

De Guiche pronounced the latter words with so marked an expression that Raoul raised his head. The noble character of the young man's countenance expressed a displeasure which could easily be read.

"What I said to him, count," replied Eaoul, "I will repeat to you. Listen to me. I said, 'You are regarding with wistful feelings, and with most injurious desire, the sister of your prince — her to whom you are not affianced, who is not, who can never be anything to you; you are outraging those who, like ourselves, have come to seek a young girl to lead her to her husband.' "

"You spoke to him in that manner?" asked Guiche, coloring.

"In those very terms; I even added more. 'How would you regard us,' I said, 'if you were to perceive among us a man mad enough, disloyal enough, to entertain other than sentiments of the most perfect respect for a princess who is the destined wife of our master?' "

These words were so applicable to De Guiche that he turned pale, and, overcome by a sudden agitation, was barely able to stretch out one hand mechanically toward Eaoul, as he covered his eyes and face with the other.

"But," continued Eaoul, not interrupted by this movement of his friend, "Heaven be praised, the French, who are pronounced to be thoughtless and indiscreet, reckless even, are capable of bringing a calm and sound judgment to bear on matters of such high importance. I added even more, for I said: 'Learn, my lord, that we gentlemen of France