Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/82

Rh devote ourselves to our sovereigns by sacrificing for them our affections, as well as our fortunes and our lives; and whenever it may chance to happen that the tempter -suggests one of those vile thoughts which set the heart on fire, we extinguish that flame, even were it done by shedding our blood for the purpose. Thus it is that the honor of three persons is saved: our country's, our master's, and our own. It is thus that we act, your grace; it is thus that every man of honor ought to act.' In this manner, my dear Guiche," continued Raoul, "I addressed the Duke of Buckingham; and he admitted and resigned himself unresistingly to my arguments."

De Guiche, who had hitherto sat leaning forward while Eaoul was speaking, drew himself up, his eyes glancing proudly; he seized Raoul's hand; his face, which had been as cold as ice, seemed on fire.

"And you spoke right well," he said, in a voice half- choked; "you are indeed a friend, Raoul. And now, I entreat you, leave me to myself."

"Do you wish it?"

"Yes; I need repose. Many things have agitated me to- day, both in mind and body; when you return to-morrow I shall no longer be the same man."

"I leave you, then," said Raoul, as he withdrew. The count advanced a step toward his friend and pressed him warmly in Ms arms. But in this friendly pressure Raoul could detect the nervous agitation of a great internal conflict.

The night was clear, starlight, and splendid; the tempest had passed away, and the warmth of the sun had restored life, peace, and security everywhere. A few light, fleecy clouds were floating in the heavens, and indicated from their appearance a continuance of beautiful weather, tempered by a gentle breeze from the east. Upon the large square in front of the hotel the large shadows of the tents, intersected by the brillant moonbeams, formed, as it were, a huge mosaic of black and white flag-stones. Soon, however, the whole town was wrapped in slumber; a feeble light still glimmered in madame's apartment, which looked out upon the square, and the soft rays from the expiring lamp seemed to be the image of the calm sleep of a young girl, hardly yet sensible of existence, and in whom the flame of life sinks down as sleep steals over the body. Bragelonne quitted the tent with the slow and measured step of a man curious to observe, but anxious not to be seen. Shel-