Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/88

78 ing upon the scene of action, "that is a threat which sounds like assassination, and would, therefore, ill become a gentleman."

"What did you say, my lord?" said De Wardes, turning round toward him.

"I said, monsieur, that the words you have just spoken are displeasing to my English ears."

"Very well, monsieur; if what you say is true," exclaimed De Wardes, thoroughly incensed, "I shall at least find in you one who will not escape me. Understand my words as you like."

"I understand them in the manner they cannot but be understood," replied Buckingham, with that haughty tone which characterized him, and which, even in ordinary conversation, gave a tone of defiance to everything he said: "Monsieur de Bragelonne is my friend; you insult Monsieur de Bragelonne, and you shall give me satisfaction for that insult."

De Wardes cast a look upon De Bragelonne, who, faithful to the character he had assumed, remained calm and unmoved, even after the duke's defiance.

"It would seem that I did not insult Monsieur de Bragelonne, since Monsieur de Bragelonne, who carries a sword by his side, does not consider himself insulted."

"At all events, you insult some one."

"Yes, I insulted Monsieur d'Artagnan," resumed De Wardes, who had observed that this was the only means of stinging Raoul, so as to awaken his anger.

"That, then," said Buckingham, "is another matter."

"Precisely so," said De Wardes; "it is the province of Monsieur d'Artagnan's friends to defend him."

"I am entirely of your opinion," replied the duke, who had regained all his indifference of manner; "if Monsieur de Bragelonne were offended, I could not reasonably be expected to espouse his quarrel, since he is himself here; but when you say that it is a quarrel of Monsieur d'Artagnan "

"You will, of course, leave me to deal with the matter," said De Wardes.

"Nay, the very contrary, for I draw my sword," said Buckingham, unsheathing it as he spoke; "for if Monsieur d'Artagnan injured your father, he rendered, or, at least, did all that he could to render, a great service to mine."

De Wardes seemed thundertsruck.

"Monsieur d'Artagnan," continued Buckingham, "is