Page:The Vicomte de Bragelonne 2.djvu/339

 THE VICOMTE DE BRAGELONNE. 327

Grimaud pointed to the sword; he pointed to the fire and to a musket hung up on the wall.

"Monsieur le Oomte had an enemy there, then?" cried Kaoul.

"Monk," replied Grimaud.

"It is strange," continued Eaoul, "that Monsieur le Comte persists in considering me a novice, and not allow-, ing me to partake the honor and danger of his rencounters."

Grimaud smiled. It was at this moment Athos came in. The host was lighting him up the stairs, and Grimaud, recognizing the step of his master, hastened to meet him, which cut short the conversation. But Raoul was launched into the sea of interrogatories, and did not stop. Taking both hands of the comte, with warm but respectful tender- ness:

"How is it, monsieur," said he, "that you have set out upon a dangerous voyage without bidding me adieu, with- out commanding the aid of my sword, of myself, who ought to be your support, now I have the strength; of me, whom you have brought up like a man? Ah! monsieur, why would you expose me to the cruel trial of never seeing you again?"

"Who told you, Eaoul," said the comte, placing his cloak and hat in the hands of Grimaud, who had unbuckled his sword, "who told you that my voyage was a dangerous one?"

"I," said Grimaud.

"And why did you do so?" said Athos sternly.

Grimaud was embarrassed; Eaoul came to his assistance by answering for him.

"It is natural, monsieur, that our good Grimaud should tell me the truth in what concerns you. By whom should you be loved and supported, if not by me?"

Athos did not reply. He made a friendly motion to Grimaud, which sent him out of the room; he then seated himself in a fauteuil, while Eaoul remained standing before him.

"But is :t true," continued Eaoul, "that your voyage was an expedition, and that steel and fire threatened you?"

"Say no more about that, vicomte," said Athos mildly. "I set out hastily, it is true; but the service of King Charles II. required a prompt departure. As to your anxiety, I thank you for it, and I know that I can depend upon yon. You have not wanted for anything, vicomte, in my absence, have you?"

"No, monsieur, thank you."