Page:The Vicomte de Bragelonne 2.djvu/376

364 "But what is the meaning of these words: 'To be condemned by the Chamber of Justice?'"

"Dame!" said the marquise, "that is clear enough, I think. Besides, that is not all. Read on, read on;" and Fouquet continued:

"The first two to death, the third to be dismissed; with Messieurs d'Hautemont and De la Valette, who will only have their property confiscated."

"Great God!" cried Fouquet, "to death, to death! Lyodot and D'Eymeris. But even if the Chamber of Justice should condemn them to death, the king will never ratify their condemnation, and they cannot be executed without the king's signature."

"The king has made Monsieur Colbert intendant."

"Oh!" cried Fouquet, as if he caught a glimpse of a yawning abyss beneath his feet, "impossible! impossible! But who passed a pencil over the marks made by Colbert?"

"I did. I was afraid the first would be effaced,"

"Oh! I will know all."

"You will know nothing, monsieur; you despise your enemy too much for that."

"Pardon me. my dear marquise; excuse me; yes, Monsieur Colbert is my enemy, I believe him to be so; yes, Monsieur Colbert is a man to be dreaded, I admit. But I — I have time, and as you are here, as you have assured me of your devotion, as you have allowed me to hope for your love, as we are alone "

"I came here to save you, Monsieur Fouquet, and not to ruin myself," said the marquise, rising; "therefore beware!"

"Marquise, in truth you terrify yourself too much, at least, unless this terror is but a pretext "

"He has a deep heart, that Monsieur Colbert; beware!"

Fouquet, in his turn, drew himself up.

"And I?" asked he.

"And you, you have only a noble heart. Beware, beware!" "So?"

"I have done what I ought, my friend, at the risk of my reputation. Adieu."

"Not adieu, au revoir."

"Perhaps," said the marquise, giving her hand to Fouquet to kiss, and walking toward the door with so firm a step that he did not dare to bar her passage. As to Fouquet,