was an anxious time for the
bishop of Vannes, who had never before been so perplexed. His iron will,
accustomed to overcome all obstacles, never finding itself inferior or
vanquished on any occasion, to be foiled in so vast a project from not
having foreseen the influence which a view of Nature in all its
luxuriance would have on the human mind! Aramis, overwhelmed by anxiety,
contemplated with emotion the painful struggle which was taking place in
Philippe's mind. This suspense lasted the whole ten minutes which the
young man had requested. During this space of time, which appeared an
eternity, Philippe continued gazing with an imploring and sorrowful look
toward the heavens; Aramis did not remove the piercing glance he had
fixed on Philippe. Suddenly the young man bowed his head. His thoughts
returned to the earth, his looks perceptibly hardened, his brow
contracted, his mouth assuming an expression of fierce courage; and then
again his look became fixed, but this time it wore a worldly expression,
hardened by covetousness, pride, and strong desire. Aramis' look then
became as soft as it had before been gloomy. Philippe, seizing his hand
in a quick, agitated manner, exclaimed:

"Let us go where the crown of France is to be found!"

"Is this your decision, monseigneur?" asked Aramis.

"It is."

"Irrevocably so?"

Philippe did not even deign to reply. He gazed earnestly at the bishop,
as if to ask him if it were possible for a man to waver after having
once made up his mind.

"Those looks are flashes of fire which portray character," said Aramis,
bowing over Philippe's hand; "you will be great, monseigneur, I will
answer for that."

"Let us resume our conversation. I wished to discuss two points with
you; in the first place, the dangers or the obstacles we may meet with.
That point is decided. The other is the conditions you intend imposing
on me. It is your turn to speak, M. d'Herblay."

"The conditions, monseigneur?"

"Doubtless. You will not allow so mere a trifle to stop me, and you will
not do me the injustice to suppose that I think you have no interest in
this affair. Therefore, without subterfuge or hesitation, tell me the
truth."

"I will do so, monseigneur. Once a king--"

"When will that be?"

"To-morrow evening--I mean in the night."

"Explain yourself."

"When I have asked your highness a question."

"Do so."

"I sent to your highness a man in my confidence, with instructions to
deli