D'Artagnan grew pale with rage. He recognized Mordaunt, who with bare
sword was marshalling the musketeers behind the king and opposite the
benches.

"Do you think they have recognized us?" said D'Artagnan. "In that case I
should beat a retreat. I don't care to be shot in a box."

"No," said Aramis, "he has not seen us. He sees no one but the king. Mon
Dieu! how he stares at him, the insolent dog! Does he hate his majesty
as much as he does us?"

"Pardi," answered Athos "we only carried off his mother; the king has
spoiled him of his name and property."

"True," said Aramis; "but silence! the president is speaking to the
king."

"Stuart," Bradshaw was saying, "listen to the roll call of your judges
and address to the court any observations you may have to make."

The king turned his head away, as if these words had not been intended
for him. Bradshaw waited, and as there was no reply there was a moment
of silence.

Out of the hundred and sixty-three members designated there were only
seventy-three present, for the rest, fearful of taking part in such an
act, had remained away.

When the name of Colonel Fairfax was called, one of those brief but
solemn silences ensued, which announced the absence of the members who
had no wish to take a personal part in the trial.

"Colonel Fairfax," repeated Bradshaw.

"Fairfax," answered a laughing voice, the silvery tone of which betrayed
it as that of a woman, "is not such a fool as to be here."

A loud laugh followed these words, pronounced with that boldness which
women draw from their own weakness--a weakness which removes them beyond
the power of vengeance.

"It is a woman's voice," cried Aramis; "faith, I would give a good deal
if she is young and pretty." And he mounted on the bench to try and get
a sight of her.

"By my soul," said Aramis, "she is charming. Look D'Artagnan; everybody
is looking at her; and in spite of Bradshaw's gaze she has not turned
pale."

"It is Lady Fairfax herself," said D'Artagnan. "Don't you remember,
Porthos, we saw her at General Cromwell's?"

The roll call continued.

"These rascals will adjourn when they find that they are not in
sufficient force," said the Comte de la Fere.

"You don't know them. Athos, look at Mordaunt's smile. Is that the look
of a man whose victim is likely to escape him? Ah, cursed basilisk, it
will be a happy day for me when I can cross something more than a look
with you."

"The king is really very