th deep and silent
anguish.

The queen stretched out her hand, seized the ring, pressed it
convulsively to her lips--and without being able to breathe a sigh, to
give vent to a sob, she extended her arms, became deadly pale, and fell
senseless in the arms of her attendants and her daughter.

Athos kissed the hem of the robe of the widowed queen and rising, with a
dignity that made a deep impression on those around:

"I, the Comte de la Fere, a gentleman who has never deceived any human
being, swear before God and before this unhappy queen, that all that was
possible to save the king of England was done whilst we were on English
ground. Now, chevalier," he added, turning to Aramis, "let us go. Our
duty is fulfilled."

"Not yet." said Aramis; "we have still a word to say to these
gentlemen."

And turning to Chatillon: "Sir, be so good as not to go away without
giving me an opportunity to tell you something I cannot say before the
queen."

Chatillon bowed in token of assent and they all went out, stopping at
the window of a gallery on the ground floor.

"Sir," said Aramis, "you allowed yourself just now to treat us in a most
extraordinary manner. That would not be endurable in any case, and
is still less so on the part of those who came to bring the queen the
message of a liar."

"Sir!" cried De Chatillon.

"What have you done with Monsieur de Bruy? Has he by any possibility
gone to change his face which was too like that of Monsieur de Mazarin?
There is an abundance of Italian masks at the Palais Royal, from
harlequin even to pantaloon."

"Chevalier! chevalier!" said Athos.

"Leave me alone," said Aramis impatiently. "You know well that I don't
like to leave things half finished."

"Conclude, then, sir," answered De Chatillon, with as much hauteur as
Aramis.

"Gentlemen," resumed Aramis, "any one but the Comte de la Fere and
myself would have had you arrested--for we have friends in Paris--but
we are contented with another course. Come and converse with us for just
five minutes, sword in hand, upon this deserted terrace."

"One moment, gentlemen," cried Flamarens. "I know well that the
proposition is tempting, but at present it is impossible to accept it."

"And why not?" said Aramis, in his tone of raillery. "Is it Mazarin's
proximity that makes you so prudent?"

"Oh, you hear that, Flamarens!" said Chatillon. "Not to reply would be a
blot on my name and my honor."

"That is my opinion," said Aram