or granddaughter. At the first announcement of peace Madame de Chevreuse
frowned, and in spite of all the logic of Athos to show her that a
prolonged war would have been impracticable, contended in favor of
hostilities.

"My fair friend," said Athos, "allow me to tell you that everybody is
tired of war. You will get yourself exiled, as you did in the time of
Louis XIII. Believe me, we have passed the time of success in intrigue,
and your fine eyes are not destined to be eclipsed by regretting Paris,
where there will always be two queens as long as you are there."

"Oh," cried the duchess, "I cannot make war alone, but I can avenge
myself on that ungrateful queen and most ambitious favorite-on the honor
of a duchess, I will avenge myself."

"Madame," replied Athos, "do not injure the Vicomte de Bragelonne--do
not ruin his prospects. Alas! excuse my weakness! There are moments when
a man grows young again in his children."

The duchess smiled, half tenderly, half ironically.

"Count," she said, "you are, I fear, gained over to the court. I suppose
you have a blue ribbon in your pocket?"

"Yes, madame; I have that of the Garter, which King Charles I. gave me
some days before he died."

"Come, I am growing an old woman!" said the duchess, pensively.

Athos took her hand and kissed it. She sighed, as she looked at him.

"Count," she said, "Bragelonne must be a charming place. You are a man
of taste. You have water--woods--flowers there?"

She sighed again and leaned her charming head, gracefully reclined, on
her hand, still beautiful in form and color.

"Madame!" exclaimed Athos, "what were you saying just now about growing
old? Never have I seen you look so young, so beautiful!"

The duchess shook her head.

"Does Monsieur de Bragelonne remain in Paris?" she inquired.

"What think you of it?" inquired Athos.

"Leave him with me," replied the duchess.

"No, madame; if you have forgotten the history of Oedipus, I, at least,
remember it."

"Really, sir, you are delightful, and I should like to spend a month at
Bragelonne."

"Are you not afraid of making people envious of me, duchess?" replied
Athos.

"No, I shall go incognito, count, under the name of Marie Michon."

"You are adorable, madame."

"But do not keep Raoul with you."

"Why not?"

"Because he is in love."

"He! he is quite a child!"

"And 'tis a child he loves."

Athos became thoughtful.

"You are right, duchess. This singular pa