“Well,” said he to the young girl, “are you willing, my dear Kitty, that I should give you a proof of that love which you doubt?”
“What love?” asked the young girl.
“Of that which I am ready to feel toward you.”
“And what is that proof?”
“Are you willing that I should this evening pass with you the time I generally spend with your mistress?”
“Oh, yes,” said Kitty, clapping her hands, “very willing.”
“Well, then, come here, my dear,” said D’Artagnan, establishing himself in an easy chair; “come, and let me tell you that you are the prettiest soubrette I ever saw!”
And he did tell her so much, and so well, that the poor girl, who asked nothing better than to believe him, did believe him. Nevertheless, to D’Artagnan’s great astonishment, the pretty Kitty defended herself resolutely.
Time passes quickly when it is passed in attacks and defenses. Midnight sounded, and almost at the same time the bell was rung in Milady’s chamber.
“Good God,” cried Kitty, “there is my mistress calling me! Go; go directly!”