“So far well; now, this is the question in hand, monseigneur. You have seen M. d’Artagnan in Paris, have you not?”
“Certes, and think him a man of intelligence, and even a man of heart; although he did bring about the death of our dear friends, Lyodot and D’Eymeris.”
“Alas! yes, I heard of that. At Tours I met the courier who was bringing me the letter from Gourville, and the dispatches from Pellisson. Have you seriously reflected on that event, monsieur?”
“Yes.”
“And in it you perceived a direct attack upon your sovereignty?”
“And do you believe it to be so?”
“Oh, yes, I think so.”
“Well, I must confess, that sad idea occurred to me likewise.”
“Do not blind yourself, monsieur, in the name of Heaven! Listen attentively to me,—I return to D’Artagnan.”
“I am all attention.”