“A great deal can be seen with observation as keen as yours,” said Fouquet; at which D’Artagnan bowed.
During this Raoul made a sign to Buckingham. “M. Fouquet,” said Buckingham, “I leave the captain with you, he is more learned than I am in bastions, scarps, and counter-scarps, and I will join one of my friends, who has just beckoned me.” Saying this, Buckingham disengaged himself from the group, and advanced towards Raoul, stopping for a moment at the table where the queen-mother, the young queen, and the king were playing together.
“Now, Raoul,” said De Guiche, “there he is; be firm and quick.”
Buckingham, having made some complimentary remark to Madame, continued his way towards Raoul, who advanced to meet him, while De Guiche remained in his place, though he followed him with his eyes. The maneuver was so arranged that the young men met in an open space which was left vacant, between the group of players and the gallery, where they walked, stopping now and then for the purpose of saying a few words to some of the graver courtiers who were walking there. At the moment when the two lines were about to unite, they were broken by a third. It was Monsieur who advanced toward the Duke of Buckingham. Monsieur had his most engaging smile on his red and perfumed lips.
“My dear duke,” said he, with the most affectionate politeness; “is it really true what I have just been told?”
Buckingham turned round, he had not noticed Monsieur approach; but had merely heard his voice. He started in spite of his command over himself, and a slight pallor overspread his face. “Monseigneur,” he asked, “what has been told you that surprises you so much?”
“That which throws me into despair, and will, in truth, be a real cause of mourning for the whole court.”
“Your highness is very kind, for I perceive that you allude to my departure.”
“Precisely.”
Guiche had overheard the conversation from where he was standing, and started in his turn. “His departure,” he murmured. “What does he say?”