“And believe me, M. de Brancas,” she continued, placing both her hands in mine, “nothing that you have ever done—not even that bandage about your head which tells of a wound so nobly won—has pleased me as did the words you said to Richelieu. I read your heart, and I saw nothing there but loyalty and truth.”
I gazed into her eyes, which she did not seek to turn from mine, trembling in every limb,—trembling too much to speak.
“You may kiss me,” she whispered, and I bent and kissed her on the lips. “Now go, and let that be your accolade for the knightly spirit you have shown to-night. Oh, do not seek to hide the tears. I could not love a man who had not a tender heart.”
She pushed me gently from her. I turned to find that Richelieu had also risen and was waiting.
“Come, my friend,” he said, “let us go,” but he did not take his eyes from the princess, who was standing, pale, lovely, with the air of a general who has fallen mortally wounded at the moment of victory.
I went to her and knelt as at a shrine.
“Mademoiselle,” I said, “I cannot hope to tell you how great a reverence you have inspired in my heart to-night, but I trust that if you are ever in need of a sword and a loyal heart you will remember me. I can think of no greater honor than that of serving you.”
“I shall remember, M. de Brancas,” she answered, smiling down upon me and giving me her hand. “I know you for a brave gentleman and faithful friend. I shall not soon forget it.”
I kissed her hand and stood erect once more. Plainly it was time to go, and with a last glance at my love, I laid my hand on Richelieu’s arm and drew him towards the closet. He yielded without a word. Only when the door had closed behind us did he falter, but I pressed him on, down the spiral staircase, along the little hall, and through the outer door. He started as it clicked shut behind us and leaned against the wall.
“Oh, I can go no farther, de Brancas!” he exclaimed. “Think to what fate I am abandoning her. She may be brave now, perhaps, but what of the days and the years that are yet to come?”