“I deem you neither simple nor uncultured, M. de Brancas,” she said, after a moment. “Indeed, the stories I have heard of you have given me quite the contrary opinion. But pray where have you seen my face, that you have been able to form such an exalted opinion of it?” and she smiled at me, her eyes dancing with mischief.
“I caught but a glimpse of it by the fountain there, but a glimpse was quite enough,” I answered, stoutly. “Besides, I make bold to hope that by accident your cloak may yet slip down and reveal more of it.”
I was trembling at my own temerity.
“Ah, I like your spirit, monsieur,” she answered, gayly. “Have it as you will, then,” and at the word her cloak fell about her shoulders. Her dazzling eyes met mine, her mouth was curving in the most provoking of smiles. Some wizardry drew me towards her.
“No, no!” she said, divining my thought and holding up a little hand to keep me at a distance. “This is favor enough for one evening,” but I caught her hand and kissed it before she could draw it away. “Come, we have forgot completely our companions. We must join them.”
I had, indeed, forgotten Richelieu, and I remembered with a start that our time of freedom must be getting short. I peered anxiously through the darkness, but could see no sign of him.
“Perhaps they are at the fountain,” said Mlle. Dacour, and we hastened thither, but to no purpose. I was about to call aloud, when I heard a sudden shout and clash of arms from the direction of the Palais Royal.
“They have found him!” I cried. “He never thinks of prudence. Come, mademoiselle, let me see you to a place of safety. I must join him.”
“Oh, do not delay!” she implored. “I am perfectly safe, monsieur. Our apartments are but a step from here.”
“Impossible! I cannot leave you alone. Come,” I repeated.