“Ah, Richelieu!” she cried, as soon as she perceived him; and holding out her hands to him, “I am glad to see you, and hope you bring good news.”
“I trust you will think it such, madame,” replied Richelieu, and he bent over her hand and kissed it.
A curious gleam illumined the gaze she bent upon him.
“You have, then, decided?” she asked, in a voice which she endeavored vainly to compose.
“I am at madame’s service now and always,” and he bowed again with a certain sternness in his face and without raising his eyes.
The duchess went red, then white, and her eyes were like twin stars. I dimly realized that she had won a great victory. An excited whispering behind me told me that others had understood better than I.
“I thank you, M. le Duc,” she said, when her emotion permitted her to speak. “Believe me, your devotion shall not be forgotten.”
“But I have forgotten something, madame,” cried Richelieu, gayly, as though putting the subject behind him. “This is my friend M. de Brancas, who has offered his sword in my service.”
“And in madame’s, should she ever have need of so feeble an instrument,” I added. I felt rather than saw the questioning glance she shot at Richelieu over my bowed head and the affirmative nod he gave in reply.
“M. de Brancas is welcome,” she answered, graciously, “and his generous offer shall be remembered. But you must excuse me, gentlemen,” she continued, turning to the group, which had withdrawn to a little distance, but which yet could hear every word that passed. “I have much to do and must leave you. M. Chancel, will you kindly tell Mlle. de Launay that I wish her to join me in the course of half an hour?”