While Jarnonville was speaking, a gleam of joy illumined Léodgard's features, and he gave the chevalier a glance expressive of all his gratitude.
"Oh! that explains everything, monsieur le chevalier," said the officer; "and I beg monsieur le comte to accept my apologies. But I still have a painful duty to perform. You know the strict laws concerning duelling; we are ordered to arrest all those who have infringed them. You are both guilty. Because of his wound, I will leave monsieur le comte in his own house, where he will remain until further orders. As for you, Sire de Jarnonville, I cannot shirk the duty of escorting you at once before the cardinal-minister, who will decide your fate."
"'Tis well, monsieur; take me to the cardinal—I am ready to follow you."
The officer bowed and walked toward the door; while Jarnonville approached the wounded man, who said to him in a failing voice:
"Chevalier, you have saved the honor of my family! thanks! thanks a thousand times! May you not fall a victim to your noble sacrifice!—As for myself, I know my duty—within an hour I shall have ceased to live. Adieu! I do not ask you for your hand, for mine is sullied! But forgive me—for my wife's sake and my child's!"
Jarnonville, deeply moved, offered Léodgard his hand; but the officer said to him:
"I am waiting, Sire de Jarnonville;" and the chevalier hastened from the room, with a last glance at the wounded man.
When Léodgard was left alone, he looked about the room for several minutes with a vague, uncertain glance, until his eyes rested at last upon a small article of furniture in a recess; a gleam of satisfaction passed over his face, and he was about to ring, when a servant entered and said timidly:
"Pardon me, monsieur le comte, for entering the room without being summoned; but madame la comtesse is most desirous to see you; she is bringing mademoiselle."
"Very well; in one instant. First, open that cupboard yonder; the key is in the lock; that is right. In the left-hand drawer you will find a phial; give it to me."