"'Why a fool, since he loved her?' asked D'Artagnan.
"'Patience,' said Athos. 'He conducted her to his castle, and made her the first lady of the province; and, to do her justice, she knew perfectly how to support her rank.'
"'Well?' said D'Artagnan.
"'Well! one day she was out hunting with her husband,' continued Athos, speaking in a low tone and very fast, 'she was overcome by the heat, and fell from her horse in a swoon; the count sprang to her assistance, and as her clothes seemed to prevent her breathing, he cut them open with his dagger, and her shoulder was uncovered. Guess what she had upon her shoulder, D'Artagnan?' said Athos with a strange wild laugh.
"'How can I tell?' said D'Artagnan.
"'A fleur-de-lis. She was branded!'
"And Athos emptied at a draught the cup that stood before him.
"'Horror!' exclaimed D'Artagnan. 'What do you tell me?'
"'The truth—the angel was a devil—the innocent young girl was a convict.'
"'And what did the count do?'