62 LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE. "Not for the king."
- 'Very likely not; still-
'One moment, Aramis; I observe that every one thinks of himself, and never of his j)oor young prince; I will main- tain myself in maintaining him."
- 'And if you meet with ingratitude?"
"The weak alone are afraid of that." "You are quite certain of yourself?" "I think so." "Still the king may have no further need of you." "On the contrary, I think his need of me will be greater than ever; and hearken, my dear fellow, if it became neces- sary to arrest a new Conde, who would To it? This — this alone in all France!" and D'Artagnan struck his sword, "You are right," said Aramis, turning very pale; and then he rose and pressed D'Artagnan's hand. "That is the last summons for supper," said the captain of the musketeers; "will you excuse me?" Aramis threw his arm round the musketeer's neck, and said, "A friend like you is the brightest jewel in the royal crown." And they immediately separated. "I was right," thought D'Artagnan; "there is something on foot." "We must make haste with the explosion," said Aramis, "for D'Artagnan has discovered the plot." CHAPTER X. MADAME AND DE GUICHE. It will not be forgotten that the Comte de Guiche had left the queen-mother's apartment on the day when Lonis XIV. presented La Valliere with the beautiful bracelets he had won at the lottery. The comte walked to and fro for some time outside the palace, in the greatest distress, from a thousand suspicions and anxieties with which his mind was beset. Presently he stopped and waited on the terrace opposite the grove of trees, watching for madame's depar- ture. More than half an hour passed away; and as he was at that moment quite alone, the comte could hardly have had any very diverting ideas at his command. He drew his tablets from his pocket, and, after hesitating over and over again, determined to write these words: "Madame, I im- plore you to grant me one moment's conversation. Do not
