Beadle's New York Dime Library, No. 190 — page 42: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

en a * 66 oe Se er _ tled over in the same manner; and the resul: of the - settling was, that the attorney's wife shonld a-k her husband for a loan of eight hundred francs in hard he cash, and should furnish the horse and mule which _’ ‘were to have the honor of bearing Porthos and Mous- , queton apon their way to glory. m These conditions having been arranged, and the in- terest and time of payment stipulated, Porthos took -- Jeave of Madame Coquenard , and returned home, hulf- ‘famished, and in a very il-humor. mare , CHAPTER XXXIIL e: MAID AND MISTRESS. ‘ e » Nevertheless, as we have already said—in spite of the -. ¢ries of conscience, in spite of the sage coansels of mistreas.”’ ‘And what kind of vengeance would you seek?” **T would supplant my rival.” “* Twill never assist you in thatsir,”’ said Kitty quickly. *“And why not?” inquired d’Artagnan. ‘* For two reasons."’ ‘Which are?’ ‘The first—that my mistress will never see you.” “Whit can you know about it?’ ** You have offended her too deeply.”’ ‘*In what can I have offended her—I who, since I have been acquainted with her, have lived at her fect like a very slave? Speak I beseech you!" ‘*T will never avow tht but to the man who can read in the depths of my soul." D'Artugnan looked at Kitt _ } } for the second time. Athos, and the tender memories of Madame Bonancieux | There was abont the young girl a freshness and a beaut 2) —4d’ became each hour more deeply enamored | which many a dnchess would be glad to purchase with of her ladyship; nor did he ever fail to offer her a daily | her coronet. Tiga mage, to which ths presumptuous Guacon was con- ** Kitty,” saidhe, ‘Twill read even the very deptha vines t she must sooner or later respond. of your sort]; 80 let not that restrain you, my dear child oe As he arrived one evening, scenting the air like a man | —do epeak|" Loy Who expected a shower of g ld, he met the waiting-maid * Oh! no,” exclaimed Kitty, ‘‘you do not love me; it at the cwrriage pate; but, on this occasion, the pretty | is my mistress whom you love: you have this moment Wk Ae mile. She gently tok his hand, some message for me from her mistress—an appoint- Kitty was no’ contented with giving him a passing | told me so, ’ “‘And dees that prevent you making known your re “Good!” thought d’Artagnan; *‘ she is entrusted with | second reason?" a> Fe ‘* The second reason,"' said Kitty, encouraged by the - ‘Meut for rome meeting, which my ludy wanted courage | expression of the young man’s eyes, ‘is that in love we girl with the most successful look he could assume. be **Tshenid be glad to say two words to you, sir,” stamumered the writing-maid. Ss A, ag child, speak!’ said d’Artagnan. _- Higtening.’ _ ** Not here , sir: is it possible. What 1 have to tell | 5 you would take up too long a time, and is, besides, too pe >t “Well! bat what fs to be done, then?" ’ - — * If you would please to follow me, sir,’’ said Kitty, “T am idly. i Wherever you please, my pretty child!" ~~ »#Then, come.” -_. By the hand which she had continued to hold, Kitty ri v “tage ' then led d’Artagnan to a small, dark, winding staircase; and, after having made him ascend some fifteen steps, she opened a door. _ “Enter, sir; we shall be alone, and may converse here.”’ And whose room is this, then, my preity child?”’ in- quired d’A an. , ~~ “It igs mine, sir; it communicates with that ‘of my mistress, through thisdoor. But you may rely upon it that she will not hear what we may say, for she never - goes to bed till midnight.” ._ D’Arta man threw a glance around him. The little - yroom was acharming model of cles iliness and taste; pa Se but his eyes involuntarily turned towards the door which ; t as Kjtty had told him, to her lady-hip’s chamber. as seteitty essed what was passing in the young man's mind, and gave a sigh. _ “Phen you are very fond of my mistress, sir?’ said Sy " ; ve ‘*T don't know whether I am very fond of her; but what I do know, is, that I am mad for her.” _ Kitty gave a second sigh. Alas! gir, itis a great pity!" ___ * And what the plague do you see to pity in it?" —s # Because, sir, my mietress does not love you at all.” _ ** What!"’ exclaimed d'Artagnan: ‘‘did she desire you tell mes 7” ' - Ohl no, sir,no! But I, from the interest that I take ; in you, have re-olved to tell you.” *s Thanks, my good Kitty, but only for the intention; for you must own that the communication is not very ‘oa ” That is to say, you do not believe what I have told you. Is that your meaning?” 7 6 3 aye ~ ™y 4 « ” Z : - @harming child, if it were only on account of self Phen, you do not believe me?” “IT confess that, until you condescend to give me some ' of what you assert--—— . “Paiiy drew dove her besom a small nndirected note. _ “* For me?’ exclaimed d’Artagnan, ashe hustily seized _ the letter, and, by a movement quick as thought, tore off mS envelope, in spite of the cry which Kitty uttered a = she saw what he was aboutto do, or rather, what “Oh, heavens! sir,”’ said she, ‘‘ what have you done?”’ a 1 said d‘Artagnan, ‘‘must 1 not make myself et ed with what is addressed to me?” whe cead as fullows:— “You have sent no answer to my first note, Are you, _ then, in too much suffering, or have you indeed forgotten . the ere that you gave me at Madame de Quise’s ball? Now is the opportunity, count: do not let it es- A. “) Ie an grew pale: he was wounded in his vanity, oe Sinatbohove it was his love. . *** This note is not for me!” he exclalmed. | “No, it is for somebody else; but yeu did not give me . tell you go.” Fy sores od Scenabody else! His name—his name!" exclaimed ; us d’ an. eee Count de Wardes.”’ _ The remembrance of the scene at St, Germain pre- sented itself at once tothe mind of the presumptous _ Gascon, and confirmed what Kitty had that moment - told hi Be Poor i d’Artagnan,” said she in a voice full of com- y _ passion, as she again pressed the young man’s hand, ‘ ‘” eh j ‘One is always troubled to believe such things, my Mere” | _ to announce her elf;’’ and he looked at the charming | should ull serve ourselves.” Then did d'Artagnan firet recall the languishing ‘lances, the em les, and stifled sighs of Kitty whenever e chanc: d to meet her; whilst, in his absorbing wish to please the titled lady, he had negl:cted the Abigail. He who cliases the eagle takes no heed of the sparrow. But our Gascon saw now, at a single glance all the ad- vantages which he might be able to Fartva from this passion which Kitty had so unexpectedly avowed:—such as, the interception of all letters to the Count de Wardes, intelligence of everything that occurred, and an entrance at any hour to that chamber which was contiguous to her re tee AN room. In idea, at Jeast, he was already sacrificing the poor young maiden to her noble mistreas. Midnight at length sounded, and, alinost at the same instant, a bell was heard from the adjoining chamber. ‘* Good God!" exclaimed Kitty, ‘* there is my mistress wanting me: go now—go directly!" D’Artagnan arose, and took his hat as though he in- tended to abey: then, opening quickly the door of a large press, instead of that of the staircase, he squeezed himself within, amidst the robes and nightclothes of her ladyship. ‘* What are you about? exclaimed Kitty. D’Artaguan who had secured the mer beforehand, fastened himself in his press without reply, ‘* Well!” exclaimed the lady, in a sharp voice, “ are you asleep, then, that you do not come when I ring?” D*Artagnan heard the door of communication opened violently.” **Here I am, my lady, here I am!" exclaimed Kitty, springing forward, that she might meet her mistress, They returned together to the bed-chamber, and, as the door continued open, d’Artagnan could hear her ladyship complaining, for a time. At last, however, she became appeased; and, as Kitty waited on her mis- tress, their conversation turned upon the listener. «: Well,” said my lady, I have not seen our Gascon here, this evening.” “What, madam," said Kitty, ‘‘ has he not been? Can he have proved fickle before he has been favored?”’ ‘*Oh, no! he must have been hindered, either by M. Treville or M. des Essarts. I have some experience, Kitty, and I hold that man securely!” “What will your ladyship do with him?” ‘What will i do with him? Depend upon it, Kitty, there is something between that man and me of which he little thinks. He Me nearly destroyed my credit with his eminence, OhyTI will have vengeance!” ‘*T thought that your ladyship loved him?” “Loe bin! I detest him. The ome held Lord de Winter's life in his power, and did not kill him! and, by that alone, he has made me lose an income of three hundred thousand francs.” ‘* [4 it true,*’ said Kitty, “your son was the sole heir of his uncle, and, till he became of age, you would have had the enjoyment of his fortune.” D'Artagnan shuddcred to the very marrow of his bones at hearing this sweet creature censuring him, in that voice whose sharpness she had so much trouble to conceal in conversation, for not having slain a man on whom he had seen her heaping indications of affection. ‘Yes,’ continued her ladyship, *‘und I would have taken vengeance on hiva before now, if, for some reason or other, that I knew aot, the cardinal had not insisted on forbesarance.”’ “Oh, yes: but your ladyship had no forbearance with that little woman that he loved,” ‘What! the mercer's wife of the rue des Fossoyeurs! Why, has he not aaeees forgot her existence! A fine vengeance that was, truly.”’ Cold drops trickled on the brow of d'Artagnan: this woman was a very monster. He set himself again to, jisten, but the toilet was, un- fortunately, ended. “That will do,’’ said her ladyship; ‘‘go to your own room now, and try, to-morrow, to get me an answer at last to that letter which I have given you.” ‘' Wor M. de Wardes?"’ said Kitty, ‘Certainly: for M. de Wardes.’ * Ah!’ sald Kitty, ‘‘ he is one that seems to me ina — ™ ———e 6 LL Le renee! MCR Abies iis Ren te aa A MRE Caran aR 0 hk ok bar i po ela ina AR a i a ees Biren Pe ai ee te EOL A are a ls cal ar 8 9 6 <P. ; e : . J | E : y a , r, \ ‘, ; : sre oy , ~ ONT : ’ ; * . ‘Ae vn J oe ‘ THE THREE GUARDSMEN. 9.) ie ee re ET a AER AER on ne ae RO TNE Ae I ve i, " Yes, certainly it is empty,” replied the attorney’s| “Yon pity me, kind child,” said d’Artagnan. very different condition from that poor M. d'Artag. 2% e. “Oh, yes, with all my heart; for I know well what | nan.” aa, ‘‘Ah, but the portmanteau I want,’’ exclaimed Por- | love is myself.” ** Leave me, girl,”’ exclaimed her ladyship; ‘Ido nos ; thos, ‘‘is a wel -furnished one, my dear.”’ ‘You Know what love is?” said d‘Artagnan, looking | like remarks,” aA Madame Coquenurd breathed forth fresh sighs. 2o- | at her for the first time with some purticular attention. D'Artagnan heard the noise of the closing door, and re liere ha i not yet written his Mixer; Madame Coquenard ** Alas! yes.” then of two bolts with which ‘‘my lady ” secured her- ey therefore anticipated Harpagon. “Well, instead of pitying me, then, yon would be | self within. Kitty, on her side, tarned the key in the € Atlength, the remainder of the equipment was bat- | doing better by assisting me to take revenge upon your | lock as gently as it was possible. D’Artagnan then pushed open the door of the press. *“Oh, my God!” whispered Kitty, ‘‘ what ails you? what makes you look so pale?” ‘The abominable wretch!" muttered d’Artagnan. “Silence! silence! Go away,” raid Kitty; **there is only a partition between my room and my lady’; and ev. rything that is said in one is heard in the other.” ‘ Fortunately so: but I will not leave till you bave told me what is become of Madame Bonancieux.” The poor irl swore to d’Artagnan, upon the ernelfix, that she was cumpletely ignerant about the matt: r, as her mistress never allowed her to know above half of any of her secrets. But she thought he might rely upon it that she was not dead. vor did Kitty really know anything more about the circumstances which had nearly made her mistress lose her credit with the cardinal. But in this particular d’Artagnan was betterinformed. As he had perceiy her ladyship on ship-board, at the very moment that he was quitting England, he did not doubt but that it had some reference to the diamond studs. But what was most manifest of the whole affair, wae the genuine, deep, inveterate hatred which her ladyship entertained against him, for not having killed her bro- ther-in-law. D’Artagnan returned to her ladyship's on the next day. He found her ina very ill-humor, and he under- stood that it was the disappointment of an answer from de Wardes which thus provoked her. Kitty entered, but “any lady” treated her harshly, A glance which she gave at d’Artagnan seemed to say— see what I suffer upon your account.” But, as the evening wore on, the lovely lioness grew gentle... She listened with a smile to tle tender compli- ments of d’Artagnan, and condescended even to give him her hand to kiss. D’Artagnan left her, scarcely knowing what to think. But, as he was a Gascon, who was not eaxily to be de- ceived, he had in bis mind contrived a little plan. He found Kitty at the door, aud went, as on the even- ing before, to her room, to collect intelligence. Kitty had been wot scolded, and accused of negligence. Her ag Bee could not comprehend the silence of the Count de Wardea, and had commanded her maid to come to her for orders at nine o'clock on the next morning. D’Artagnan made Kitty promise to come to hifi in the morning, to tell him what might be the nature of these new commands, ‘ The girl promised all that d’Artazguan desired; she was crazed. At eleven o'clock, he saw Kitty make her a rance. She held in her hand another note from her ladyship. On this ain ai Bh poor girl did not even endeavor to detain it from d’Artagnan; she let him do ashe chose: nar and in soul she belonged to her bandsome BO cr, D’ Artagnan Gpened this second note, which, like the creas bore neither signature nor address, and read as oliows:— “This is the third time that I have written to tell yon that I love rou: take care that I do not write a fourth time, to tell you that I hate you.” | D’Artagnan’s color changed several times, as he pe- rused this note. ‘Oh! you love her still!’ said Kitty, whose eyes had never once been turned away from the young man’< face, “No, Kitty, yon deceive yourself. Ino longer love her, but I want to avenge myself for her contempt.’ Kitty sighed, | D’Artagnan took up a pén and wrote , ‘* Madame,— . ‘** Until now, I have been in doubt whether your for- mer notes could really have been meant for me,so un- worthy did I feel myself of such an honor; but, to-day, I must at last believe in the excess of your kindnese, since not only your letter, but your servant also, affirm that I have the happiness to be the object of your love, * Ateleven to night, I shall come to implore your for- giveness. ‘To pe | another day, at present, would be in my opinion to offer you a new affront, : ‘‘He whom you have rendered the most happy of mankind.*’ ‘This note was not poopy a forgery, as d'Artagnan did not sign it, but it was an indelicacy: it was, even according to the standard of our something like an act of infamy; but the people of those times were less scrupulous than weare now. Moreover, d’Artagnan knew, from her ladyship’s own avowal,that she had been guilty of treacheries in the most important affairs, and his esteem for her was singularly smal). He had, in a word, to revenge both her coquetry towards, himself, and her conduct towards Madame Bonancieux. D’Artaynan's plot was very simple. Through Kitty's chamber he would enter that of her mistress; he would confound the deceiver, threaten to expore her publicly, and perhaps obtain from her fears all the information which he Gentred concerning the fate of Constance. It might even happen that the freedom of the mercer’s “There,”’ said the young man, handing the sealed note to Kitty, ‘give this letter to her ladyship: it is M. de Wardes’ ss Poor Kitty became as pale as death; what es note 2 peng rit Re * Listen, my dear child,” said d’Artagnan: “you nn- derstand that all this must come to an end in i, ~s or another. Your mistress may discover that you deliv- ered the first note to my servant, instead of to the Count’s; and that it was I who unsealed the others, which should have been unsealed by M, de Wardes, resent manners, she suspected (E co al * ~~ ‘ a ion - : - I ey te - cae Sonn, FT ON Se Ge a ee a ee - 7, oe me ew wit ‘ - zs a. Wel