"In the King's name, M. de Luynes," said Montr?sor, firmly yet
deferentially, "your sword!"
It would have been madness to do aught but comply with his request, and so
I surrendered my rapier, which he in his turn delivered to one of his
followers. Next I stepped down from the coach and turned to take leave of
Mademoiselle, whereupon Montr?sor, thinking that peradventure matters were
as they appeared to be between us, and, being a man of fine feelings,
signed to his men to fall back, whilst he himself withdrew a few paces.
"Adieu, Mademoiselle!" I said simply. "I shall carry with me for
consolation the memory that I have been of service to you, and I shall
ever--during the little time that may be left me--be grateful to Heaven for
the opportunity that it has afforded me of causing you--perchance without
sufficient reason--to think better of me. Adieu, Mademoiselle! God guard
you!"
It was too dark to see her face, but my heart bounded with joy to catch in
her voice a quaver that argued, methought, regret for me.
"What does it mean, M. de Luynes? Why are they taking you?"
"Because I have displeased my Lord Cardinal, albeit, Mademoiselle, I swear
to you that I have no cause for shame at the reasons for which I am being
arrested.
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