" Do not be absurd, De Wardes ! There are some very
characteristic and ingenious Latin axioms upon lame
ladies."

" Messieurs, Messieurs," said De Guiche, looking at
Raoul with uneasiness, " be a little careful, I entreat
you."

But the uneasiness of the count, in appearance at least,
was not needed. Raoul had preserved the firmest and
most indifferent countenance, although he had not lost
a word that had passed. He seemed to keep an account
of the insolence and license of the two speakers, in order
to settle matters with them at his earliest opportunity.
De Wardes seemed to guess what was passing in his
mind, and continued, " Who are these youug ladies'
lovers ? "

"Montalais's lover?" said the chevalier.
" Yes, Montalais first."

" Well, you, I, or De Guiche, — whoever likes, in
fact."

"And the other?"

" Mademoiselle de la Valliere ? "

" Yes."

"Take care, Messieurs," exclaimed De Guiche, anxious



SURPRISE OF MADEMOISELLE DE MONTALAIS. 393

to put a stop to De Wardes's reply, " take care ! Madame
is listening to us."

Raoul thrust his hand up to the wrist into his doublet,
and left the mark of his nails ou his flesh. But the very
malignity which he saw was excited against these poor
girls made him take a serious resolution. " Poor Louise,"
he said to himself, " has come here only with an honor-
able object in view and under honorable protection ; but
I must learn what that object is, and who it is that pro-
tects her ; " and imitating Malicorne's manoeuvre, he
made his way towards the group of the maids of honor.
