The Three Musketeers (The Modern Library) - Alexandre Dumas [97]
(“The swine!” said Madame Bonacieux, overcome by her husband’s infamy.
“Silence!” D’Artagnan repeated, crushing her hand as in a vise!)
A sudden terrible howling interrupted the lovers. Downstairs, Monsieur Bonacieux had just discovered the disappearance of his money bag and was crying: “Help! Thieves! I’ve been robbed!”
(“Oh my God,” Madame Bonacieux wailed, “he will rouse the whole neighborhood!”)
Bonacieux kept howling for a long time, but as such cries were frequent in the Rue des Fossoyeurs, they attracted no attention, especially since the haberdasher’s house had lately fallen into disrepute. Seeing that no one came, Bonacieux emerged, still howling, his voice trailing off into the distance as he disappeared down the Rue du Bac.
“Now that he’s gone, it is your turn to go!” Madame Bonacieux told D’Artagnan. “Courage, my friend, but, above all, caution! Remember you owe yourself to the Queen.”
“To her and to you, darling Constance,” D’Artagnan said passionately. “Rest easy, my love, I shall return worthy of Her Majesty’s gratitude. And shall I return worthy of your love?”
For only answer, the young woman blushed deeply. A few moments later, D’Artagnan left the house, hidden under a greatcoat, its skirt raised cavalierly by his rapier.
Madame Bonacieux followed him with her eyes with that long fond look a woman lavishes upon the man she loves. When he had turned the corner she fell to her knees and, clasping her hands:
“Dear God!” she prayed. “Protect the Queen! And protect me! Amen!”
XIX
PLAN OF CAMPAIGN
D’Artagnan went straight to the Hotel de Tréville. Within a few minutes he knew the Cardinal would learn everything from that infernal stranger, obviously his agent. D’Artagnan realized he had not a moment to lose.
His heart overflowed with joy. Here was an opportunity both to win glory and to make money, and, for primary encouragement, one which had just brought him close to the woman he adored. From the very beginning then, chance offered him more than he had dared to ask of Providence.
Monsieur de Tréville was in his drawing-room with his usual company. D’Artagnan was shown directly to his study whence he sent word that he awaited the Captain on a matter of extreme urgency. He had not long to wait; five minutes later Monsieur de Tréville joined him. One glance at the young Gascon’s radiant expression told the Captain that something new was afoot.
On his way to the mansion, D’Artagnan had wondered whether he should unbosom himself to Monsieur de Tréville or merely ask for a free hand in conducting an affair of utmost secrecy. But Monsieur de Tréville had always been so wonderfully kind to him, he was so completely devoted to the King and Queen, and he hated the Cardinal so cordially, that the young man decided to tell him everything.
“You asked for me, young man?”
“Yes, Monsieur, I did. You will forgive me for disturbing you when you learn the importance of my errand.”
“Well?”
“Monsieur, the Queen’s honor, perhaps her very life, are at stake.”
“What!” Monsieur de Tréville looked about him to make sure they were quite alone. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that chance has put me in possession of a secret—”
“—which I hope, young man, you will guard with your very life—”
“—but which I must confide to you, Monsieur. You alone can help me accomplish the mission I have just received from Her Majesty.”
“Is this secret yours?”
“No, Monsieur, it is the Queen’s secret.”
“Did the Queen permit you to divulge it?”
“No, Monsieur, I have been pledged to the deepest secrecy.”
“Then why were you about to—?”
“Because, I repeat, without you I can do nothing, Monsieur.”
“Keep your secret, young man, and tell me what you wish.”
“I beg you to ask Monsieur des Essarts to grant me a two-week furlough.”
“When?”
“This very night.”
“You mean to leave Paris?”
“On a mission.”
“Can you tell me where?”
“To London.”
“Is anyone seeking to prevent you from reaching your destination?”
“The Cardinal would, I believe, give the world to stop me.”
“You are going alone?”
“Quite alone.