Ten Years Later by Alexandre Dumas Page A

observed."
    "Which means?" exclaimed Buckingham, in so violent a manner that those who were present drew back, expecting an immediate collision.
    "Which means, monsieur," replied De Guiche, now rather pale, "that I caused these tents to be raised as habitations for myself and my friends, as a shelter for the ambassadors of France, as the only place of refuge which your exactions have left us in the town; and that I and those who are with me, shall remain in them, at least, until an authority more powerful, and more supreme, than your own shall dismiss me from them."
    "In other words, until we are ejected, as the lawyers say," observed Manicamp, blandly.
    "I know an authority, monsieur, which I trust is such as you will respect," said Buckingham, placing his hand on his sword.
    At this moment, and as the goddess of Discord, inflaming all minds, was about to direct their swords against each other, Raoul gently placed his hand on Buckingham's shoulder. "One word, my lord," he said.
    "My right, my right, first of all," exclaimed the fiery young man.
    "It is precisely upon that point I wish to have the honor of addressing a word to you."
    "Very well, monsieur, but let your remarks be brief."
    "One question is all I ask; you can hardly expect me to be briefer."
    "Speak, monsieur, I am listening."
    "Are you, or is the Duke of Orleans, going to marry the granddaughter of Henry IV.?"
    "What do you mean?" exclaimed Buckingham, retreating a few steps, bewildered.
    "Have the goodness to answer me," persisted Raoul tranquilly.
    "Do you mean to ridicule me, monsieur?" inquired Buckingham.
    "Your question is a sufficient answer for me. You admit, then, that it is not you who are going to marry the princess?"
    "You know it perfectly well, monsieur, I should imagine."
    "I beg your pardon, but your conduct has been such as to leave it not altogether certain."
    "Proceed, monsieur, what do you mean to convey?"
    Raoul approached the duke. "Are you aware, my lord," he said, lowering his voice, "that your extravagances very much resemble the excesses of jealousy? These jealous fits, with respect to any woman, are not becoming in one who is neither her lover nor her husband; and I am sure you will admit that my remark applies with still greater force, when the lady in question is a princess of the blood royal!"
    "Monsieur," exclaimed Buckingham, "do you mean to insult Madame Henrietta?"
    "Be careful, my lord," replied Bragelonne, coldly, "for it is you who insult her. A little while since, when on board the admiral's ship, you wearied the queen, and exhausted the admiral's patience. I was observing, my lord; and, at first, I concluded you were not in possession of your senses, but I have since surmised the real significance of your madness."
    "Monsieur!" exclaimed Buckingham.
    "One moment more, for I have yet another word to add. I trust I am the only one of my companions who has guessed it."
    "Are you aware, monsieur," said Buckingham, trembling with mingled feelings of anger and uneasiness, "are you aware that you are holding language towards me which requires to be checked?"
    "Weigh your words well, my lord," said Raoul, haughtily; "my nature is not such that its vivacities need checking; whilst you, on the contrary, are descended from a race whose passions are suspected by all true Frenchmen; I repeat, therefore, for the second time, be careful!"
    "Careful of what, may I ask? Do you presume to threaten me?"
    "I am the son of the Comte de la Fere, my lord, and I never threaten, because I strike first. Therefore, understand me well, the threat that I hold out to you is this—"
    Buckingham clenched his hands, but Raoul continued, as though he had not observed the gesture. "At the very first word, beyond the respect and deference due to her royal highness, which you permit yourself to use towards her,—be patient my lord, for I am perfectly so."
    "You?"
    "Undoubtedly. So long as Madame remained on English territory, I held my peace; but from the