Have no moreconcern about me; I exist no longer for
you, any more than if youhad never seen me.
Both, as this double precaution indicated, had
aninterest in not being recognized. Meantime the young woman continued to advance,
counting thehouses and windows. She made her interlocutor observe the cornerof this
unfolded object.
But a womanwho wanders in the streets at this hour
only ventures out to meether lover.
The door had been opened, and shut again; the
mercers prettywife had disappeared.
Bonacieux into the little apartment of which we
have given adescription. There was a very simple means of satisfying himself whither
Mme. As ten oclock was striking, dArtagnan left M.
Ah, I was quite sure you were a good and brave
young man, saidMme. If I should disturb a rendezvous, that would not bethe best
means of commencing an acquaintance. Ah, then, madame, I was able for one instant to
be alone withyou.
This immediately recalled to dArtagnans mind the
handkerchiefwhich he had found at the feet of Mme. Young man, said he to dArtagnan,
a suggestion.
Why did he not tell them heknew nothing about this
affair? But to the great astonishment of dArtagnan, the shutter remainedclosed. He
likewise thought this was an opportunity for talking aboutpretty little
Mme.
In each there was anenemy to contend with, and
contributions to be levied.
Bonacieux,with a half-smile which was not exempt
from a tinge ofimpatience.
Was it with that intention you followed me? Ah, I
was quite sure you were a good and brave young man, saidMme.
Eleven oclock sounded from all the clocks of the
Faubourg St. For that night, madame, that night you lovedme, I will swear
it.
DArtagnan seized the hand held out to him, and
kissed itardently.
Well, let that care be mine, and be at
ease.
He will at once put himself atyour orders. But was
it on her own account, or on account of another, that sheexposed herself to such
hazards?