42. Another Queen in Want of Help.
Athos had not failed to send early to Aramis and had given his letter toBlaisois, the only serving-man whom he had left. Blaisois found Bazindonning his beadle's gown, his services being required that day at NotreDame.
Athos had desired Blaisois to try to speak to Aramis himself. Blaisois,a tall, simple youth, who understood nothing but what he was expresslytold, asked, therefore for the Abbe d'Herblay, and in spite of Bazin'sassurances that his master was not at home, he persisted in such amanner as to put Bazin into a passion. Blaisois seeing Bazin in clericalguise, was a little discomposed at his denials and wanted to pass at allrisks, believing too, that the man with whom he had to do was endowedwith the virtues of his cloth, namely, patience and Christian charity.
But Bazin, still the servant of a musketeer, when once the blood mountedto his fat cheeks, seized a broomstick and began belaboring Blaisois,saying:
"You have insulted the church, my friend, you have insulted the church!"
At this moment Aramis, aroused by this unusual disturbance, cautiouslyopened the door of his room; and Blaisois, looking reproachfully at theCerberus, drew the letter from his pocket and presented it to Aramis.
"From the Comte de la Fere," said Aramis. "All right." And he retiredinto his room without even asking the cause of so much noise.
Blaisois returned disconsolate to the Hotel of the Grand Roi Charlemagneand when Athos inquired if his commission was executed, he related hisadventure.
"You foolish fellow!" said Athos, laughing. "And you did not tell himthat you came from me?"
"No, sir."
At ten o'clock Athos, with his habitual exactitude, was waiting on thePont du Louvre and was almost immediately joined by Lord de Winter.
They waited ten minutes and then his lordship began to fear Aramis wasnot coming to join them.
"Patience," said Athos, whose eyes were fixed in the direction of theRue du Bac, "patience; I see an abbe cuffing a man, then bowing to awoman; it must be Aramis."
It was indeed Aramis. Having run against a young shopkeeper who wasgaping at the crows and who had splashed him, Aramis with one blow ofhis fist had distanced him ten paces.
At this moment one of his penitents passed, and as she was young andpretty Aramis took off his cap to her with his most gracious smile.
A most affectionate greeting, as one can well believe took place betweenhim and Lord de Winter.
"Where are we going?" inquired Aramis; "are we going to fight,perchance? I carry no sword this morning and cannot return home toprocure one."
"No," said Lord de Winter, "we are going to pay a visit to Her Majestythe Queen of England."
"Oh, very well," replied Aramis; then bending his face down to Athos'sear, "what is the object of this visit?" continued he.
"Nay, I know not; some evidence required from us, perhaps."
"May it not be about that cursed affair?" asked Aramis, "in which case Ido not greatly care to go, for it will be to pocket a lecture; and sinceit is my function to give them to others I am rather averse to receivingthem myself."
"If it were so," answered Athos, "we should not be taken there by Lordde Winter, for he would come in for his share; he was one of us."
"You're right; yes, let us go."
On arriving at the Louvre Lord de Winter entered first; indeed, therewas but one porter there to receive them at the gate.
It was impossible in daylight for the impoverished state of thehabitation grudging charity had conceded to an unfortunate queen to passunnoticed by Athos, Aramis, and even the Englishman. Large rooms,completely stripped of furniture, bare walls upon which, here and there,shone the old gold moldings which had resisted time and neglect, windowswith broken panes (impossible to close), no carpets, neither guards norservants: this is what first met the eyes of Athos, to which he,touching his companion's elbow, directed his attention by his glances.
"Mazarin is better lodged," said Aramis.
"Mazarin is almost king," answered Athos; "Madame Henrietta is almost nolonger queen."
"If you would condescend to be clever, Athos," observed Aramis, "Ireally do think you would be wittier than poor Monsieur de Voiture."
Athos smiled.
The queen appeared to be impatiently expecting them, for at the firstslight noise she heard in the hall leading to her room she came herselfto the door to receive these courtiers in the corridors of Misfortune.
"Enter. You are welcome, gentlemen," she said.
The gentlemen entered and remained standing, but at a motion from thequeen they seated themselves. Athos was calm and grave, but Aramis wasfurious; the sight of such royal misery exasperated him and his eyesexamined every new trace of poverty that presented itself.
"You are examining the luxury I enjoy," said the queen, glancing sadlyaround her.
"Madame," replied Aramis, "I must ask your pardon, but I know not how tohide my indignation at seeing how a daughter of Henry IV. is treated atthe court of France."
"Monsieur Aramis is not an officer?" asked the queen of Lord de Winter.
"That gentleman is the Abbe d'Herblay," replied he.
Aramis blushed. "Madame," he said, "I am an abbe, it is true, but I amso against my will. I never had a vocation for the bands; my cassock isfastened by one button only, and I am always ready to become a musketeeronce more. This morning, being ignorant that I should have the honor ofseeing your majesty, I encumbered myself with this dress, but you willfind me none the less a man devoted to your majesty's service, inwhatever way you may see fit to use me."
"The Abbe d'Herblay," resumed De Winter, "is one of those gallantmusketeers formerly belonging to His Majesty King Louis XIII., of whom Ihave spoken to you, madame." Then turning to Athos, he continued, "Andthis gentleman is that noble Comte de la Fere, whose high reputation isso well known to your majesty."
"Gentlemen," said the queen, "a few years ago I had around me ushers,treasures, armies; and by the lifting of a finger all these were busiedin my service. To-day, look around you, and it may astonish you, that inorder to accomplish a plan which is dearer to me than life I have onlyLord de Winter, the friend of twenty years, and you, gentlemen, whom Isee for the first time and whom I know but as my countrymen."
"It is enough," said Athos, bowing low, "if the lives of three men canpurchase yours, madame."
"I thank you, gentlemen. But hear me," continued she. "I am not only themost miserable of queens, but the most unhappy of mothers, the mostwretched of wives. My children, two of them, at least, the Duke of Yorkand the Princess Elizabeth, are far away from me, exposed to the blowsof the ambitious and our foes; my husband, the king, is leading inEngland so wretched an existence that it is no exaggeration to aver thathe seeks death as a thing to be desired. Hold! gentlemen, here is theletter conveyed to me by Lord de Winter. Read it."
Obeying the queen, Athos read aloud the letter which we have alreadyseen, in which King Charles demanded to know whether the hospitality ofFrance would be accorded him.
"Well?" asked Athos, when he had closed the letter.
"Well," said the queen, "it has been refused."
The two friends exchanged a smile of contempt.
"And now," said Athos, "what is to be done? I have the honor to inquirefrom your majesty what you desire Monsieur d'Herblay and myself to do inyour service. We are ready."
"Ah, sir, you have a noble heart!" exclaimed the queen, with a burst ofgratitude; whilst Lord de Winter turned to her with a glance which said,"Did I not answer for them?"
"But you, sir?" said the queen to Aramis.
"I, madame," replied he, "follow Monsieur de la Fere wherever he leads,even were it on to death, without demanding wherefore; but when itconcerns your majesty's service, then," added he, looking at the queenwith all the grace of former days, "I precede the count."
"Well, then, gentlemen," said the queen, "since it is thus, and sinceyou are willing to devote yourselves to the service of a poor princesswhom the whole world has
abandoned, this is what is required to be donefor me. The king is alone with a few gentlemen, whom he fears to loseevery day; surrounded by the Scotch, whom he distrusts, although he behimself a Scotchman. Since Lord de Winter left him I am distracted,sirs. I ask much, too much, perhaps, for I have no title to request it.Go to England, join the king, be his friends, protectors, march tobattle at his side, and be near him in his house, where conspiracies,more dangerous than the perils of war, are hatching every day. And inexchange for the sacrifice that you make, gentlemen, I promise--not toreward you, I believe that word would offend you--but to love you as asister, to prefer you, next to my husband and my children, to every one.I swear it before Heaven."
And the queen raised her eyes solemnly upward.
"Madame," said Athos, "when must we set out?"
"You consent then?" exclaimed the queen, joyfully.
"Yes, madame; only it seems to me that your majesty goes too far inengaging to load us with a friendship so far above our merit. We renderservice to God, madame, in serving a prince so unfortunate, a queen sovirtuous. Madame, we are yours, body and soul."
"Oh, sirs," said the queen, moved even to tears, "this is the first timefor five years I have felt the least approach to joy or hope. God, whocan read my heart, all the gratitude I feel, will reward you! Save myhusband! Save the king, and although you care not for the price that isplaced upon a good action in this world, leave me the hope that we shallmeet again, when I may be able to thank you myself. In the meantime, Iremain here. Have you anything to ask of me? From this moment I becomeyour friend, and since you are engaged in my affairs I ought to occupymyself in yours."
"Madame," replied Athos, "I have only to ask your majesty's prayers."
"And I," said Aramis, "I am alone in the world and have only yourmajesty to serve."
The queen held out her hand, which they kissed, and she said in a lowtone to De Winter:
"If you need money, my lord, separate the jewels I have given you;detach the diamonds and sell them to some Jew. You will receive for themfifty or sixty thousand francs; spend them if necessary, but let thesegentlemen be treated as they deserve, that is to say, like kings."
The queen had two letters ready, one written by herself, the other byher daughter, the Princess Henrietta. Both were addressed to KingCharles. She gave the first to Athos and the other to Aramis, so thatshould they be separated by chance they might make themselves known tothe king; after which they withdrew.
At the foot of the staircase De Winter stopped.
"Not to arouse suspicions, gentlemen," said he, "go your way and I willgo mine, and this evening at nine o'clock we will assemble again at theGate Saint Denis. We will travel on horseback as far as our horses cango and afterward we can take the post. Once more, let me thank you, mygood friends, both in my own name and the queen's."
The three gentlemen then shook hands, Lord de Winter taking the RueSaint Honore, and Athos and Aramis remaining together.
"Well," said Aramis, when they were alone, "what do you think of thisbusiness, my dear count?"
"Bad," replied Athos, "very bad."
"But you received it with enthusiasm."
"As I shall ever receive the defense of a great principle, my dearD'Herblay. Monarchs are only strong by the assistance of thearistocracy, but aristocracy cannot survive without the countenance ofmonarchs. Let us, then, support monarchy, in order to support ourselves.
"We shall be murdered there," said Aramis. "I hate the English--they arecoarse, like every nation that swills beer."
"Would it be better to remain here," said Athos, "and take a turn in theBastile or the dungeon of Vincennes for having favored the escape ofMonsieur de Beaufort? I'faith, Aramis, believe me, there is little leftto regret. We avoid imprisonment and we play the part of heroes; thechoice is easy."
"It is true; but in everything, friend, one must always return to thesame question--a stupid one, I admit, but very necessary--have you anymoney?"
"Something like a hundred pistoles, that my farmer sent to me the daybefore I left Bragelonne; but out of that sum I ought to leave fifty forRaoul--a young man must live respectably. I have then about fiftypistoles. And you?"
"As for me, I am quite sure that after turning out all my pockets andemptying my drawers I shall not find ten louis at home. Fortunately Lordde Winter is rich."
"Lord de Winter is ruined for the moment; Oliver Cromwell has annexedhis income resources."
"Now is the time when Baron Porthos would be useful."
"Now it is that I regret D'Artagnan."
"Let us entice them away."
"This secret, Aramis, does not belong to us; take my advice, then, andlet no one into our confidence. And moreover, in taking such a step weshould appear to be doubtful of ourselves. Let us regret their absenceto ourselves for our own sakes, but not speak of it."
"You are right; but what are you going to do until this evening? I havetwo things to postpone."
"And what are they?"
"First, a thrust with the coadjutor, whom I met last night at Madame deRambouillet's and whom I found particular in his remarks respecting me."
"Oh, fie--a quarrel between priests, a duel between allies!"
"What can I do, friend? he is a bully and so am I; his cassock is aburden to him and I imagine I have had enough of mine; in fact, there isso much resemblance between us that I sometimes believe he is Aramis andI am the coadjutor. This kind of life fatigues and oppresses me;besides, he is a turbulent fellow, who will ruin our party. I amconvinced that if I gave him a box on the ear, such as I gave thismorning to the little citizen who splashed me, it would change theappearance of things."
"And I, my dear Aramis," quietly replied Athos, "I think it would onlychange Monsieur de Retz's appearance. Take my advice, leave things justas they are; besides, you are neither of you now your own masters; hebelongs to the Fronde and you to the queen of England. So, if the secondmatter which you regret being unable to attend to is not more importantthan the first----"
"Oh! that is of the first importance."
"Attend to it, then, at once."
"Unfortunately, it is a thing that I can't perform at any time I choose.It was arranged for the evening and no other time will serve."
"I understand," said Athos smiling, "midnight."
"About that time."
"But, my dear fellow, those are things that bear postponement and youmust put it off, especially with so good an excuse to give on yourreturn----"
"Yes, if I return."
"If you do not return, how does it concern you? Be reasonable. Come, youare no longer twenty years old."
"To my great regret, mordieu! Ah, if I were but twenty years old!"
"Yes," said Athos, "doubtless you would commit great follies! But now wemust part. I have one or two visits to make and a letter yet to write.Call for me at eight o'clock or shall I wait supper for you at seven?"
"That will do very well," said Aramis. "I have twenty visits to make andas many letters to write."
They then separated. Athos went to pay a visit to Madame de Vendome,left his name at Madame de Chevreuse's and wrote the following letter toD'Artagnan:
"Dear Friend,--I am about to set off with Aramis on important business.I wished to make my adieux to you, but time does not permit. Rememberthat I write to you now to repeat how much affection for you I stillcherish.
"Raoul is gone to Blois and is ignorant of my departure; watch over himin my absence as much as you possibly can; and if by chance you receiveno news of me three months hence, tell him to open a packet which hewill find addressed to him in my bronze casket at Blois, of which I sendyou now the key.
"Embrace Porthos from Aramis and myself. Adieu, perhaps farewell."
At the hour agreed upon Aramis arrived; he was dressed as an officer andhad the old sword at his side which he had drawn so often and which hewas more than ever ready to draw.
"By-the-bye," he said, "I think that we are decidedly wrong to departthus, without leavin
g a line for Porthos and D'Artagnan."
"The thing is done, dear friend," said Athos; "I foresaw that and haveembraced them both from you and myself."
"You are a wonderful man, my dear count," said Aramis; "you think ofeverything."
"Well, have you made up your mind to this journey?"
"Quite; and now that I reflect about it, I am glad to leave Paris atthis moment."
"And so am I," replied Athos; "my only regret is not having seenD'Artagnan; but the rascal is so cunning, he might have guessed ourproject."
When supper was over Blaisois entered. "Sir," said he, "here is Monsieurd'Artagnan's answer."
"But I did not tell you there would be an answer, stupid!" said Athos.
"And I set off without waiting for one, but he called me back and gaveme this;" and he presented a little leather bag, plump and giving out agolden jingle.
Athos opened it and began by drawing forth a little note, written inthese terms:
"My dear Count,--When one travels, and especially for three months, onenever has a superfluity of money. Now, recalling former times of mutualdistress, I send you half my purse; it is money to obtain which I madeMazarin sweat. Don't make a bad use of it, I entreat you.
"As to what you say about not seeing you again, I believe not a word ofit; with such a heart as yours--and such a sword--one passes through thevalley of the shadow of death a dozen times, unscathed and unalarmed. Aurevoir, not farewell.
"It is unnecessary to say that from the day I saw Raoul I loved him;nevertheless, believe that I heartily pray that I may not become to hima father, however much I might be proud of such a son.
"Your
"D'Artagnan.
"P.S.--Be it well understood that the fifty louis which I send areequally for Aramis as for you--for you as Aramis."
Athos smiled, and his fine eye was dimmed by a tear. D'Artagnan, who hadloved him so tenderly, loved him still, although a Mazarinist.
"There are the fifty louis, i'faith," said Aramis, emptying the purse onthe table, all bearing the effigy of Louis XIII. "Well, what shall youdo with this money, count? Shall you keep it or send it back?"
"I shall keep it, Aramis, and even though I had no need of it I stillshould keep it. What is offered from a generous heart should be acceptedgenerously. Take twenty-five of them, Aramis, and give me the remainingtwenty-five."
"All right; I am glad to see you are of my opinion. There now, shall westart?"
"When you like; but have you no groom?"
"No; that idiot Bazin had the folly to make himself verger, as you know,and therefore cannot leave Notre Dame.
"Very well, take Blaisois, with whom I know not what to do, since Ialready have Grimaud."
"Willingly," said Aramis.
At this moment Grimaud appeared at the door. "Ready," said he, with hisusual curtness.
"Let us go, then," said Athos.
The two friends mounted, as did their servants. At the corner of theQuai they encountered Bazin, who was running breathlessly.
"Oh, sir!" exclaimed he, "thank Heaven I have arrived in time. MonsieurPorthos has just been to your house and has left this for you, sayingthat the letter was important and must be given to you before you left."
"Good," said Aramis, taking a purse which Bazin presented to him. "Whatis this?"
"Wait, your reverence, there is a letter."
"You know I have already told you that if you ever call me anything butchevalier I will break every bone in your body. Give me the letter."
"How can you read?" asked Athos, "it is as dark as a cold oven."
"Wait," said Bazin, striking a flint, and setting afire a twistedwax-light, with which he started the church candles. Thus illumined,Aramis read the following epistle:
"My dear D'Herblay,--I learned from D'Artagnan who has embraced me onthe part of the Comte de la Fere and yourself, that you are setting outon a journey which may perhaps last two or three months; as I know thatyou do not like to ask money of your friends I offer you some of my ownaccord. Here are two hundred pistoles, which you can dispose of as youwish and return to me when opportunity occurs. Do not fear that you putme to inconvenience; if I want money I can send for some to any of mychateaux; at Bracieux alone, I have twenty thousand francs in gold. So,if I do not send you more it is because I fear you would not accept alarger sum.
"I address you, because you know, that although I esteem him from myheart I am a little awed by the Comte de la Fere; but it is understoodthat what I offer you I offer him at the same time.
"I am, as I trust you do not doubt, your devoted
"Du Vallon de Bracieux de Pierrefonds."
"Well," said Aramis, "what do you say to that?"
"I say, my dear D'Herblay, that it is almost sacrilege to distrustProvidence when one has such friends, and therefore we will divide thepistoles from Porthos, as we divided the louis sent by D'Artagnan."
The division being made by the light of Bazin's taper, the two friendscontinued their road and a quarter of an hour later they had joined DeWinter at the Porte Saint Denis.