ose lovely flowers, the heartsease, in which shine out
the golden petals. The other, of mature age, seemed to have the former
one under her charge, and was cold, dry and yellow--the true type of a
duenna or a devotee.

Raoul resolved not to quit the room without having spoken to the
beautiful girl with the soft eyes, who by a strange fancy, although she
bore no resemblance, reminded him of his poor little Louise, whom he
had left in the Chateau de la Valliere and whom, in the midst of all the
party, he had never for one moment quite forgotten. Meantime Aramis had
drawn near to the coadjutor, who, smiling all the while, contrived to
drop some words into his ear. Aramis, notwithstanding his self-control,
could not refrain from a slight movement of surprise.

"Laugh, then," said Monsieur de Retz; "they are looking at us." And
leaving Aramis he went to talk with Madame de Chevreuse, who was in the
midst of a large group.

Aramis affected a laugh, to divert the attention of certain curious
listeners, and perceiving that Athos had betaken himself to the
embrasure of a window and remained there, he proceeded to join him,
throwing out a few words carelessly as he moved through the room.

As soon as the two friends met they began a conversation which was
emphasized by frequent gesticulation.

Raoul then approached them as Athos had directed him to do.

"'Tis a rondeau by Monsieur Voiture that monsieur l'abbe is repeating
to me." said Athos in a loud voice, "and I confess I think it
incomparable."

Raoul stayed only a few minutes near them and then mingled with the
group round Madame de Chevreuse.

"Well, then?" asked Athos, in a low tone.

"It is to be to-morrow," said Aramis hastily.

"At what time?"

"Six o'clock."

"Where?"

"At Saint Mande."

"Who told you?"

"The Count de Rochefort."

Some one drew near.

"And then philosophic ideas are wholly wanting in Voiture's works, but
I am of the same opinion as the coadjutor--he is a poet, a true poet."
Aramis spoke so as to be heard by everybody.

"And I, too," murmured the young lady with the velvet eyes. "I have the
misfortune also to admire his poetry exceedingly."

"Monsieur Scarron, do me the honor," said Raoul, blushing, "to tell me
the name of that young lady whose opinion seems so different from that
of others of the company."

"Ah! my young vicomte," replied Scarron, "I suppose you wish to propose
to her an alliance offensive and defensive."