going to Beaugency?"

"Yes, monsieur."

"Then I have delayed you, and you cannot go on to-night."

"On the contrary, monsieur, I am about to start at once."--"For
Beaugency?"

"No, for Paris," said Ernanton; "somewhat unwillingly."

The duke appeared astonished.

"Pardon," said he; "but it is strange that going to Beaugency, and being
stopped by an unforeseen circumstance, you should return without
fulfilling the end of your journey."

"Nothing is more simple, monsieur; I was going to a rendezvous for a
particular time, which I have lost by coming here with you; therefore I
return."

"Oh! monsieur, will you not stay here with me for two or three days? I
will send this soldier to Paris for a surgeon, and I cannot remain here
alone with these peasants, who are strangers to me."

"Then let the soldier remain with you, and I will send you a doctor."

"Do you know the name of my enemy?"

"No, monsieur."

"What! you saved his life, and he did not tell you his name?"

"I did not ask him."

"You did not ask him?"

"I have saved your life also, monsieur; have I asked you your name? But,
in exchange, you both know mine."

"I see, monsieur, there is nothing to be learned from you; you are as
discreet as brave."

"I observe that you say that in a reproachful manner; but, on the
contrary, you ought to be reassured, for a man who is discreet with one
person will be so with another."

"You are right! your hand, M. de Carmainges."

Ernanton did quietly as he was asked.

"You have blamed my conduct, monsieur," said Mayenne; "but I cannot
justify myself without revealing important secrets."

"You defend yourself, monsieur, when I do not accuse."

"Well! I will only say that I am a gentleman of good rank, and able to
be of use to you."

"Say no more, monsieur; thanks to the master whom I serve, I have no
need of assistance from any one."

"Your master, who is he?"

"I have asked no questions, monsieur."

"It is true."

"Besides, your wound begins to inflame; I advise you to talk less."

"You are right; but I want my surgeon."

"I am returning to Paris, as I told you: give me his address."

"M. de Carmainges, give me your word of honor that if I intrust you with
a letter it shall be given to the person to whom it is addressed."

"I give it, monsieur."

"I believe you; I am sure I may trust you. I must tell you a part of my
secret. I belong to the guards of Madame de Montpensier."

"Oh! I did no