Part 26 (1/2)
”Lead me to where the crown of France is to be found”
”Is this your decision, neur?” asked Aramis
”It is”
”Irrevocably so?”
Philippe did not even deign to reply He gazed earnestly at the bishop, as if to ask hi once made up his mind
”Such looks are flashes of the hidden fire that betraysover Philippe's hand; ”you will be great, neur, I will answer for that”
”Let us resume our conversation I wished to discuss two points with you; in the first place the dangers, or the obstacles we may meet with
That point is decided The other is the conditions you intend i on me It is your turn to speak, M d'Herblay”
”The conditions, neur?”
”Doubtless You will not allow so mere a trifle to stop me, and you will not do me the injustice to suppose that I think you have no interest in this affair Therefore, without subterfuge or hesitation, tell --”
”When will that be?”
”To-ht”
”Explain yourself”
”When I shall have asked your highness a question”
”Do so”
”I sent to your highness a man in my confidence with instructions to deliver some closely written notes, carefully drawn up, which will thoroughly acquaint your highness with the different persons who compose and will compose your court”
”I perused those notes”
”Attentively?”
”I know them by heart”
”And understand them? Pardon me, but I may venture to ask that question of a poor, abandoned captive of the Bastile? In a week's time it will not be requisite to further question a mind like yours You will then be in full possession of liberty and power”
”Interrogatehis lesson to his neur”
”My mother, Anne of Austria! all her sorrows, her painful malady Oh! I know her--I know her”
”Your second brother?” asked Ara