426 THE MAN" IN THE IRON" MASK. like the branch torn from the trunk, I no longer hold to any- thing in this world, and a current drags me on, I cannot say whither. I love madly, I love to the point of coming to tell it, impious as I am, over the ashes of the dead, and I do not blush for it — I have no remorse on account of it. This love is a religion. Only, as hereafter you will see me alone, forgotten, disdained; as you will see me punished with that with which I am destined to be punished, spare me in my ephemeral happiness, leave it to me for a few days, for a few minutes. Now even, at the moment I am speaking to you, perhaps it no longer exists. My God! this double murder is perhaps already expiated!" While she was speaking thus the sound of voices and the steps of horses drew the attention of the captain. M. de St. Aignan came to seek La Valliere. '^The king,'^ he said, ^Vas a prey to jealousy and uneasi- ness." St. Aignan did not see D'Artagnan, half-concealed by the trunk of a chestnut-tree which shaded the two graves. Louise thanked St. Aignan, and dismissed him with a ges- ture. He rejoined the party outside the inclosure. ^^You see, madame," said the captain bitterly to the young woman, "you see that your happiness still lasts." The young woman raised her head with a solemn air.
- 'A day will come," said she, '^hen you will repent of
having so ill-judged me. On that day, it is I who will pray God to forgive you for having been unjust toward me. Be- sides, I shall suffer so much that you will be the first to pity my sufferings. Do not reproach me with that happiness. Monsieur d'Artagnan; it costs me dear, and I have not paid all my debt." Saying these words, she again knelt down, softly and affectionately.
- 'Pardon me, the last time, my affianced Eaoul!" said
she. "I have broken our chain; we are both destined to die of grief. It is thou who departest the first; fear noth- ing, I shall follow thee. See, only, that I have not been base, and that I have come to bid thee this last adieuc The Lord is my witness, Eaoul, that if with my life I could have redeemed thine, I would have given that life without hesitation. I could not give my love. Once more, pardon!" She gathered a branch, and stuck it into the ground; then, wiping the tears from her eyes, she bowed to D'Ar- tagnan, and disappeared.
The captain watched the departure of the horses, horse-
