We will gallop on swiftly in a moment, to set our blood flowing more freely, and drive away these sad thoughts of yours.

But one thing must be promptly done; you must quit Paris, forthwith, and retire for a time to some quiet retreat, until all this trouble is forgotten.

The violent death of the Duke of Vallombreuse will make a stir at the court, and in the city, no matter how much pains may be taken to keep the facts from the public, and, although he was not at all popular, indeed very much the reverse, there will be much regret expressed, and you will probably be severely blamed.

But now let us put spurs to these lazy steeds of ours, and try to get on a little faster." While they are galloping towards Paris, we will return to the chateau--as quiet now as it had been noisy a little while before.

In the young duke's room, a candelabrum, with several branches, stood on a round table, so that the light from the candles fell upon the bed, where he lay with closed eyes, as motionless as a corpse, and as pale.