D'Artagnan made a spring backward and drew his sword.

At the same time, and with the rapidity of lightning, the stranger drew his.
"In the name of heaven, my Lord!" cried Mme.Bonacieux, throwing herself between the combatants and seizing the swords with her hands.
"My Lord!" cried d'Artagnan, enlightened by a sudden idea, "my Lord! Pardon me, monsieur, but you are not--" "My Lord the Duke of Buckingham," said Mme.Bonacieux, in an undertone; "and now you may ruin us all." "My Lord, Madame, I ask a hundred pardons! But I love her, my Lord, and was jealous.

You know what it is to love, my Lord.

Pardon me, and then tell me how I can risk my life to serve your Grace ?" "You are a brave young man," said Buckingham, holding out his hand to d'Artagnan, who pressed it respectfully.

"You offer me your services; with the same frankness I accept them.