In fifteen days at most, Rochefort would be back; besides, during that fifteen days she would have time to think how she could best avenge herself on the four friends.

She would not be weary, thank God! for she should enjoy the sweetest pastime such events could accord a woman of her character--perfecting a beautiful vengeance.
Revolving all this in her mind, she cast her eyes around her, and arranged the topography of the garden in her head.

Milady was like a good general who contemplates at the same time victory and defeat, and who is quite prepared, according to the chances of the battle, to march forward or to beat a retreat.
At the end of an hour she heard a soft voice calling her; it was Mme.
Bonacieux's.

The good abbess had naturally consented to her request; and as a commencement, they were to sup together.
On reaching the courtyard, they heard the noise of a carriage which stopped at the gate.
Milady listened.
"Do you hear anything ?" said she.
"Yes, the rolling of a carriage." "It is the one my brother sends for us." "Oh, my God!" "Come, come! courage!" The bell of the convent gate was sounded; Milady was not mistaken.
"Go to your chamber," said she to Mme.Bonacieux; "you have perhaps some jewels you would like to take." "I have his letters," said she.
"Well, go and fetch them, and come to my apartment.

We will snatch some supper; we shall perhaps travel part of the night, and must keep our strength up." "Great God!" said Mme.Bonacieux, placing her hand upon her bosom, "my heart beats so I cannot walk." "Courage, courage! remember that in a quarter of an hour you will be safe; and think that what you are about to do is for HIS sake." "Yes, yes, everything for him.