We were glad to hear you speak in that manner; for it is pleasing to think that such a sentiment of delicacy and rectitude, and which did not exist, it seems, in _our_ minds, lives in our children; and it is delightful, too, to see a young man, at an age when men from habit become the destroyers of the honor of women, respect and defend it." De Wardes bit his lip and clenched his hands, evidently much disturbed to learn how this discourse, the commencement of which was announced in so threatening a manner, would terminate.
"How did it happen, then, that you allowed yourself to say to M.de Bragelonne that he did not know who his mother was ?" Raoul's eyes flashed, as, darting forward, he exclaimed,--"Chevalier, this is a personal affair of my own!" At which exclamation, a smile, full of malice, passed across De Wardes's face.
D'Artagnan put Raoul aside, saying,--"Do not interrupt me, young man." And looking at De Wardes in an authoritative manner, he continued:--"I am now dealing with a matter which cannot be settled by means of the sword.

I discuss it before men of honor, all of whom have more than once had their swords in their hands in affairs of honor.

I selected them expressly.

These gentlemen well know that every secret for which men fight ceases to be a secret.

I again put my question to M.de Wardes.
What was the subject of conversation when you offended this young man, in offending his father and mother at the same time ?" "It seems to me," returned De Wardes, "that liberty of speech is allowed, when it is supported by every means which a man of courage has at his disposal." "Tell me what the means are by which a man of courage can sustain a slanderous expression." "The sword." "You fail, not only in logic, in your argument, but in religion and honor.