De Wardes saluted Madame in the most graceful and respectful manner, and, as a commencement of hostilities, announced, in the first place, that he could furnish the Duke of Buckingham's friends with the latest news about him.
This was a direct answer to the coldness with which Madame had received him.

The attack was a vigorous one, and Madame felt the blow, but without appearing to have even noticed it.

He rapidly cast a glance at Monsieur and at De Guiche--the former had colored, and the latter had turned very pale.

Madame alone had preserved an unmoved countenance; but, as she knew how many unpleasant thoughts and feelings her enemy could awaken in the two persons who were listening to him, she smilingly bent forward toward the traveler, as if to listen to the news he had brought, but he was speaking of other matters.

Madame was brave, even to imprudence; if she were to retreat, it would be inviting an attack; so, after the first disagreeable impression had passed away, she returned to the charge.
"Have you suffered much from your wounds, Monsieur de Wardes ?" she inquired, "for we have been told that you had the misfortune to get wounded." It was now De Wardes' turn to wince; he bit his lips and replied, "No, madame, hardly at all." "Indeed, and yet in this terribly hot weather--" "The sea breezes are fresh and cool, madame, and then I had one consolation." "Indeed.