M d'Artagnan will solicit the king's permission to measure swords with you.

The king will yield his consent, and when you shall have received the sword-thrust in due course, you will consider, in a calmer frame of mind, the precepts of the Gospel, which enjoin forgetfulness of injuries." "Ah!" exclaimed De Wardes, furious at this imperturbable coolness, "one can clearly see you are half a bastard, M.de Bragelonne." Raoul became as pale as death; his eyes flashed lightning, causing De Wardes involuntarily to fall back.

Buckingham, also, who had perceived their expression, threw himself between the two adversaries, whom he had expected to see precipitate themselves on each other.

De Wardes had reserved this injury for the last; he clasped his sword firmly in his hand, and awaited the encounter.

"You are right, monsieur," said Raoul, mastering his emotion, "I am only acquainted with my father's name; but I know too well that the Comte de la Fere is too upright and honorable a man to allow me to fear for a single moment that there is, as you insinuate, any stain upon my birth.