You, De Wardes, will accompany me to the Louvre, and you, Raoul, will remain here master of the house; and as all that is done here is under your advice, you will bestow the last glance upon my preparations for departure." Raoul, with the air of one who neither seeks nor fears a quarrel, bowed his head in token of assent, and seated himself upon a bench in the sun.
"That is well," said De Guiche, "remain where you are, Raoul, and tell them to show you the two horses I have just purchased; you will give me your opinion, for I only bought them on condition that you ratified the purchase.

By the by, I have to beg your pardon for having omitted to inquire after the Comte de la Fere." While pronouncing these latter words, he closely observed De Wardes, in order to perceive what effect the name of Raoul's father would produce upon him.

"I thank you," answered the young man, "the count is very well." A gleam of deep hatred passed into De Wardes's eyes.

De Guiche, who appeared not to notice the foreboding expression, went up to Raoul, and grasping him by the hand, said,--"It is agreed, then, Bragelonne, is it not, that you will rejoin us in the courtyard of the Palais Royal ?" He then signed to De Wardes to follow him, who had been engaged in balancing himself first on one foot, then on the other.

"We are going," said he, "come, M.Malicorne." This name made Raoul start; for it seemed that he had already heard it pronounced before, but he could not remember on what occasion.
While trying to recall it half-dreamily, yet half-irritated at his conversation with De Wardes, the three young men set out on their way towards the Palais Royal, where Monsieur was residing.