Do you wish me to appeal to these gentlemen, De Wardes, to decide ?" And with admirable coolness, De Guiche read aloud the paragraph of the letter which referred to La Valliere.

"And now," continued De Guiche, "there is no doubt in the world, as far as I am concerned, that you wished to disturb Bragelonne's peace of mind, and that your remarks were maliciously intended." De Wardes looked round him, to see if he could find support from any one; but, at the idea that De Wardes had insulted, either directly or indirectly, the idol of the day, every one shook his head; and De Wardes saw that he was in the wrong.
"Messieurs," said De Guiche, intuitively divining the general feeling, "my discussion with Monsieur de Wardes refers to a subject so delicate in its nature, that it is most important no one should hear more than you have already heard.

Close the doors, then, I beg you, and let us finish our conversation in the manner which becomes two gentlemen, one of whom has given the other the lie." "Messieurs, messieurs!" exclaimed those who were present.
"Is it your opinion, then, that I was wrong in defending Mademoiselle de la Valliere ?" said De Guiche.

"In that case, I pass judgment upon myself, and am ready to withdraw the offensive words I may have used to Monsieur de Wardes." "The deuce! certainly not!" said Saint-Aignan.

"Mademoiselle de la Valliere is an angel." "Virtue and purity itself," said Manicamp.
"You see, Monsieur de Wardes," said De Guiche, "I am not the only one who undertakes the defense of that poor girl.