Dream of Vengeance — The Three Musketeers

Milady orders him admitted. He stays away two nights. On the third morning Kitty, sad as death, brings a letter addressed to him and signed Milady Clarik. He tells himself his credit rises as the count's falls. He invents a reason to break his word to Athos: it would be impolitic to refuse; she might suspect. Kitty says if he pleases her in his own name it will be worse. He promises to stay insensible and will not write, lest she know his hand.

At nine the servants run to announce him. She will see nobody else. She is pale from fever and forces a smile. He tells himself to be on guard. Then the old enchantment returns. She asks what he would do to prove his love. He says he is ready for everything. She wants a mortal enemy dead. Between her teeth she names the bargain: avenge me of de Wardes, and I shall soon be rid of you, you animated sword blade. He answers in his mind that he will take the night and laugh with the man she wants killed.

He blurts the name before she finishes. She seizes his hands and asks how he knows. He invents a ring shown in a saloon. She calls the man a wretch, and the word hits him. He offers tomorrow or his death. She hears a brother and sends him out the private door, to return at eleven with Kitty as guide. The girl almost faints. He leaves to escape her reproaches and tells himself not to play the fool. This woman is a great liar. He must take care.