A Conjugal Scene — The Three Musketeers

The cardinal comes downstairs, finds Porthos at dice with Aramis, and asks for Athos. Porthos says their friend has gone as a scout. The two Musketeers ride back with his Eminence. Athos has already turned behind a hedge. Once the gold-fringed cloak is gone, he gallops to the inn and tells the host that his officer forgot a word for the lady. The host sends him up.

Milady is putting on her hat. Athos bolts the door, drops his cloak, and names himself the Comte de la Fère. She goes pale. He lists her work for the cardinal, down to the bargain just made in that chair: Buckingham's death in exchange for D'Artagnan's. She may have the duke. If she touches the Gascon, he will find her. She says D'Artagnan shall die. Athos cocks a pistol at her forehead. She draws the signed paper from her bosom. He reads it by the lamp. The bearer has acted by order and for the good of the state. Richelieu has signed it.

He sends her men on to Fort La Pointe. Then he cuts across the fields, meets the cardinal on the road, and takes the watchword: King and Ré. When Porthos and Aramis say the paper was signed, Athos shows it. They send for D'Artagnan. Milady thinks of going back to his Eminence, then keeps silence. If she names the hanging, he will name the brand. At eight she is on board. At nine the vessel supposed for Bayonne steers for England.