Five minutes after, the soldier entered the stable. He uttered a cry on seeing the duke; but he put his finger on his lip, and the man was silent.
"Monsieur," said Mayenne to Ernanton, "my gratitude to you will be eternal; and, doubtless, some day we shall meet under more favorable circumstances. May I ask to whom I have the honor of speaking?"
"I am the Vicomte Ernanton de Carmainges, monsieur."
"Then I have delayed you, and you cannot go on to-night."
"On the contrary, monsieur, I am about to start at once."--"For Beaugency?"
"No, for Paris," said Ernanton; "somewhat unwillingly."
"Pardon," said he; "but it is strange that going to Beaugency, and being stopped by an unforeseen circumstance, you should return without fulfilling the end of your journey."
"Nothing is more simple, monsieur; I was going to a rendezvous for a particular time, which I have lost by coming here with you; therefore I return."
"Oh! monsieur, will you not stay here with me for two or three days? I will send this soldier to Paris for a surgeon, and I cannot remain here alone with these peasants, who are strangers to me."
"Then let the soldier remain with you, and I will send you a doctor."
"What! you saved his life, and he did not tell you his name?"
"I have saved your life also, monsieur; have I asked you your name? But, in exchange, you both know mine."
"I see, monsieur, there is nothing to be learned from you; you are as discreet as brave."
"I observe that you say that in a reproachful manner; but, on the contrary, you ought to be reassured, for a man who is discreet with one person will be so with another."
"You are right! your hand, M. de Carmainges."
"You have blamed my conduct, monsieur," said Mayenne; "but I cannot justify myself without revealing important secrets."
"You defend yourself, monsieur, when I do not accuse."
"Well! I will only say that I am a gentleman of good rank, and able to be of use to you."
"Say no more, monsieur; thanks to the master whom I serve, I have no need of assistance from any one."
"Besides, your wound begins to inflame; I advise you to talk less."
"I am returning to Paris, as I told you: give me his address."
"M. de Carmainges, give me your word of honor that if I intrust you with a letter it shall be given to the person to whom it is addressed."