The garden, gravel-pathed, was a trim place, all green and white. It contained four poplars, and in the center was a fountain, where three Nereids contended with a brawny5 Triton for the possession of a turtle whose nostrils6 spurted7 water. A circle of attendant turtles, half-submerged, shot inferior jets from their gaping8 mouths. It was an odd, and not unhandsome piece, [Footnote: Designed by Simon Guillain. This fountain is still to be seen at Bellegarde, though the exuberancy of Revolutionary patriotism9 has bereft10 the Triton of his head and of the lifted arm.] and John Bulmer inspected it with appreciation11, and then the garden, and having found all things satisfactory, sat down and chuckled12 sleepily and waited.
"De Soyecourt has been aware of my identity throughout the entire week! Faith, then, I am a greater fool than even I suspected, since this fop of the boulevards has been able to trick me so long. He has some card up his sleeve, too, has our good Marquis—Eh, well! Gaston comes to-morrow, and thenceforward all is plain sailing. Meantime I conjecture13 that the poor captive will presently have visitors."
He had dinner first, though, and at this meal gave an excellent account of himself. Shortly afterward14, as he sat over his coffee, little de Soyecourt unlocked the high and narrow gate which constituted the one entrance to the garden, and sauntered forward, dapper and smiling.
"I entreat15 your pardon, Monsieur le Duc," de Soyecourt began, "that I have not visited you sooner. But in unsettled times, you comprehend, the master of a beleaguered16 fortress is kept busy. Cazaio, I now learn, means to attack to-morrow, and I have been fortifying17 against him. However, I attach no particular importance to the man's threats, as I have despatched three couriers to Gaston, one of whom must in reason get to him; and in that event Gaston should arrive early in the afternoon, accompanied by the dragoons of Entréchat. And subsequently—eh bien! if Cazaio has stirred up a hornets'-nest he has only himself to thank for it." The Marquis snapped his fingers and hummed a merry air, being to all appearance in excellent spirits.
"That is well," said John Bulmer,—"for, believe me, I shall be unfeignedly glad to see Gaston once more."
"Decidedly," said the Marquis, sniffing18, "they give my prisoners much better coffee than they deign19 to afford me, I shall make bold to ask you for a cup of it, while we converse20 sensibly." He sat down opposite John Bulmer. "Oh, about Gaston," said the Marquis, as he added the sugar—"it is deplorable that you will not see Gaston again, at least, not in this naughty world of ours."
"I am the more grieved," said John Bulmer, gravely, "for I love the man."
"It is necessary, you conceive, that I hang you, at latest, before twelve o'clock to-morrow, since Gaston is a little too fond of you to fall in with my plans. His premature21 arrival would in effect admit the bull of equity22 into the china-shop of my intentions. And day-dreams are fragile stuff, Monsieur d'Ormskirk! Indeed, I am giving you this so brief reprieve23 only because I am, unwilling24 to have upon my conscience the reproach of hanging without due preparation a man whom of all politicians in the universe I most unfeignedly like and respect. The Protestant minister has been sent for, and will, I sincerely trust, be here at dawn. Otherwise—really, I am desolated25, Monsieur le Duc, but you surely comprehend that I cannot wait upon his leisure."
John Bulmer cracked a filbert. "So I am to die to-morrow? I do not presume to dictate26, monsieur, but I would appreciate some explanation of your motive27."
"Which I freely render," the Marquis replied. "When I recognized you a week ago—as I did at first glance,—I was astounded28. That you, the man in all the world most cordially hated by Frenchmen, should venture into France quite unattended was a conception to confound belief. Still, here you were, and I comprehended that such an opportunity would not rap twice upon the door. So I despatched a letter post-haste to Madame de Pompadour at Marly—"
"I begin to comprehend," John Bulmer said. "Old Tournehem's daughter [Footnote: Mr. Bulmer here refers to a venerable scandal. The Pompadour was, in the eyes of the law, at least, the daughter of François Poisson.] hates me as she hates no other man alive. Frankly29, monsieur, the little strumpet has some cause to,—may I trouble you for the nut-crackers? a thousand thanks,—since I have outwitted her more than once, both in diplomacy30 and on the battle-field. With me out of the way, I comprehend that France might attempt to renew the war, and our late treaty would be so much wasted paper. Yes, I comprehend that the woman would give a deal for me—But what the devil! France has no allies. She dare not provoke England just at present; she has no allies, monsieur, for I can assure you that Prussia is out of the game. Then what is the woman driving at?"
"Far be it from me," said the Marquis, with becoming modesty31, "to meddle32 with affairs of state. Nevertheless, madame is willing to purchase you—at any price."
John Bulmer slapped his thigh33, "Kaunitz! behold34 the key. Eh, eh, I have it now; not long ago the Empress despatched a special ambassador to Versailles,—one Anton Wenzel Kaunitz, a man I never heard of. Why, this Moravian count is a genius of the first water. He will combine France and Austria, implacable enemies since the Great Cardinal's time. Ah, I have it now, monsieur,—Frederick of Prussia has published verses against the Pompadour which she can never pardon—eh, against the Czaritza, too! Why, what a thing it is to be a poet! now Russia will join the league. And Sweden, of course, because she wants Pomerania, which King Frederick claims. Monsieur de Soyecourt, I protest it will be one of the prettiest messes ever stirred up in history! And to think that I am to miss it all!"
"I regret," de Soyecourt said, "to deny you the pleasure of participation35. In sober verity36 I regret it. But unluckily, Monsieur d'Ormskirk, your dissolution is the sole security of my happiness; and in effect"—he shrugged37,—"you comprehend my unfortunate position."
"One of the prettiest messes ever stirred up in all history!" John Bulmer lamented38; "and I to miss it! The policy of centuries shrugged aside, and the map of the world made over as lightly as if it were one of last year's gowns! Decidedly I shall never again cast reflections upon the woman in politics, for this is superb. Why, this coup39 is worthy40 of me! And what is Petticoat the Second to give you, pray, for making all this possible?"
"She will give me," the Marquis retorted, "according to advices received from her yesterday, a lettre-de-cachet for Gaston de Puysange. Gaston is a man of ability, but he is also a man of unbridled tongue. He has expressed his opinion concerning the Pompadour, to cite an instance, as freely as ever did the Comte de Maurepas. You know what happened to de Maurepas. Ah, yes, Gaston is undoubtedly41 a peer of France, but the Pompadour is queen of that kingdom. And in consequence—on the day that Madame de Pompadour learns of your death,—Gaston goes to the Bastile."
"Naturally," John Bulmer assented42, "since imprisonment43 in the Bastile is by ordinary the reward of common-sense when manifested by a Frenchman. What the devil, monsieur! The Duchess' uncle, Maréchal de Richelieu, has been there four times, and Gaston himself, if I am not mistaken, has sojourned there twice. And neither is one whit4 the worse for it."
"Dieu m'en garde!" The Marquis was appalled47. "Nay48, monsieur, merely an unforeseeable attack of heart-disease."
"Ah! ah!" said John Bulmer, very slowly. He presently resumed: "Afterward the Duchesse de Puysange will be a widow. And already she is fond of you; but unfortunately the Duchess—with every possible deference,—is a trifle prudish49. I see it all now, quite plainly; and out of pure friendliness50, I warn you that in my opinion the Duchess is hopelessly in love with her husband."
"We should suspect no well bred lady of provincialism," returned the Marquis, "and so I shall take my chance. Believe me, Monsieur le Duc, I profoundly regret that you and Gaston must be sacrificed in order to afford me this same chance."
But John Bulmer was chuckling51. "My faith!" he said, and softly chafed52 his hands together, "how sincerely you will be horrified53 when your impetuous error is discovered—just too late! You were merely endeavoring to serve your beloved Gaston and the Duke of Ormskirk when you hanged the rascal54 who had impudently55 stolen the woman intended to cement their friendship! The Duke fell a victim to his own folly56, and you acted precipitately57, perhaps, but out of pure zeal58. You will probably weep. Meanwhile your lettre-de-cachet is on the road, and presently Gaston, too, is trapped and murdered. You weep yet more tears—oh, vociferous59 tears!—-and the Duchess succumbs60 to you because you were so devotedly61 attached to her former husband. And England will sit snug62 while France reconquers Europe. Monsieur, I make you my compliments on one of the tidiest plots ever brooded over."
"It rejoices me," the Marquis returned, "that a conspirator63 of many years' standing64 should commend my maiden65 effort." He rose. "And now, Monsieur d'Ormskirk," he continued, with extended hand, "matters being thus amicably66 adjusted, shall we say adieu?"
John Bulmer considered. "Well,—no!" said he, at last; "I commend your cleverness, Monsieur de Soyecourt, but as concerns your hand I must confess to a distaste."
The Marquis smiled. "Because at the bottom of your heart you despise me," he said. "Ah, believe me, monsieur, your contempt for de Soyecourt is less great than mine. And yet I have a weakness for him,—a weakness which induces me to indulge all his desires."
He bowed with ceremony and left the garden.
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1
dungeon
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| n.地牢，土牢 | |
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2
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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whit
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| n.一点，丝毫 | |
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brawny
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| adj.强壮的 | |
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nostrils
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| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
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7
spurted
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| （液体，火焰等）喷出，（使）涌出( spurt的过去式和过去分词 )； （短暂地）加速前进，冲刺 | |
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8
gaping
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| adj.口的；张口的；敞口的；多洞穴的v.目瞪口呆地凝视( gape的现在分词 )；张开，张大 | |
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patriotism
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| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
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10
bereft
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| adj.被剥夺的 | |
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appreciation
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| n.评价；欣赏；感谢；领会，理解；价格上涨 | |
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12
chuckled
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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14
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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entreat
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| v.恳求，恳请 | |
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beleaguered
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| adj.受到围困[围攻]的；包围的v.围攻( beleaguer的过去式和过去分词)；困扰；骚扰 | |
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17
fortifying
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| 筑防御工事于( fortify的现在分词 )； 筑堡于； 增强； 强化（食品） | |
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18
sniffing
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| n.探查法v.以鼻吸气，嗅，闻( sniff的现在分词 )；抽鼻子（尤指哭泣、患感冒等时出声地用鼻子吸气）；抱怨，不以为然地说 | |
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deign
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| v. 屈尊, 惠允 ( 做某事) | |
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converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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21
premature
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| adj.比预期时间早的；不成熟的，仓促的 | |
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equity
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| n.公正，公平，（无固定利息的）股票 | |
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reprieve
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| n.暂缓执行（死刑）；v.缓期执行；给…带来缓解 | |
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24
unwilling
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| adj.不情愿的 | |
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desolated
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| adj.荒凉的，荒废的 | |
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26
dictate
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| v.口授；(使)听写；指令，指示，命令 | |
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27
motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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28
astounded
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| v.使震惊(astound的过去式和过去分词)；愕然；愕；惊讶 | |
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29
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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30
diplomacy
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| n.外交；外交手腕，交际手腕 | |
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31
modesty
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| n.谦逊，虚心，端庄，稳重，羞怯，朴素 | |
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32
meddle
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| v.干预，干涉，插手 | |
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thigh
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| n.大腿；股骨 | |
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behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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participation
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| n.参与，参加，分享 | |
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36
verity
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| n.真实性 | |
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37
shrugged
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| vt.耸肩（shrug的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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38
lamented
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| adj.被哀悼的，令人遗憾的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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39
coup
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| n.政变；突然而成功的行动 | |
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40
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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41
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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42
assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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43
imprisonment
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| n.关押，监禁，坐牢 | |
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44
sipped
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| v.小口喝，呷，抿( sip的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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45
formerly
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| adv.从前，以前 | |
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46
eyebrow
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| n.眉毛，眉 | |
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47
appalled
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| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的过去式和过去分词)adj.惊骇的；丧胆的 | |
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48
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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49
prudish
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| adj.装淑女样子的，装规矩的，过分规矩的；adv.过分拘谨地 | |
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50
friendliness
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| n.友谊，亲切，亲密 | |
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51
chuckling
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| 轻声地笑( chuckle的现在分词 ) | |
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52
chafed
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| v.擦热（尤指皮肤）( chafe的过去式 )；擦痛；发怒；惹怒 | |
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53
horrified
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| a.(表现出)恐惧的 | |
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54
rascal
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| n.流氓；不诚实的人 | |
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impudently
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56
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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precipitately
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| adv.猛进地 | |
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58
zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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vociferous
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| adj.喧哗的，大叫大嚷的 | |
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60
succumbs
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| 不再抵抗（诱惑、疾病、攻击等）( succumb的第三人称单数 )； 屈从； 被压垮； 死 | |
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61
devotedly
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| 专心地； 恩爱地； 忠实地； 一心一意地 | |
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snug
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| adj.温暖舒适的，合身的，安全的；v.使整洁干净，舒适地依靠，紧贴；n.（英）酒吧里的私房 | |
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conspirator
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| n.阴谋者，谋叛者 | |
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64
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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66
amicably
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| adv.友善地 | |
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