Then the young woman confided in him the terrible secret of which chance had already communicated to him a part in front of the Samaritaine. This was their mutual declaration of love. D’Artagnan was radiant with joy and pride. This secret which he possessed, this woman whom he loved! Confidence and love made him a giant. “I go,” said he; “I go at once.” “How, you will go!” said Mme. Bonacieux; “and your regiment, your captain?” “By my soul, you had made me forget all that, dear Constance! Yes, you are right; a furlough is needful.” “Still another obstacle,” murmured Mme. Bonacieux, sorrowfully. “As to that,” cried D’Artagnan, after a moment of reflection, “I shall surmount it, be assured.” “How so?” “I will go this very evening to Tréville, whom I will request to ask this favor for me of his brother-in-law, Monsieur Dessessart.” “But another thing.” “What?” asked D’Artagnan, seeing that Mme. Bonacieux hesitated to continue. “You have, perhaps, no money?” “_Perhaps_ is too much,” said D’Artagnan, smiling. “Then,” replied Mme. Bonacieux, opening a cupboard and taking from it the very bag which a half hour before her husband had caressed so affectionately, “take this bag.” “The cardinal’s?” cried D’Artagnan, breaking into a loud laugh, he having heard, as may be remembered, thanks to the broken boards, every syllable of the conversation between the mercer and his wife. “The cardinal’s,” replied Mme. Bonacieux. “You see it makes a very respectable appearance.” “_Pardieu_,” cried D’Artagnan, “it will be a double amusing affair to save the queen with the cardinal’s money!” “You are an amiable and charming young man,” said Mme. Bonacieux. “Be assured you will not find her Majesty ungrateful.” “Oh, I am already grandly recompensed!” cried D’Artagnan. “I love you; you permit me to tell you that I do—that is already more happiness than I dared to hope.” “Silence!” said Mme. Bonacieux, starting. “What!” “Someone is talking in the street.” “It is the voice of—” “Of my husband! Yes, I recognize it!” D’Artagnan ran to the door and pushed the bolt. “He shall not come in before I am gone,” said he; “and when I am gone, you can open to him.” “But I ought to be gone, too. And the disappearance of his money; how am I to justify it if I am here?” “You are right; we must go out.” “Go out? How? He will see us if we go out.” “Then you must come up into my room.” “Ah,” said Mme. Bonacieux, “you speak that in a tone that frightens me!” Mme. Bonacieux pronounced these words with tears in her eyes. D’Artagnan saw those tears, and much disturbed, softened, he threw himself at her feet. “With me you will be as safe as in a temple; I give you my word of a gentleman.” “Let us go,” said she, “I place full confidence in you, my friend!” D’Artagnan drew back the bolt with precaution, and both, light as shadows, glided through the interior door into the passage, ascended the stairs as quietly as possible, and entered D’Artagnan’s chambers.