"Certainly; but if you love me as much as you say," replied d'Artagnan, "do you not entertain a little fear on my account?"
"What have I to fear?"
"Why, that I may be dangerously wounded—killed even."
"Impossible!" cried Milady, "you are such a valiant man, and such an expert swordsman."
"You would not, then, prefer a method," resumed d'Artagnan, "which would equally avenge you while rendering the combat useless?"
Milady looked at her lover in silence. The pale light of the first rays of day gave to her clear eyes a strangely frightful expression.