by Alexandre Dumas

“ How much do you want?"
"All you have in gold."
"I have five hundred pistoles, or thereabouts."
"I have as much. With a thousand pistoles one may face everything. Empty your pockets."
"There."
"Right. And you go--"
"In an hour--time to eat a morsel, during which I shall send for a post horse."
"Capital! Adieu, Chevalier."
"Adieu, Countess."
"Commend me to the cardinal."
"Commend me to Satan."
Milady and Rochefort exchanged a smile and separated. An hour afterward Rochefort set out at a grand gallop; five hours after that he passed through Arras. ”

“ There is nothing compromising in the name of a town. Is it not so?"
"Eh, who knows? Never mind," said Milady, writing the name on half a sheet of paper; "I will compromise myself."
"Well," said Rochefort, taking the paper from Milady, folding it, and placing it in the lining of his hat, "you may be easy. I will do as children do, for fear of losing the paper--repeat the name along the route. Now, is that all?"
"I believe so."
"Let us see: Buckingham dead or grievously wounded; your conversation with the cardinal overheard by the four Musketeers ”

“ A PROPOS, add one thing--"
"What?"
"I saw some very pretty woods which almost touch the convent garden. Say that I am permitted to walk in those woods. Who knows? Perhaps I shall stand in need of a back door for retreat."
"You think of everything." ”