Page:Ten Years Later.djvu/15

Rh with a mistrust in which I recognize another character than your own. Monsieur Colbert, who has so well informed you, has he not forgotten to tell you that this young man is the son of my most intimate friend?" "The Vicomte de Bragelonne is?" "Certainly, sire. The father of the Vicomte de Bragelonne is Monsieur le Comte de la Fere, who so powerfully assisted in the restoration of King Charles II. Bragelonne is of a valiant race, sire." "Then he is the son of that nobleman who came to me, or rather, to Monsieur Mazarin, on the part of King Charles II., to offer me his alliance?" "Exactly, sire." "And the Comte de la Fere is a brave, say you?" "Sire, he is a man who has drawn his sword more times for the king, your father, than there are, at present, days in the happy life of your majesty." It was Louis XIV. who now bit his lips in his turn. "That is well. Monsieur d'Artagnan, very well! And Monsieur le Comte de la Fere is your friend, say you?" "For about forty years—yes, sire. Your majesty may see that I do not speak to you of yesterday." "Should you be glad to see this young man, Monsieur d'Artagnan?"  "Delighted, sire."  The king touched his bell, and an usher appeared. "Call Monsieur de Bragelonne," said the king. "Ah! ah! he is here?" said D'Artagnan. "He is on guard to-day at the Louvre, with the company of the gentlemen of Monsieur le Prince." The king had scarcely ceased speaking, when Raoul presented himself, and, on seeing D'Artagnan, smiled on him with that charming smile which is only found upon the lips of youth. "Come, come," said D'Artagnan familiarly, to Raoul, "the king will allow you to embrace me; only tell his majesty you thank him." Raoul bowed so gracefully that Louis, to whom all superior qualities were pleasing when they did not affect anything against his own, admired his beauty, strength, and modesty. "Monsieur," said the king, addressing Raoul, "I have asked Monsieur le Prince to be kind enough to give you up to me. I have received his reply, and you belong to me from this morning. Monsieur le Prince was a good master, but I hope you will not lose by the change."