“Yes, monsieur, and I remember I was much pleased with you.”

D’Artagnan bowed.  “It was my duty to behave as I did, the moment I knew that I had the honor of being near your majesty.”

“You bring me news, do you say?”

“Yes, sire.”

“From the king of France?”

“Ma foi! no, sire,” replied D’Artagnan.  “Your majesty must have seen yonder that the king of France is only occupied with his own majesty.”

Charles raised his eyes towards heaven.

“No, sire, no,” continued D’Artagnan.  “I bring news entirely composed of personal facts.  Nevertheless, I hope that your majesty will listen to the facts and news with some favor.”

“Speak, monsieur.”

“If I am not mistaken, sire, your majesty spoke a great deal at Blois, of the embarrassed state in which the affairs of England are.”

Charles colored.  “Monsieur,” said he, “it was to the king of France I related — "

“Oh! your majesty is mistaken,” said the musketeer, coolly; “I know how to speak to kings in misfortune.  It is only when they are in misfortune that they speak to me; once fortunate, they look upon me no more.  I have, then, for your majesty, not only the greatest respect, but, still more, the most absolute devotion; and that, believe me, with me, sire, means something.  Now, hearing your majesty complain of fate, I found that you were noble and generous, and bore misfortune well.”

“In truth!” said Charles, much astonished, “I do not know which I ought to prefer, your freedoms or your respects.”

“You will choose presently, sire,” said D’Artagnan.  “Then your majesty complained to your brother, Louis XIV., of the difficulty you experienced in returning to England and regaining your throne for want of men and money.”

Charles allowed a movement of impatience to escape him.

“And the principal object your majesty found in your way,” continued D’Artagnan, “was a certain general commanding the armies of the parliament, and who was playing yonder the part of another Cromwell.  Did not your majesty say so?”

“Yes; but I repeat to you, monsieur, those words were for the king’s ears alone.”

“And you will see, sire, that it is very fortunate that they fell into those of his lieutenant of musketeers.  That man so troublesome to your majesty was one General Monk, I believe; did I not hear his name correctly, sire?”

“Yes, monsieur, but once more, to what purpose are all these questions.”

“Oh!  I know very well, sire, that etiquette will not allow kings to be questioned.  I hope, however, presently you will pardon my want of etiquette.  Your majesty added that, notwithstanding, if you could see him, confer with him, and meet him face to face, you would triumph, either by force or persuasion, over that obstacle — the only serious one, the only insurmountable one, the only real one you met with on your road.”