“In my case envy is accompanied by the deepest animosity.  The great nobles find me an obstacle in the way of their grasping power, and they would hesitate at nothing to rid themselves of me.  Were it not for the support of the queen, my position would be untenable even for an hour.  Without me the queen herself would speedily become as much a cipher as she was so long as the weak king reigned.  We have need, both of us, of men of heart and devotion such as I take you to be.  I ask for no engagements, sir, but I felt that there was a genuine ring in your voice yesterday evening when you promised faithful service to her majesty, and I feel that if such service is needed you will be ready to render it.”

“I shall indeed, your eminence.  I cannot conceive that any circumstances can occur that would render such aid as I could offer of service to you, but be assured that should such an occasion arise, the queen may count upon me to render it to the extent of my life; and when I say the queen I, of course, include your eminence as her trusted adviser and supporter.”

“Well spoken, sir.  I believe your words, and it may be that the occasion is not so far distant as you may imagine.  Here is the box, sir.  By the way, it will, I am sure, be a pleasure for you to know that her majesty has the intention of creating the Viscount de Turenne field marshal as soon as he arrives in Paris.”

“It is indeed, monseigneur; never did a soldier better earn such honour.  There, indeed sir, is a true and noble heart, loyal to his duty beyond all things, adored by his soldiers, ready to serve under officers altogether inferior to himself, incapable of jealousy, and devoted to his sovereign and his country.”

“You do not speak too warmly of him,” the cardinal said; “and among all the difficulties of the situation there seems to be but one fixed point, and that point is that upon Monsieur de Turenne we can at least confidently rely.”

Hector felt that his audience was at an end, and taking the box from the table, and again thanking the cardinal for the honour bestowed upon him, he retired.  The cardinal’s chamberlain met him at the door.  “Will you step in here, monsieur le baron?” he said, and led the way into a small apartment.  “As a stranger to the court, monsieur, you are probably unaware of the value of the gift that has been granted to you, or of its duties and obligations.”

“Altogether, sir; beyond the fact that it is in Poitou, which her majesty mentioned yesterday, I know absolutely nothing about it.”

“Without being an estate of the first class,” the chamberlain said, “it is one which is of importance in its province.  The revenue is punctually paid and is amply sufficient to enable its lord to make a good figure at court, and to rank among the notables in the province.  It is a fief held directly from the crown; its owner is bound to furnish feudal service of twenty-five mounted men and twenty-five