“Our own time passes more pleasantly from being fully occupied, and from consciousness that we are doing our duty.  As to the regiment in general, the benefit has been enormous.  The men seem pleased with the interest shown in them, as much as with the comfort that they now enjoy, and they in turn endeavour to satisfy us, both by their attention to drill, by their bearing and manner, and by their avoidance of giving any cause for complaint.  All this, monsieur, has been your work, and I am sure that we are all conscious of the difference of the display we made in the park, and that which we should have shown had it not been for the reforms which have been introduced by you.  We all trust that the day may not be far distant when we shall be able to prove on the field of battle the same efficiency that has won us credit upon the parade ground.”

“I thank you heartily, Captain de Thiou, for what you have been good enough to say on your own behalf and that of the officers of the regiment.  I can only say that I have endeavoured to act up to the teaching of Monsieur de Turenne, and I felt sure that although my methods might at first seem irksome to some of you, their value would gradually become appreciated.  I am scarcely less pleased at the decrease in drunkenness, and at the general improvement in the men, than by the increase of discipline and efficiency.”

“Do you mean to come to Paris, colonel?” De Thiou asked presently.

“No; I shall remain here.  I shall ride in every day, but my presence will be more necessary with the regiment than with only two companies.  You as senior officer will be responsible for the general order of the detachment.”

Hector rode in the next day with his men, and after seeing them comfortably lodged in barracks, returned to St. Denis.  A week later reports reached St. Denis of a strange scene at the court.  The haughty and insolent Duchess of Monthazon, who belonged to the party of the Importants, had the impertinence to insult the queen grossly in the gardens of the Tuileries.  She had at once been disgraced and ordered to retire to Rochfield, and the Duke of Beaufort and his friends were furious at this exercise of Mazarin’s authority.  The next day Hector received a message asking him to call at the Hotel de Cleves, the cardinal’s residence.  On his presenting himself, he was at once shown into Mazarin’s private apartments.

“Monsieur de Villar,” Mazarin said, “I am sorely in need of friends.  You have heard of what has happened, and from the threats that he has publicly uttered against myself I am convinced that Beaufort will hesitate at nothing to bring about my ruin.  I hear that you are still with your regiment at St. Denis.  I shall be glad if for a time you will take up your abode at Paris, and will hold yourself in readiness to be of service to me if there should be occasion.  Beaufort is capable of even attempting my life; he is very unscrupulous, and will hesitate at nothing.  I shall be glad if you will take up your lodging within a short distance of this, so that I can communicate with you instantly.”