—­ he had for two years guarded the Rhine frontier from invasion by the united forces of Bavaria and Austria.  Hector’s regiment had been left at Philippsburg when Turenne marched away; but the marshal told him that there was no occasion whatever for him to remain with it during the winter.  He thought indeed that it would be advantageous that he should pay a short visit to Paris, present himself to Mazarin, and then go down and see how matters fared with the estate, to which he had paid but a flying visit.  He therefore set out without delay, Turenne entrusting him with some despatches to the cardinal.

“They are of no great importance,” he said, “but it is always well for an officer returning to Paris to carry despatches with him.  It shows that he has the hearty approval of his commander in leaving his post for a while, and that he has distinguished himself in a special degree to be thus selected.  I have several times in my despatches had occasion to speak of the excellent service rendered by your regiment, and it will ensure you a good reception at court.  Besides, Mazarin is evidently disposed to regard you with special favour, and an occasional visit keeps that feeling alive, whereas it naturally cools down after a prolonged absence.  Therefore in every respect it is as well that you should show yourself in Paris for a short time before going down to Poitou, where I hear there have been some troublesome risings of the peasantry.  The province, being broken and hilly for the most part, offers considerable advantages to irregular forces, who move unencumbered with baggage, and against whom cavalry cannot well act.  I do not know that any of these troubles have occurred in the neighbourhood of your estate, but you would naturally wish to see for yourself how matters are going on.”

“It seems more than two years since we left here, master,” Paolo said, as they rode into Paris.

“It does indeed.  It is more than six years now since I first rode away with Turenne, and a month later you entered my service.  We have gone through a good deal together since those days, Paolo.”

“Yes, indeed, sir.  It was a fortunate day for me when my brother took me to your quarters.”

“It has been quite as fortunate for me, Paolo.  I doubt whether I should ever have proposed undertaking to carry Turenne’s message into the citadel of Turin had I not felt that I could rely upon you as my companion in the business, and it was that which gave me my first step.  Since then you have always been by my side, and have more than once saved my life.”

On reaching Mazarin’s hotel Hector found that he was at the Louvre, and immediately went there, and as bearer of despatches from the army was at once introduced to the minister’s apartment.

“Come with me at once to the queen’s closet,” the cardinal said as he entered.  “She has just sent for me, and her majesty, being at once a woman and a queen, does not like being kept waiting.  She always wishes to receive the first news from the army, therefore I can venture to take you with me without asking her permission.