The king was pleased with his intention; and the queen appeared no less satisfied.  He assured her that he would bring her good news; and she promised to embrace him, if he was as good as his word.  The Cardinal made the same promise:  to the latter, however, he did not pay much attention; yet he believed it sincere, because the keeping of it would cost him nothing.

He set out in the dusk of the evening with Caseau, whom Monsieur de Turenne had sent express to their majesties.  The Duke of York, and the Marquis d’Humieres, commanded under the Marshal:  the latter was upon duty when the Chevalier arrived, it being scarce daylight.  The Duke of York did not at first recollect him; but the Marquis d’Humieres, running to him with open arms, “I thought,” said he, “if any man came from court to pay us a visit upon such an occasion as this, it would be the Chevalier de Grammont.  Well,” continued he, “what are they doing at Peronne?”

[Louis de Crevans, Marechal of France.  He died 1694.  Voltaire says of him, that he was the first who, at the siege of Arras, in 1658, was served in silver in the trenches, and had ragouts and entremets served up to his table.]

“They are in great consternation,” replied the Chevalier.  “And what do they think of us?” “They think,” said he, “that if you beat the Prince, you will do no more than your duty; if you are beaten, they will think you fools and madmen, thus to have risked everything, without considering the consequences.”  “Truly,” said the Marquis, “you bring us very comfortable news.  Will you now go to Monsieur de Turenne’s quarters, to acquaint him with it; or will you choose rather to repose yourself in mine? for you have been riding post all last night, and perhaps did not experience much rest in the preceding.”  “Where have you heard that the Chevalier de Grammont had ever any occasion for sleep?” replied he:  “Only order me a horse, that I may have the honour to attend the Duke of York; for, most likely, he is not in the field so early, except to visit some posts.”

The advanced guard was only at cannon shot from that of the enemy.  As soon as they arrived there, “I should like,” said the Chevalier de Grammont, “to advance as far as the sentry which is posted on that eminence:  I have some friends and acquaintance in their army, whom I should wish to inquire after:  I hope the Duke of York will give me permission.”  At these words he advanced.  The sentry, seeing him come forward directly to his post, stood upon his guard the Chevalier stopped as soon as he was within shot of him.  The sentry answered the sign which was made to him, and made another to the officer, who had begun to advance as soon as he had seen the Chevalier come forward, and was soon up with him; but seeing the Chevalier de Grammont alone, he made no difficulty to let him approach.  He desired leave of this officer to inquire after some relations he had in their army, and at the same time asked if the Duke d’Arscot