h. And he promptly expedited his court, to
return to his Frenchmen, as he called them. "Monsieur d'Artagnan," said
he, as he entered his closet, "I am glad to see you again."

"Sire, my joy is at its height, at having the honor to salute your
majesty in your own palace of St. James's."

"Monsieur, you have been willing to render me a great service, and I owe
you my gratitude for it. If I did not fear to intrude upon the rights of
our commanding general, I would offer you some post worthy of you near
our person."

"Sire," replied D'Artagnan, "I have quitted the service of the king of
France, making a promise to my prince not to serve any other king."

"Humph!" said Charles, "I am sorry to hear that; I should like to do
much for you; I like you very much."

"Sire----"

"But let us see," said Charles with a smile, "if we cannot make you
break your word. Duke, assist me. If you were offered, that is to say,
if I offered you the chief command of my musketeers?" D'Artagnan bowed
lower than before.

"I should have the regret to refuse what your gracious majesty would
offer me," said he; "a gentleman has but his word, and that word, as
I have had the honor to tell your majesty, is engaged to the king of
France."

"We shall say no more about it, then," said the king, turning
towards Athos, and leaving D'Artagnan plunged in the deepest pangs of
disappointment.

"Ah! I said so!" muttered the musketeer. "Words! words! Court holy
water! Kings have always a marvellous talent for offering us that which
they know we will not accept, and in appearing generous without risk. So
be it!--triple fool that I was to have hoped for a moment!"

During this time Charles took the hand of Athos. "Comte," said he, "you
have been to me a second father; the services you have rendered me are
above all price. I have, nevertheless, thought of a recompense. You were
created by my father a Knight of the Garter---that is an order which all
the kings of Europe cannot bear; by the queen regent, Knight of the Holy
Ghost--which is an order not less illustrious; I join to it that of the
Golden Fleece sent me by the king of France, to whom the king of Spain,
his father-in-law, gave two on the occasion of his marriage; but in
return, I have a service to ask of you."

"Sire," said Athos, with confusion, "the Golden Fleece for me! when
the king of France is the only person in my country who enjoys that
distinction?"

"I wish you to be in your country