ng had happened. "You see that, with respect to money, there is
already a notable change."

"Something to the tune of from zero to eighteen millions," replied the
musketeer, gayly. "Ah! that was what your majesty wanted the day King
Charles II. came to Blois. The two states would not have been embroiled
to-day; for I must say, that there also I see another stumbling-block."

"Well, in the first place," replied Louis, "you are unjust, monsieur;
for, if Providence had made me able to give my brother the million that
day, you would not have quitted my service, and, consequently, you would
not have made your fortune, as you told me just now you have done. But,
in addition to this, I have had another piece of good fortune; and my
difference with Great Britain need not alarm you."

A valet de chambre interrupted the king by announcing M. Lyonne. "Come
in, monsieur," said the king; "you are punctual; that is like a good
servant. Let us see your letter to my brother Charles II."

D'Artagnan pricked up his ears. "A moment, monsieur," said Louis,
carelessly to the Gascon, "I must expedite to London my consent to the
marriage of my brother, M. le Duc d'Anjou, with the Princess Henrietta
Stuart."

"He is knocking me about, it seems," murmured D'Artagnan, whilst the
king signed the letter, and dismissed M. de Lyonne, "but, ma foi! the
more he knocks me about in this manner, the better I like it."

The king followed M. de Lyonne with his eyes, till the door was
closed behind him; he even made three steps, as if he would follow the
minister, but, after these three steps, stopping, pausing, and coming
back to the musketeer,--"Now, monsieur," said he, "let us hasten to
terminate our affair. You told me the other day, at Blois, that you were
not rich?"

"But I am now, sire."

"Yes, but that does not concern me; you have your own money, not mine;
that does not enter into my account."

"I do not well understand what your majesty means."

"Then, instead of leaving you to draw out words, speak, spontaneously.
Should you be satisfied with twenty thousand livres a year as a fixed
income?"

"But, sire," said D'Artagnan, opening his eyes to the utmost.

"Would you be satisfied with four horses furnished and kept, and with
a supplement of funds such as you might require, according to occasions
and needs, or would you prefer a fixed sum which would be, for example,
forty thousand livres? Answer."

"Sire, your majesty----"

"Yes,