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