At the sound of his footsteps, the Comte de la Fere raised his head, and seeing an unknown man of noble and elegant carriage coming towards him, he raised his hat and waited.

At some paces from him, Charles II.

likewise took off his hat.

Then, as if in reply to the comte's mute interrogation,-- "Monsieur le Comte," said he, "I come to discharge a duty towards you.
I have, for a long time, had the expression of a profound gratitude to bring you.

I am Charles II., son of Charles Stuart, who reigned in England, and died on the scaffold." On hearing this illustrious name, Athos felt a kind of shudder creep through his veins, but at the sight of the young prince standing uncovered before him, and stretching out his hand towards him, two tears, for an instant, dimmed his brilliant eyes.