"And you do not know anything more, then ?" "In what respect, sire ?" "In the very interesting respect which you are now referring to." "What does your majesty wish to know ?" "Why, the name of the man with whom La Valliere is in love, and whom De Guiche's adversary disputed her right to love." "Sire, I know nothing--I have heard nothing--and have learned nothing, even accidentally; but De Guiche is a noble-hearted fellow, and if, momentarily, he substituted himself in the place or stead of La Valliere's protector, it was because that protector was himself of too exalted a position to undertake her defense." These words were more than transparent; they made the king blush, but this time with pleasure.

He struck Manicamp gently on the shoulder.
"Well, well, Monsieur de Manicamp, you are not only a ready, witty fellow, but a brave gentleman besides, and your friend De Guiche is a paladin quite after my own heart; you will express that to him from me." "Your majesty forgives me, then ?" "Completely." "And I am free ?" The king smiled and held out his hand to Manicamp, which he took and kissed respectfully.

"And then," added the king, "you relate stories so charmingly." "I, sire!" "You told me in the most admirable manner the particulars of the accident which happened to Guiche.

I can see the wild boar rushing out of the wood--I can see the horse fall down, and the boar rush from the horse to the rider.

You do not simply relate a story well, but you positively paint its incidents." "Sire, I think your majesty deigns to laugh at my expense." "On the contrary," said Louis, seriously, "I have so little intention of laughing, Monsieur de Manicamp, that I wish you to relate this adventure to every one." "The adventure of the hunt ?" "Yes; in the same manner you told it to me, without changing a single word--you understand." "Perfectly, sire." "And you will relate it, then ?" "Without losing a minute." "Very well! and now summon M.d'Artagnan: I hope you are no longer afraid of him." "Oh! sire, from the very moment I am sure of your majesty's kind dispositions, I no longer fear anything!" "Call him, then," said the king.
Manicamp opened the door, and said, "Gentlemen, the king wishes you to return." D'Artagnan, Saint-Aignan and Valot entered.
"Gentlemen," said the king, "I summoned you for the purpose of saying that Monsieur de Manicamp's explanation has entirely satisfied me." D'Artagnan glanced at Valot and Saint-Aignan, as much as to say, "Well! did I not tell you so ?" The king led Manicamp to the door, and then in a low tone of voice, said, "See that M.de Guiche takes good care of himself, and, particularly that he recovers as soon as possible; I am very desirous of thanking him in the name of every lady, but let him take special care that he does not begin again." "Were he to die a hundred times, sire, he would begin again if your majesty's honor were in any way called in question." This remark was direct enough.