The officer of musketeers, on seeing him pass by thus pale, bowed almost to his knees as he saluted him.

He then took a flambeau, called two musketeers, and descended the deserted staircase with the unfortunate king, holding in his left hand his hat, the plume of which swept the steps.

Arrived at the door, the musketeer asked the king which way he was going, that he might direct the musketeers.
"Monsieur," replied Charles II., in a subdued voice, "you who have known my father, say, did you ever pray for him?
If you have done so, do not forget me in your prayers.

Now, I am going alone, and beg of you not to accompany me, or have me accompanied any further." The officer bowed and sent away the musketeers into the interior of the palace.

But he himself remained an instant under the porch watching the departing Charles II., till he was lost in the turn of the next street.
"To him as to his father formerly," murmured he, "Athos, if he were here, would say with reason,--'Salute fallen majesty!'" Then, reascending the staircase: "Oh! the vile service that I follow!" said he at every step.