Besides," added he, in a low voice, "that would be a resolution, and no resolutions have been formed since Monsieur le Cardinal Richelieu died.

Now, with all his faults, that was a man! It is settled: to-morrow I will throw my cassock to the nettles." Then, reflecting: "No," said he, "not yet! I have one great trial to make and I will make it; but that, and I swear it, shall be the last, _Mordioux!_" He had not finished speaking when a voice issued from the king's chamber.

"Monsieur le lieutenant!" said this voice.
"Here I am," replied he.
"The king desires to speak to you." "Humph!" said the lieutenant; "perhaps of what I was thinking about." And he went into the king's apartment..