I will speak the truth, then, to my king, at the same time imploring him to excuse the frankness of an old soldier." Louis looked at his officer with anxiety, which he manifested by the agitation of his gesture.

"Well, then, speak," said he, "for I am impatient to hear the truths you have to tell me." The officer threw his hat upon a table, and his countenance, always so intelligent and martial, assumed, all at once, a strange character of grandeur and solemnity.

"Sire," said he, "I quit the king's service because I am dissatisfied.

The valet, in these times, can approach his master as respectfully as I do, can give him an account of his labor, bring back his tools, return the funds that have been intrusted to him, and say 'Master, my day's work is done.

Pay me, if you please, and let us part.'" "Monsieur! monsieur!" exclaimed the king, crimson with rage.
"Ah! sire," replied the officer, bending his knee for a moment, "never was servant more respectful than I am before your majesty; only you commanded me to tell the truth.