The king was working by the light of a lamp.

Papers were lying about upon his desk, and he had commenced the first copy of a letter which showed, by the numerous erasures, the trouble he had had in writing it.
"Come in, monsieur le chevalier," said he, turning around.

Then perceiving the fisherman, "What do you mean, Parry?
Where is M.le Chevalier d'Artagnan ?" asked Charles.
"He is before you, sire," said M.d'Artagnan.
"What, in that costume ?" "Yes; look at me, sire; do you not remember having seen me at Blois, in the ante-chamber of King Louis XIV. ?" "Yes, monsieur, and I remember I was much pleased with you." D'Artagnan bowed.

"It was my duty to behave as I did, the moment I knew that I had the honor of being near your majesty." "You bring me news, do you say ?" "Yes, sire." "From the king of France ?" "_Ma foi!_ no, sire," replied D'Artagnan.

"Your majesty must have seen yonder that the king of France is only occupied with his own majesty." Charles raised his eyes towards heaven.
"No, sire, no," continued D'Artagnan.