7/9 "I bring news entirely composed of personal facts. Nevertheless, I hope that your majesty will listen to the facts and news with some favor." "Speak, monsieur." "If I am not mistaken, sire, your majesty spoke a great deal at Blois, of the embarrassed state in which the affairs of England are." Charles colored. "Monsieur," said he, "it was to the king of France I related--" "Oh! your majesty is mistaken," said the musketeer, coolly; "I know how to speak to kings in misfortune. It is only when they are in misfortune that they speak to me; once fortunate, they look upon me no more. I have, then, for your majesty, not only the greatest respect, but, still more, the most absolute devotion; and that, believe me, with me, sire, means something. |