.

The Recital.
The maliciousness of the cardinal did not leave much for the ambassador to say; nevertheless, the word "restoration" had struck the king, who, addressing the comte, upon whom his eyes had been fixed since his entrance,--"Monsieur," said he, "will you have the kindness to give us some details concerning the affairs of England.

You come from that country, you are a Frenchman, and the orders which I see glittering upon your person announce you to be a man of merit as well as a man of quality." "Monsieur," said the cardinal, turning towards the queen-mother, "is an ancient servant of your majesty's, Monsieur le Comte de la Fere." Anne of Austria was as oblivious as a queen whose life had been mingled with fine and stormy days.

She looked at Mazarin, whose evil smile promised her something disagreeable; then she solicited from Athos, by another look, an explanation.
"Monsieur," continued the cardinal, "was a Treville musketeer, in the service of the late king.

Monsieur is well acquainted with England, whither he has made several voyages at various periods; he is a subject of the highest merit." These words made allusion to all the memories which Anne of Austria trembled to evoke.