"I set out hastily, it is true: but the service of King Charles II.

required a prompt departure.

As to your anxiety, I thank you for it, and I know that I can depend on you.

You have not wanted for anything, vicomte, in my absence, have you ?" "No, monsieur, thank you." "I left orders with Blaisois to pay you a hundred pistoles, if you should stand in need of money." "Monsieur, I have not seen Blaisois." "You have been without money, then ?" "Monsieur, I had thirty pistoles left from the sale of the horses I took in my last campaign, and M.le Prince had the kindness to allow me to win two hundred pistoles at his play-table three months ago." "Do you play?
I don't like that, Raoul." "I never play, monsieur; it was M.le Prince who ordered me to hold his cards at Chantilly--one night when a courier came to him from the king.
I won, and M.le Prince commanded me to take the stakes." "Is that a practice in the household, Raoul ?" asked Athos with a frown.
"Yes, monsieur; every week M.le Prince affords, upon one occasion or another, a similar advantage to one of his gentlemen.

There are fifty gentlemen in his highness's household; it was my turn." "Very well! You went into Spain, then ?" "Yes, monsieur, I made a very delightful and interesting journey." "You have been back a month, have you not ?" "Yes, monsieur." "And in the course of that month ?" "In that month--" "What have you done ?" "My duty, monsieur." "Have you not been home, to La Fere ?" Raoul colored.