You shall find I did not empty the bag, the other day, at Blois." Louis rose from his seat, passed his hand over his brow, then, stopping opposite to D'Artagnan, he looked at him with an air at once imperious and kind, "What the devil does he want with me?
I wish he would begin!" thought the musketeer.
"Monsieur," said the king, "you know, without doubt, that monsieur le cardinal is dead ?" "I suspected so, sire." "You know that, consequently, I am master in my own kingdom ?" "That is not a thing that dates from the death of monsieur le cardinal, sire; a man is always master in his own house, when he wishes to be so." "Yes; but do you not remember all you said to me at Blois ?" "Now we come to it," thought D'Artagnan; "I was not deceived.

Well, so much the better, it is a sign that my scent is tolerably keen yet." "You do not answer me," said Louis.
"Sire, I think I recollect." "You only think ?" "It is so long ago." "If you do not remember, I do.

You said to me,--listen with attention." "Ah! I shall listen with all my ears, sire; for it is very likely the conversation will turn in a fashion very interesting to me." Louis once more looked at the musketeer.

The latter smoothed the feather of his hat, then his mustache, and waited bravely.

Louis XIV.