e of
having at least one friend in the vast building.

It was strange, too, what a difference his friendship made in my
position. Gaily-dressed young nobles, who, after a glance at my shabby
doublet, had passed by without a word, now stopped and entered into
conversation, pressing me to come here and there, as if I were their
most intimate friend.

However, I declined their invitations, thinking it best to keep in the
background till I had learned more of the Cardinal's intentions.

CHAPTER V.

The Reception at the Luxembourg.

"Albert? Is it possible?"

"Even so. Are you surprised to see that the daw has become a peacock?"

A week had passed since my midnight adventure, and I was taking the air
in the public gardens. Many richly-dressed cavaliers were strolling
about, and among them I recognised my friend Raoul Beauchamp. He saw
me almost at the same time, and, leaving his comrades, came over
instantly.

"I' faith," said he merrily, "a very handsome one, too! For a
country-bred youngster you have not done badly. Let us take a stroll
on the Pont Neuf while you tell your story. I am dying of curiosity.
Do you know you have made a splash in the world?"

"A truce to flattery, Raoul," I laughed.

"It is a fact, my dear fellow. In certain circles you are the mystery
of the day. Your cousin Henri growls like a savage bear at your name;
Armand d'Arcy does nothing but laugh and call himself an oaf; while
only last night De Retz declared you were worth your weight in gold.
And, to make matters worse, no one could say whether you were free or
in the Bastille! Anyway, I am glad you have not joined Mazarin's
Guards."

"Why?"

"Because you should be one of us, and we are opposed to Mazarin."

"The Cardinal is a well-hated man!"

"A wretched Italian priest! The nation will have none of him. Before
long France will be quit of Mazarin."

"And what will happen then?"

"_Ma foi!_ I know not," replied Raoul, "except that the Duke of
Orleans will take his rightful place, as the King's uncle, at the head
of affairs. Parliament, of course, will have to be suppressed, Conde
bought over--as usual he will want the lion's share of the
spoils--while De Retz must be kept quiet with a Cardinal's hat. He
expects to be made minister in Mazarin's stead, but that is a fool's
dream."

"But, suppose that, after all, Mazarin should win the game?"

"Bah! it is impossible. We are too strong for him. I will te