d Chavigny had in vain urged him to
adopt. He was handsomely dressed, for he knew that Conde would be
surrounded by many of the young nobles of France. He wore his broad hat
with feather; his helmet and armour being carried, together with his
valises, on a sumpter mule led by Paolo.

Putting up at an hotel, he made his way to the house occupied by Enghien
and the marshal. It was crowded by young officers, many of whom were
waiting in an anteroom. On one of the duke's chamberlains approaching
him Hector gave his name, and requested him to deliver Viscount
Turenne's letter to the prince. In a few minutes his name was called,
to the surprise of those who had been waiting for some time for an
interview. Enghien was seated at a table, from which he rose as Hector
entered.

"I am glad to see you, Captain Campbell, both for your own sake and
for that of Turenne, whom I greatly love and admire. As I was with
Mielleraye during the campaign in the south, while you were with
Turenne, we did not meet there, for though he once rode over and stayed
for a few days you did not accompany him. But he has told me of your
adventure at Turin, and has spoken of your diligent studies and your
desire to learn all that is known of the art of war. I shall be glad
indeed to have you riding with me, for I, too, am a diligent student in
the art, though until last year I had no opportunity whatever of gaining
practical knowledge. I envy Turenne his good fortune in having been sent
to begin to learn his duty when he was but fourteen. He tells me that
you were but a year older when you rode to Italy with him. It humiliates
me to think that while I am sent to command an army simply because my
father is a prince of the blood, Turenne gained every step by merit, and
is a general in spite of the fact that his brother was an enemy of the
cardinal and defied alike his power and that of the king. However, I
hope to show that I am not altogether unworthy of my position; and at
least, like Turenne, I can lead my troops into battle, and fight in
their front, even if I cannot always come out victorious. Where have you
put up your horses? With the best will in the world, I cannot put either
room or stable at your disposal today, for I believe that every cupboard
in the house is occupied; but at our halting place tomorrow we shall be
under canvas, and a tent shall be assigned to you."

"I thank you, sir. I have fortunately been able to find quarters at an
inn."