ship of France by proving himself able to
defeat all intrigues against him, and crush every enemy, even those of
the most exalted position. Mazarin has no such antecedents. He is not
even a Frenchman; he does not even look like a noble. That he is clever
we may be sure, or Richelieu would not have recommended him as his
successor. But I fancy that it is the cleverness of an adventurer, and
however adroit, an adventurer, and especially a foreign adventurer, will
not hold power in France very long without exciting the hatred of the
community and the hostility of the nobles. However, I suppose you are
remaining here for a time."

"That I do not know. I would rather return at once to the camp. But I
suppose I must wait for some intimation that I may do so. You see, I am
altogether out of my element in Paris, and I should feel particularly
uncomfortable at the court."

"Who would you rather go to, Enghien or Turenne?"

"Just at present there is more doing with Enghien than Turenne, and more
to learn, otherwise I would far rather be with Turenne. Enghien's camp
is too full of young nobles; and I should say that he would take but
little trouble in keeping order and repressing license. Turenne is by no
means unduly strict, but he enforces order, and sets us such an example
of earnestness and attention to work, himself, that he has a right to
expect the same, to some degree, of everyone under him."

"Where are you staying?"

"At the Hotel Conde. The prince was good enough this morning to ask me
to establish myself there while I remained in Paris, and I could not
very well decline his invitation."

"I should think not," one of the other officers laughed. "In these days
a powerful friend is of the greatest use. Without that one has not
much chance of advancement. Not that I want advancement; I would rather
remain as I am, a captain in the Scottish regiment, surrounded by good
and loyal friends and comrades, than be made a general. Still, one likes
to have a grumble sometimes at any rate."

"Well, Home," the colonel said, "Hector Campbell is a proof that even in
France merit will make its way. That Turenne should have taken a fancy
to him in the first place was fortunate. But Turenne would surely not
have promoted him to be a captain within three or four months of his
joining except for the marked bravery and diligence that he told us
he displayed at Turin; and I have no doubt that when we hear the
particulars we shall find