e's, after which,
having attired himself in his new suit, he repaired with de Penthiere
and de Caussac to the Louvre. It was eight o'clock when they entered,
the reception rooms were already full, and the brilliancy of the
attire, both of the courtiers and ladies, seen by the light of great
chandeliers, was impressive in the extreme to one who had never seen any
gathering of the kind before. There was a little pause in the buzz of
conversation as the three officers entered, and Hector's two companions
were at once surrounded by friends, while he himself was joined by
Colonel Maclvor and the other two officers.

"You are the heroes of the evening, Campbell," the former said with a
laugh. "A dozen ladies have already asked me to present you to them."

"Well, please don't do so just now, colonel; let me look round first."

"That is but fair, Campbell. First, though, I will tell you a piece of
news that I have just heard. The queen sent off a messenger two days
ago to Turenne, and it is believed that he is to have the command of the
army on the Rhine."

"That is good news indeed," Hector exclaimed. "It is high time that he
should be given a command, instead of being always put under men less
capable than himself. Still, it is unexpected at the present moment."

"I know that the queen always had the greatest liking for Turenne," the
colonel said, "but of course until now she has had no power. Moreover,
I fancy that the appointment is to some extent dictated by policy. Conde
is already dangerously powerful; Enghien's victory will, of course,
largely add to his influence. No doubt some large estates will be given
to the latter, such a service cannot be ungenerously rewarded, but
it will be thought unadvisable to give him at present further
opportunities. Conde is old, and his son, who is certainly ambitious and
hotheaded now, will be even more powerful than his father has been. Were
he to win more victories, and to become a popular idol, his power might
well overshadow that of the throne. Therefore it is likely enough that
my news is true. Turenne has proved that military duty is with him
supreme, for he held aloof from all the troubles in which his brother
the duke has involved himself, and he may act as a counterpoise to
Enghien. I fancy that the latter's plan, which, as you have told me,
would lead to a conquest of Flanders, will not be adopted. It would not
have been so in Richelieu's time. The red cardinal would not h