all be very unfortunate if, after meeting so often this evening, we
should not succeed in meeting to-morrow."

"Oh, as to that, sir," replied Chatillon (for it was he who, with
Flamarens, was leaving the Duc de Beaufort), "you may be assured; for if
we meet by night without seeking each other, much more shall we meet by
day when wishing it."

"I hope that is true," said Aramis.

"As for me, I am sure of it," said the duke.

De Flamarens and De Chatillon continued on their way and Athos and
Aramis dismounted.

Hardly had they given the bridles of their horses to their lackeys and
rid themselves of their cloaks when a man approached them, and after
looking at them for an instant by the doubtful light of the lantern hung
in the centre of the courtyard he uttered an exclamation of joy and ran
to embrace them.

"Comte de la Fere!" the man cried out; "Chevalier d'Herblay! How does it
happen that you are in Paris?"

"Rochefort!" cried the two friends.

"Yes! we arrived four or five days ago from the Vendomois, as you know,
and we are going to give Mazarin something to do. You are still with us,
I presume?"

"More than ever. And the duke?"

"Furious against the cardinal. You know his success--our dear duke? He
is really king of Paris; he can't go out without being mobbed by his
admirers."

"Ah! so much the better! Can we have the honor of seeing his highness?"

"I shall be proud to present you," and Rochefort walked on. Every door
was opened to him. Monsieur de Beaufort was at supper, but he rose
quickly on hearing the two friends announced.

"Ah!" he cried, "by Jove! you're welcome, sirs. You are coming to sup
with me, are you not? Boisgoli, tell Noirmont that I have two guests.
You know Noirmont, do you not? The successor of Father Marteau who makes
the excellent pies you know of. Boisgoli, let him send one of his best,
but not such a one as he made for La Ramee. Thank God! we don't want
either rope ladders or gag-pears now."

"My lord," said Athos, "do not let us disturb you. We came merely to
inquire after your health and to take your orders."

"As to my health, since it has stood five years of prison, with Monsieur
de Chavigny to boot, 'tis excellent! As to my orders, since every one
gives his own commands in our party, I shall end, if this goes on, by
giving none at all."

"In short, my lord," said Athos, glancing at Aramis, "your highness is
discontented with your party?"

"Discontented, sir! say m