e valor
and are worthy of some consideration at your hands."

"And that valor would shrink from no undertaking, according to what I
see."

"It has hesitated at nothing in the past; why, then, should it be less
daring in the future?"

"Then, in case of my refusal, this valor, should a struggle occur,
will even go the length of carrying me off in the midst of my court, to
deliver me into the hands of the Fronde, as you propose to deliver my
minister?"

"We have not thought about it yet, madame," answered D'Artagnan, with
that Gascon effrontery which had in him the appearance of naivete; "but
if we four had resolved upon it we should do it most certainly."

"I ought," muttered Anne to herself, "by this time to remember that
these men are giants."

"Alas, madame!" exclaimed D'Artagnan, "this proves to me that not till
to-day has your majesty had a just idea of us."

"Perhaps," said Anne; "but that idea, if at last I have it----"

"Your majesty will do us justice. In doing us justice you will no longer
treat us as men of vulgar stamp. You will see in me an ambassador worthy
of the high interests he is authorized to discuss with his sovereign."

"Where is the treaty?"

"Here it is."

Anne of Austria cast her eyes upon the treaty that D'Artagnan presented
to her.

"I do not see here," she said, "anything but general conditions; the
interests of the Prince de Conti or of the Ducs de Beaufort, de Bouillon
and d'Elbeuf and of the coadjutor, are herein consulted; but with regard
to yours?"

"We do ourselves justice, madame, even in assuming the high position
that we have. We do not think ourselves worthy to stand near such great
names."

"But you, I presume, have decided to assert your pretensions viva voce?"

"I believe you, madame, to be a great and powerful queen, and that it
will be unworthy of your power and greatness if you do not recompense
the arms which will bring back his eminence to Saint Germain."

"It is my intention so to do; come, let us hear you. Speak."

"He who has negotiated these matters (forgive me if I begin by speaking
of myself, but I must claim that importance which has been given to me,
not assumed by me) he who has arranged matters for the return of the
cardinal, ought, it appears to me, in order that his reward may not
be unworthy of your majesty, to be made commandant of the guards--an
appointment something like that of captain of the musketeers."

"'Tis the appointment Monsieur