s, in truth, studying more especially one
man. This man, who had remained immovable as bronze when menaced by
the mob--not a muscle of whose face was stirred, either at Mazarin's
witticisms or by the jests of the multitude--seemed to the cardinal a
peculiar being, who, having participated in past events similar to
those now occurring, was calculated to cope with those now on the eve of
taking place.

The name of D'Artagnan was not altogether new to Mazarin, who, although
he did not arrive in France before the year 1634 or 1635, that is to
say, about eight or nine years after the events which we have related in
a preceding narrative, * fancied he had heard it pronounced as that of
one who was said to be a model of courage, address and loyalty.

* "The Three Musketeers."

Possessed by this idea, the cardinal resolved to know all about
D'Artagnan immediately; of course he could not inquire from D'Artagnan
himself who he was and what had been his career; he remarked, however,
in the course of conversation that the lieutenant of musketeers spoke
with a Gascon accent. Now the Italians and the Gascons are too much
alike and know each other too well ever to trust what any one of them
may say of himself; so in reaching the walls which surrounded the
Palais Royal, the cardinal knocked at a little door, and after thanking
D'Artagnan and requesting him to wait in the court of the Palais Royal,
he made a sign to Guitant to follow him.

They both dismounted, consigned their horses to the lackey who had
opened the door, and disappeared in the garden.

"My dear friend," said the cardinal, leaning, as they walked through
the garden, on his friend's arm, "you told me just now that you had been
twenty years in the queen's service."

"Yes, it's true. I have," returned Guitant.

"Now, my dear Guitant, I have often remarked that in addition to your
courage, which is indisputable, and your fidelity, which is invincible,
you possess an admirable memory."

"You have found that out, have you, my lord? Deuce take it--all the
worse for me!"

"How?"

"There is no doubt but that one of the chief accomplishments of a
courtier is to know when to forget."

"But you, Guitant, are not a courtier. You are a brave soldier, one of
the few remaining veterans of the days of Henry IV. Alas! how few to-day
exist!"

"Plague on't, my lord, have you brought me here to get my horoscope out
of me?"

"No; I only brought you here to ask you,"