e right in every particular!"

"And who served under an assumed name?"

"Under the name of Athos. Latterly I heard his friend, Monsieur
d'Artagnan, give him that name."

"That is it, madame, that is the same. God be praised! And he is in
Paris?" continued he, addressing Raoul; then turning to the queen: "We
may still hope. Providence has declared for us, since I have found
this brave man again in so miraculous a manner. And, sir, where does he
reside, pray?"

"The Comte de la Fere lodges in the Rue Guenegaud, Hotel du Grand Roi
Charlemagne."

"Thanks, sir. Inform this dear friend that he may remain within, that I
shall go and see him immediately."

"Sir, I obey with pleasure, if her majesty will permit me to depart."

"Go, Monsieur de Bragelonne," said the queen, "and rest assured of our
affection."

Raoul bent respectfully before the two princesses, and bowing to De
Winter, departed.

The queen and De Winter continued to converse for some time in low
voices, in order that the young princess should not overhear them;
but the precaution was needless: she was in deep converse with her own
thoughts.

Then, when De Winter rose to take leave:

"Listen, my lord," said the queen; "I have preserved this diamond cross
which came from my mother, and this order of St. Michael which came from
my husband. They are worth about fifty thousand pounds. I had sworn to
die of hunger rather than part with these precious pledges; but now that
this ornament may be useful to him or his defenders, everything must be
sacrificed. Take them, and if you need money for your expedition, sell
them fearlessly, my lord. But should you find the means of retaining
them, remember, my lord, that I shall esteem you as having rendered the
greatest service that a gentleman can render to a queen; and in the day
of my prosperity he who brings me this order and this cross shall be
blessed by me and my children."

"Madame," replied De Winter, "your majesty will be served by a man
devoted to you. I hasten to deposit these two objects in a safe place,
nor should I accept them if the resources of our ancient fortune
were left to us, but our estates are confiscated, our ready money is
exhausted, and we are reduced to turn to service everything we possess.
In an hour hence I shall be with the Comte de la Fere, and to-morrow
your majesty shall have a definite reply."

The queen tendered her hand to Lord de Winter, who, kissing it
respectfully, went ou