we ought to come armed or not."

"Armed to the teeth!" replied Mazarin.

"Very well, my lord; it shall be so."

D'Artagnan saluted, went out and hastened to repeat to his friend
Mazarin's flattering promises, which gave Porthos an indescribable
happiness.

51. The Flight.

When D'Artagnan returned to the Palais Royal at five o'clock, it
presented, in spite of the excitement which reigned in the town, a
spectacle of the greatest rejoicing. Nor was that surprising. The queen
had restored Broussel and Blancmesnil to the people and had therefore
nothing to fear, since the people had nothing more just then to ask for.
The return, also, of the conqueror of Lens was the pretext for giving
a grand banquet. The princes and princesses were invited and their
carriages had crowded the court since noon; then after dinner the queen
was to have a play in her apartment. Anne of Austria had never appeared
more brilliant than on that day--radiant with grace and wit. Mazarin
disappeared as they rose from table. He found D'Artagnan waiting for him
already at his post in the ante-room.

The cardinal advanced to him with a smile and taking him by the hand led
him into his study.

"My dear M. d'Artagnan," said the minister, sitting down, "I am about
to give you the greatest proof of confidence that a minister can give an
officer."

"I hope," said D'Artagnan, bowing, "that you give it, my lord, without
hesitation and with the conviction that I am worthy of it."

"More worthy than any one in Paris my dear friend; therefore I apply to
you. We are about to leave this evening," continued Mazarin. "My dear
M. d'Artagnan, the welfare of the state is deposited in your hands." He
paused.

"Explain yourself, my lord, I am listening."

"The queen has resolved to make a little excursion with the king to
Saint Germain."

"Aha!" said D'Artagnan, "that is to say, the queen wishes to leave
Paris."

"A woman's caprice--you understand."

"Yes, I understand perfectly," said D'Artagnan.

"It was for this she summoned you this morning and that she told you to
return at five o'clock."

"Was it worth while to wish me to swear this morning that I would
mention the appointment to no one?" muttered D'Artagnan. "Oh, women!
women! whether queens or not, they are always the same."

"Do you disapprove of this journey, my dear M. d'Artagnan?" asked
Mazarin, anxiously.

"I, my lord?" said D'Artagnan; "why should I?"

"Because you shrug