he Puritans--reconquer England; we shall re-enter London--place him
securely on his throne----"

"And he will make us dukes and peers," said Porthos, whose eyes sparkled
with joy at this imaginary prospect.

"Or he will forget us," added D'Artagnan.

"Oh!" said Porthos.

"Well, that has happened, friend Porthos. It seems to me that we once
rendered Anne of Austria a service not much less than that which to-day
we are trying to perform for Charles I.; but, none the less, Anne of
Austria has forgotten us for twenty years."

"Well, in spite of that, D'Artagnan," said Athos, "you are not sorry
that you were useful to her?"

"No, indeed," said D'Artagnan; "I admit even that in my darkest moments
I find consolation in that remembrance."

"You see, then, D'Artagnan, though princes often are ungrateful, God
never is."

"Athos," said D'Artagnan, "I believe that were you to fall in with the
devil, you would conduct yourself so well that you would take him with
you to Heaven."

"So, then?" said Athos, offering his hand to D'Artagnan.

"'Tis settled," replied D'Artagnan. "I find England a charming country,
and I stay--but on one condition only."

"What is it?"

"That I am not forced to learn English."

"Well, now," said Athos, triumphantly, "I swear to you, my friend, by
the God who hears us--I believe that there is a power watching over us,
and that we shall all four see France again."

"So be it!" said D'Artagnan, "but I--I confess I have a contrary
conviction."

"Our good D'Artagnan," said Aramis, "represents among us the opposition
in parliament, which always says no, and always does aye."

"But in the meantime saves the country," added Athos.

"Well, now that everything is decided," cried Porthos, rubbing his
hands, "suppose we think of dinner! It seems to me that in the most
critical positions of our lives we have always dined."

"Oh! yes, speak of dinner in a country where for a feast they eat boiled
mutton, and as a treat drink beer. What the devil did you come to such a
country for, Athos? But I forgot," added the Gascon, smiling, "pardon,
I forgot you are no longer Athos; but never mind, let us hear your plan
for dinner, Porthos."

"My plan!"

"Yes, have you a plan?"

"No! I am hungry, that is all."

"Pardieu, if that is all, I am hungry, too; but it is not everything
to be hungry, one must find something to eat, unless we browse on the
grass, like our horses----"

"Ah!" exclaimed Aramis, w