the king by announcing M. Lyonne. "Come
in, monsieur," said the king; "you are punctual; that is like a good
servant. Let us see your letter to my brother Charles II."

D'Artagnan pricked up his ears. "A moment, monsieur," said Louis
carelessly to the Gascon; "I must expedite to London my consent to the
marriage of my brother, M. le Duc d'Anjou, with the Princess Henrietta
Stuart."

"He is knocking me about, it seems," murmured D'Artagnan, whilst the
king signed the letter, and dismissed M. de Lyonne; "but _ma foi!_ the
more he knocks me about in this manner, the better I like it."

The king followed M. de Lyonne with his eyes, till the door was
closed behind him; he even made three steps, as if he would follow the
minister; but, after these three steps, stopping, passing, and coming
back to the musketeer,--"Now, monsieur," said he, "let us hasten to
terminate our affair. You told me the other day, at Blois, that you were
not rich?"

"But I am now, sire."

"Yes, but that does not concern me; you have your own money, not mine;
_that_ does not enter into my account."

"I do not well understand what your majesty means."

"Then, instead of leaving you to draw out words, speak spontaneously.
Should you be satisfied with twenty thousand livres a year as a fixed
income?"

"But, sire" said D'Artagnan, opening his eyes to the utmost.

"Would you be satisfied with four horses furnished and kept, and with
a supplement of funds such as you might require, according to occasions
and needs, or would you prefer a fixed sum which would be, for example,
forty thousand livres? Answer."

"Sire, your majesty--"

"Yes, you are surprised; that is natural, and I expected it. Answer me,
come! or I shall think you have no longer that rapidity of judgment I
have so much admired in you."

"It is certain, sire, that twenty thousand livres a year make a handsome
sum; but--"

"No buts! Yes or no, is it an honorable indemnity?"

"Oh! very certainly."

"You will be satisfied with it? That is well. It will be better to
reckon the extra expenses separately; you can arrange that with Colbert.
Now let us pass to something more important."

"But, sire, I told your majesty--"

"That you wanted rest, I know you did: only I replied that I would not
allow it--I am master, I suppose?"

"Yes, sire."

"That is well. You were formerly in the way of becoming captain of the
musketeers?"

"Yes, sire."

"Well, here is your commission signe